Independent Feature Film Production: A Complete Guide from Concept Through Distribution [Paperback]

Gregory Goodell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 1998

This new edition of the filmmaker's bible has been completely updated to reflect changes in every aspect of the moviemaking process.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is a must. It is a straightforward, insightful, and articulate account of what it takes to make a successful feature film."--Ridley Scott, director of Alien, Blade Runner, and Thelma & Louise

"Saves one from having to learn the hard way."--David Lynch, director of Lost Highway and Blue Velvet

"Superb in both its conception and execution."--David Puttnam, producer of Chariots of Fire, Midnight Express, The Killing Fields, and Memphis Belle

"The first and most thoroughly researched compilation of information dealing with all aspects of feature films, from financing to production to post-production to distribution and marketing."--Michael Apted, director of Gorillas in the Mist, and Nell

"A clear, direct guide. I wish I had had this book when I started."--John Carpenter, director of Halloween, Escape from New York, and Vampires

"Absolutely crucial for filmmakers!"--Films in Review

"Anyone involved in the making of motion pictures, from television commercials to studio pictures, should read this book before beginning their next production."--Fay Kanin, screenwriter and former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

"First rate . . . belongs in the classroom and should be read by many of those now teaching film history and criticism."--Los Angeles Times

About the Author

Gregory Goodell is an award-winning writer-producer-director whose credits include independent features, documentaries, television movies, and mini-series. He has lectured and taught at the American Film Institute and other organizations. Mr. Goodell lives on the West Coast with his wife and two daughters.

Product Details

• Paperback: 483 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; Rev Upd Su edition (May 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312181175
• ISBN-13: 978-0312181178
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #76,957 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Applicable from the streets of LA to the beaches of Sydney, October 23, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Independent Feature Film Production: A Complete Guide from Concept Through Distribution (Paperback)

As an Australian filmmaker, it would seem a waste of time and money to get hold of a film production book written for primarily the US market. But in this case, it was time and money very well spent. I bought this book nearly four years ago, and it has proven to be an invaluable resource in all my work.

From a smaller independent Australian film to the latest international theatrical release, the tips, insights, strategies and suggestions contained in this book have helped clarify, focus and guide decisions and choices that have paid off enormously.

Yes, this book is heavy on detail, but this is a subject that can appear to be deceptively simple, and in reality is far from. Gregory Goodell has gone through every stage of making your film, any film, and has done so admirably well, emphasising the pitfalls that often land filmmakers in trouble, and how to avoid them yourself.

Any filmmaker who wishes to comprehend and orienteer the complex world of filmmaking, anywhere in the world, and make a film properly from start to finish, would be well advised to add this book to their collection.

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply The Best!, December 31, 2000

By 

Darin Scott (Sherman Oaks, Ca USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Independent Feature Film Production: A Complete Guide from Concept Through Distribution (Paperback)

This book is simply the clearest, most comprehensive book on feature filmmaking available! It's an invalauable resource for anyone undertaking the task of making their first feature film and a great way for the more experienced types to brush-up on the nuts and bolts of the process. I read the First Edition of this book fifteen years ago and proceeded to Write and Produce my first feature film with no previous experience, film school, or consultation of other resources. I just recently finished the TENTH FILM that I have Written/Produced/ or Directed, all of them theatrical releases, and for me it all started with this book. I can't possibly praise it too highly. I recently read the revised edition and found that it's even better than before!

37 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars how to discourage a dreamer, August 28, 2000

By 

Chris P. Housh (El Cerrito/Berkeley, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Independent Feature Film Production: A Complete Guide from Concept Through Distribution (Paperback)

This book does do a wonderful job at making sure that a person does not blindly go about trying to make the next "El Mariachi" or "Blair Witch Project". The constant statements of risks involved, rules and regulations about unions and permits will start to make most people who are fantasizing about making a film outside the studio system will begin to worry about the realistic risks and chances one has to take on this journey. The thing is that there is a very pesimistic point of view throughout the majority of the writing that seems out of place in a text that proclaims itself as a way of guiding a person forward into the world of making movies. I feel that this book is best read in combination with some of the more upbeat how-to books out there, that way you can be uplifted for a while, brought back down to earth, and then enlightened and inspired again by switching back and forth between the two. Reading just this book by itself can possibility break the desire to make art, which most people of our mentality deal with enough as it is.