Girls Make Movies: A Follow-Your-Own-Path Guide for Aspiring Young Filmmakers

by Mallory O'Meara, Jen Vaughn (Illustrator)

Make your own movie from start to finish with this entertaining, practical choose-your-path nonfiction guide to the world of filmmaking, from the critically acclaimed author of The Lady from the Black Lagoon . 

Girls belong in the world of filmmaking. While we see them acting on-screen, there are also countless women working every single job possible behind the scenes as part of the film's crew. Are you a girl who is interested in film making? Do you wonder how you actually make a movie? Well, this is the book for you.
 
Girls Make Movies  puts you in the driver’s seat as you create a fictitious zombie blockbuster and are guided through each stage of production and learn about the processes, techniques, and people involved in making a Hollywood hit. Luckily, every path through this nonfiction book results in the film being made, but you will be asked to make choices that will affect the outcome of the movie. Will you shoot on location or on a studio lot? Use practical or special effects? Hire a greensperson or a someone to do pyrotechnics? The choices are up to you!

Written by critically acclaimed author Mallory O'Meara and paired with eye-catching, graphic illustrations by popular comic book artist Jen Vaugh, this unique, practical book provides young girls with advice and inspiration while offering a sense of adventure as they learn how to create a movie! 

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Childrens, Middle Grade

144 pages, Hardcover

First published May 23, 2023

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed overview of movie-making from the writer, director, producer, costume designer to the transportation crew and food services. A great resource for anyone planning a career in Hollywood!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guide goes over all the steps, including the roles and timeline, for making a movie. I learned a lot about all the names and titles you see in the credits. I think it's a stretch to call this a "follow-your-own-path guide" because there were only a few times for you to pick and choose different paths (CGI vs. not, soundtrack vs. score, etc.). There are examples from different movies and include a lot of firsts by women in the industry. Definitely for movie fans, those wanting to make their own movies, or even work in the film industry.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for girls who want to know more about the film industry. Honestly, I wish there were a book like this for me when I was younger, just to get a better understanding of how films (or anything) are made. And I'm additionally pleased with there being a list of female-created movies at the end of the book, with space for readers to add more.

[Abigail Luchies · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was definitely informative…and the story line of Sasha and the Zombies being made into a movie was engaging enough. Sadly it just didn’t hook me…which is why it took me a REALLY long time to read.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for a young person interested in movies and filmmaking, even if it's just making goofy TikToks. Love the inclusive art and punny chapter titles.

[Katie Needles · Rating 4 out of 5]

the cutest guide for the process of making a movie i’ve ever seen