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
Managing the production of games in the 21st century is a challenge, especially because there is no standardized process to ensure the successful completion of every game. But game production isn't a science, so you can't expect each game to present the same challenges and rewards as the last. Fortunately, common elements do exist for every game development team, and improving upon these commonalities and anticipating new challenges is the purpose of The Game Production Handbook: it brings some order to the chaotic world of game production. Written by a veteran game producer, The Game Production Handbook is the ultimate industry reference. It answers the questions new leads, managers, and producers have, and it gives the pros new insights and valuable tips to improve their existing processes. It includes cutting-edge advice from industry experts on managing teams, tracking production cycle from pre-production to post-production, and offers detailed practical advice on how to run a project. The focus throughout is on the nuts and bolts of managing development, including defining goals, creating a plan, managing, hiring, and motivating people effectively, and dealing with the inevitable bumps along the way. This is an indispensable training manual for the entire team! What You'll Find: * Best practices and answers to all types of pre- and post-production issues that arise during the development cycle * Tips for managing and motivating teams * Methods for brining structure and order to your game production processes * Details for organizing mo-cap shoots, voice over sessions, and localizations * Specifics on the console submission process, software ratings, and working with publishers * Customizable checklists for pre-production, production, and post-production
Customer Reviews:
How to produce more organized games.......2006-04-14
Heather Chandler's THE GAME PRODUTION HANDBOOK adds to others in the 'Game Production' series and offers a range of methods and tips for producing more organized games. From voice over sessions and submission processes to brainstorming, developing concepts, and marketing them with publishers, THE GAME PRODUCTION HANDBOOK covers it all.
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
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
Welcome to the exciting world of game programming! If you're already familiar with the C++ programming language and want to learn how to program games, this book is for you. Game Programming in C++: Start to Finish will help you learn how to turn your own game fantasies into playable realities! Over the course of the book, you'll learn the popular techniques and practices behind today's games. Not only will you add a lot of theory to your game programming toolkit, but you'll also create a small basic game from scratch - SuperAsteriodArena. While you'll focus on using the SDL and the OpenGL libraries to learn game programming, you'll also learn the essential Windows principles that you'll need to create just about any kind of game with any other API such as DirectX. This easy-to-follow book takes current game programming information and filters it down to a practical level. Each chapter and subsection builds upon previous chapters and topics in a tutorial format, allowing you to progress at your own pace. As you work through the book, you'll build the SuperAsteriodArena game, beginning with engine creation and 3D programming with SDL and OpenGL. From there you'll move on to animation effects, audio, collision detection, networking, and finalizing the game. A variety of tools are used throughout, including Visual Studio and OpenGL, SDL, Autodesk 3ds Max, and the Audacity sound tool.
Customer Reviews:
designing games.......2007-09-07
This programming book was just what my son was wanting. He thinks it will really help refine his gaming progams.
Made me Dizzy.......2007-03-20
It's ironic that a programmer would be so terrible at giving directions. To start out with, the directions for setting up SDL (a necessary programming toolkit) were almost non-existant. Just this small task took me 8+ hours, and I had to resort to browsing web-forums!
Often the directions were so terrible that it wasn't even clear whether or not he'd just given directions for a procedure or was just providing an example. As a programmer, the author should be able to give sequential, succinct, and easily-followable directions. At this,the author, unfortunately, fails miserably.
Avoid This Book.......2006-08-21
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who is trying to start out in game programming. I am a grad student engineer and have been programming for over 5 years. I just recently got into game and graphics programming and this book is really terrible compared to some others I've seen. The only reason I gave it two stars is because the chapter on graphics mathematics is fairly complete, and the book provides a good high level picture of how a game is structured. However, the code specifics are downright horrible, the listings seem to be randomly thrown in without any clue as to where they should go in an actual program, the writing is boring, the directions are sparse and inchoerent, and much of the source code provided on the CD is incredibly difficult to get running (if it runs at all). Also, there is a discussion board on wazoo, but don't excpect much help. Many of the forums end with unanswered questions including many that I had. For an intro book to programming games, save your money for another book, because this book just isn't worth the cost in wasted time and money.
A graded learning approach.......2006-04-14
Erik Yuzwa's GAME PROGRAMMING IN C++: START TO FINISH will lend particularly well to prior C++ programmers and users who want to learn game programming. Chapters use current game programming information and take a lesson plan graded learning approach to building an entire course in C++ game programming, from the basics to creating a complete game.
Fairly good.......2006-03-26
Overall, the book is fairly useful. However, it lacks several things:
1. Contains many snippets of code that cannot be determined where they go
2. Constantly uses forward-slashes (/) instead of backslashes (\) for filenames (even if outside of code).
3. Does not justify certain variable names; ie a local variable one would normally call "fontSize", he calls "m_pFontSize".
