Presents an introduction to the making of a film without film studio backing, covering such topics as developing the story, obtaining financing, directing, cinematography, location, and post-production tools such as editing and special effects.

The most comprehensive introduction to film making. -- Some how-to books on filmmaking focus on making specific types of films, such as short dramatic films or documentaries. Others focus on one aspect of filmmaking, such as directing or editing. Still others focus on a particular medium, such as digital filmmaking. The Complete Idiot's Guide "RM" to Film Making covers all of these topics -- and more! -- This book will appeal to film students, wannabe film students, and writers tired of trying to get their own work sold/distributed, and want to go it alone. The Complete Idiot's Guide "RM" to Film Making will do for aspiring filmmakers what The Complete Idiot's Guide "RM" to Screenwriting is doing for aspiring screenwriters. In fact, this book should have the added luxury of also appealing to aspiring screenwriters, especially those who have struggled to get their work purchased, who have considered trying to produce and direct their own screenplays. Regardless of motivation for picking up The Complete Idiot's Guide "RM" to Film Making readers will find it to be the most comprehensive book on the subject -- and on two different levels. First, it will cover every aspect of the filmmaking process, from script to pre-production, to directing, to post-production, to distribution. Secondly, it will cover virtually every form of filmmaking, including independent features, Hollywood films, television movies, documentaries, corporate and educational films, "reality films, " digital/Internet films, and music videos.

This comprehensive guide will teach you about the exciting new tools available to independent content creators. Gain invaluable knowledge about getting your project on streaming platforms like Netflix and iTunes, how to write, format, prepare and register a script, even where to find amazing resources that the major studios use for a fraction of the cost. And much more! Written by Tut Thomas, an award-winning writer and director, "The Last Guide to Independent Filmmaking: With No Budget" is designed for individuals new to the Entertainment industry and veterans looking for an easy to understand guide to content creation as the industry shifts into the age of artificial intelligence. With this book, you'll quickly be on your way to making your first, or your next great indie project.

In The Cheerful Subversive’s Guide to Independent Filmmaking, celebrated Slamdance Film Festival co-founder Dan Mirvish offers a rich exploration of the process and culture of making low-budget, independent films. Once labelled a "cheerful subversive" by The New York Times, Mirvish shares his unfiltered pragmatic approach to scriptwriting, casting, directing, producing, managing a crew, post-production, navigating the film festival circuit, distributing your film, dealing with piracy and building a career. Readers will learn how to game the Hollywood system to their advantage, get their films accepted by respected festivals without going broke, and utilize a broad range of media and tactics to promote and distribute their work. A companion website features behind-the-scenes interviews and footage from Dan’s films, and much more. Learn everything you need to know to make, promote, and distribute your independent films, with time-tested lessons and practical advice on scriptwriting, casting and directing A-list actors, financing, producing, managing a crew, editing in post, creating visual effects on a budget, and successuflly navigating the film festival circuit Find out what it takes to become a true "cheerful subversive" and adopt new and innovative approaches to producing your films, discover hidden loopholes in the Hollywood system and festival scene, take advantage of a broad range of media formats to promote and distribute your indie films, and generally make bold moves in service of your creative work, all while staying flexible enough to pivot at a moment’s notice An extensive companion website features in-depth interviews with filmmakers, more than an hour of behind-the-scenes footage from Dan Mirvish’s films, festival resources, and much more

In this fully updated second edition, award-winning film director and Slamdance Film Festival co-founder Dan Mirvish gives you soup-to-nuts, cradle-to-grave advice on every aspect of the filmmaking lifestyle and craft. He drops advice on playing the Hollywood game, and shows you how to finance, cast, shoot and show your indie feature, documentary, episodic series, short film, student film, web video or big-budget blockbuster. Once labeled a "cheerful subversive" by The New York Times, Mirvish shares lessons he's learned personally from film luminaries Robert Altman, Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, Steven Soderbergh, Rian Johnson, Whit Stillman, Harold Ramis, Lynn Shelton, John Carpenter, Ava DuVernay, the Russo Brothers, Bong Joon-ho, Sean Baker and more. This revised edition includes brand new chapters on filming during a global pandemic finding investors and crowdfunding backers whether and where to go to film school how to get a big Hollywood agent self-distributing your film, even to airlines casting an Oscar®-winner as your lead actor and turning your garage into a 1980s New York subway Visit the extensive companion website at www.DanMirvish.com for in-depth supplemental videos, behind-the-scenes footage from Dan's films and bonus materials.

So, you want to make a movie and you've never done it before. Well the Independent Filmmaking: The Ultimate Guide is a book that can get you started on the right path and learn what to expect going on the journey of independent filmmaking. You will learn the basics of script writing, pre-production, finding cast and crew, production, camera, lighting, sound, editing and distribution, just to name a few. Learn from me, a filmmaker who has learned and found success in making independent films while seeing and going through all the pitfalls.Ricky Burchell is a successful writer, director, and producer who "indie films" have been seen all over the world. His career in independent film started as an editor and graduated to well respected writer/director.

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!