You are here: TheatreBooks > Film > Independent Filmmaking

Independent Filmmaking A Killer Life Christine Vachon & Austin Bunn In A Killer Life, Christine Vachon follows up her independent producing handbook, Shooting to Kill, with a behind-the-scenes memoir of the battle between creativity and commerce. She recounts the rise of independent film and the evolution of her company, Killer Films, revealing the stories behind star castings and firings and films that never got made; how sexuality factors into the films she produces; and how the often lethal combination of finance and creativity affects what we see on the big screen. Softcover, 300 pp. $19.95. Short Films... How to Make and Distribute Them Nathan Parker This book is for anyone who has ever wanted to make a short film. Focusing on the practicalities of filmmaking, it will guide you through all stages of the process, examining every available possibility along the way. From the development of your initial idea, to screening your finished film in front of an audience, it will enable you to make informed decisions, including which format to use, where to find a cast and crew, and how to get your short film distributed. An invaluable resource for new and more experiences filmmaker's alike, offering technical and creative solutions for the realisation of short films in all shapes and sizes. Softcover, 298 pp. $24.95. Digital Filmmaking Dale Newton & John Gaspard From script to screen, every aspect of low-budget digital feature production is covered in this updated edition. It provides additional detail on new business structures for the independent filmmaker, looks at camera and editing system options that are available for budgets as low as $8,000, examines new trends in film festivals and distribution, and provides information for anyone who has the passion and the zeal to bring their cinematic dreams to life. Softcover, 291 pp. $35.95. There's No Business Like Soul Business Derek Rydall A step-by-step guide, filled with in-depth exercises and breakthrough processes, this book equips artists and entertainment professionals with the spiritual tools and techniques to make their everyday walk in the business a more purposeful and prosperous adventure. Rydall empowers readers to achieve their dreams and create material that has a positive impact on the planet. Softcover, 236 pp. $29.95. Independent Film Distribution Phil Hall No matter how good your film is, if it doesn't get distribution, it will never be seen by anyone! Learn how to break out of the pack and champion your movie by getting it seen and heard by the biggest audience possible. This comprehensive insider's view to the world of independent film distribution wipes away the prevalent myths surrounding the process and offers a harsh but useful examination of what is required to get a movie picked up by a distributor. Softcover, 272 pp. $34.95. The Complete Guide to Making a Movie: Low Budget and Beyond Lorne M. Wales As a movie maker, you have an overwhelming number of details to handle: How to choose the best location... Staying on budget... How to get the most out of actors, extras, and stunt people... And how to make your vision truly come to life. With the right tool, you can make it happen. The Complete Guide to Making a Movie: Low Budget and Beyond is the definitive guide to making a film or video. Every detail you need is here--from pre-production to post-production--as well as a step-by-step listing of each crew member's duties and responsibilities. Softcover, 287 pp. $31.95. Putting the Pieces Together: The Graffiti Model for Indie Filmmaking Benjamin Morgan A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Quality of Life, including annotated original screenplay and forward by Jim Prigoff. Softcover, $24.95.   The Rough Guide to American Independent Film Jessica Winter Unconventional, controversial and often downright disturbing, indie films have given us some of cinema's most innovative and influential moments. The Rough Guide to American Independent Film gives you the lowdown on maverick filmmaking, from sleazy exploitation flicks and satirical documentaries to chilling horror movies and quirky suburban dramas. Softcover, 277 pp. $21.99. Digital Filmmaking for Teens Pete Shaner & Gerald Everett Jones You don't have to invest a small fortune, own expensive gear, and employ an army of technicians to create a movie. Today's high-tech tools will fit in your backpack and don't require the financial backing of a major movie studio. With this book, you'll learn how to tell your story on a budget, using tips from industry veterans. From developing your idea and writing a script to planning for production, shooting and editing, Digital Filmmaking for Teens covers every step. Softcover, 237 pp. $34.95. Splatter Flicks: How to Make Low-Budget Horror Films Sara Caldwell Turn that demented story and skeletal budget into a real horror movie! From concept to screen, this