Customer Reviews

What They Don't Teach You at Film School: 161 Strategies For Making Your Own Movies No Matter What

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

If you've read some of my other reviews, then you know that I'm a true filmmaker wanna-be.

I love film and read about making films to feed my dream.

I've read text book style books, handbooks, and how-to's.

This book actually defies those brandings and makes itself into something all together new - an ENCOURAGING, HUMORFUL and HELPFUL book about what you have to do to make a film.

What a revelation I've found when by chance I purchased this book here at Amazon.

For those wondering, this is NOT a how-to guide.

What it is - well, it's a great book which does something (repeatedly) that very few other books about the art and craft of filmmaking do - it ENCOURAGES YOU TO MAKE FILMS: small films or grand epics, or videos of your dog - it doesn't matter - all they suggest is that you tell your story.

It encourages you to make a film - no matter what - if that's what you want to do - this book ENCOURAGES you to do so.

There's a whole lot of sensible information here, along with some gentle guidelines for deciding if filmmaking is really something for you.

With chapters titled "Fix the script, the rest will follow", "Sultans, dentists and Uncle Al" and my favorite "Donuts, red vines and keeping the crew together: the care and feeding of the set" you get a feel for the humor that's also used throughout.

Ultimately though, you have to ask the question, for a future filmmaker, is this book useful?

I'd have to answer a resounding yes!

It reinforces the notion that if you make a movie, no matter if it sells or doesn't, makes a million or never screens for anyone but your best friends - you are a filmmaker. That's a great gift to the reader.

Buy this book before you invest too much else in text and handbooks, and how-to guides. You won't be disappointed and you'll be getting a very good read.

Good luck making your film.

Best Regards,
turtlex

To try and level the playing field I felt I had to write this review. If you are an aspiring film-maker then you probably fall into one of three categories: 1. Going to film school, 2. Not going but going to use daddy's money to make an artsy film, 3. Just wanna get out there and make a cool film or 10.

The first 2 will probably enjoy the book. It doesnt tell you much about making films but feeds you with plenty of artsy stuff to impress the chicks at the coffee shop, ie "When having script-writing problems - Take out that picture of the moment you first met - Its a good idea when your just starting a project to write yourself a note about what it means to you and save it in a sealed envelope to take out in moments just like this!" - and this section continues with paragraphs headed, "Go on a special vacation together","seperation, or an open marriage", "divorce....now that you and your script dont have an exclusive relationship with each other, it might be easier...."!!!!
If this is the kind of stuff you enjoy reading then go for it. This book is really full of it.

If you just want to get out there and make films read "Rebel Without a Crew" by Robert Rodriguez first of all!! Then read "How To Shoot a Feature Film for Under $10,000" by Bret Stern.

Believe me after reading, "What they dont teach you at film school" I'm glad I didnt go to film school and I'm not sure that I learnt anything from this book either.
I tell a lie, I learnt that there are some really dull and condescending books out there.

In summary there's not that much in here that will help you out if you actually want to write, produce and direct an actual film.

Also cures insomnia. Only use under medical supervision!

Sometimes I randomly buy books like this that SOUND like they have a really great premise, but they turn out to be amateur and doltish. Not so with this book -- it more than delivered on the promise made by the title and description. What a book!

I was struck in the first few pages at the encouraging tone of the book, and then again by the heft of the authors' intellects -- wow, these women have brains! But brains aren't all they have. They've got plenty of common sense about filmmaking with which they have been more than generous in their book. I learned more about filmmaking than I have from reading any other book, and at the same time I was energized and ready to pick up a camera, instead of discouraged and ready to run far away from any dreams of filmmaking.

It may be too late to go to film school, but it's never too late to read this book and get the down-low on everything you could want to know about making a film, conceptually, practically, and realistically. I'll have to read this book a few more times, and keep it close at hand for reference.

Well done, Camille and Tiare.

