The Independent Film and Videomaker's Guide, Second Edition (Michael Wiese Productions S.) [Paperback]

Michael Wiese (Author)

Book Description

Series: Michael Wiese Productions S. | Publication Date: March 18, 2004

Wiese's book sets itself apart in terms of balancing the creative aspects of filmmaking (idea development, brainstorming exercises) with the business aspects (financing, dealmaking).communicating to the beginning filmmaker how to realistically get a film made. Today's independent filmmaker needs to understand the business aspects of filmmaking if he or she expects to have their work shown, and Michael Wiese's book provides practical strategies for fundraising, scheduling, budgeting, marketing, as well as creative exercises for story development.




This is a new edition of an established textbook and manual. It has been thoroughly updated to reflect the technology and business environment of independent filmmaking in the 90's, and completely reorganized on the basis of years of presentations to audiences around the world. It now provides valuable exercises and projects at the end of each chapter.

· A detailed step-by-step guide for the beginning producer who is serious about filmmaking not only as a craft but also as a business --
· Lots of anecdotes and real-life examples
· Exercises and projects with each chapter-

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This is a new edition of an established textbook and manual. It has been thoroughly updated to reflect the technology and business environment of independent filmmaking in the 1990's, and completely reorganized on the basis of years of presentations to audiences around the world. It now provides valuable exercises and projects at the end of each chapter.

About the Author

Wiese is a producer/director with 22 years experience in film, television, pay TV and home video. He was formerly vice president of original programming at Vestron Video.

Product Details

• Paperback: 450 pages
• Publisher: Michael Wiese; 2 edition (March 18, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0941188574
• ISBN-13: 978-0941188579
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,220,522 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I moved my family to Cornwall England from Hollywood as I wanted to bring up my daughter in a natural setting. And that we have! We live in a tiny valley (supposedly a micro-climate and the warmest spot in England) with subtropical plants in the garden. We can hear the ocean from the house as it is only a minute walk away. When the weather is good, I stop working and walk on the cliffs.

Seven years ago I took my company "virtual" and have offices in Los Angeles and Seattle and work with a network of freelancers through the US and the UK. We publish America's leading line of "how to" filmmaking books. Occasionally I am able to make films, the most recent being THE SACRED SITES OF THE DALAI LAMAS - which I am just finishing.

I've been working for a long time to realize a feature film that I've co-written -based on a true life experience - set in Bali. I first went there in 1970 and some of those early experiences have stuck with me. Information about my films and books may be found at www.mwp.com

My daughter is growing up fast - she's 13 - and an avid violinist, swimmer and soccer player. We enjoy snorkeling off the rocks near our cottage (but have to wear wetsuits because it can get cold).

My wife gardens, makes antique bead jewelery and gave up her job as a celebrity photographer at CBS Networks to live out our dream in Cornwall. It was D. H. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf that drew her to Cornwall.

I still travel to the U.S. about 2 times a year to meet with our authors, renew my film contacts, give seminars and see friends.

This year I'll be presenting a seminar at Roger Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival in Champaign Illinois where I grew up.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best of Breed, July 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Independent Film and Videomaker's Guide, Second Edition (Michael Wiese Productions S.) (Paperback)

If you are interested in independent film making, this is the BEST starting point in your research. It could very well be your last. This book not only answered every question I had, it raised and answered some I had not even thought of! Mr. Wiese's writing style, while professional, is very personable as well. He is very focused on discovering your creative side while balancing the necessary business practices to get your project done. Well worth the money.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars .....a perfect place to start!, February 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Independent Film and Videomaker's Guide, Second Edition (Michael Wiese Productions S.) (Paperback)

This is a fantastic book! It covers everything, and I mean EVERYTHING from Pre-production, to Distribution, in great DETAIL! Is this the only book you should ever buy...of course not, but it's one you have to own.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect book!, October 26, 2003

By 

Bill Kizorek "Video Producer" (Wheaton, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Independent Film and Videomaker's Guide, Second Edition (Michael Wiese Productions S.) (Paperback)

"This could be the most important single book I ever read. Over the past few years I have spent several hundred thousand dollars putting together a series of digital videos on all seven continents (including one video with my daughter and I biking on all seven continents in one trip).

This book is the absolute perfect guide on not only helping me evaluate the marketability of these tapes, but also helping me determine HOW to, and to whom to market. Mark Steven Bosko is a brilliant writer whose insightfulness will be invaluable to those trying to get their film to the market.

Bill Kizorek - producer, filmmaker, Two Parrot Exotic Travel Videos

The Independent Film and Videomaker's Guide