comprehensive guide shows aspiring filmmakers how today's most successful creators of horror finance, produce, and market their films. Softcover, 215 pp. $24.95. I Wake Up Screening: What to Do Once You've Made That Movie John Anderson & Laura Kim In I Wake Up Screening, John Anderson and Laura Kim tell emerging filmmakers how to (and how not to) get their films talked about, written about, sold, and seen. They explain how to get independent films evaluated, how to put together the perfect team, how to deal with the media, how to navigate the festival circut, and how to win friends and influence people. The authors' advice is supported by insightful interviews with more than sixty top industry insiders. Softcover, 218 pp. $24.95. Fast, Cheap & Under Control John Gaspard Other filmmakers -- with as little money, as little time, and just as many pressures as you're facing -- have achieved remarkable feats in low-budget filmmaking. They have overcome the same problems, and some that you could never imagine. With this book you will learn hard-earned lessons from such low-budget mavericks as Steven Soderbergh, Roger Corman, Jon Farveau, Daniel Myrick and several others. Softcover, 281 pp. $35.95. On Film-Making Alexander MacKendrick In a priceless examination of the director's craft, the materials that made Alexander MacKendrick's reputation as an instructor are collected here for the first time, offering a chance for professionals as well as students to discover a methodology of film-making that is challenging yet refreshing in its clarity. Softcover, 291 pp. $34.50. Making Short Films Jim Piper Are you eager to express yourself creatively in short films, but don't know how to get started? Making Short Films will show you how to explore, innovate, and experiment in poetic visually exciting ways. This expansive primer guides the reader through story development, script-writing, equipment operation, shot composition, editing, sfx, soundtrack assembly. Over 300 stills throughout the book. Includes DVD of 30 short films. Softcover, 263 pp. $34.95. $30 Film School Second Edition Michael W. Dean You don't need to spend tens of thousands of dollars at film school -- make your low- or no-budget movie now! This new edition has been completely updated to cover advancements in video and audio editing, with many new tips and tricks on shooting, producing, and distribution. Also included is a companion DVD. Softcover, 516 pp. $40.95. Documentary in the Digital Age Maxine Baker If you want to learn from leading lights in today's revolution in documentary filmmaking, Maxine Baker has written the guide you need to own. You will discover many different and innovative approaches to documentary form and style arising from the use of new digital technology. A tribute to the mavericks of creativity, inside you will find interviews and advice from ground-breaking documentary makers from the UK, USA, and Europe, as well as extensive listings of useful worldwide contacts and organizations. Any and every fan of the documentary will experience anew the passion and wonder of the factual film. Softcover, $40.95. Practical DV Filmmaking Second Edition Russell Evans This book provides a state-of-the-art guide to the process of making a film with low-cost digital equipment: from development through to production, post-production, and distribution. In addition to technical matters, this book puts special emphasis on filmmaking principals and how they can be applied towards developing a unique cinematic style. This volume is made complete by instructions to 15 hands-on projects, over 80 high quality film stills, and up-to-date information on the most recent advances in DV technology. Softcover, 406 pp. $38.50. Movie Making Course Chris Patmore This carefully structured book teaches a full range of filmmaking skills to anyone interested in creating short movies for private screenings, festivals, competitions, and broadcast on television or the web. From initial planning to assembling a cast and crew, you will discover how to get your movie up and running. Practical projects and exercises give students hands-on experience for working in different genres, from ten-minute documentaries to pop videos, short dramas and action sequences. There's also advice on putting together a showreel and getting a finished film seen. Softcover, 144 pp. $28.99. A Critical Cinema 5: Interviews with Independent Filmmakers Scott MacDonald A Critical Cinema 5 is the fifth volume in Scott MacDonald's Critical Cinema series, the most comprehensive, in-depth exploration of independent cinema available in English. In all, there are fourteen interviews, each of which is accompanied by a detailed filmography and a selected bibliography. The Portable Film School D.B. Gilles In The Portable Film School, D.B. Giles explains the fundamental skills and techniques of screenwriting and making a short film, arming you with the two calling cards that you'll need to