Independent Feature Film Production: A Complete Guide from Concept Through Distribution (Paperback)

~ (Author) "If the budget and time allow, it is common to make "temp" (temporary) mixes during postproduction in order to evaluate the picture more fully during..." (more)
Key Phrases: film work print, analog optical track, partner nonrecourse deductions, New York, United States, Los Angeles (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is a must. It is a straightforward, insightful, and articulate account of what it takes to make a successful feature film."--Ridley Scott, director of Alien, Blade Runner, and Thelma & Louise

"Saves one from having to learn the hard way."--David Lynch, director of Lost Highway and Blue Velvet

"Superb in both its conception and execution."--David Puttnam, producer of Chariots of Fire, Midnight Express, The Killing Fields, and Memphis Belle

"The first and most thoroughly researched compilation of information dealing with all aspects of feature films, from financing to production to post-production to distribution and marketing."--Michael Apted, director of Gorillas in the Mist, and Nell

"A clear, direct guide. I wish I had had this book when I started."--John Carpenter, director of Halloween, Escape from New York, and Vampires

"Absolutely crucial for filmmakers!"--Films in Review

"Anyone involved in the making of motion pictures, from television commercials to studio pictures, should read this book before beginning their next production."--Fay Kanin, screenwriter and former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

"First rate . . . belongs in the classroom and should be read by many of those now teaching film history and criticism."--Los Angeles Times
-- Review --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Review

"This book is a must. It is a straightforward, insightful, and articulate account of what it takes to make a successful feature film."--Ridley Scott, director of Alien, Blade Runner, and Thelma & Louise

"Saves one from having to learn the hard way."--David Lynch, director of Lost Highway and Blue Velvet

"Superb in both its conception and execution."--David Puttnam, producer of Chariots of Fire, Midnight Express, The Killing Fields, and Memphis Belle

"The first and most thoroughly researched compilation of information dealing with all aspects of feature films, from financing to production to post-production to distribution and marketing."--Michael Apted, director of Gorillas in the Mist, and Nell

"A clear, direct guide. I wish I had had this book when I started."--John Carpenter, director of Halloween, Escape from New York, and Vampires

"Absolutely crucial for filmmakers!"--Films in Review

"Anyone involved in the making of motion pictures, from television commercials to studio pictures, should read this book before beginning their next production."--Fay Kanin, screenwriter and former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

"First rate . . . belongs in the classroom and should be read by many of those now teaching film history and criticism."--Los Angeles Times

See all Editorial Reviews

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Product Details Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (December 31, 1982) Language: English ISBN-10: 0312304625 ISBN-13: 978-0312304621 Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #743,776 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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Inside This Book (learn more)
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First Sentence:
If the budget and time allow, it is common to make "temp" (temporary) mixes during postproduction in order to evaluate the picture more fully during screenings. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
film work print, analog optical track, partner nonrecourse deductions, digital editing machine, sound effects mixer, edited sound tracks, sound track negative, composite answer print, negative cut list, dialogue mixer, shipping reels, editing reels, first trial print, negative pickup deal, investment memorandum, distributable cash, film commissioner, edited tracks, key makeup artist, tech scout, foreign presales, production sound effects, beginning principal photography, completion guarantor, final dub

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
New York, United States, Los Angeles, Breakdown Services, Film Finders, Writers Guild, Jurassic Park, Laws of Gravity, New Line, The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros, Independence Day, John Pierson, Screen Actors Guild, Leaving Las Vegas, Nick Gomez, Robert Redford, Sidney Lumet, The Lost World, William Goldman, Academy Players Directory, Castle Rock, Richard Portman, Sundance Film Festival, American Film Market

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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Citations (learn more)

This book cites 17 books:

• Spike, Mike, Slackers, & Dykes: A Guided Tour Across a Decade of American Independent Cinema by John Pierson on page 25, and Back Matter
• Leaving Las Vegas by John O'Brien in Front Matter
• Get the Money and Shoot: Dri Guide to Funding Documentary Films by Bruce Jackson in Back Matter
• Film & Video on the Internet: The Top 500 Sites by Bert Deivert in Back Matter
• Techniques of Special Effects of Cinematography (Library of Communication Techniques, Film) by Raymond Fielding in Back Matter

See all 17 books this book cites

 

20 books cite this book:

• From Reel to Deal: Everything You Need to Create a Successful Independent Film by Dov S-S Simens on page 14, and page 46
• The Way Hollywood Tells It: Story and Style in Modern Movies by David Bordwell in Back Matter
• Technical Film and TV for Nontechnical People by Drew Campbell in Back Matter
• The Independent Film and Videomaker's Guide, Second Edition (Michael Wiese Productions) by Michael Wiese in Back Matter
• The Complete Independent Movie Marketing Handbook by Mark Steven Bosko in Back Matter

See all 20 books citing this book

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Books on Related Topics (learn more)

