Customer Reviews

The Mad Hot Adventures of an Unlikely Documentary Filmmaker

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Amy Sewell a stay-at-home mom to twin girls, with absolutely no experience at filmmaking, fell in love with the idea of making a movie about New York City's scholastic ballroom dancing program. This book follows her journey from "light bulb over the head" stage all the way through completion of one of the most successful documentaries of all time, Mad Hot Ballroom. When the author first started doing the research for the article that turned into first a film, and then this book, she was amazed at how quickly the fifth-graders from diverse economic and social backgrounds took to boring ballroom dancing; and how hard they worked to get in shape for the city wide competitions.

Mad Hot Ballroom was named by the kids, when Sewell learned that the ten and eleven-year-olds used mad as an adjective meaning very in front of everything - mad hot, mad crazy, mad cool - she knew she had the film title. An enormous relief to her director who hated the working title of Not the Same Old Song and Dance. This illustrates just how much the making of both the film and the book was driven by the kids. Without them there would be no story.

As much a primer as a narrative, the author includes all the information the reader would need to follow in her footsteps, including an action plan at the end of each chapter which reinforces the important points. Sewell is obviously enthusiastic about her subject making it a joy to read. The book is upbeat and bubbly. Using a series of amusing anecdotes to relay her story she makes the reader feel as if they are a part of the film making process.

At only 175 pages, this is a very short book, and it went all too quickly. It could have used more about the dancing and competitions to really capture the reader's interest. Even so, it would be a great addition to the shelf of any aspiring filmmaker, because it really reinforces the idea that nearly anyone really can do it with enough drive, possibly a grant or two and support from friends and family.

Interesting story, since this became the doc of the year and then some. It was a personal story, which was nice, but did not really fill in the information I was hoping for (as an amateur/first-time indie video doc). It is a great companion to the Mad Hot Ballroom doc itself, because, as with all good stories, the scenes behind the camera were very compelling. But it's not the only book you should read if you are just starting out because it is short on many of the details. They went big budget compared to most novices/indies, so much of it does not apply to those who are.

I've been toying with the idea of making a documentary for years but wasn't sure how to get started. I loved Mad Hot Ballroom too. This appealed to me and I ended up reading Amy Sewell's book in one day. The story behind the film is interesting, and pretty incredible that she did it with no previous experience. The book has lots of smart, practical tips too. Down-to-earth and a fun read.

First off I really did enjoy the book. LOTS of really great info for anyone interested in filming a doc film. I had NO idea there was so much legal "stuff" to deal with! Wow.... a lot of that makes you NOT want to make a film!
The writer is so passionate about this project, and it really comes out in the book. It is written form a very female viewpoint.... you never forget that its a woman telling the story... sometimes this is interesting, sometimes, not as much... I would have liked a lot more details in some places, but honestly, she set out to write about how an average person was able to make a "hit" movie... at least by DOC standards... and she does that really well.
At the end of the day I think my only complaint is how she describes herself as an average mom.... As a writer with an MBA and obviously her finances allowed her to do this project without the need to hold down a job.... like most "average" persons these days... And maybe Im not "average", but I do NOT have friends and family who would be able to loan... give or invest a quarter million bucks!
To take nothing from the film, OR the book, both are done well, but to say it was done by an "average mom and wife" is a pretty darn big stretch...
But if you have the dream of making a movie... this book is worth picking up.

This book combines the inspirational story of the making of "Mad Hot Ballroom" with starting tips for the beginning documentary filmmaker. For fans of the documentary and for aspiring documentary filmmakers, it provides interesting and amusing stories from behind the scenes of one of the top ten documentaries of all time. It is by no means a how-to guide for making a documentary; however, there are some good tips and starting points for research into the process. The book's strong point is the inspiration and the passion behind the project as well as the inside look that the author provides on the process. The author actually could have focused completely on the inspirational stories behind the documentary to make it appeal to a wider audience, with an appendix at the end of the book for tips and information of the documentary-making process (or, she could have written two different books). However, Sewell manages to make the double focus work well because of her passion and enthusiasm. Overall, this is a quick and enjoyable read, recommended for fans of the documentary and for beginning documentary filmmakers looking for some inspiration and tips to start them on their journey.

Having just taken a course in film production I bought this book because Amy Sewell's movie was highlighted as an example of a huge success for a first time filmmaker.
One can see why. Reading this book gives an insight into how passionate and dedicated she was to make Mad Hot Ballroom. Amy Sewell's book is well written, informative and entertaining to read.
I highly recommend it.

Amy-I just came across this on Amazon, and it was great. I bought the movie, but the dvd is not working.
You inspired me to make a movie about a bar on the beach. Why don't you and Charlie and the kids come out and stay with us?
Nick