Average customer rating:
- Pretty comprehensive
- Too technical for and audio "engineer"?!? LOL
- too technical
- WAAAAY TOO TECHNICAL
- great advice, but dont stop here
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Sound Studio Construction on a Budget
F. Alton Everest
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics
ProductGroup: Book
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Similar Items:
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How to Build A Small Budget Recording Studio From Scratch : With 12 Tested Designs (TAB Mastering Electronics Series)
-
Master Handbook of Acoustics
-
Building a Recording Studio
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Home Recording Studio: Build It like the Pros
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Basic Home Studio Design (The Basic Series)
ASIN: 0070213828 |
Book Description
From one of the world's leading acoustics experts, this nuts-and-bolts book offers complete instructions and guidance for building your own inexpensive sound studio. Anyone with a discerning ear and a modicum of electronics skills can follow the clear plans for 10 designs, which include a voice-over recording studio; recording studios for modern, classical, and rock music; a home theater; small announce booth; control room; and music listening room. All projects are fully illustrated and accompanied by complete part lists.
Customer Reviews:
Pretty comprehensive.......2007-01-09
This book is useless if you already own "The Master Handbook of Acoustics" by the same author. However as the title suggests it's all about being on a budget, which it explains fairly well. If you are building a projects studio in your house for example..this is a must read.
Too technical for and audio "engineer"?!? LOL.......2006-04-27
This book is an update of Everest's classic "Acoustic Design for Home and Studio". It is great for what it is. For more capable types, Everest's "Master" book is more complete. This one has the basics. For those who thought this is too technical, I wonder how they expect to deal with the other aspects of audio engineering. Just knowing how to twist a knob is not a path to excellence.
In actuality this is a well written, very direct primer, starting with very basic physics, and leading to easy design engineering. It's not hard to calculate, design, finance or construct good acoustics, and the payoff is huge. It does require a modest amount of work, and calculations to get good data. Remember: "Garbage in, garbage out." Acoustics control your recording and playback. This book will give you a fighting chance.
too technical.......2004-09-25
if you are on a financial budget, you are likely on a time budget, and this book can be a time sucker. it reminded my of my high school trigonometry book. I didn't spend much time with that, either. To the defense of the writer, my friends in the business who actually know what they are doing, swear by this guy and his books. I, however, am just trying to make a room in my house sound a little better, and could care less to know about the science behind it any more than I care about the science behind a combustion engine while I'm driving. I recommend 'basic home studio design' by paul white. simple, small, easy, the minimum that you need to know- but as much as i think 90% would need.
WAAAAY TOO TECHNICAL.......2002-07-25
Too much time spent on the mathematics of sound transfer and acoustics. Not enough on how to build the studio. Could not find a "complete parts list" for any of the plans. This is not for someone looking to build a simple studio. Very technical and boring.
great advice, but dont stop here.......2001-11-06
as another reviewer says, this appears to be the previous edition of what is currently titled "how to build a small budget recording studio....". also, as another reviewer has noted, you dont have to read it in order -- each example project its its own chapter with its own self-contained presentation. each example does stress diffferent design goals that translate to different acoustic treatments.
its a little annoying that every page seems to be an advertsemen for an rpg product. this is mitigated by the author's inclusion of journal and patent references that tell you everything you need to know to build these treatments yourself if you like. or if your budget doesnt allow for the beautiful wood forms from rpg, just take the keywords and run -- diffusor, absorber, abfussor -- and its easy to find someone besides rpg that makes the things using less expensive materials.
i enjoyed the book enough that i'm ordering the next edition. i also recommend his book on stereo theory if you want an overview of the psychoacoustics involved.
Book Description
Complete with behind-the-scenes diary entries from the set of Vachon's best-known fillms, Shooting to Kill offers all the satisfaction of an intimate memoir from the frontlines of independent filmmakins, from one of its most successful agent provocateurs -- and survivors. Hailed by the New York Times as the "godmother to the politically committed film" and by Interview as a true "auteur producer," Christine Vachon has made her name with such bold, controversial, and commercially successful films as "Poison," "Swoon," Kids," "Safe," "I Shot Andy Warhol," and "Velvet Goldmine."Over the last decade, she has become a driving force behind the most daring and strikingly original independent filmmakers-from Todd Haynes to Tom Kalin and Mary Harron-and helped put them on the map.
