Customer Reviews

The Ultimate Filmmaker's Guide to Short Films: Making It Big in Shorts

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I found this book to be of limited value. There is some good techinical information on dealing with SAG and other industry stuff but I found it wildly lacking in other areas. Kim Adelman is a Producer of short films as far as I know she hasn't actually got behind the camera. So the book wasn't very good with the whole being creative part nor paticularly inspiring. She makes everything seem real expensive and a 26 man crew to make a short! Robert Rodriguez would be turning over in his grave if he were dead. I think aspiring film makers are better off reading a "Rebel without a Crew" first make few films ,learn by doing, then add this book so they can understand how a producer thinks.

I've been thinking about making a short film for ages, and was lucky enough to get my hands on an advance copy of this book. After reading it, I feel inspired to actually make it happen. There's a great mix of encouragement and practical advice here that helped organize my thoughts regarding the steps I need to take to make my short. The anecdotes from veteran short filmmakers, including Kim herself, were especially helpful. I appreciated that no set-in-stone rules were set down, but the worst mistakes to be avoided are still spelled out.
I'd say it's a must-read for anyone who's going to make a short and hasn't had much experience with production. But it could also be helpful to more seasoned filmmakers who want insight into aspects of the process they haven't given much thought to, especially marketing and online distribution.

The Ultimate Filmmakers Guide to Short Films: Making It Big In Shorts should be read by every aspiring filmmaker. Kim Adelman lays out everything you need to know in an informative, witty, and intelligent way. She tells you about the mistakes that others (including herself!) have made, so that you don't make the same mistakes.

And as someone who has worked at a number of film festivals over the years, I found her insights into dealing with festivals, and planning a promotional, marketing and festival strategy for your film to be spot-on. I'll be recommending this book to every filmmaker (and filmmaker wannabe!) I know.

"Making it Big in Shorts" is a great book for all short filmmakers. It emphasizes that each filmmaker is their own studio and is the one sets the agenda for the kind of film they want to make. Whatever the goal of your short...youtube sensation, the festival circuit, money or a showcase piece for a feature film, this book has helpful tools for you. Kim Adelman has her finger on the pulse of the short film world because she has been in the trenches for years and has produced amazing results. The tips that Adelman offers are presented in a clear and practical way which makes for an easy and helpful read.

Between the insight of her own experiences and those of other film professionals, this book will help you from your original concept through your career. It is a short filmmaking journey that tells of the simple truths and harsh realities. This book can also get your creative juices flowing. I came up with a handful of short concepts as I read through Adelman's guide.

As a film professional, I highly recommend this book to all filmmakers interested in tackling the short film medium, especially those just starting out.

If you want the absolute best book on filmmaking; this is it. Kim Adelman knows her stuff. She gives testimonials from film festival coordinators that are worth more than the price of the book if you are into submitting your films to festivals. I also really enjoyed the overview of the different types of media and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
I originally picked up this book out of frustration with some of the other titles I had purchased and was pleasantly surprised with its contents. The book is extremely dense (lots of words per page) and is well worth the cover price. I keep it by my side almost constantly--reading whenever I get a chance.
Seriously, if you want the the book you have been looking for and can't find...this is the one. I suggest getting a sleep aid because once you pick it up, you may not be able to put it back down. I refer to it constantly. It is truly informative and inspiring.

I think the criticisms on this page are reasonable, but I have found this to be a useful book:

It covers pre through marketing. I disagree with some of what she says, but I've also found it useful to return to the book as I enter each stage of production on my 4th short. It's helped to refocus me a few times.

This book is written in a breezy style, yet contains enough varied information about the world of short films to make it well worth the price. I liked some of the "top ten" lists, such as great shorts to see, and tips for getting great performances from actors. This is not in-depth stuff, but the value of a book like this is that you can read it quickly and be reminded of a great number of essential things otherwise forgotten...or never learned.

I was starting my first short with no experience and I had no idea what I was doing. I saw this book in the bookstore and bought it. It was the best purchase I've ever made. It was easy to read, and very informative. It will tell you everything you need to know about making a short and you can use a lot of the tips for features. The best part, it goes from the idea all the way to distribution. You will know the rules of the game before you begin your film so you have a better idea as to how you will make and use your film. What I also really enjoyed about the book was that it gave a detailed list of what kind of medium you can shoot your movie on. What is better, DV or film? If you don't know this book will help you figure that out. It also tells you how you can get those great songs on your soundtrack without paying for it.
I hope that if you are an inspiring filmmaker that you pick this book up, and good luck with your movie.

As someone who is slowly getting his first short film in production, I went to this book as a guide to help me along the process. It basically felt as if the author was speaking directly to me, which is great. There were moments in the book where I felt it was stating the obvious, but I guess it's better to do that in order to know you are touching all the important points. 2 sections of this book really stood out for me. 1. The author lists all the important jobs in regards to crew and states what they do, how you need them, etc. 2. Towards the end of the book, there is great information about festivals both in the United States and abroad. That will be of great help when I'm ready to start submitting my film to festivals.

Interested in getting a short film off the ground? Buy this book!

So far its really a smart book full of great info and tips.
Great suggestions for the start up film maker.