Making Independent Films: Advice from the Filmmakers [Paperback]

Richard Rodriguez (Author), Liz Stubbs (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2000

The high-spirited, freewheeling ins and outs of the sizzling independent film scene are fully documented in this compelling collection of interviews with the industry's brightest young directors and producers. From first pitch to final cut, the book's on-the-spot vantage point follows emerging talents as they negotiate the travails and triumphs of independent filmmaking. Part how-to guide and part riveting exposé, it discusses training, financing, preproduction, shooting, postproduction, festivals, and distribution. Every page offers budding artists keen insights that are vital to success in a field that's tough to crack. The audience of non-pro film aficionados drawn to this book will also find it to be a thoroughly enjoyable and elucidating read.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Chapters are packed with practical ideas for producing independent films." - -- The Bookwatch

From the Inside Flap

Compelling interviews with award-winning, first-time directors and producers take filmmakers, film students, and film fans on an incredible behind-the-scenes journey into the sizzling independent film scene. This book offers a front-line vantage point, following bright, young talents as they negotiate the travails and triumphs of independent filmmaking. Part how-to guide and part riveting expose, this book is packed with detailed, cutting-edge coverage of the independent filmmaking process. From first pitch to final cut, this unique overview chronicles the first-time filmmaker's quest through training, financing, preproduction, the shoot, post-production, festivals, distribution, and more. Budding film artists will find the practical understanding and insight vital to success and afficionados will enjoy a fascinating read.

Award-winning and internationally-acclaimed directors and producers interviewed include Michael Shoob (Driven), Jennifer Farmer (The Incredible Pumpkin Man), Ali Selim (Yonnondio; Emperor of the Air), Traci Carroll (Five O'clock Shadow), David Zeiger (Displaced in the New South; The Band), Chris Blasingame (Roadrunner), and Chad Etchison (The Initiate). Each chapter interlaces appropriate excerpts from the interviews to build a compelling and informative narrative structure. Making Independent Films offers the collective wisdom and first-hand experience of successful young filmmakers whose stories and insights go from the start of a career to the completion and distribution of a film. Chapters cover:

• Education/Training–The Birth of a Career

• Financing–The Money Pit

• Preproduction–Cents and Sensibility –turn page–

• The Shoot–The Vast Picture Show

• Post-production–Four Edits and a Tylenol

• Festivals/Distribution–While You Were Screening

• Producing/Directing–Citizen Sane? "Independent filmmaking requires fortitude above all else–emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially. Parents may see it as an unwise career choice. Friends may see it as a hobby, bordering on an obsession," write Stubbs and Rodriguez. Making Independent Films reveals the truths about the challenges, risks, and rewards of this exciting profession.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press; 1St Edition edition (June 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581150571
• ISBN-13: 978-1581150575
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,794,212 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Response to above:, July 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Making Independent Films: Advice from the Filmmakers (Paperback)

I think the book was great in that it gave the low down on making a first film. This is something that books of this type commonly miss. For someone planning their directorial debut, this stuff is invaluable and interesting to read. 2 Thumbs up!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fresh New Talent, August 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Making Independent Films: Advice from the Filmmakers (Paperback)

Chris Blasingame, Traci Carroll, Chad Etchison, Jennifer Farmer, Ali Selim, Michael Shoob and David Zeiger. Never heard of them? You will. I was really impressed by the creativity, perserverence and resilience that these filmmakers displayed in getting their projects completed --most of whom have not been to film school. I've been working in the entertainment business for years and it's always inspiring to read stories about talented and enthusiastic newcomers. If there is anyone out there looking for fresh new talent, I'd get in touch with these folks before someone else beats you to them.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful to film students and new filmmakers, August 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Making Independent Films: Advice from the Filmmakers (Paperback)

I'm a film student in New York and I felt like this book was really encouraging. I think reading these true life dramas would be interesting to other filmmakers as well as anyone who's interested in films or how films get made. I liked how the people in the book were real independent filmmakers (meaning still unknown and still struggling). I liked reading their stories and felt good that some of these people had similar experiences to my own. I also liked reading about some of the mistakes that these filmmakers had made and I'm glad they were willing to share them so others might be able to avoid making the same ones. All of the people interviewed seemed intelligent and dedicated and I hope their persistance will oneday pay off for them. Thanks also to the authors for including a couple of women in the book!