Mistakes are easy to make, but often difficult to undo. The greater the knowledge and experience a filmmaker has, the fewer mistakes are made by them. This introductory-level guide to filmmaking teaches effective preproduction, production and postproduction with a focus on many of the common mistakes made and how to avoid them. Filled with practical advice and information on the process of successfully making a film, Patrick Winters guides you through the whole process from preproduction to postproduction, teaching how to plan a shoot, accomplish that shoot and then follow the steps needed to edit and mix your film, highlighting key considerations and potential pitfalls to avoid along the way. The book covers everything from getting your story production ready, securing funding and budgeting appropriately, casting actors, assigning crew members, developing production design, shooting efficiently and effectively, technical and aesthetic camera and lighting choices, sound considerations, picture and sound editing and mixing, to the final stages of distribution and exhibition. Drawing on Winters' years of filmmaking and teaching experience, this book provides you with all the technical and aesthetic knowledge required to make a film, highlights common mistakes to avoid, and explains where to put your time and money into where it shows, resulting in a successfully made film that will stand out from the crowd. A combination of what to do and what not to do, this is ideal for introductory-level filmmaking students, as well as independents just starting out. The online support material includes deal memo templates, walkie-talkie lingo, camera and sound reports, first AD roll call, distribution and exhibition and additional information on booming.

Your Complete Guide To (Independent) Filmmaking. An in-depth, no holds barred look at making movies from 'concept to delivery' in today's ever-evolving climate while breaking down the dos and don'ts of (independent) filmmaking. Learn invaluable industry secrets from top to bottom and discover the truth about independent film distribution as the lid is torn off the many myths surrounding sales agents and today's release platforms that are certain to open reader's eyes - and ruffle a few feathers!

If you dream of making a movie but don't know where to start or you're afraid that your film will end up being yet another unseen indie, this is the book for you. Based on the real-life experiences of Sundance award-winning screenwriter/director Diane Bell, SHOOT FROM THE HEART will guide you through the process of making an indie film successfully -- from writing a stand-out script to raising finance, from getting the most out of your shoot to planning a profitable release. Broken down into sixteen essential steps, this book provides you with a clear, actionable, real-world plan for turning your filmmaking dream into your reality. The method in this book is available to anyone, anywhere. You don't need a ton of money or industry connections, you just need to be willing to do the work of each step. In this book, you'll find ass-kicking inspiration and motivational tips for the long journey filmmaking is, as well as the practical knowledge and insider's information you need to make it happen. SHOOT FROM THE HEART will empower you to trust your creative instincts and leave you with no excuses for not making the best film you can. This guide is the only one you need if you seriously want to stop talking about making movies and actually make a great one.

Named One of The Hollywood Reporter’s “100 Greatest Film Books of All Time” Famed independent screenwriter and director Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Spy Kids, Machete) discloses all the unique strategies and original techniques he used to make his remarkable debut film El Mariachi on a shoestring budget. This is both one man's remarkable story and an essential guide for anyone who has a celluloid story to tell and the dreams and determination to see it through. Part production diary, part how-to manual, Rodriguez unveils how he was able to make his influential first film on only a $7,000 budget. Also included is the appendix, "The Ten Minute Film Course,” a tell-all on how to save thousands of dollars on film school and teach yourself the ropes of film production, directing, and screenwriting. A perfect gift for the aspiring filmmaker.

Demonstrates what constitutes a good performance, what actors want from a director, what directors do wrong and more.

Anyone can make a short film, right? Just grab some friends and your handheld and you can do it in a weekend or two before being accepted to a slew of film festivals, right? Wrong. Roberta Munroe screened short film submissions at Sundance for five years, and is an award-winning short filmmaker in her own right. So she knows a thing or two about how not to make a short film. From the first draft of your script to casting, production, editing, and distribution, this is your one-stop primer for breaking into the business. Featuring interviews with many of today's most talented writers, producers, and directors, as well as revealing stories (e.g., what to do when the skinhead crack addict next door begins screaming obscenities as soon as you call "action") from the sets of her own short films, Roberta walks you through the minefield of mistakes that an aspiring filmmaker can make--so that you don't have to make them yourself.

Crowdfunding for Filmmakers offers practical information, tips, and tactics for launching a successful film campaign by detailing traditional models of fundraising, utilizing today's technological and social innovations, and augmenting each step with an added personal touch. THis 2nd edition updates the latest techniques on Social Media to get your projects up and running asap.