So what do producers do? "What don't they do?" she responds. In this savagely witty and straight-shooting guide, Vachon reveals trheguts of the filmmaking process--rom developing a script, nurturing a director's vision, getting financed, and drafting talent to holding hands, stoking egos, stretching every resource to the limit and pushing that limit. Along the way, she offers shrewd practical insights and troubleshooting tips on handling everything from hysterical actors and disgruntled teamsters to obtuse marketing executives.
Complete with behind-the-scenes diary entries from the sets of Vachon's best-known films, Shooting To Kill offers all the satisfactions of an intimate memoir from the frontlines of independent filmmaking, from one of its most successful agent provocateurs-and survivors.
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding guide to producing.......2007-09-13
Christine Vachon has written an extremely accessible, entertaining book about what it means to be an independent film producer. She covers every step of the movie-making process, from finding a script to casting to hiring a crew, editing, etc. She covers the material with an engaging style and a sense of humor, and the facts are punctuated with examples and anecdotes from the movies she's produced. She's candid and unapologetic, and apparently some reviewers here have a problem with that. News flash - if you intend to make a career in the film industry, you better get used to people who yell, tight schedules, high expectations, plus low budgets if indies are your thing. If you spent any time on a film set, you would know that it is the producer's JOB to be tough, to get things in on time, and to run a tight ship. At the end of the day, it's the producer's butt that is on the line. It's just plain silly to give the book a low rating because Christine had the guts to be honest about the way things work on a film set and you wouldn't want to work with her. It's clear that some reviewers here need to get a thicker skin or find a different calling.
Christine's films have been critical success stories despite their low budgets and tight time frames - she knows what she is doing and has taken the time to write a wonderful introduction to the world of filmmaking for beginners and those of us with some experience. I highly recommend this book.
There is an Indie Neverland After All.......2005-09-20
Not only is this a thorough and informative piece of work, which would make it worth twice the price all by itself, it's also an inspiration and should be read by anyone, writer, actor, producer, director, anyone.... who's ever been told you have to compromise your vision in this business to get your movie made. There are several great stories in this book but the image that keeps resonating in my head is Christine Vachon, the High Priestess of Indie Film and Soverign Protector of Infant Directors, saying to the producer's rep: "We'll talk about it" and saying to everyone else after hanging up the phone, "We're not cutting anything, we're not cutting anything." Not only did I not know there were people out there doing such things, I had begun to wonder if it was even possible. This book can make you believe again. I didn't read it. I devoured it.
Best behind the scenes indie film book I've ever read.......2002-10-14
Having just directed a low-budget feature in Hollywood, I wish I had read this book beforehand (and I certainly wish my producer had read it). Vachon breaks down the process, making it understandable to even the most novice film fan. The writing is gutsy, the tales from the trenches always interesting. One of the must-reads if you're at all interested in making movies.
Producers aren't directors.......2002-09-24
Somewhere between the world of independant movies and studio pictures reside a group of people who've bounced between both worlds and have taken up residence in the void. The author is one of those people. This book isn't very informative for the ultra low budget producer but a good read nonetheless. Although at times it wanders aimlessly while the reader tries to figure out which of the half-dozen guys named "Todd" she's talking about now. I'd recommend this book to people with budgets in the neighborhood of 100,000 to 5 million. I wouldn't call it a very good resource for locating financing.
Blunt as Hell, Thank God.......2002-06-20
If you want to know more about what it's like to produce, rather than HOW to produce...this is the book. Vachon takes you through her life, and I've learned more about producing just from reading about one of her days. She's honest, doesn't preach much, doesn't give very many golden rules (since we all make our own), and tells you how it really is. If your tired of reading books on forms and paperwork, negotiating and contacts, and are just plain interested in what it's like to be IN IT, buy the book. It's so worth it.
Book Description
This book tells you how to prepare all kinds of budgets, gives actual samples with detailed explanations and has extra sections on Setting Up a Company, Pre-Production and Money-Saving Ideas.
Customer Reviews:
"The Bible".......2007-01-09
Being a start-up production company, saying that this book is like the Bible (no offense) to me would be an understatement... SWEET.