4. What exactly is something such as a "PNFGLGETQUERYOBJECTIVEARBPROC"? He uses types like this alot, but never says what they are (even in the introduction to OpenGL).
Product Description
A 2007 Benjamin Franklin Awards Finalist. Using Stories from his 30 years in film production, Robert Latham Brown illuminates the principals of film planning from a unique perspective. From the missing swamp to dealing with polar bears, this book will entertain as well as instruct. He shows you how to break a script down into its basic components, and he takes you through every line of a film budget, explaining how to squeeze the most value out of your funds.
Customer Reviews:
This book is a fat little secret..........2007-01-28
I found out about this book quite by accident on Wikipedia, as so many people rely on expensive computer budgeting programs now. I refuse to shell out more big cash on programs and books. The D.I.Y. film information industry has become so bloated, you could spend so much money on materials, you could've made a feature film instead of buying more books on HOW to do it. But this is a really good book from an actual teacher who knows how to communicate. It's a secret self-published book that I'm glad I stumbled upon. As word-of-mouth spreads, I imagine many more people will find out about it.
Anyway, now that the script is done five years later, I've been avoiding the idea of all this real work, hoping I could run a cute photo and a personal ad for a knight to ride in and save me. I didn't care if the knight was white or black or even abusive. But no dice. And since I have to do this anyway, I wanted to really learn the logic of how and why to break down and budget a script. It's a surprisingly easy read for such a dry subject and I'm carrying my copy around like a newly dog-eared pet, reading a little bit more each time. Good luck to both you and me!
Be your film's hero and read this book!.......2006-11-10
If you are making your first legitimate movie where people besides your friends and family are depending on you not to screw up big time and you just searched Amazon for books on filmmaking and you need a no-nonsense step by step guide to help you through the behind the scenes process, this is the book for you!
I work with a comedy group in California, and we recently shot our first budgeted short film. As I am the most organized member of the group I was appointed the "Line Producer" and put in charge of making the whole thing come together on the back end. Coming from a theatre background, I knew what went into putting a stage performance together, but I was in the dark when it came to preparing for a film. After scouring Amazon (and a few other sites) this book seemed the most adequate to help me prepare for my job.
I've worked in film before, so a lot of the books I looked at about making a movie spend 2/3 of their volume explaining the difference between DV and Film and what a DP does, but I needed something that cut through that introductory fat, and would help prepare me for pre-production and detail exactly what went into pulling a film together.
This book is that book. It was my bible. It was glued to my side like Biff's Sports Almanac in Back to the Future 2.
Mr. Brown walks you through everything that goes into "making it happen." From breaking down the script into a functional shooting schedule to preparing an accurate budget to determing how far behind schedule you are to making sure there is a place for people to go to the bathroom, it's all in there. Additionally, the book even helped me to prepare for a lot of the basic legal and propreitary issues that we would encounter.
Brown also peppers the book with great anecdotes that help you avoid the pitfalls and roadblocks that he himself has encountered on large feature films like The Goonies. Yeah, The Goonies, you can't mess with someone who worked on The Goonies.
This book is essential. Bottom line. Read it. Love it. Use it.
Make well prepared movies.
Be a hero for your production.
Recommended for aspiring and professional film producers of all experience levels.......2006-09-15
Planning The Low Budget Film by producer and production manager Robert Latham Brown draws upon the author's 30 years of experience to lay out the principles of solid film planning with strictly limited resources. Chapters discuss how to get into the low-budget film business, how to apply and adhere to a schedule, methods of calculating and keeping track of the budget. Of especial value is the meticulous step-by-step instructions for anyone who is brand new to the confusing world of financial recordkeeping. Written in down-to-earth, no-nonsense format, Planning The Low Budget Film is enthusiastically recommended for aspiring and professional film producers of all experience levels.
Well written, with great information.......2006-08-10
This book is very readable - the author uses several anecdotes to engage the reader, and also provides lots of hard facts, and excellent suggestions. If you are planning a film - buy this book.
An Excellent Production Resource.......2006-06-29
This book is mis-named. It is a thorough and comprehensive production guide for ALL types of films, high and low budgets. it should be required reading for film students and studio producers. It entertaining and full of insights and techniques for film production. In a way, Mr. Brown missed his calling. He is a gifted and extraordinary writer and teacher.
Book Description
Backed by the resources of Independent Feature Project/West, co-authors Nicole Shay LaLoggia and Eden H. Wurmfeld have written the definitive low-budget production manual. Using examples from the Miramax film Swingers, this comprehensive manual offers the independent filmmaker a single volume reference covering every aspect of making a film: script rights and rewrites, financing, breakdown, scheduling and budgeting, pre-production, production, postproduction, and distribution. A resource guide listing useful references and organizations, as well as a glossary, complete this manual. The companion CD-ROM features interviews with important figures in the independent film industry, including Billy Bob Thornton and Ang Lee. Forms that are illuminated in the text are also included on the CD for ease of use.
