I Wake up Screening: What to Do Once You'Ve Made that Movie

by John Anderson, Laura Kim

• Every film student needs this book!

• Insights from top industry executives, critics, and filmmakers

• Perfect for film festivals or anywhere independent films are shown or discussed



The explosion of independent cinema over the past fifteen years has created thousands of would-be filmmakers, all dreaming of becoming the next Quentin Tarantino or Steven Soderbergh—and all working away like beavers, making thousands of independent films. But what do they do once the movie is made? In I Wake Up Screening , powerhouse authors John Anderson and Laura Kim tell emerging filmmakers how to (and how not to) get their movies talked about, written about, sold, and seen. The authors’ advice is supported by insightful interviews with more than sixty top industry insiders, all offering priceless behind-the-scenes tips and tricks. Making a film isn’t the end anymore—it’s only the beginning. I Wake Up Screening can make the difference between a movie that gets into theaters and one that ends up on the floor of the director’s bedroom closet.

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

About the author

There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads' database

Chief film critic at Newsday, is a past member of the selection committee of the New York Film Festival as well as a member and two-time past chair of the New York Film Critics Circle, a member of the National Society of Film Critics, and a member of the National Book Critics Circle. He lives in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Mel Luna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very practical guide to the long, arduous and tentative road to getting your film out into the world. Personally, I found it intensely discouraging and depressing. However, it has its moments and is definitely valuable. I think it's called a "reality check." Just have your hanky handy to mop up the tears.

[Jay Amari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty good overview of options for filmmakers who may have a film to screen for distribution.
Topics covered are marketing, positioning of film, and other researched areas that can open the eyes of a filmmaker to avenues for selling his creation.
It's not necessarily a one-time read, but could exist as a reference book of sorts for filmmakers today.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book combined with Independent Film Distribution, and The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution will arm you with a solid foundation of the "in's and out's" of distribution. The interviews from industry insiders are priceless in my opinion.