David W. Keon
Sasquatch Entertainment, LLC
Worth its weight in Gold!.......2006-11-06
This is an outstanding source of information for preparing a detailed budget for film or video (commercials, music videos, and so on). The heart of the book consists of explaining each and every single line item you'll find on any production budget. But the book goes even deeper and covers setting up your production company, what to plan for during pre-production and what I consider to be and invaluable analysis on the subject of tape-to-film blow up which is a must for filmmakers on a tight budget but who dream of releasing their film on the big screen.
I decided to purchase this publication over "Film Budgeting". Even though Singleton's companion book "Film Scheduling" is essential to learn how to breakdown a script and "Film Budgeting" might have seamlessly taken me step by step from schedule to budget. "Film and Video Budget 4th edition" contains the most up-to-date information (it was published in 2006), presents five different types of sample budgets that range from a 5 million dollar feature, to music video to a no-budget digital feature and they can be downloaded as Excel sheets, which you can use for the projects that more closely resemble each scenario.
As if all this wasn't enough it provides useful resources for all steps of the production process and money saving tips for shoestring budgets. This is a must for independent producers starting out in the industry or producing different type or more complex shows than before.
The Authors have 'Been There, Done That'.......2006-05-16
The Devil, as they say, is in the details. This is a detailed look at how to do a budget for producing a film or video. And the level of detail covered is amazing. For instance there is a short paragraph on feeding your cast and crew. It says, 'On low-budget shows, if you don't have enough people to warrant hiring a caterer, pass around the menu from a good local restaurant. Or, if it's tighter than that, say for a student film, order in a pizza.'
Then there are the budgets. It starts with a budget for a $5 Million Feature Film project. It lists seventeen pages of budget items that include just about everything you can think of to include in a budget. From there it goes down to a $12,000 sample budget for a student film.
These budgets are discussed here with explanations of what goes into each line item. Then the budgets themselves are available for down loading in Excel format. You can take in the budget and then modify it as needed to fit your own needs. Just the sample budgets are enough to make this book worthwhile, if they keep you from forgetting some critical item it could make the difference in getting the production done or not. The explanations of the line items in the budget clearly describe what each of these mean and how they might fit into your project.
The book clearly shows that these people have been working on budgeting for such productions for a long time. They simply have the ring of 'been there, done that.'
Film & Video Budgets 4 reviewed at Microfilmmaker.com.......2006-03-18
"...The book is well-organized and easy to follow. It provides many helpful tips, suggestions, examples, and contacts to help you make the best budget for your needs. (They also have free Excel budget templates you can download.) They take a lot of things into account and recognize the diverse requirements of different projects you may encounter. And most importantly, this is one of the few budgeting books that actually looks at the financial and budgeting needs of micro-filmmakers and addresses them specifically..." -Kari Ann Morgan, Microfilmmaker.com
An Essential for Producers: new indie or experienced pro.......2006-01-24
Financial aspects of film/video projects are not always fun, but are vitally essential. In this book, Simon and Wiese give an overview of what goes into starting a production company and the basics of pre-production planning and budgeting. Next, they cover a detailed "line item" list of possible expenses you could encounter. Finally, the second half of the book goes through sample budgets for various projects ($5 million feature film, music video, documentary, student film, etc).
Although the book is long, you don't have to read the entire thing (you just choose which budget best fits your needs, and adjust it accordingly). Also, because it is organized so well, it is much less intimidating. Thus, the authors have taken a potentially boring, complicated topic and made it much more engaging and understandable.
As I said, this is not a pretty topic to deal with, but it is one that is necessary and vital to filmmaking. The only people I would recommend getting this book are those that find themselves in the role of Producer. (And for them, I strongly recommend getting this!) I produced a $6,000 movie with no model budget and that was difficult enough; the more money you're responsible for, the more guidance you need to achieve your budget. And while some may think this book is a bit more money than they want to spend. All I will say this: the cost of purchasing this book is far less than the cost of going over-budget or screwing something up due to poor financial planning ahead of time.
Book Description
Myrl Schreibman has written a straighfoward, insightful, and articulate account of what it takes to make a successful feature film.
Customer Reviews:
I recommend it.......2007-07-05
I bought this book for my cousin who wants to start out in the film business. This book helped me break down the who's who in the industry and the breakdown and samples are easy to understand.
MUST READ FOR ALL PRODUCERS.......2007-04-27
I just completed 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, 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.