break into Hollywood -- without having to spend an enormous amount of money on tuition or a minute in a classroom. Softcover, 252 pp. $19.95. Anatomy of a Guerrilla Film: The Making of Radius Helmut Kobler Want to make a guerrilla film of your own? Learn how as first-time director Helmut Kobler takes you through the highs and lows of creating his ambitious film RADIUS on a meager budget. Kobler explains how he and his team accomplished each step of the filmmaking process -- from writing the script and financing it with credit cards to completing the final sound mix, marketing the film, and distributing it for others to see. Go behind the scenes as Kobler offers a frank account of what went right and what went wrong. This unique guide is a must-have for all aspiring guerrilla filmmakers. Softcover, 391 pp. $53.95. Back to top

Film Studies Directing & Producing Directing Director Biographies Storyboards Producing Film Producer Biographies Independent Filmmaking Documentary Filmmaking Corporate Videos Media Screenplays & Screenwriting Technical Film

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Independent Filmmaking Josef Steiff This all-in-one guide to independent filmmaking contains all of the information that you will need to get your great idea off the ground and onto the big screen. Inside you'll find an exhaustive compilation of technical details, industry terminology, real world examples, and inspirational stories about every aspect of the filmmaking process. Softcover, 363 pp. $26.50. Filmmaking for Teens: Pulling Off Your Shorts Troy Lanier & Clay Nichols This funny and irreverent how-to guide takes young filmmakers from the moment of inspiration to a finished short film and beyond. Young auteurs-in-training learn everything they need to know to become the writer/producer/director of their first short film. With tips and techniques on brainstorming, screenwriting, scheduling, shooting, editing, and marketing, this comprehensive and accessible guide will nurture and inspire a new generation of filmmakers. Softcover, 179 pp. $26.95. Girl Director Andrea Richards All you need to make a movie is an imagination, a borrowed video camera, and a copy of this book. A must-have handbook for aspiring moviemakers of any age, Girl Director will give you the know-how, as well as the confidence to make your dream movie a reality. Softcover, 122 pp. $24.95. A Critical Cinema 4: Interviews with Independent Filmmakers Scott MacDonald A Critical Cinema 4 is the fourth volume in Scott MacDonald's Critical Cinema series, the most extensive, in-depth exploration of independent cinema available in English. In this new set of interviews, MacDonald once again engages filmmakers in detailed discussions of their films and of the personal experiences and the poitical and theoretical currents that have shaped their work. The interviews are arranged to express the remarkable diversity of modern independent cinema and the network of interconnections within the community of filmmakers. Softcover, 399 pp. $41.95. Extreme DV At Used-Car Prices Rick Schmidt Just as his classic book Feature Filmmaking at Used-Car Prices helped many indie film artists make their breakthrough no-budget features, award-winning moviemaker Rick Schmidt's Extreme DV at Used-Car Prices supplies the most current, step-by-step, cutting-edge guide for accomplishing your DV moviemaking goals. If you've ever wanted to know everything that you need to know to get a DV feature made, then look no further than this inspiring and instructive all-in-one filmmaking resource. Softcover, 340 pp. $25.00. Plug In Turn On: A Guide to Internet Filmmaking Ana Kronschnabl & Tomas Rawlings Plug In Turn On is a guide intended for use by anyone with an interest in making and showing films over the internet. The book is divided into two sections: THINKING -- where the authors consider how the internet is starting to provide filmmakers with the means to distribute ther work, and DOING -- in which the authors provide practical information on cameras, equipment, production, script writing, software, editing, compressing and internet distribution. Softcover, 254 pp. $26.95. Spike Mike Reloaded John Pierson Spike Mike Reloaded is the sequel to John Pierson's definitive treatise about the American independent film scene. In this expanded edition -- which includes contributions from Kevin Smith -- he further reflects on the seminal works of Spike Lee, Michael Moore, Richard Linklater, Kevin Smith and several other key figures. Softcover, 389 pp. $19.95. Nuts and Bolts Filmmaking Practical Techniques for the Guerilla Filmmaker Dan Rahmel This is a veritable cornucopia of techniques, tools, and tricks that can be used to solve the most common and difficult production challenges. Within these pages are detailed instructions and clear illustrations for how to: built various camera mounts, create a variety of light reflector and flag stands, apply make-up and wardrobe