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The Reel Truth: Everything You Didn't Know You Need to Know About Making an Independent Film

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As someone who heads a global film finance consulting, production, and distribution company ([...]), I come across hundreds if not thousands of investors, private equity funds, filmmakers, producers, and even former studio executives who are completely clueless or in the dark about the realities of what it takes to finance, produce, and distribute a film. It seems the majority of filmmakers and producers are still looking to make films like its 1995 and Sundance is like the Powerball lotto just waiting for a film to premiere there and be sold for gazillions of dollars.

To add insult to injury, some of the worst offenders in not educating filmmakers and film producers on the realities of the film business are the top film schools in the United States. If they were to only take a portion of their marketing dollars for recruiting and apply it to more practical books and instructors such as Reed Martin, we'd go back to a time when we would have much better films with larger distribution options available.

Hence, Reed Martin's book is really the only film school one needs, or if you are already in film school, this book should be your bible and holy grail on the semantics of the film business, the realities of distribution, film festivals, and all the chaos and noise in between.

It covers some very detailed and fine points on the realities of everything from raising money, to financing your own films (which we suggest to all first time filmmakers), to attaching cast, to various distribution options and how its evolving in terms of video on demand, digital distribution, etc.

Reed gives a very straight forward, politically incorrect reality check to what really goes on inside the minds of film investors, film festivals, agents, actors, directors, etc. While film schools may teach film theory 101 and MBA students may learn about film finance by reading the trades, this book is the intersection of everything that one needs to get a good grip on reality.

As I am writing this review, the 2011 Sundance film festival just came to an end with 38 films being acquired for distribution. I don't know if those filmmakers read this book or its just an evolving process, but I think if more filmmakers and producers really dug deep into the core of the principles of The Reel Truth, there would be much more fluidity and success in making the kind of films that pave a roadmap for a filmmakers success.

Heck, even after reading this book, now I want to make a film on my smart phone camera and not worry about going through the headaches of pre-sales, hollywood agents, and a gazillion other middle men.

Take it from someone who is in these trenches and walked the walk. This books needs to be the Old Testament, New Testament, Koran, Bagvadhgita, Sutras all rolled up in one as the core reading material for film professors, film students, producers, directors, actors, writers, agents, attorneys, and private equity investors who are thinking of investing in film and the movie business.

I told myself that I was never going to read another book about independent filmmaking. I found it was a distraction from actually doing the work necessary to make a film happen.

However, I was recently made aware of The Reel Truth: Everything You Didn't Know You Need to Know About Making an Independent Film.

If are hoping to succeed in the film business, you must get this book. Reed Martin has done a great service for the independent film industry and for those of us who want to be a part of it. He is a unique combination of academic credentials, journalist and practical experience and his book benefits.

He interviewed over one hundred notables in the industry and has gleaned their insights on everything from screenplay to distribution. The content is current, enlightening and encouraging and should be required reading for all film courses and by anyone who dreams of one day completing their own masterpiece.

If I had had this book a zillion years ago when I aspired to making films, I might have actually succeeded at it or, like Terry Malloy, I might have had a shot.

Reed Martin has authored a fantastic how-to guide for the independent filmmaker. The amount of information he provide is staggering, from avoiding screenplay theft (a bigger problem than I ever imagined) to camera selection, putting together a crew, getting music, distribution, getting your film seen - literally everything you might imagine, which will be a lot less than what is contained between the covers of this book. Oh yes, there's a section on the very important subject of getting money to produce your film.

The possibilities for independent filmmaking have never been broader. Reading Reed Martin's book will give you more than a film school's worth of education on the reality of getting out there and doing it. I sure wish something like this was available way back when.

Jerry

With quotes from tons of filmmakers on everything from how to save in post production, business proposal techniques, distribution and legal advice this book is essential for anyone aspiring to work in the film industry.

The myriad of interviews show that Reed is a go-getter not afraid to ask the tough questions that most don't like to think about. This allows Reed to write a very real dialogue that makes the reader feel like they are learning from an insider in the exclusive filmmaking community.

And documentary filmmakers haven't been forgotten - there's even a dedicated chapter on budget and pitching advice.

Buy this book now. The information inside is priceless.