A STAPLE FOR ANY FILMMAKER.......2006-04-18
This book is the producer's version of Gray's "Anatomy of the Human Body." Without a doubt, Schreibman's text is the blueprint for any successful indie film and should be read and thoroughly consulted by every creative producer - experienced or otherwise. Furthermore, this book that can be extremely useful to directors and screenwriters because it provides a real understanding of what the producer does and how the other creative entities can best collaborate with the producer for creative and practical synergy. In short, this book is a must for anyone who wants to make movies.
No-nonsense bullet-proof advice.......2004-07-17
I recently finished producing my own independent film and found this book right at the beginning of my post-production period.
I wish I had found it earlier. It is full of no-nonsense advice and information that is practically bullet-proof, and I ended up agreeing with about all of it. Schreibman, who apparently has a long history of producing films for t.v. and theatrical market, has paid his dues, done his homework, and knows another "feel-good" you-can-do-it book isn't necessary.
He tells you like it is, doesn't pull any punches, and helps you avoid the most common mistakes, both legally and aesthetically. Writing and directing are generally the more "arty" positions in film production - the Producer is supposed to keep the ship moving forward and avoiding any fatal mistakes. This book directs you in the right direction.
My film was a "micro-budget" film, and this book may ultimately be more useful for "larger" independent features, including ones with SAG deals, distribution in place, and budgets closer to 7 figures. While all the advice here applies to everyone making a movie, it's the attitude Myrl conveys that I really appreciated and believed in, more than some of his nuts-and-bolts info. The contract samples at the end were also very helpful when I went out and began looking for more help finding money to finish my film (which I eventually did).
Now I'm dreaming of using the rest of the info here for my next film!
A practical, no holds barred look at the production process.......2004-04-23
If you are looking for a practical, REALISTIC book on how to begin and finish the production process, this is the book for you. I began my very extensive hunt for a book that would spell out the production process from A-Z. This book delivered on what it said. Very often in this industry it can be smoke and mirrors...not here my friend. Myrl speaks from experience and gives it to you straight. You WILL understand the production process from start to finish after reading this book.
As an added note, I was so impressed with the book that I contacted Myrl to consult with me on a recent project. He delivered on his promises and helped me guide my project to a successful finish. A five-star book and a five-star person.
Book Description
Digital Filmmaking 101 reveals the secrets of making professional-quality ditial moviemaking on ultra-low budgets.
Customer Reviews:
Digital Filmmaking 101.......2007-06-01
Has lots of information and tips on "how-to-" do many things. But I wouldn't try to make a movie of it. It just didn't hit me.
Where is the digital?.......2007-04-05
I bought this book thinking it would help in a film project utilizing a good camera and a few volunteers. Unfortunately it does not even have much to say about the possibilities of digital filmmaking, but rather gives a disorganized (how about some editing?) depiction of their experience in making two films. I am not sure they even used the digital format.... The true focus is how to produce a film with little budget, and little experience. Not a bad topic, but not what I was expecting from the title. Three stars for the appendix, the chapter on working with the crew, and budget.
Excellent book.......2007-03-09
A well written, humorous book, includes lots of helpful hints, and several templates that help with the production process.
Informed, clear, cogent information and advice.......2007-01-12
This is the most informative, clearly written, cogent source of information on this subject I have read. Although you need rudimentary knowledge to practice what the authors preach, they provide intermediary and advanced tips and strategies that more than make this book worth the price of admission. Don't miss it!
Jeffrey M. Freedman
Screenwriter
'Vivaldi'
[....]
Great read. Recommended 4 anyone starting out........2006-12-14
Easy to follow, and worth every cent paid for it.
Book Description
We?re entering a new era. Mini-DV filmmaking is the new folk, the new punk rock, the new medium where anyone can tell his story. "$30 Film School" is an alternative to spending four years and a hundred thousand dollars to learn the trade. It is influenced by punk rock?s Do-It-Yourself spirit of just learning the basics and then jumping up on a stage and making a point, and by the American work ethic back when it was pure, before it became all about corporations crushing the little guy. Throw in the hacker idea that information wants to be free (or at least very cheap) and you?ve got our deal. Inside you?ll find many interviews from insightful independent filmmakers and artists, as well as a host of practical advice, knowledge, and resources.
Customer Reviews:
more than just a film book.......2007-02-24
I got this for my boyfriend, he's starting out in filmmaking. He's upset because I keep borrowing it from him to read, even though I'm not a filmmaker. This is an amazing book, with lots of advice on dealing with people and living life....FAR more than just a book on making video. there's even stuff on computer use that helped me with writing...but mainly, it's a GUIDE FOR LIVING, somehow hidden inside a flimmaking book.