The Complete Film Production Handbook, Third Edition by Eve Light Honthaner

Discusses:

• sound track negative
• composite answer print
• film commissioner

Dealmaking in the Film and Television Industry From Negotiations Through Final Contracts by Mark Litwak

Discusses:

• beginning principal photography
• completion guarantor
• Writers Guild

From Reel to Deal by Dov S-S Simens

Discusses:

• film commissioner
• Film Finders
• Writers Guild

The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide by GunnarGunnar EricksonErickson

Discusses:

• foreign presales
• completion guarantor
• Screen Actors Guild

The Movie Business by Kelly Crabb

Discusses:

• negative pickup deal
• beginning principal photography
• completion guarantor

Law and Business of the Entertainment Industries by Donald E. Biederman

Discusses:

• completion guarantor
• Writers Guild
• New Line

The Complete Film Production Handbook, Third Edition by Eve Light Honthaner Discusses: sound track negative composite answer print film commissioner Dealmaking in the Film and Television Industry From Negotiations Through Final Contracts by Mark Litwak Discusses: beginning principal photography completion guarantor Writers Guild From Reel to Deal by Dov S-S Simens Discusses: film commissioner Film Finders Writers Guild The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide by GunnarGunnar EricksonErickson Discusses: foreign presales completion guarantor Screen Actors Guild Loading...

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	63% buy the item featured on this page: Independent Feature Film Production: A Complete Guide from Concept Through Distribution 4.2 out of 5 stars (19) $20.99
	14% buy The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide: A Business and Legal Sourcebook 4.9 out of 5 stars (19) $16.47
	10% buy From Reel to Deal: Everything You Need to Create a Successful Independent Film 4.8 out of 5 stars (47) $12.21
	8% buy The Complete Film Production Handbook, Third Edition 4.9 out of 5 stars (19) $38.40

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Customer Reviews

19 Reviews 5 star:  (9) 4 star:  (6) 3 star:  (3) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:  (1)           Average Customer Review 4.2 out of 5 stars (19 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 19 of 20 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Applicable from the streets of LA to the beaches of Sydney, October 23, 2002 By A Customer This review is from: Independent Feature Film Production: A Complete Guide from Concept Through Distribution (Paperback) As an Australian filmmaker, it would seem a waste of time and money to get hold of a film production book written for primarily the US market. But in this case, it was time and money very well spent. I bought this book nearly four years ago, and it has proven to be an invaluable resource in all my work. From a smaller independent Australian film to the latest international theatrical release, the tips, insights, strategies and suggestions contained in this book have helped clarify, focus and guide decisions and choices that have paid off enormously. Yes, this book is heavy on detail, but this is a subject that can appear to be deceptively simple, and in reality is far from. Gregory Goodell has gone through every stage of making your film, any film, and has done so admirably well, emphasising the pitfalls that often land filmmakers in trouble, and how to avoid them yourself. Any filmmaker who wishes to comprehend and orienteer the complex world of filmmaking, anywhere in the world, and make a film properly from start to finish, would be well advised to add this book to their collection. 26 of 29 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Simply The Best!, December 31, 2000 By  Darin Scott (Sherman Oaks, Ca USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Independent Feature Film Production: A Complete Guide from Concept Through Distribution (Paperback) This book is simply the clearest, most comprehensive book on feature filmmaking available! It's an invalauable resource for anyone undertaking the task of making their first feature film and a great way for the more experienced types to brush-up on the nuts and bolts of the process. I read the First Edition of this book fifteen years ago and proceeded to Write and Produce my first feature film with no previous experience, film school, or consultation of other resources. I just recently finished the TENTH FILM that I have Written/Produced/ or Directed, all of them theatrical releases, and for me it all started with this book. I can't possibly praise it too highly. I recently read the revised edition and found that it's even better than before! 31 of 39 people found the following review helpful: 3.0 out of 5 stars how to discourage a dreamer, August 28, 2000 By  Chris P. Housh (El Cerrito/Berkeley, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    This review is from: Independent Feature Film Production: A Complete Guide from Concept Through Distribution (Paperback) This book does do a wonderful job at making sure that a person does not blindly go about trying to make the next "El Mariachi" or "Blair Witch Project". The constant statements of risks involved, rules and regulations about unions and permits will start to make most people who are fantasizing about making a film outside the studio system will begin to worry about the realistic risks and chances one has to take on this journey. The thing is that there is a very pesimistic point of view throughout the majority of the writing that seems out of place in a text that proclaims itself as a way of guiding a person forward into the world of making movies. I feel that this book is best read in combination with some of the more upbeat how-to books out there, that way you can be uplifted for a while, brought back down to earth, and then enlightened and inspired again by switching back and forth between the two. Reading just this book by itself can possibility break the desire to make art, which most people of our mentality deal with enough as it is.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 1.0 out of 5 stars out of date This book is comprehensive and quite good for its' day - 1998. But it's 2009 and many aspects of producing have changed and need to be addressed. Published 5 months ago by a romdomsky 5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for any indie producer First, I have to say that I've ordered this book twice, expecting a 2003 print only to find it was from the 80s. Read more Published 10 months ago by Michael Yates 4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book Confusing Purchase An invaluable book on the process of film production, which I learned also happens to be required reading for the aspiring producers program at the LA Film School... Read more Published 10 months ago by Joey V 4.0 out of 5 stars All the info you need, but perhaps a bit outdated Full of just about every bit of info you need to make an indie film, but it was written 25 years ago, so it inevitably doesn't directly apply to newer forms of filmmaking and the... Read more Published 16 months ago by Nicholas B. Jandl 4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty darn good I'm still reading this book. It is a slow read and you must take your time to really let the info. seep in. From what I read so far, I like it. Read more Published 21 months ago by Nik 3.0 out of 5 stars Be sure to check copyright and other reviews I have the 1998 version, and this is a very informative book. But be sure to verify the copyright of the book you are ordering. There are 3 editions: 1982, 1998, and 2003. Read more Published 21 months ago by Sara J. Pedri 5.0 out of 5 stars Complete and then some This book goes into fairly extensive detail on almost all aspects of film production. Production is a grey area to most and this book illuminates it quite well. Read more Published on May 31, 2006 by Jake Miles 5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable resource, a must-buy for all aspiring and experienced independent producers I'm a writer-producer currently prepping my first independent film where I'm in the driver's seat. This book has been an invaluable resource for me along the way in terms of... Read more Published on February 16, 2006 by K. Miller 3.0 out of 5 stars Dov's book is better If "From Reel to Deal, by Dov Simens, is Hollywood's top rated film how-to book then this book surely will take a close second. Published on February 6, 2006 by Jake the DP 4.0 out of 5 stars Every indie filmmaker needs this book. I couldn't have produced and written three feature-length independent movies without this book. Check out my latest, The Indie Pendant, to see what I mean. Read more Published on January 1, 2006 by Edward Dentzel Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (December 31, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312304625
• ISBN-13: 978-0312304621
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #743,776 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Applicable from the streets of LA to the beaches of Sydney, October 23, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Independent Feature Film Production: A Complete Guide from Concept Through Distribution (Paperback)