It's kind of ridiculous for this book to advertise itself as "161 Strategies to Making Your Own Movie". Very few of the 161 items can be called strategies at all, and most aren't really even advice of any sort. Most of the book, unfortunately, amounts to hype. And while this seems to be satisfying the fly-by-night wannabee readers, those of us who actually have made films - or who are struggling to do so - are left with very little practical guidance.

That being said, there are a number of helpful nuggets of wisdom to be found. With 161 entries, they had to get lucky a few times, and they did. There are several tricks and tools that are described, typically for the ultra-low- and no-budget filmmaker, that can help minimize costs and make your production easier and/or more successful. But if you want to find it, you have to be willing to dig through self-help lectures, third grade time management advice and methods for looking cool at parties.

All-in-all, not a total waste of time and money, if you've got some of each to throw around.

I read lots of filmmaking books. I didn’t go to film school, so by reading these books it gives me an insight into the theories and aspects of filmmaking that I never thought about before.

It still amazes me that I can actually learn new things about a visual medium from a book, but I always have. Every time I’m at the local bookstore I swing by the film section to see if there is anything new worth reading. (Plus it’s a great location to meet new people to get involved in my future projects.) A couple of weeks ago I picked up “What They Don’t Teach You at Film School: 161 Strategies For Making Your Own Movie No Matter What” by Camille Landau and Tiare White.

At first I was skeptical about this book. Any filmmaking book that promises to show me the yellow brick road to Hollywood and filmmaking success just makes me laugh since we all know that no book can show each of us this path since it’s different for everyone. But, as I flipped through the book there in the aisle I found myself laughing and learning new things so I had to bring it home with me.

The book is organized into chapters named catchy phrases as “It’s the budget, stupid…”, “Sex, lies, and 16mm….” , and “Friends, enemies, lovers, and thieves.” Within each of these chapters is an ongoing bulleted list that make up the 161 strategies mentioned in the title of the book.

What I liked so much about this book is the mix of blunt honesty, real world insight and sharp humor. The authors are both graduates of USC film school and together have made over 30 short films. After completing the book I could tell that they’ve “seen battle” and are not just looking for a quick buck from writing a book. (Although, I hope they make a few because they deserve it.)

I think the reason why I really liked this book so much was that it covered every aspect of movie making. What I mean is that not only will it give you tips on fixing your script (pg 54), pitching your story (pg 132) and how to finance your project (pg 201). But, they even share a recipe for cookies to help you bribe your editor if need be. (pg 26) They realize that there is much more to filmmaking then actors, producers and cameramen. They take the time to talk about life, family and the heartaches you may run into along the way to making your blockbuster.

My copy is already earmark, highlighted and beat up from flipping back and forth for a confidence boost when I needed it during a rough spot on recent Foo Projects. Trust me when I say this will be the best (money) you spend for your next project.

I’m not the type of guy to spoil the ending, but the last point made in the book is the most important one to remember:

“#161 DO IT AGAIN: If you want to make films, make films.”
I couldn’t have said it better! Happy reading!

I really enjoyed this book. While I was expecting more of a literal take on the "what they don't teach you at film school" part of the book, I was still pleasantly surprised. The authors really break down the information for you and make it easy to digest. It's truthful and written with a down to earth perspective. When I bought the book I was expecting more focus on technique and "rules" associated with the craft but found it to be more along the lines of a really good pep talk. If you're feeling discouraged or overwhelmed with making your own films this is the book for you, full of very good and practical advice.

This book has a very generous spirit and is liberating to read; it describes the possible.

Specifically, it is full of precise, down-to-earth wisdom on how to realize the lofty dream of making a film. The good, bad and ugly of the process are laid out with technical and emotional depth, with no baloney and with nothing held back. The book's lessons extend to how to pull off any ambitious, excruciatingly difficult, creative entrpise where other peoples' participation is essential (as in making buildings, for example).

Congratulations to the authors!

I am an aspiring filmmaker, as are countless others. I would love to get into UT, which has a good department, but unfortunately, it seems like all of Texas is trying to go to UT. So I have resigned myself to take film classes at the community college and read as many books about movies and movie-making to help me learn. It might be cheaper in the long run.