Read it. Buy it. Share it. And if you're not a filmmaker, I'd recommend starting with the last chapter. "Closing Arguments."
--
Exspected much more! .......2007-02-20
I bough this book and though that it will be much exiting then it was. It was nothing special for me. This book is written by not professional film maker he is not seemed to be very successful. He didn't even finished the film school and makes ugly films. I didn't like them at all. This man has no talent. How can you learn from such a person?
Buy This Book!!!.......2006-11-16
$30 Film School is an absolute jewel of a book to have in your possession , as is covers every aspect of filmmaking from conception to distribution in a writing style that that is as straight forward and plebian as it is witty and concise. Michael Dean takes an approach to instructional writing that makes it seem like you are in the same room with him having a conversation. I read it straight through the first day I bought it out of sheer enjoyment and I have been referring to it on various projects ever since. Every question I have had about filmmaking has been answered and utilized in this book. I have used Dean's sage advice to attain fiscal sponsorship, to totally master my camera, to find cheap and professional ways around lighting and sound.
As I have read all of the reviews posted here, let me just state, if anyone has an issue spending 30$ on this book, they are not reading it the way it was intended. There are no quick fixes in like and you could read a whole library of books and never achieve what you want to. You have to get off your behind and do it. That is what Michael Dean is saying. If your intent is to become Michael Bey, I guess you should save your money. This is not a how to guide to becoming a Hollywood Mogul. If your intent is to figure out a feasible way to do what you love, to make art, this book will show you the way. I own at least twenty different books on the subject. THIS ONE IS THE BEST!
Wow..........2006-11-06
I bought this book...for...30 dollars and now i want it back! Dean really isnt that great of a writer...
Not to mention the simple fact that if Hollywood never excisted we wouldnt like films...I dont understand why everything has to be so Hollywood Bashing these days. Dean is a prime example of one of these types, if he wasnt lauding himself for his "DIY" tactics he was talking about about how "Punk Rock" he is or even "Those Hollywood rats...". i honestly think that Hollywood rejected him...so now he vents his anger through the book.
Sad.
i'll never get those minutes back..........2006-10-15
and not to waste too many more minutes on it, suffice to say this book left me unimpressed; poorly written and poorly executed. there was nothing of value in this book to me. do not waste your money.
Book Description
This full color book provides simple and effective special effects techniques that can be mastered by the amateur filmmaker. Work smart, play safe, and create interesting special effects that will help your film or video project look like a million bucks.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent for anyone dedicated to creating their own film!.......2007-07-05
This book is especially good for student film-makers, who will be inspired rather than intimidated by the art of special effects production; the book makes impressive illusion possible with little money necessary and with resources already available in many people's homes. If the reader is serious about film-making, they've met the only requirement needed to create worthwhile special effects.
Low budget? No problem! .......2007-06-03
I bought this book for my son, who is an attorney and wants to learn filmmaking as a hobby. I'm impressed by the photos and artwork, which take readers step-by-step through each phase of the projects. I ended up reading the book myself, and I can see it's all my son will need to get started. I recommend this book for all novice filmmakers.
ideal for beginning SFX specialists.......2007-05-19
Arguably the biggest revolution in filmmaking in the last decade has taken place in the field of special effects. CGI has irrevocably changed the way movie magic is created, and thanks to advances in computer technology many home users now have access to the same software used in Hollywood. So, in principle, professional-quality special effects are now within anyone's reach. The only question is: how does the budding SFX-enthusiast get started?
This is where Mike Slone's book comes in. Squarely aimed at the beginner, it details a number of the most common special effects used in filmmaking. Of course, not everything is done with computers, so the first part of the book concentrates on physical effects. These include creating fake blood and bullet hits, rain and snow, fake glass, disappearing tricks, the use of prop guns, smoke, dry ice, bullet and arrow hits and models and miniatures. Each of these techniques is explained in a clear and practical fashion, although if you intend to get into modelling, you'll obviously need to look for further detailed information.
The book then goes into digital effects, including green screen, gun flashes, and light sabres. There are extensive tutorials on each of these using Adobe Premiere Pro. The final chapters include interviews with a few SFX professionals and provide tips for starting your own FX company if you're so inclined.