As an artist and filmmaker I've read my fair share of books on film theory and production, how to, how not to, etc. What puts The Reel Truth ahead of the pack is that it is neither discouraging and cynical nor does it sell pipe dreams to all the would be Rodriquez or Scorsese's out there either. Instead you get the truth. The Reel Truth. It inspires, it warns but most of all it provides information. The great New York disc jockey Mr. Magic was known for his famous quote at the end of each broadcast: "Only a fool can learn from his own mistakes but it takes a wise man like you to learn from the mistakes made by others". With a bevy of Indie stalwarts from Ted Hope to The Swingers crew we get loads and loads of tales out of school about the business of making independent films. And it's a fast read even though the 500 page length might seem daunting to the average casual reader, I assure you you'll keep reading and reading. As an actor and playwright who is about to take on the very dubious task of making my first independent feature. I am indebted to Mr. Martin for putting The Reel Truth into the universe. Wish me luck!

"The Reel Truth" - Is the truth about film making that every new filmmaker needs to know.

Reed Martin covers everything from little details you might not think of like using current terms like "independently financed films", instead of "indie film", to unique ways of protecting your script from theft, like "watermarking" your screenplay. Every aspiring filmmaker needs to know the "truth" about film making, and this is the place to get it.

Considering making a movie? Make sure you have "The Reel Truth" before you go any further, it's the insurance you need to get it done.

I enjoyed this book. The Reel Truth thoroughly discusses all aspects of business related to independent film-- everything from the screenplay, approaching investors, assembling a crew, to the technical aspects of production and to distribution and marketing. It even includes samples of relevant documents and spreadsheets.

Despite playing with large sums of money (and usually not their own), most first-time filmmakers fail to treat what they are about to embark upon as a business and that is why most fail. Having a clear view of the entire road the film will take from beginning to end is key to making the experience valuable financially, artistically and emotionally to all involved.

The book uses advice from seasoned film pros and real-life stories to illustrate how the worst can arise from what appears to be most favorable circumstances. As any journey to an unfamiliar destination will remind you, preparation, especially when you're far from convenience, is a lifesaver.

For every helpful, creative spirit in the independent film world, an equal number of shady characters and potential legal disasters are lurking behind every corner. The Reel Truth reminds us that while it is possible to emerge triumphantly from blindly making a film, it's a lot easier to be the guy who is the butt of his own horror story.

If you're going to be involved with independent film you will no doubt encounter risk-- but better to at least understand what you're doing as much as possible before getting involved.

I found the first half of the book most helpful as it deals with legalities and processes prior to and during film production. It was also fascinating to learn about investors and film finance. Since I have yet to make a film, the second half which deals with distribution and marketing was more foreign to me. Hopefully one day I will get to re-read that section when "distribution" is even something to consider. One step at a time I guess.

Take heed of Reed Martin's words! My career as a litigator has benefitted immeasurably from people who enter into business relationships without the aid of legal advice. In order words, if more people (screenwriters and filmmakers included) sought legal advice on the "front end" of any kind of deal, there would be a lot less work (and pay!) for me. I consider Mr. Martin's chapter on the legal issues filmmakers should look out for (Chapter 4) an indispensable chapter in a (up-to-date) indispensable book. I consider the legal profession as a noble one: the peaceful resolution to (or avoidance of) conflicts (i.e., no guns or fisticuffs). Indie filmmakers need to know that they are not "selling out" by seeking legal advice. Legal disputes can wreck their chances of ever getting into Sundance or becoming the next Chris Nolan or Kathryn Bigelow. I know it may not sound "artistic" to think about hiring an attorney to join your film production team, but not doing so and not heeding the advice in Chapter 4 will likely result in your indie film becoming a **really expensive home movie.** There are literally hundreds of legal headaches that can wreck an independent film project and the people who *think* they know what they're doing are always the ones who need the most help. Therefore, woe unto the independent filmmaker who does not check out The Reel Truth (and re-read its Chapter 4 a few times) before they decide to call "ACTION!"

The Reel Truth is just that - truthful.

Reed Martin pulls no punches on the realities of independent filmmaking today. The book is incitefuly written, and full of up-to-date references. The truth can be frightening, but indie-filmmakers need to know what they're up against to avoid the pitfalls that abound.

As a would-be filmmaker myself, I've experienced many of the difficulties in pulling a project together. Over the years I've had some hard lessons, many of which may have been avoided had I the benefit of Martin's book.

Now I'll do a second read, this time underlining passages and taking notes.

TONS of vital information!!! Martin breaks down the intricacies of independent film making, and reveals lots of solutions to many problems that can occur during the creation of an indie film. Reading this book before going into production can save a lot of pain and heartache, as it points out many road blocks that film makers run into, because they had no idea they were there in the first place!! Overall an ESSENTIAL read for all indie film makers, as well as others involved in the industry, and a fun and interesting read for all knowledge seekers.