How to Shoot a Feature Film for Under $10,000

by Bret Stern

Right now, you're wondering, "Gee, what kind of information is in this cute yet stylish guide?" Sure, there are a bunch of other books that will take you through the filmmaking process, and if your name is Beaver Cleaver, you might be interested in them. But you should know that filmmaking is a war, and this book will lead you through it like no other. These pages contain information learned from years spent in the filmmaking trenches. Anyone with a credit card can rent a camera and buy film stock -- but who Not many. You want more? Then turn the book over and crack her open. Still here? Fine -- we'll do it the hard This book will tell you how to shoot a sex scene, tell you what a stinger is. And if you need help writing your script, we'll give you some scenes to copy right into your screen-play -- and yes, we even provide the characters. In short, everything you need to know about filmmaking in the real world is in this book. Everything. We'll even help you select the proper baseball cap so you can look like a big-time director. Now start reading. Let's make film history.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, Art

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1999

Reviews

[Leo Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

No-nonsense guide, from beginning to end, on how to make a feature film. Exactly the style I like, which is sufficiently bemused by every process, rather than explaining how brilliant and obviously destined for success they were because of their deep understanding of filmmaking, hard work that was definitely going to pay off, or just having been born a filmmaker. None of which I believe, and which the author of this book clearly doesn't believe either. It also makes fun of many stereotypes within the filmmaking community, many of which I've already encountered, haha!!

Relevant mostly for early 2000s filmmaking processes, and shooting on film then transferring to video--though other options explained. My God was it an unwieldy process back then. It really isn't now. As for the $10,000 quoted, its mostly for film-based supplies that you don't even need anymore. It really has never been easier to make most kinds of art—though perhaps never tougher to get commercial attention for them. But that's neither here nor there, at least for me.

Highly recommended :D

[Hassan Zakeri · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has two problems: first, the technical section (related to equipment, post-production, etc) has almost become obsolete after ~15 years; second, the humor the author wants to add grows substantially as you progress and the useful content in each chapter shrinks.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed learning many priceless tips about the striving world of indie filmmakers.

[Kyle Dubiel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good stuff in here, but pretty outdated. In particular, the macho-masculine bro-culture and casual sexism of the book.

[Erdene Enkhjargal]

Ширээн дээр үргэлж байх ёстой ном гэж бодлоо.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny funny read about the ins and outs and cons of the film industry and getting your film made.

I would recommend reading every part of this book including the introduction and about the author.

Stern makes light of the film industry and talks you through some cons so that you can save money but also talks you through how you are going to feel (which seem fairly accurate) and how much it is going to cost in terms of sanity as well as money and relationships. He shows the perseverence it takes but most importantly he shows you CAN make a feature film if you are willing to pull out all the stops. Perhaps though pick and choose what parts of this book you act on..... Just in case.

One problem with this book for me is that this is based on film making in America and it doesn't really cater well for film makers in other countries such as New Zealand, but it still is good, interesting, funny, and I think useful.

Cheers mate.

[Stephan · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst books I've ever read, about anything, ever. If you follow some the advice in this book, you will actually be a worse filmmaker than if you just started bumbling your way through it on your own. (And, some of his advice will land you in jail, if you get caught.)

If I could give it zero, or negative, stars -- I would.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this book if you want to work on films or just like to watch them. humorous insight for a tough business...

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's nothing one can't extract from various web searches. But hey, he wrote it. I bought. He has my money.

[Ellen]

No plans... yet.