Book Description
This new edition of the filmmaker's bible has been completely updated to reflect changes in every aspect of the moviemaking process.
Customer Reviews:
Complete and then some.......2006-06-01
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. It is a bit dry and long winded but is more than made up for by its excellent index and organization. It doesn't have to be a page turner if you can find the page you need. Buy it and use it as you need it (and you will need it)
Invaluable resource, a must-buy for all aspiring and experienced independent producers.......2006-02-17
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 educating me on the industry and laying out all of the steps I need to take in order to pull off this project. I've read a number of other books on producing lately, and so far nothing else comes even close to this one. Completely comprehensive, from development to distribution.
Dov's book is better.......2006-02-07
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.
Every indie filmmaker needs this book........2006-01-02
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. This book also helped me put together my radio show, The Indie Film Hour, coming to WorldTalkRadio.com in 2006. www.vdefilms.com
Great book, but needs to go in to a bit more detail.......2003-09-02
What can you expect from a single book about indy feature film production. It's a great introduction book, but for those aspiring producers and directors to be. You'll need to do some research on your own.
Book Description
A revised and expanded sequel to Stealing Fire from the Gods, this 2nd edition includes important new revelations concerning the ultimate source of unity, the structures of the whole story passage, the anti-hero's journey, the high-concept great idea, the secrets of charismatic characters, and the analyses of many important new stories and successful films.
Customer Reviews:
Stealing Money From The Schlubs.......2007-09-26
Okay, I have my MFA in screenwriting, and have read many a book on writing (and there are some very good ones out there). But if, like me, you want additional tools or methods to improve your story/writing/script, then this book is "practically" useless. I say "practically", because after spending half the book on the history of story and other incidentals (academic), the author reserves the last quarter of the book for a complicated bit of story construction/deconstruction mumbo-jumbo that was part Joseph Campbell, part mysticism, and part fevered-dream. There is no "practical" here. Oh, there are boxes for you to put your story into, then based on that box (or paradigm), specific paths for your story to follow. However, so many other books do it so much better (and more practically). Heck, read Michael Hague, he'll give you four fundamental hero types/goals; and read Joseph Campbell yourself. And for gosh sakes, there's nothing like reading screenplays.
The book made me mad. This much money for this little is a bookish crime.
Slightly over my head.......2007-09-13
[3.5 stars]
I have to give this a three-and-a-half-star review, because like an opera viewer, while I can recognize the skill of the singers, I am technically inept at understanding the reasons for that skill.
This is advanced level writing, and I can sort of catch glimpses of brilliance in how the author describes story but, for me, that brilliance is frequently hidden from view by the ponderous language and the intricate psychological contrivances. I wanted to really understand this book, but I don't know if that's possible as a neophyte screenwriter. I believe this is a book I will return to when I have a bit more knowledge and confidence.
In the meantime, I will finish reading Syd Field.
Lots of info but not motivational and boring.......2007-09-06
This is a book full of information on writing. It breaks down the task of writing into almost like a math problem or some sort of physics formula.
It's a good way to analyze your script when you are done but a beginner writer shouldn't be required to follow this formula or else the first draft of the script will never be done.
I got this book hoping to learn some tips on writing before I started my script but looking at the book, chapter titles and flipping through it reminded me of a calculus book.
The analysis was not motivational or interesting at all. It actually made me procrastinate on reading this book and also using it to help me write.
Don't get overwhelmed with these formulas and just start writing.
One good book is "Alone in a Room".
Subconscious Source.......2007-08-31
This book came just in the nick of time for me. After my first re-write on a screenplay I needed something a little more abstract than 3 act structure descriptions. Stealing Fire gives an overview of what stories can be about as well as what they can mean to the viewer. It gave me new hope that creating stories that move audiences, is an important contribution to our social structure and evolving history. James Bonnet asks us to consider the archaic power of story lines and archetypes, the importance of story in every stage of life and to see that it is vital, after having come up with a passable story, to dig deeper and use intuition to start communicating with that muddy subconscious source within us to tell stories that inspire and ignite passion as well as entertain.
one of the most stimulating books on storytelling.......2007-05-19
This second edition of James Bonnet's guide to storytelling expands on the original by some forty pages. Like Christopher Vogler, Bonnet is inspired by C. G. Jung and Joseph Campbell's works, so anyone acquainted with The Hero's Journey will feel at home immediately. However, Stealing Fire goes far beyond the basic hero myth. Bonnet traces the entire LIFE of the hero, from his auspicious beginnings to his final doom. In this way, he opens the door to telling other types of stories than the overexposed coming-of-age hero myth - and about time too.