on a tight budget, design an inexpensive and effective sound boom, and solve a wide variety of other on-set problems. Softcover, 360 pp. $44.95. In Short: A Guide to Short Film-making in the Digital Age Eileen Elsey & Andrew Kelly Through detailed analyses of key works, and interviews with selected directors, In Short offers a well-rounded look at the art of short films. Aesthetic considerations aside, this book also discusses practical issues such as funding, marketing, distribution, and exhibition. A history, a state of the art report and a production manual, In Short is essential reading for the film-maker, producer and indeed everyone interested in the future of cinema. Softcover, 171 pp. $41.95. IFP/Los Angeles Independent Filmmaker's Manual Second Edition Eden Wurmfeld & Nicole Shaw Laloggia IFP/Los Angeles and producers Wurmfeld and LaLoggia present the second edition of their authoritative guide on the nuts and bolts of independent filmmaking. Using esamples from the successful indie films Swingers and Kissing Jessica Stein, this manual offers a single-volume reference covering every aspect of making a film from the line producer's point of view, including everything from preproduction to distribution. The companion CD-ROM features interviews with important figures in the industry as well as forms and checklists from the text. Softcover, 323 pp. $67.95. Short Films 101: How to Make a Short Film and Launch Your Filmmaking Career Frederick Levy With everything you need to know about budgets, cast and crew, equipment and landing the deal, Levy takes the reader from concept to distribution with advice from expert filmmakers. Short Films 101 also contains a selection of short film festivals, budgets, sample scripts and shooting schedules as well as a helpul short film glossary. Coil-bound, 268 pp. $22.00. The Guerilla Film Makers' Handbook Genevieve Jolliffe & Chris Jones This 720 page volume includes insider views from each and every field of filmmaking, courtesy of working professionals. The Guerilla Film Makers Handbook covers everything, from how to get into the business, how to make and sell your film, as well as how to avoid common (and not so common) pitfalls. Softcover, 720 pp. $38.95. Risky Business: Financing & Distributing Independent Films Mark Litwak Risky Business is the comprehensive nuts-and-bolts guide to setting up an independent production project. Starting with the basic organization of the company and the preparation of production, collaboration, and screenplay agreements, it covers in detail everything from raising money via loans, presales, and investors through finding, contracting with, and policing the finished project's distributors. Softcover, 313 pp. $39.95. Back to top

The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to Writing a Business Plan for Investors Gabriel Campisi Sure you've got a great idea for a film, but how do you aquire the finances to get it made? This book helps to connect the creative process and the business side of independent filmmaking by providing a practical guide for assembling a business plan that filmmakers can present to producers and potential investors. Indispensible. Softcover, 216 pp. $59.95. Digital Cinema Thom Taylor and Melinda Hsu Intelligent and accessible, this book addresses the needs of independent filmmakers in the age of digital cinema. The roles of agents, producers, distributors, studios, and financiers are all discussed in light of what is regarded as an immenent metamorphosis in the industry. Softcover, 235 pp. $41.95. The Guerilla Filmmaker's Movie Blueprint Chris Jones This is the ultimate all-in-one how-to book for the budding independent filmmaker. The Guerilla Filmmaker's Movie Blueprint takes each and every aspect of the independent filmmaker's journey, from concept to completion, and explains it clearly and comprehensively. If you've ever fancied yourself a filmmaker, then reading this book is your first step towards success. $56.00. Is There Life After Film School? Julie MacLuskey For film students who dread the daunting task of infiltrating the film industry after they graduate, Is There Life After Film School? shows that there are more options available to students than they may think. Through a series of interviews, the book reveals a range of career paths taken by accomplished scriptwriters, production designers, producers and marketers. Softcover 216 pp. $29.95 The Complete Independent Movie Marketing Handbook Mark Steven Bosko From landing a distribution deal and getting free media coverage to staging a low-cost premiere and selling your movie to video rental chains and over the Internet, this book is a must-have for any independent film or video maker looking to seriously launch and sustain a career in the entertainment industry. Softcover, 363 pp. $63.95.   Make Your Own Damn Movie! Secret of a Renegade Lloyd Kaufman Make Your Own Damn Movie! is a hilarious yet informative crash course in filmmaking written by America's legendary renegade filmmaker. Using real-life examples from Kaufman's own thirty years in the business, this book is written for anyone who's ever wanted to make a movie but didn't know how. Softcover, 329 pp. $21.95. Underground U.S.A.: Filmmaking Beyond the Hollywood Canon Xavier Mendik and Jay Schneider Underground U.S.A. offers a fascinating overview of this area of maverick movie-making by considering the links between the experimental and exploitation traditions of the American underground. This volume brings together leading film-writers and filmmakers who take as their focus those directors, films and genres not easily assimilated by the mainstream. Softcover, 235 pp. $32.95. Back to top

