Film Production: The Complete Uncensored Guide to Filmmaking (Paperback)

by Greg Merritt (Author) "The script is the single most important component in your film..." (more)
Key Phrases: independent filmmaking, finishing funds, major indies, The Complete Uncensored Guide, Los Angeles, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Aims to provide the reader with real world facts about producing and selling a motion picture.

About the Author
Renee Harmon

Product Details

• Paperback: 238 pages
• Publisher: Lone Eagle (February 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0943728991
• ISBN-13: 978-0943728995
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #661,455 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best How-To Book On Indie Film, November 24, 1999

By A Customer

After "The Blair Witch Project" and similar success stories, I was looking for a good general book on film production that included all the real dope on how the best known people have made successful low-budget movies. I was amazed by how much clear, precise info "Film Production: The Complete Uncensored Guide to Independent Filmmaking" has, such as precise budgets, deal-negotiating tips, crew member roles, distribution company reviews, and on and on. I also liked the way the book is organized. It takes you from the script and raising the money all the way through all the details of pre-production, production, and editing to selling the movie, promoting, and beyond. It answered all my questions (from stupid to tough) along the way.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars YES, THIS IS THE BEST, June 21, 1999

By A Customer

I bought this book because of the previous six 5 star recommendations. I've read more than 2 dozen books on film production and independent film, and I have to admit this is the best and most thorough. I don't readily give out 5 star reviews (this is my first of more than thirty reviews), but it just doesn't get any better than this book if you want the inside scoop on how to make a movie. It has my highest recommendation--ever.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best book available on independent filmmaking., July 8, 1998

By A Customer

As an aspiring filmmaker, I've read more than twenty books on directing and producing independent films. Merritt's book is easily the best, most comprehensive, and most revealing of them all. He tells you everything you need to know to finance, write, produce, direct, and sell a movie. I especially love all of the great "underground" tips about how to get free film stock and equipment, how to avoid permits, how to choose the right people, and a non-nonsense guide to distributors. Eveything is here, from catering tips to bank loans to guaranteed foreign video sales. This book will save me thousands of dollars as I make my first feature-length movie. I highly recommend it, as opposed to or in addition to film school. (I went to film school for 4 years for $65,000 and I learned MUCH more practical, real world, current advice with this $20 book.)