As an Australian filmmaker, it would seem a waste of time and money to get hold of a film production book written for primarily the US market. But in this case, it was time and money very well spent. I bought this book nearly four years ago, and it has proven to be an invaluable resource in all my work.

From a smaller independent Australian film to the latest international theatrical release, the tips, insights, strategies and suggestions contained in this book have helped clarify, focus and guide decisions and choices that have paid off enormously.

Yes, this book is heavy on detail, but this is a subject that can appear to be deceptively simple, and in reality is far from. Gregory Goodell has gone through every stage of making your film, any film, and has done so admirably well, emphasising the pitfalls that often land filmmakers in trouble, and how to avoid them yourself.

Any filmmaker who wishes to comprehend and orienteer the complex world of filmmaking, anywhere in the world, and make a film properly from start to finish, would be well advised to add this book to their collection.

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply The Best!, December 31, 2000

By	Darin Scott (Sherman Oaks, Ca USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Independent Feature Film Production: A Complete Guide from Concept Through Distribution (Paperback)

This book is simply the clearest, most comprehensive book on feature filmmaking available! It's an invalauable resource for anyone undertaking the task of making their first feature film and a great way for the more experienced types to brush-up on the nuts and bolts of the process. I read the First Edition of this book fifteen years ago and proceeded to Write and Produce my first feature film with no previous experience, film school, or consultation of other resources. I just recently finished the TENTH FILM that I have Written/Produced/ or Directed, all of them theatrical releases, and for me it all started with this book. I can't possibly praise it too highly. I recently read the revised edition and found that it's even better than before!

31 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars how to discourage a dreamer, August 28, 2000

By	Chris P. Housh (El Cerrito/Berkeley, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Independent Feature Film Production: A Complete Guide from Concept Through Distribution (Paperback)

This book does do a wonderful job at making sure that a person does not blindly go about trying to make the next "El Mariachi" or "Blair Witch Project". The constant statements of risks involved, rules and regulations about unions and permits will start to make most people who are fantasizing about making a film outside the studio system will begin to worry about the realistic risks and chances one has to take on this journey. The thing is that there is a very pesimistic point of view throughout the majority of the writing that seems out of place in a text that proclaims itself as a way of guiding a person forward into the world of making movies. I feel that this book is best read in combination with some of the more upbeat how-to books out there, that way you can be uplifted for a while, brought back down to earth, and then enlightened and inspired again by switching back and forth between the two. Reading just this book by itself can possibility break the desire to make art, which most people of our mentality deal with enough as it is.