Another important concept here is the `whole story', namely the entire sequence of events which form the backdrop and the future of the screenplay or novel. For instance, if we consider World War II to be a whole story, then Casablanca and Saving Private Ryan are specific moments of its storywheel.
Stealing Fire is an incredibly rich book, filled with ideas and concepts which stimulate the storytelling mind. However, it's not an `easy-to-use' method which depends on a single, easy to remember formula. The second edition material is mainly concerned with making the book more immediately practical for writers. It succeeds, but there are still many concepts and ideas here which could have been treated in more depth (for instance the Anti-Hero's Journey is described in just two pages). I also feel that the visual representation of the Golden Paradigm described here is too complex and abstract. Nevertheless, James Bonnet's book is thought-provoking, insightful and creatively exceptionally stimulating.
Book Description
• Insider author gives no-nonsense advice
• Required reading for film students, educators, anyone interested in film
From script analysis to post production, here is the all-inclusive guide to directing for film and television. Written by noted director-producer Myrl Schreibman, The Film Director Prepares offers practical insights on filmmaking, using real-life examples directors won't learn in school. With topics including working with actors, using the camera to tell a story, setting mood, staging, maintaining performance levels, covering shots, and directing for different mediums, The Film Director Prepares will leave new directors truly prepared for their careers.
Customer Reviews:
A MUST BUY FOR ALL FILM DIRECTORS.......2007-04-27
I just finished a feature length screenplay that will soon become a feature length film. To prepare for production I decided to purchase two books: Creative Producing A to Z, and, A Film Director Prepares, both by Myrl Schreibman. Having just finished reading them both, I now know I could not have made two better choices. Buy them both, read them both, then read them both again! I promise, your film career will be well served.
Learn the Rules to Break the Rules.......2007-03-20
Practical and easy-to-grasp, this book breaks down directing to its most essential elements: the philosophy and the process. The book is a great starting guide for the newbie. Use it to learn just the fundamental principles of filmmaking, and then go out and discover your own principles.
OUTSTANDING BOOK THAT IS INTERACTIVE.......2007-02-01
This book is an entirely interactive book as it contains a CD-rom that has a 3d storyboarding software that makes it absolutely remarkable in being able to manipulate the images in the book to experiment with concepts and precepts that the author is knowingly speaking about. The Directors Guild of America calls this book the definitive book for directors and encourages not only those who are learning to direct but those who already direct to hacve this book in their library. It is told from a very easy and understandable perspective and full of practical stuff about telling stories, saving production time during production, working with talent, directing various forms of television and most of all what it means to do coverage to tell stories. This is one book that you must have!
Required Reading for Actors.......2007-01-05
"Read, read, read," says Schreibman and he might as well be talking about THE FILM DIRECTOR PREPARES, as essential to the actor as to anybody and everybody else who ever worked on a set. This is the book -- fascinating and entirely accessible -- to afford each of us an extra dollop of confidence in approaching a role, a rehearsal, a conversation about how to play a scene; to give actors an understanding of why directors make the choices they do and how we can best serve the vision of the whole. Wish I'd had this book years and years ago and I'm so glad to have it now!
Indispensable for the Director.......2006-12-06
Myrl Schreibman writes a no nonsense realistic as well artistic book that should become a bible for the aspiring as well as the experienced director. All aspects are covered, the script, the actors, the producers, budgets, all things any director needs to know. Bravo.
Book Description
Aims to provide the reader with real world facts about producing and selling a motion picture.
Customer Reviews:
Too general to be of help.......2006-07-06
For me, this book was too general to be of any help.