Veteran SFX people probably won't find much that is new here, but anyone starting out in the field couldn't wish for a better introduction.
Excellent Resource Guide.......2007-05-11
My first attempt at special effects was doing stop-motion animation with an 8mm camera that was not equipped for stop-motion animation. The results were, well, terrible. My second attempt was cutting out a cardboard "Star Wars" tie-fighter, attaching a stick to it, poking it through a star filled sky backdrop (black cardboard with holes punched in it) and then to film the tie-fighter straight on with someone yanking and turning the stick in hopes to show "movement." In this case it looked like the tie-fighter was attached to a stick and shaken back and forth.
If you want to create REAL special effects, this book is for you. Mr. Slone does an excellent job of going through the various special effects you might want to attempt. Some as easy as: "Rent a fog machine." And others as complicated as: "Once you have downloaded your image, pull it up on the computer and going frame by frame you..."
Where this book excels, though, is in it's presentation and content. It goes far beyond the "physical effects" and "digital effects" and talks about careers in the field, working with sound effects even starting your own home studio.
The book is also FULL of websites, resources and contact information. The book also includes full page graphics showing, step-by-step, how to do some of the basic effects (gun shot, teleporting, light saber) that would impress your friends and neighbors.
The only complaints I have with the book are these: I would have liked a section on how to make break-away furniture. He notes where to order break-away glass, but a section on furniture - either how to make it, or where to buy it, would have been helpful. And it would have been a huge added bonus to provide a DVD with either actual step-by-step film clips, demo versions of software, or other types of media that could possibly better explain the ideas and concepts laid out in the book.
Still, those are minor complaints. This is an excellent book/resource guide.
Great Beginners Guide.......2007-05-03
Most books in this genre assume a basic knowledge of special effects and computer technology that is beyond the beginning user. What this work uniquely contributes is a thorough and careful explanation of those basics. This is the place to start. If you are interested in making your productions better than scripted home movies, If you are frustrated by the difference between what you see in your mind's eye and what comes out on the screen, if you don't know where to begin, this book is perfect for you. The care taken in making no assumptions and explaining each step so very thoroughly sets this work apart. Highly recommended.
Book Description
For years, award-winning independent filmmaker Rick Schmidt has been teaching aspiring writers, directors, and producers how to make “no-budget” films, both in workshops and in his classic guide, Feature Filmmaking at Used-Car Prices. Now Schmidt shows how it is easier—and cheaper—than ever to make an innovative, high quality work, thanks to digital video. Filled with the latest information on equipment and software, ideas for experimenting with new techniques, and advice based on Schmidt's own experiences, Extreme DV at Used-Car Prices offers a step-by-step tour through the making of a feature- length movie using the newest and ever-changing DV technology. Instructive and inspiring, this one-of-a-kind book is essential for filmmakers with lots of ideas but little money.
Customer Reviews:
Awesome book!.......2007-09-23
Do yourself a favor and read it if you are serious about no only making a movie/video but having people sit through and enjoy your work.
Good intro to those seeking to make film at "used car" price.......2007-08-03
This book is a good intro to those seeking to make a DV film at a "used car" price. It has a chapter on everything from planning, shooting and marketing plus some of the author's experiences in each. The bad aspect of the book is that each section is very short. The chapters only basically touch on subjects. In addition, the movie is weak in the area of planning non-documentaries (i.e., very litte discussion of script - author's advice is just go out and shoot). In addition, the book is geared to the cheapest production values. For example, he spends a lot of time discussing the use of a TRV10 (a digital 8 camera!!) and the $60.00 on camera amateur mike that can be purchased for it. Little discussion is given of using even a slightly more advanced camera such as a Canon XL-1. If you are going to spend a few weeks of your life on a project does it not make sense to spend another grand and use decent equipment?
Despite these weaknesses book gives good (albiet very rudimentary) intro to most phases to indie filmaking. For somebody starting out fine. For someone who is beyond the beginner level the book will not provide much of use.
A digital filmmaking must!!!.......2006-01-18
Don't judge this book on the typing errors (they are not noticeable anyway), but on the content. Rick has been very successful in independent film, but is a much better teacher than a filmmaker. As a filmmaker myself, this book along with Rick's original one on feature filmmaking, has inspired and taught me more than any other book on the subject. In the new era of digital and HD filmmaking, this book will breif you on everything you need to know. Great advice lines the pages and motivation to make a movie is the least you'll take away from reading even just a chapter. Buy this book because even if you breifly thought about making a movie then Rick can get you started.
