Customer Reviews

Naked Filmmaking: How To Make A Feature-Length Film - Without A Crew - For $10,000 Or Less

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Great book. I'm making my first short and while a great deal of the methodology in this book is identical to mine, it's also given me plenty of new information. If you want to know about something ask someone who's gone down the path and Mr. Carroll is on the filmmaking path. He covers all aspects of the process and is able to back up his points with personal experience. I agree with the other reviewer who said this might be as good as the Rodriguez book. I go through filmmaking books like a rock pig on pizza and this one is a standout.

Mike Carroll opens his book with a confession when he tells us he wants people to buy the book. He wants people to read the book. He has titled it "Naked Filmmaking" with full awareness that the onlooker will be drawn to it since sex controlled America is lured to perversions like a movement in the peripheral. He's an artist with a grasp on the reality of this ever expanding world of technology (the digital age)and holds no illusions in the possibility of being left behind (perhaps his largest fear?). Carroll chapters his book with layers of straight talk, not of the failed outsider but the active explorer who is eager to share his knowledge. One is inspired to take on the task because Carroll makes it seem possible (and it is!), all the while jabbing the low tech thinkers and non-creative hacks with unsettling reality. This book is what got me through the making of my film and I can say, without shame, it stands as the best book on one-man filmmaking (true independence) since "Rebel Without a Crew" by Robert Rodriguez.

- Anthony D'Juan Shelton

Naked Filmmaking is a much-needed book for people who are serious about making independent movies. Mike Carroll has been brave enough to make 2 full-length features on his own, and he's now sharing his experiences with the world.

He starts by explaining how to write a script that is unique and personal, but that will also be entertaining for the audience. He describes how to make use of the resources available to you when writing a screenplay. Included are sample pages of scripts that he's written, which help illustrate his point.

He then discusses how to find the perfect camera for your project, where to buy it, and how to identify everything that the camera is capable of. There is information about recording effective sound, making use of natural light (both indoors and outdoors), and being your own camera operator.

Carroll makes the solid point that movies are nothing without actors and he explains how to find great actors, the advantages of working with theater actors, how to collaborate with them, and how to build an efficient production around their schedules.

Great detail is given regarding film editing as well. He explains how to make the movie flow, how to polish the sound and picture quality, and the importance of getting feedback from others.

The book concludes with advice on promoting films once they're finished. There are excellent sections on film festivals, press kits, advertising, and self-distribution through DVDs and online streaming. He also stresses the importance of controlling how the films are presented at screenings.

Mike Carroll demystifies the process of making movies. He describes every technical and creative detail about film production in ways that are easily understood. This is one of the best filmmaking books that I've ever read.

I just finished reading Mike Carroll's book. I started off not liking the book too much, and told my wife such (another film school grad), but after finishing it on the Kindle I realized I took a ton of Kindle-notes as I read it. Upon reviewing the notes I realized I learned a ton from his book. There aren't a lot of great books that teach film-making from the point of the view of the modern digital world, and this one is really good with lots of real world advice. It was disappointing not being able to find Mike's movies somewhere online that could be referenced while reading the book. I'm going to have to order his movies from Amazon since I got pretty invested in them reading the book. The main negative is that the book feels about 3 years out of date in regards to cameras, equipment, etc. Definitely worth reading though...

Naked filmmaking admittedly caught my initial attention due to the title. After reading the amazon preview, I quickly bought it and continued reading on my Kindle. Not only does this book demystify what feature filmmaking could be, Mike Carroll shows us what it should be. At first I was struck by how little Mike seemed to be interested in the bells and whistles that go along with being branded a filmmaker. This man echoes sentiments of art, expression and practically - not thinking it an easy route to fame and fortune. This book immediately, and rightfully so, dispels the myth of outsourcing (which seems to be rampant in film school auteurs and the image obsessed). If you're directing, why not learn how to light, frame and shoot your talent? Why not learn how and why editing works? Too many people get self-obsessed and focus on themselves as a pure storyteller, but Mike Carroll demonstrates that to be an adaptable storyteller, you should know and appreciate the technical side.

Mike uses examples from his own projects on what works, what doesn't, and how feasible it can be financially.

Nobody is going to hand you hundreds of thousands of dollars to make your dream movie, nobody owes you a living, but mike shows you how you can earn your own and come out with a feature at the other end.

The fact that I'm currently in my second read though should be evident enough - buy it!