The best I've read so far is FROM REEL TO DEAL.
great coverage.......2002-10-16
this book covers all topics of movie productions. a must have to serious filmmakers!
a filmmaker's Bible.......2002-08-02
I'll tell you right now, I haven't read many books on independent filmmaking. As a matter of fact... this is the only one. Yet I still found it very useful and jam-packed with information. Merritt tells it like it is (rather quickly, of course), and doesn't try to hide the fact that filmmaking is not all show and glory. If you're anywhere near interested in producing movies, check this book out. It tells you EVERYTHING you need to know about being a producer. And if you're actually getting into movie-making already, I'd take this along as kind of a "second Bible" as a reference guide. From initial casting to distribution, it covers every aspect of the film business. My only real complaint -- and I hope it doesn't come across as much of one -- is that Merritt doesn't go into detail about techniques. This is a book on HOW TO make a movie, not on WHAT makes a movie. Does that make sense?
Great Overview -- All Good Information, No Fluff.......2000-11-09
This is one of the best introductions I've ever read on making an independent feature film. It covers everything from writing the script to distribution in foreign markets and does so clearly, concisely, entertainingly and within 238 pages. As a film editor, I can say the chapter on editing basics is right on. The sections on money (both raising it and receiving it once your movie is distributed) are both eye-openers. It's a very realistic, honest source of information about making an independent feature.
As for criticism: Written in 1997, the book gives a pretty short shrift to DV, but it does admit that things will change. Also, it focuses primarily on features and not shorts. And at 230 pages, it's still just an introduction, but honestly, I can't think of a better introduction to give to a first time filmmaker -- who's either starting her first short or making that first feature.
Highest recommendation.
The Best How-To Book On Indie Film.......1999-11-24
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.
Book Description
These are just some of the questions you'll find answered in The Complete Guide to Making a Movie. All filmmakers need to understand each and every step of the production process. This guide walks you through the entire production process, from preproduction to postproduction, including a, step-by-step listing of the duties and responsibilities of each crew member. A clear understanding of how the budget level of a production will impact the production process is emphasized throughout. Ultimately, readers gain a clear understanding of each step of the production process and how these processes can differ depending on the budget.
The Complete Guide to Making a Movie discusses both the process involved in making a film or video, along with the various people filmmakers will encounter in each area. These include:
* Budgeting
* Script breakdown and scheduling
* The production team and office
* The director's team
* Casting and actors
* The art, camera, and sound departments
* Special effects
* Wardrobe, makeup and hair
* Locations and the transportation department
* Production and editing
* Music and titles
A FREE one-of-a-kind CD contains many of the production forms movie and video makers will encounter. Blank versions of every form mentioned in the text are included, helping readers put what they have learned in the text into practice.
Customer Reviews:
Textbook Quality!.......2007-06-10
This book is super detailed in its step by step approach to Moviemaking, yet not too over technical that you have to be a rocket scientist to get it. Taking you throught the process one one level at a time, if you follow the steps in this guide you can't go wrong!
Good information, bad writing.......2007-04-10
This book explains the nuts-and-bolts of film production. It contains a lot of good information, but is one of the worst-written nonfiction books I have ever read. The author, who has only 2 credits on the IMDB, knows her stuff, but she apparently didn't know enough to work with a ghostwriter.
For example, every time she has occasion to use the pronouns "he" or "she," she uses both! I am not kidding here, folks. Throughout the ENTIRE book, she uses the phrase "he or she" every time possible! This, and other choices she made in writing style, has the effect of making her book read like a government manual.
So, if it's information you crave, get this book. She doesn't cover everything, and some of her knowledge seems more academic than practical (she's a teacher -- I feel horrified for her students if she teaches the way she writes), but there is no other single source I know of that contains detailed descriptions of all the jobs on a movie production, including the less glamorous but necessary ones like Production Office Coordinator.
But be prepared to read it in very small doses, because her writing style will make you gag.
Oh, and astonishingly, she list real names, addresses, and phone numbers of cast and crew members from a shoot she did! I was aghast. She and her publisher should be expecting lawsuits soon, I would imagine, when the people listed in her book get wind of it.
Here's a quote to give an example of her sloth-like writing style: "The best boy electric is the person who works directly under and assists the gaffer. He or she is also in charge of the lighting truck and is responsible for the lighting inventory. To do this he or she completes frequent inventories of all the lights and lighting equipment to ensure nothing is lost or, if something is damaged, that it is returned."
Any English major could reduce that paragraph to half it size and make it twice as readable, not to mention correct the punctuation.