This is one of the best books I have read so far. The chapters are organized logically, and are split into short segments. I loved this, because I didn't have to find a spot to stop reading, or wait until the end of the chapter. I could just stop after the segment and know exactly where to start up again. However, it read so well that it was hard to put down, and the short segments encouraged me to keep reading.

This is not a how-to-make-a-film guide, but it is a guide on all those things that you might forget in the process of making a film, like saying thank you to what to do if you sleep with someone from the set to fixing anything with duct tape.

If you want to make a movie, buy this book. If you want to learn more about making movies and what goes on behind the camera, buy this book. I wanted to go out and start filming the moment I finished it. It's true inspiration.

this is a great book! it's not just about movies, it's about life and figuring out how to make the most of it.

i recommend this book for anyone who ever dreamed of being a filmmaker, novelist, rock star, poet, etc., etc.

This book is extremely well-written, targeting exactly what the title says: "making your own movie no matter what". I submit that the ppl having issues with this book either (a) need to have a clue, or (b) can't read (ie, the book title).

The core, primary, absolute must-have of making a film is persistance. PERSISTANCE. Not the technology, not the "film or digital" question, not "Hollywood or Sundance or not", & not even the funding (or lack thereof). Really terrible films are made with big-budgets all the time, simply b/c of the incredible persistance of the director, producer, etc. Anybody see "Daredevil"? The [director] got some high-quality storyboards made, & literally sat in front of Producers for years & years until he convinced somebody to fund it (too bad he didn't spend the $$ on a script). Persistance => green-light.

Landau & White target the person emerging from film-school, and/or those who've given it a miss, & lay-out the bare necessities:
1) Vision. Ie, WHY you want to make a film. Absolute must-have, for success. They include some very good ideas & break-down the process here for determining just *what* you [originally] wanted to say.
2) Script. Pummel your vision/motivation until it screams, & squeeze that into a screenplay format that's presentable. And make *sure* to have your [next] one ready, if/when you current work gets noticed(!!!)
3) Production. Ie, find like-minded, talented ppl to work with you, & learn how to treat them properly. Getting into that whole "diva" crap will only destroy your chances of making films later-on...
4) Community. Make sure to work w/ others, both on your own productions & others'. There is no better way to learn how to make films, than making films. Why do so many ppl blindly repeat this, & then try to make their 'first movie' & never have been on a hot set before?!!
-and always-
5) Persistance. From various techniques of equipment acquisition to relationship issues, Landau/White keep the book directly on-target: "Don't Give Up". If some, or even many, of the suggestions & personal stories/experiences related err on the side of "feel-good", I for one am not even slightly dismayed. Why? b/c ALL the material is from Direct Experience. I have over 100 books on filmmaking, & huge numbers of them are clearly info cut/copy/pasted back & forth from ppl who "read it somewhere". Landau/White know what they're talking about, b/c they've *done* it. And having done it, they realize that a tremendous amount of filmmaking is (pre)planning & fighting fires... ie, "Project Management" ("Ewww!!!" say the 'Artists'). Well, filmmaking is tough, & any little bit of inspiration (coupled w/ a ton of great guidelines) is greatly appreciated.

I say all this having shot cable music-videos & short films, where one of the main comments from cast & crew was the [appreciation] for not having a high-stress set. Wow. Not the script, (which was great, natch). Not the production value(s). Not even the (lack) of craft-services or not. Just treating ppl well, appreciating their input, & making them feel part of the Process.

This is the core of what Landau & White are communicating, & they do it extremely well... amidst a major lack of books communicating same.

I for one am highly appreciative.

If you need "how to find $$ for your films" book(s), check out "Digital Filmmaking 101"; if you need a very-good in-depth tech workbook of digital filmmaking, check out Billups' books.

But whatever [book] you use, you will also need MOTIVATION & PEOPLE-SKILLS. And Landau/White teach (as much as possible in book-form), both.

Thank-you, ladies.