Mike Carroll's book Naked Filmmaking: How to Make a Feature-Length Film without a Crew for $10,000 or Less is a gem. Most filmmakers I've recently spoken to rely heavily on large groups of people to get there stuff done. Now, this is how Hollywood does it but they have resources independent filmmakers do not. What ends up happening with many of the aspiring directors is there films never get made. Carroll on the other hand, does it all himself. He will use other people when filming but he doesn't rely on them. That's the beauty of his approach. It guaranties results.

I've found this book to be highly insightful on many different counts. From finding free scripts to studying the art of screen writing to locating your talent. Carroll lays it all out here for you. His writing style is straight forward and to the point. I highly recommend this book.

This book is the real deal! It so empowering! As soon as you open it, you actually feel like you can go out there and start shooting. There is so much practical advice. From website domain to critics, from cameras and gears to writing a script. How to cast actors, how to direct actors, how to produce and edit. Books you should read, movie you should see, directors you should look up to. It is all in the book. Locations, permits, filters, how to promote yourself, distribute your movie and be in charge of your work, even a recommendation to remember to charge your cameras and pack memory cards....I mean, it can't get more detailed than this!

Mike Carroll touches every single subject you need to know to make a film for less than $10,000. Exactly as the title promises. No crew, non big production, no compromises, just you, your dreams and the knowledge you built with this book.

This is the time in history when technology allows everybody to express their artistic side without having to submit to the big Studios rules and this book shows anybody who wants to make a movie that IT IS POSSIBLE and affordable. No special secrets, just talent, perseverance and...knowledge.

I have seen both Year and Nightbeats, and they are masterpieces. The way Mike portraits human beings is incredible. The camera follows the actor as in a magnifying glass, showing the dark side of humanity and its mystery. You definitely want to know more about every character. Mike Carroll knows what he is talking about and he is not afraid to share.

For me Naked filmmaking is the book to buy this year.

I usually don't take time for reviewing products I buy (shame on me!) however this book moved me to express my excitement and gratitude for such a complete guide.

I'll be the first to admit I'm a relative neophyte when it comes to feature length filmmaking. I've always had the desire, the technology and the resources however I just didn't have the knowledge! Now I do and I owe it all to Mr Carroll. I look forward to any subsequent books of his in the future.

My next purchase is his latest movie Nightbeats!!

It's a biography and technical manual all in one. Mike's generous personality shines through his book as he reveals all his techniques with abandon, while his passion ignites your creativity and dreams. The book has a wealth of information with real-life experiences, mixed in with technical and creative advice. He shares his filming tricks, money saving techniques, and gadgets needed. The reader is never left wondering about his approach, his opinion, or how he did something.

This book answers all the questions of "How did he do it?" I am so excited to have this book as a resource to enhance my film in progress. I already have a list in my head of stuff I need to do or do differently to improve my film project. This book is a very easy read; it feels like the author is talking to you as you're reading.

This book is destined to become the how-to Bible for D.I.Y. (Do it yourself)/Indie film making.

I actually had the privilege of taking Mike Carroll's class at UC Davis extension. This book is an outgrowth of that class. 'Naked Filmmaking' provides a balanced and comprehensive overview of the filmmaking process, yet provides down-to-earth practical information on the 'how to' and the 'why of filmmaking. It is technical enough without being too

The credibility for this book comes from Mike's 25 year career as a Cameraman for a large market television station, coupled with the fact that he produced two feature films on a very modest budget.

I find the book approaches 'how to make a film' from an honest and practical perspective. If you are a veteran filmmaker or just dreaming of making a film, this book is both basic and in depth. There are many great books on the art and science of filmmaking. I've read 'The Guerilla Film Makers Handbook' and 'The Filmmaker's Handbook'. Both are excellent, comprehensive and read more like a text book.

'Naked Filmmaking' reads more like a narrative, it's enjoyable as well as practical. I found myself inspired after reading the book. Even though I made several shorts and shot a variety of commercials, I never felt I could make the quantum leap to a full fledged feature, especially with a limited budget. There are just too many 'bad' low budget indie films out there. Just because you have a low budget, doesn't mean you have to make a low value film.

Without even knowing me, Mike Carroll spoke to my fears and lack of confidence. I highly recommend this book to anyone who ever dreamed of making a film, anyone who wants to take their skill to the next level or anyone who just wants to improve their home movies. Thus book is unique in that it addresses the filmmaker as well as the craft of filmmaking!

The chapters are short, easy to read and very, very practical. From the first chapter, you'll find something you can immediately put into practice.