But, again, no other book offers this info. So if you need to know, then this is the only source to drink in all that knowledge, foul-tasting as it may be.
Book Description
This updated guide to video production features tips on all aspects of filming from camera operation and placement to digital postproduction techniques. New material stresses the fine points of cutting-edge video techniques such as digital effects, the HOTstudio, and posting video on the Internet. Comprehensive information to help video enthusiasts navigate the difficulties of composition, direction, editing, and distribution is provided. Also explained are techniques for lighting, audio mixing, and successfully budgeting a new production.
Customer Reviews:
Waste of my money.......2007-09-22
That was a completely waste of my money, not to mention that the book was very expensive. I cant really see how this book can do anyone much good. Yes, there is a lot of information in this book; covering a lot of ground, all from how the camera work to lightning information. This is like an enormous and boring manual covering - a lot of - different equipment. Maybe thats what youre looking for, but for me it was a big waste of my money
It's Truely A Complete Guide!.......2007-02-22
This Is one of the best soup to nuts guide for producing a video I have ever seen. It will become a text book/reference guide for the Public Access Studio I work with. Every last detail is covered in this book. My thanks to the author and all the contibutors.
Book Description
Sex & Camcorders is everything you need to know about planning, casting, shooting, editing, packaging, and marketing adult videos. The popularity and success of Spring Break videos, Mardi Gras public-nudity videos and all assortments of college-girls-and-dorm-honeys-gone-wild videos is the inspiration behind this book that reveals insider-secrets in the adult video business. Now, you, too, can meet gorgeous women, party with Wild and Sexy girls, and make a ton of money, by producing your own Spring Break, Mardi Gras, and Dorm Honeys videos - full-time or part-time. Here's a business where you can truly have a lot of fun - with or without your clothes on.
Customer Reviews:
Excelllent Resource.......2007-06-23
I highly recommend this book if you are a novice filmmaker. It helped my company avoid alot of mistakes.
[...]
I can't believe this book made it into print........2005-09-28
I would have picked NO STARS had that been an option. If you are a pre-teen, just a day into puberty, this book might seem like a wealth of useful information... even then, it still seems like an AWFUL waste of time and money. I recieved this book this afternoon. I am re-packing it and sending it back... It is only 9:00pm.
DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK.
Better books on subject out there by far!.......2005-07-16
I felt very let down after reading this book. Too many details and subjects left out!
Comes Up Short..........2003-11-19
A good introductory to the adult video production business, but it promised a lot of resourses that it couldn't deliver. Mostly the book is designed to send you to the author's two web sites for more info and promised promotional opportunities, but as I am reading Sex & Camcorders, his sites are off line. The book does have some useful information and an adult business directory that is a good jumping off point. If you are really interested in entering this business... this book won't give you an immediate jumpstart, but it will help you down the road.
Average.......2003-09-15
Pros: Valuable information for the adult movie-maker wannabee (like me). Funny, good jokes here and there. Enthusiast author quickly explaining what to do from the pre-production to post. Lots of my questions were answered here.
Cons: Poorly written by an amateur book writer, Mr. Cool also manage to repeat himself nearly once every page. Non-realistic expectations of easy money raining everywhere, this is a business, not a lottery.
Some areas of the production process were truly ignored or skipped. Don't even think about having a professional look in your movies using available light. You need some basic knowledge of video lighting and some cheap but decent equipment. Also consider buying a shogun microphone for acceptable audio.
The author actually works (or worked) for a somewhat content company and more than often ask the readers to send their videos for review. The only problem is the company itself doesn't exist anymore and the only web link that is still working leads to this book.
A good bet for any adult video enthusiast, but don't expect too much from this book.
Being interested in good lighting myself, I noticed it is everywhere in adult videos, from the so-called 'amateur' to pro-level movies. I would recommend this book available here on Amazon.com:
Lighting for Digital Video & Television
by John Jackman
Average customer rating:
|
A Beginner's Guide to Producing TV: Complete Planning Techniques and Scripts to Shoot
James R. Caruso
Manufacturer: Pearson P T R
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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General & Reference
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ASIN: 0139441093 |
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- Murder of a Botoxed Blonde (Scumble River Mysteries, Book 9)
- My First Five Husbands..And the Ones Who Got Away
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