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

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Brings together the artistic and business sides of filmmaking.

About the Author

Author of "The Girls' Guide to Elvis (Broadway Books, June 2002), KIM ADELMAN is the founder of the web Site GirlsGuidetoCountry.com. She is also a filmmaker whose credits include "Why Liberace and "George Lucas at USC. She lives in Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 251 pages
• Publisher: Michael Wiese Productions (February 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0941188892
• ISBN-13: 978-0941188890
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #392,444 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Entertaining Guide For Beginning Filmmakers, June 17, 2009

By	Vasilisa (los angeles, ca) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Making it Big in Shorts: The Ultimate Filmmaker's Guide to Short Films - 2nd edition (Paperback)

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aspiring Filmmakers Need This Book!, March 4, 2004

By A Customer

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Guide for Short Filmmakers!!, June 17, 2009

By	T. Fauci "film festival expert" (Santa MOnica, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Making it Big in Shorts: The Ultimate Filmmaker's Guide to Short Films - 2nd edition (Paperback)

"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.