Shoot Me: Independent Filmmaking from Creative Concept to Rousing Release Rocco Simonelli & Roy Frumkes This informative and witty guide to moviemaking tells you everything that you need to know to get your independent film made. Includes chapters on targeting an audience, raising money, casting, locations, producing, directing, editing, and distributing. Authors Simonelli and Frumkes both teach filmmaking at the School of Visual Arts, and this book has been written in conjunction with the production of their film The Sweet Life . Softcover, 230 pp. $31.95. The Complete Film Production Handbook Second Edition Eve Light Honthaner The Complete Film Production Handbook is a comprehensive step-by-step guide covering the essentials of the business, from checklists and sample pre-production and post production schedules to contracts and company policies relating to insurance, talent management, and even customs and immigration details. The book contains all of the many necessary forms including SAG, DGA, and WGA forms, together with standard production forms, deal memos, and release forms which are found both in the book and on companion CD. $90.95. How to Make Great Short Feature Films: The Making of Ghosthunter Ian Lewis Making a short film is one of the first vital steps to becoming a filmmaker. This book and DVD is a 'short filmmakers kit' for aspiring producers. It combines advice and inspiration with essential practical information as well as a real-world case study of the making of the short film, 'Ghosthunter', providing a rare inside view of the process. Softcover book & DVD, $49.95. Producing and Directing the Short Film and Video Second Edition Peter Rea David K Irving Considered by many to be the definitive book on the subject, Producing and Directing the Short Film and Video, Second Edition clearly illustrates all of the steps involved in preproduction, production, postproduction, and distribution. Its unique two-fold approach looks at filmmaking from the perspectives of both producer and director, and explains how their separate energies must combine to create a successful short film or videoóall the way from script to final product. Producing and Directing the Short Film and Video, Second Edition is accompanied by a companion website (www.focalpress.com/companions) containing useful forms and information on grants and financing sources, distributors, film and video festivals, film schools, internet sources for short works, and professional associations. Large-format softcover, $74.95. Film & Video Budgets Third Edition Deke Simon Michael Wiese This classic best selling book has been updated to include new budgets for digital video feature films, a "no budget" feature, and the all-important digital video transfer to 35mm for theatrical release. All the budget forms featured in the book are provided as fee downloads from an accompanying website, which can be accessed via www.mwp.com. The book retails for $44.95. Shooting to Kill: How an Independant Producer Blasts Through Barriers to Make Movies that Matter Christine Vachon Hailed by the New York Times as the "godmother to the politically committed film," Christine Vachon has made her name with such bold, controversial and commercially successful films as Boys Don't Cry, 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 independant filmmakers and helped put them on the map. In this savagely witty and straight-shooting guide, Vachon reveals the guts of the filmmaking process and offers shrewd practical insights and troubleshooting tips on handling everything from hysterical actors and disgruntled teamsters to obtuse marketing executives. $18.50. Back to top

Home / Theatre / Film / Opera / Dance / Television / Actors & Acting / Creative Writing / Drama in Education / Arts Administration / Costumes & Fashion / DVDs & Videos / Events / Awards / News & Reviews / Various & Sundry   About TheatreBooks / How to Reach Us / Order Now / Search the Site / Coming Soon / Site Map / Links / Send an Email actorsorganizer.ca Paddler Productions websites TheatreBooks / The Cookbook Store

Last modified July 15, 2003 . Please note that all prices are in Canadian dollars. All prices are subject to change without notice.