Filmmaking For Dummies

by Bryan Michael Stoller, Jerry Lewis (Foreword)

Film is a powerful medium. Successful filmmakers possess the passion to visually tell a story that will affect people's emotions, make them see things differently, help them discover new ideas, or just create an escape for them. Whether you love the experience of being enthralled by movies or the excitement, challenge, and magic of making the movie yourself, Filmmaking For Dummies is your primer to creating a respectable product. For the seasoned professional, this friendly reference can inspire you with fresh ideas - before you embark on your next big flick. Get ready to roll with expert information on


Defining the difference between independent and studio films Knowing what genre fits your fancy Finding perfect locations Storyboarding your film Directing the action Giving credit and titles Written from the author's 30 years of hands-on work as a writer, producer, and film director, Filmmaking For Dummies carries you through from screenplay to distribution, with lots of experience-packed insight into


Writing or finding a screenplay Raising financing for your film Budgeting and scheduling your film Hiring the right actors and crew Planning, shooting, and directing your film Putting your film together in the editing room Finding a distributor to get your film in from of an audience Entering (and maybe even winning) film festivals Taking into account the advent of digital technology, author Bryan Michael Stoller focuses on creative elements that apply to both film and video production. He also points our technical differences and notes the many similarities between traditional and newer age making of motion pictures - all in a fun and engaging way that'll have you shooting for the stars!

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, Art, Reference, Education, Photography

384 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]

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]

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

[Johannes Stephany]

Heute kann jeder einen Film drehen, nur eine gute Idee braucht es dazu. Der Regisseur und Drehbuchautor Brian Michael Stoller erklärt Ihnen in diesem Buch, wie Sie ein Drehbuch schreiben und ein Storyboard entwickeln, den richtigen Drehort aussuchen, die passende Crew und Darsteller finden, den Film so drehen, dass er gut aussieht. Außerdem erläutert er, was Sie nach dem Dreh beachten sollten: Soundtrack, Special Effects und vieles mehr. Zuletzt gibt er Ihnen noch Tipps, wie Sie den Film an den Zuschauer bringen, sei es im Internet, über einen Vertrieb oder über andere Kanäle.

[jellyfishwalnut]

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]

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]

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

[Rod Sanford]

Great Instruction

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

[MOEIN]

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

[Mitchell Latorre]

Very knowledgeable on the subject of film

[Ramiro]

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]

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]

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]

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]

A filmmaking book for dummies :P

[Jason Whitaker]

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

[joyce]

nice and informative

[Kamil]

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

[Colleen Garrison]

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]

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

[Snuf]

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