There are plenty of good books out there. But if you need a couple of books that are essential and help you gear up towards a successful career in filmmaking you should check out these 6 books.
01.Filming on a microbudget by Paul Hardy
Why is this book essential, well because it is everything you need to know in one compact essential guide. No one is going to let you play with the kind of money it takes to make a feature film until you’ve proven yourself by making a great short film. With the tech available today it’s easier than ever to make a film. This book can guide you trough the entire process.
02. 101 things I learned in film school
How to set a scene’ What’s the best camera angle’ How does the new technology interact with scenes’ And how does one even get the financing to make a movie’ These basic questions and much more are all covered in this exquisite packaged book on the film industry and making movies as a profession. Written by Neil Landau, an experienced screenwriter and script consultant to the major movie studios, this is the perfect book for anyone who wants to know about the inner-workings of this industry. Whether it’s someone who wants to make movies as a full-timecareer, or just someone who is interested in film, this book covers it all.
https://www.amazon.com/Things-Learned-School-Landau-Hardcover/dp/B014GG9N1U
03. Notes on directing
Five years ago, Frank Hauser, then a retired freelance director, and writer Russell Reich, his former student, self-published Notes on Directing in hardcover. It was immediately acclaimed as “a gem-witty and full of insight;” “so sensible, so complete, and so right;” and “amazingly illuminating” by the likes of Judi Dench, Edward Albee, and Terry Teachout. Gathered over Hauser’s long career, and polished to a sharp edge by Reich, the 130 “Notes” address a wide range of topics, from “understanding the script” and “defining the director’s role” to casting, how to handle a first read-through of a script, rules for rehearsal, how to talk to actors, how to get a laugh, and the key elements of staging. Filled with enduring good advice expressed in assertive, no-nonsense language, and supported with explanatory commentary, insightful quotes and examples, and five valuable appendices, this deceptively slim book has the impact of a privileged apprenticeship to a great master, providing deep insight into the hidden process of creating a live, shared experience. It can be appreciated by everyone from the student aspiring to a directing career to the professional looking for new ideas to the theater-lover wanting insight into the creative process. Indeed, Notes on Directing offers life lessons to all who read it.
04.How not to write a short film
Anyone can make a short film, right? Just grab some friends and your handheld and you can do it in a weekend or two before being accepted to a slew of film festivals, right?
Wrong.
Roberta Munroe screened short film submissions at Sundance for five years, and is an award-winning short filmmaker in her own right. So she knows a thing or two about how not to make a short film. From the first draft of your script to casting, production, editing, and distribution, this is your one-stop primer for breaking into the business. Featuring interviews with many of today’s most talented writers, producers, and directors, as well as revealing stories (e.g., what to do when the skinhead crack addict next door begins screaming obscenities as soon as you call “action”) from the sets of her own short films, Roberta walks you through the minefield of mistakes that an aspiring filmmaker can make–so that you don’t have to make them yourself.
05.Filmmakers and Financing, buisness plans for independents
Filmmakers and Financing: Business Plans for Independents will teach you how to create a complete film company business plan to present to potential investors. With its easy-to-follow format and step-by-step approach, this unique, comprehensive guide bridges the gap between the worlds of film and business. Each chapter concentrates on a specific section of the business plan, such as the project outline, industry overview, marketing, distribution, financial planning, and more. There is also a complete sample business plan to refer to as you write your own. Ms. Levison tells you what potential investors want to know and what you need to do before approaching investors, including defining your goals and objectives; describing your proposed films; outlining their markets and distribution systems; developing simple, complete financial projections; and applying the plan to the management of your company. Even if you have no previous financial experience, Filmmakers and Financing will give you the tools necessary to write a direct, dynamic business plan that will attract investors to your projects.
06. How to work the film & TV markets
How to Work the Film & TV Markets takes independent filmmakers, television and digital content creators on a virtual tour of the entertainment industry’s trade shows — the circulatory system of the entire global media landscape. This book highlights the most significant annual events around the world, details a dossier of all the players that frequent them and examines all the elements that drive the market value and profitability of entertainment properties. In-the-trenches insights from our modern, real-world marketplace are contextualized into immediately implementable practical advice. Make the most of your finite investments of funds, time and creative energy to optimize your odds for success within the mainstream, business-to-business circuit but learn how to select, apply and scale prudent, proven principles to drive your own Do-It-Yourself/Direct-to-the-Consuming-Crowd fundraising, distribution and promotional success.
Heather Hale demystifies these markets, making them less intimidating, less confusing and less overwhelming. She shows you how to navigate these events, making them far more accessible, productive — and fun!
This creative guide offers:
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- An in-depth survey of the most significant film, TV and digital content trade shows around the world;
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- An overview of the co-production market circuit that offers financing and development support to independent producers;
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- An outline of the market-like festivals and key awards shows;
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- A breakdown of who’s who at all these events — and how to network with them;
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- Hot Tips on how to prepare for, execute and follow up on these prime opportunities;
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- Low-budget key art samples and game plans;
- A social media speed tour with a wealth of audience engagement ideas.
Visit the book’s space on www.HeatherHale.com for additional resources and up-to-date information on all these events.
