Filmmaking for Dummies

by Bryan Michael Stoller

Everything you ever wanted to know about making a movie but were afraid to ask...

Lights, camera, action! We all have at least one movie in us, and the amazing and affordable advances in digital technology makes it increasingly easy to make your dream a reality and share it with the world. Filmmaking for Dummies is your definitive guide to bringing a project to life, from the comedy antics of loveable pets to the deepest, most meaningful independent film. Bryan Michael Stoller is your friend and guide, sharing his knowledge gained over 100 productions (directing and working with Dan Aykroyd, James Earl-Jones, Barbra Streisand and Drew Barrymore, among others) to show you how to take your movie from the planning and storyboarding stage, through shooting and editing, to making it available to your adoring audiences through television broadcast, streaming online or in movie theaters.

For the do-it-your-selfer, the book includes tips on how to finance your project, a look at the latest software and apps, including advancements in digital technology, and for the passionate director, advice on how to hire and work with your cast and crew and find great scenic locations. Whether you want to become a professional filmmaker or just create great YouTube videos or nostalgic home movies, shooting with your smartphone or with consumer or pro-gear, this practical guide has it all.

Learn how to compose your shots and when to move the camera Make the perfect pitch to sell your story Take advantage of helpful contacts and tons of new resources Get up-to-date on the latest and greatest digital technology Find the right distributor, or learn how you can be your own distributor! So, you really have no excuses to make your masterpiece. Get rolling with a copy of Filmmaking for Dummies today and start shooting for the stars!

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, Art, Education, Photography

448 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

About the author

Bryan Michael Stoller is an award-winning independent filmmaker and the author of Filmmaking for Dummies. Born in Ontario, Canada, he now lives in Los Angeles, California.

Reviews

[Tama · Rating 1 out of 5]

Skimmed. Super general, but pretty good. Got a bunch of links to helpful tools in here so worth a flick through to gather those. Not sure what the point is in saying how the people with money do things, take most of that stuff and put it into reach of the people who will touch this thing.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a really great overall view of filmmaking. It touches on all aspects of the creative process from script to screen.

[jellyfishwalnut · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the title suggests, this is a good introductory book that gives a wide overview of all the major areas of filmmaking. While it is not comprehensive, and each chapter does not delve in too deeply, it's still a great book to familiarize yourself with the concepts of filmmaking - finally learning phrases and lingo like "script breakdown" or "distribution". It is definitely not the only book you need, but it's a good jumping off point to deeper material.

[Tom Sturgeon]

This is a good adjunct for “The Filmmakers Handbook” by Asher and Pincus.

It is less technical, but its target audience is greater than pro- or semi-pro filmmakers.

I found the audio section particularly helpful with its simple presentation of the basics. A decent microphone and good placement enhance films, but bad sound marks an beginning amateur effort.

[John Abrahamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better books. Great high level tips, it's such a broad topic, there's just too much to cover. I appreciate how the 3rd addition has some modern tech mentioned in it, so it's still relevant.

[Al Capwned · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty helpful for all kinds of people interested in filmmaking but mostly as an introduction.

[Rod Sanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Instruction

Good for beginners
Teaches what to think about
What works best
Valid and relevant despite some tech advances since its printing

[MOEIN · Rating 3 out of 5]

خوب برای کسایی که به کارگردانی و فیلمبرداری سینما علاقه دارن به علاوه اموزش لنز ها و زاویه دوربین و.... خوبه برای صفر .

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[Ramiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this because it has many ways for filmakig.I ould Like to be a Filmaker really Interesting. Sometimes not every time you need the correct amount of light and the correct background to get the perfect picture. You also need scenery that can give the person who sees the picture an idea of where that picture was taken or how pretty does it look.

Publishing or Printing a Picture or a Movie is Hard. You need to see that everything is right as you planned for your story or picure to be printed or published. You need to take your time to make the correct things in order to have a nice and good movie or picture.

I would like readers to read this book because this book has many ways, facts and details about what you need to do in ordr to make a film or picture the profesional way you want it to be.

[Felix Eder · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in filmmaking as either a hobby or an actual profession, this book should suit you well from an beginner to intermediate level.

It goes through the entire process in good detail. You will get tired of the awkward jokes found on every page, and it does feel a bit dated at times, but overall it is a good read it you are interested in filmmaking.

[Aryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real joy for the people wanting to be filmmakers. I say, and even James Cameron says, pick up a camera and just shoot something. Bryan Michael Stoller teaches you how to do that, and does just that with no compromise.

[Charles Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is helpful if your a budding filmmaker but if you are just trying to make some youtube-worthy shorts then this might be a bit much. Very informative if you plan to have a career in film or begin a production company.

[Dwayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A filmmaking book for dummies :P

[Jason Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great review for film school grads or great introduction for aspiring filmmakers.

[joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice and informative

[Kamil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for a layman filmmaker, talking about all important aspects of filmmaking.

[Colleen Garrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, thorough overview of the filmmaking process. Also good to use as a reference book. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in filmmaking.

[Cody · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very informative and helpful. I found the links very helpful.

[Snuf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great basics book for the start to finish of filmmaking. Great for independent filmmakers.