Independent Feature Project/West is non-profit membership organization for independent filmmakers. IFP/West provides its members with access to industry leaders, professional advice, discounts, and rental equipment. IFP/West also provides a comprehensive educational program covering all aspects of the filmmaking process from script to post-production, to marketing and distribution. Since its inception, IFP/West has become the primary support network for filmmakers in Southern California and is a strong advocate for diversity and innovation in filmmaking.
Written by two independent producers, based on their experience with successful independent films
Includes aCD-ROM with QuickTime versions of interviews with leading independent filmmakers such as Billy Bob Thornton and Ang Lee as well as frequently used production forms in reusable template format
Extensive resource guide of references, organizations, and terms
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Resource.......2003-11-13
The IFP/WEST Filmmakers Manual walks you through the line producing responsibilities of the movie SWINGERS. Written with detailed information including example budgets, call sheets and production notes. The book also provides useful situational anecedotes from the production.
This is the best resource for production management in independent filmmaking I have found to date.
Very Good Resource for Creative Producers of Indie Films.......2003-01-27
For the aspiring producer of independent films, the "IFP/West Independent Filmmaker's Manual" is a great book to read. It gives the reader a solid overview of virtially every stage of the production process.
With the production of "Swingers" still fresh in their minds, writers Nicole Shay LaLoggia and Eden H. Wurmfield give the reader an insider's view of making that all important first film. Although "Swingers" was made on a tiny budget and without the benefit of the Screen Actors Guild's new low budget agreements, the film proved successful within a fiercely competitive independent film market.
These producers had what it takes to get a small film made without the benefit of a big budget or big name stars. Since most of the readers of this book are probably starting off in a similar situation, their insights are especially helpful. Veteran producers (while the writers may be considered veterans now) often lose touch with what it's like to be a new producer.
It's also important to note that these producers simply did not roll over and die after making, "Swingers." At this writing, Eden H. Wurmfeld is a finalist for the Motorola Producer's Award, part of the IFP's Independent Spirit Awards for "Kissing Jessica Stein" and "Fanci's Persuasion." In short, these producers are out there in the trenches and speak from not just knowledge, but experience.
A very helpful feature of the book are a series of checklists, to remind the producer of his or her daily responsibilities. Producing is a high pressure job that is very detail orientated. I wish this resource had been available when I started producing a few years before this book was published.
On the two CD-ROMs included (one formatted for PCs, the other for Macs), you get a series of very worthwhile extras. This includes an ample supply of production forms and interviews with prominent people in the independent film world. The interviews include Geoffrey Gilmore (Sundance Film Festival), Kasi Lemmons (writer/director of "Eve's Bayou," the #1 independent film of 1997), Kevin Smith (writer/director of "Clerks), Jon Favreau ("Swingers") and Billy Bob Thornton ("Slingblade"). Also included are interviews with veteran producers Ted Hope and Christine Vachon. These are all great for the independent filmmaker, particularly if you're trying to make deeply personal films to play at film festivals and on the "art house" circuit. If you're just interested in making B-grade genre films, these will be less helpful.
My one complaint about the included production forms is that they include a navigational box at the upper left hand corner that says, "Return to Contents," that can't be removed unless you have the full version of Adobe Acrobat.
LaLoggia and Wurmfeld's book demystifies the role of the "creative producer" on independent feature films. However, if you're interested in a nuts and bolts book on the role of a "line producer" (which is essentially a production manager and not one who develops a project from scratch), this book may still be beneficial, but perhaps less so. This is also true for people interested solely in producing mass market films for the major studios. If you don't yet know the difference or are trying to figure out which way to go, this book is a great jumping off point.
Dive in, the water's fine.
Most Disappointing.......2002-04-24
This book was a big disappointment. It seems half the pages are just print outs of forms, budgets, etc. The information tucked between the pages of forms is the same stuff found in many more comprehensive and readable books. It seemed to be written by a computer, not a person. The index is weak as is the glossary. These folks made one movie and thought they could tell the rest of the world how it's done. The hubris is only exceeded by the vapidity. Sent mine back for a refund.
No Kevin Smith interviews, Pleeeeeze........2000-09-12
The idea of an interview with Kevin Smith being a "bonus" is not appealing. Gimme REAL directors like Sydney Lumet or Jane Campion.
Useful For Some.......2000-02-29
I was slightly disappointed by this book. But I had heard so much hype about it that anything short of a divine masterpiece was going to be a let-down. I will however strongly recommend this book to someone who is knowledgable about film, has a worthwhile project, and wants to know how to get it off the ground because what the authors do is detail how they went about making their indie film Swingers. Many will find this useful as it will tell you how to go about organizing, scheduling, budgeting, and then shooting your project. Anything you could possibly need to know is discussed. The one thing that I found the most enjoyable though was the cd it comes with that contains interviews with Kevin Smith (director of Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Dogma) and others.
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