Raindance Producers' Lab Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking [Paperback]

Elliot Grove (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240516990 | ISBN-13: 978-0240516998 | Publication Date: August 24, 2004

If you're looking for clear-cut information on how to make a film on a minimal budget that is based on tried and tested techniques - look no further. Elliot Grove has worked on hundreds of low-budget productions, teaches Lo-to-No Budget filmmaking courses and runs the Raindance Film Festival (the largest independent film festival in Europe.) His wealth of teaching and filmmaking experience combined with knowledge of the winning formulas that work is the basis of this book. Refreshingly clear, no-nonsense tricks of the trade. The free CD provides all the contracts and material you need to run a production company and make successful low budget movies; how to schedule, budget and break down a script and how to get it shot with what you have, not what you want.


This is a must have read for filmmakers serious about making and selling films. Creative and technical expertise coupled with a behind the scenes look at the film industry makes this book an excellent starting point for beginners. For experienced filmmakers there are plenty of practical approaches in here for you to try, from developing CV's, showreels and business plans to information on pitching, raising finance, creating publicity and much much more. Use it as a point of departure or as an everyday reference tool. The accompanying CD-ROM contains sample budgets, publicity plans, trailers and interviews.

*Adopt the tried and tested techniques that work
*Get the inside view from the Director of the Raindance Film Festival
*Experience 'results-orientated' filmmaking expertise

Editorial Reviews

Review

Out of general interest I bought this book and read it. I found it so inspirational that I'm determined to have a go at writing a screenplay myself. However, the real clincher was the brilliant offer of an acceptance to the Raindance Gallery of Rejection. Whatever happens, I'm now guaranteed a positive response for all the hard work I've set myself; I thank Raindance very much for their encouragement.
Bill Kennelly.


I have just read this excellent book..which is nothing short of genius, especially in the
techniques for selling which take up over half the book. Not that the interesting ideas on structure, characterization and dialogue arent brilliant - they are - and very useful.
Its just that no other book on screenwriting, or on writing in general has the same flare, insight and inspiration as this one.
I hope this book is kept in print for years and years!
Amazon.co.uk reader

"It covers nearly every base imaginable: you'll learn how to get hold of film stock, create fake blood and strike a distribution deal, all on a miniscule budget...A CD-ROM of showreels and template contracts rounds off an excellent package." - Empire Magazine

"A rich source of advice and technical tips...not only informative but witty and readable too...The creative and technical expertise combined with behind the scenes probes into the film industry makes Lo-To-No an excellent starting point for beginners. It would also be an appropriate tool for those more experienced in the filmmaking business." - POV2 Journal

Book Description

Offers comprehensive advice and professional tips on how to make a successful film on a low budget.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press (August 24, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240516990
• ISBN-13: 978-0240516998
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #533,834 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Elliot Grove has worked intensively with writers and filmmakers at Raindance since 1992. He explains the tricks of the trade from practical experience and reveals some of the latest paradigms through lecture, exercises and video clips.

Elliot Grove founded Raindance Film Festival in 1993, the British Independent Film Awards in 1998, and Raindance.TV in 2007.

He has produced over 150 short films, and 5 feature films. He has written eight scripts, one of which is currently in pre-production. His first feature film, TABLE 5 was shot on 35mm and completed for a total of £278.38. He teaches writers and producers in the UK, Europe. Japan and America.

He has written three books which have become industry standards: RAINDANCE WRITERS LAB 2nd Edition (Focal Press 2008), RAINDANCE PRODUCERS LAB (Focal Press 2004) and 130 PROJECTS TO GET YOU INTO FILMMAKING (Barrons 2009). His first novel THE BANDIT QUEEN is scheduled for publication in 2011.

Open University awarded Elliot and Honourary Doctorate for services to film education in 2009.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars practical and thoughtfully written, August 24, 2004

By 

S. Snipes (New York City) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Raindance Producers' Lab Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking (Paperback)

The book touched on all the challenges of indie filmmaking in a clear and concise way. He discussed what areas you should focus on and what areas you can spend less money and time while still getting a great film as your final product. Elliott explored the psyche of the indie filmmaker too by bringing his own easy to understand explanations of why things work the way they do.

His anecdotes really help explain why things work the way they do on low budget productions. He is gifted at giving you insights into the small things you can change that show big improvements on camera. This book eases your mind about not having enough money to make your film. And hopefully give you the courage to put your film out there.

I recommend that any filmmaker who has little or no money buy this book. With Elliot's expertise, you can gain value insights into telling the story that you want.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Organized, November 15, 2006

By 

Kenneth Cox (Seymour,TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Raindance Producers' Lab Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking (Paperback)

Excellent step-by-step breakdown. Also, really cool recipe for fake blood and theatrical wounds. Good overview of business concerns dealing with fimmaking.