Yuck.......2006-01-04
Dont buy this, its just his own personal experiences of making horrible sounding DV film. He gives bad advice, and sugguests not using a script. As said before, look at who is giving you advice before you take it. If you really want this book buy a used copy.
Don't Be Afraid.......2005-06-05
Ya ever think - I'd like to make a movie - but then stopped right there 'cause the reality (so you think) is that putting something like that together is just too hard? Pick up Extreme DV, ya goof. It doesn't have to be that difficult. You could get your cinematic vision in the can without the unpleasantness of ulcers and spousal abandonment. Take a look. And don't be afraid.
Book Description
Celluloid Mavericks: A History of American Independent Filmmaking documents this rich history, showing what it meant to be "independent" in the 1930s and what it means today. Author Greg Merritt distinguishes between indie and semi-indie productions, explores the genres represented under the independent umbrella, and addresses the question of what makes a movie independent -- its "spirit" or the budget backing the production. From one-reel flicks at the turn of the century to the blockbusters of the '90s, Celluloid Mavericks takes readers on a fascinating tour of the industry. 50 photos.
Customer Reviews:
my fave film book.......2002-07-09
This book blew me away. I love the way it covers the whole spectrum of indie film, not just "art" but "exploitation" as well. The story of how these films came to be against great odds makes for great reading. I learned something knew on every page. Highly recommended for fans of non-Hollywood films.
Excellent book.......2002-01-21
This was a very good read, masterfully told and researched. This is the only book that tells the COMPLETE history of indie movies. Highly recommended.
THE BEST BOOK ON THE TOPIC.......2000-06-16
This is the best book ever written on independent film. I wish I could give it move than 5 stars, because Celluloid Mavericks is a pure pleasure to read: witty, informative and always extremely entertaining. No other book comes close to its breadth and detail, especially in regards to the previously uncharted territory between 1896 and 1960. This is my all-time favorite film book, well deserving of its many raves reviews.
"Indispensible book, as entertaining as it is informed".......2000-04-19
from the New York Press 3-29-2000 - copyright Matt Zoller Seitz
Merritt's book covers a century's worth of off-center cinema, including 1890s nickelodeons, 1940s chitlin-circuit black films, Sam Fuller's genre-busting work in the 50s and 60s, blaxploitation and hardcore porn in the 70s and the Sundance wave of the 80s and 90s. The central idea of free spirits bucking the system unifies waht might have been a too-broad historical text, and Merritt's tart wit enlivens the fact-packed narrative. His prose isn't merely amusing; it's lovingly polished, a real pleasure to read. He's honest enough to admit that most 70s blaxploitation films were garbabe, "rarely as much fun as their posters or soundtracks." He coins a wonderful new phrase to describe the hillbilly flicks that flooded rural drive-ins around the same time: "Whitezploitation." He describes Tom Laughlin's "Billy Jack" as a movie about pacifists who "come to worship a man of violence," and declares, "the real hoot is seeing the messiah take off his boots and kick the grins off rednecks."
This isn't one of those fuzzy, ruminative books where the author writes whatever strikes his fancy and crams it into a bulging thematic suitcase after the fact. The preface carefully defines "independent" to mean any movie "financed and produced completely autonomous of all studios," and "semi-indie" as a movie that received studio funding at some point. The definitions cast certain well-known American films in a fresh light. I didn't know, for example, that the Oscar-winning "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" didn't get a dime's worth of funding from any studio.
Chapter to chapter and page for page, "Celluloid Mavericks" is an indespensable book, as entertaining as it is informed.
A VERY GOOD BOOK.......2000-04-11
This was a great read. Very well-written. It covered more than any other film book. I especially liked the exploitation stuff and how it mixed with art films: the yin and yang of indie cinema.
Books:
- The Return of the Native (Cover to Cover Classics)
- The Sense and Sensibility: Screenplay & Diaries : Bringing Jane Austen's Novel to Film
- The Sixties
- The Wise Guy Cookbook: My Favorite Recipes From My Life as a Goodfella to Cooking on the Run
- The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists: Coping with the One-Way Relationship in Work, Love, and Family
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- To Play the Fool
- Unforgiven
- Vertigo and dizziness
- Your Movie Sucks
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