20 Best Books For Filmmakers (2023 Update)

I read a preview of this book and it looked really good, so I had to buy it. I was not disappointed. As I have been around the filmmaking scene since before I can remember (my father's in the industry) I know a thing or two about what's involved. Despite what I did know, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this pointed out a number of things I hadn't thought of; things that can easily get forgotten. It's easy to read, very informative, and goes through everything involved in making a film. (Well, so far, I'm still not done reading it) If you're thinking of making a movie (even if it's an animated one) this book is a must!chi9993

This book looks great. It looks as if it covers every angle of production told from a welcoming point of view. I actually teach film so will use this book a lot with my students. Thank you. Ric UK Wildlife Film Schooluk_wildlife_film_school

Bought for my son who works in film etc. Turned up quicker than promised and he says its very good. But I guess its for a select audience.mike-account

This Film Handbook definitely gives you a step by step process of pre-production, production, and post-production. It also helps you formulate the best shots possible in different conditions and reviews your knowledge with camera functioning, lighting, and editing tips.pstan69

The Filmmaker's Handbook gives a great overview of filmmaking from the indie to the pro. Granted, it is a bit out of date. But the principles are solid and timeless. Few people will plow through all 818 pages, but they will find it a useful reference.brawner

situational-humor, satire, verbal-humor, spoof This is a real fun kind of novella! Full of entertaining satire about a young guy who kind of falls into a job as "creative director" (phone tech meets Madison Avenue gaslighting) that pays very well. What follows is pure Mel Brooks right down to the transient characters! The book is too short to summarize, but I loved it and all the laughs.jT

I look into the life of an A-List director when he was nobody getting laughed at by teachers. I like how the book is more like a copy of his film diary. It shows you how to push through adversity and never quit. It has inspired me.dj_anthratik

I think Robert Rodriguez changed a lot of the way people thought movies should be done in the early 90s. If he was able to film el Mariachi without any of the digital technology we have today, just imagine what you can do with a DVCam and your laptop! Encouraging, funny, catched me from the first page. Defintily every film making student and autodidact MUST READ this book in order to get motivation and guidence in the path of the film making process.shizaaba

To begin, I found no bad things in this book. That may be because I'm part of the video store generation and was in one more than once but that's not the point. I found nostalgic inducing memories of celebrities who were in video stores and got education, memories, and movies out of the bargain. Plus, it helps that names of movies were featured in the book itself. I wasn't too long or too short due to the length of the book. Recommended for all those who are either nostalgic for the video stores made from brick and mortar or part of the video store generation.bria.gagno

'm always looking to read and learn more about the craft. This book is a must-read for people starting out and wanting to learn more about how the industry really works. This isn't a book meant for casual filmmakers looking to upload a 3 minute slo-mo reel on Youtube – this is meant for those looking to fund and create their own full-length movies in today's film industry. It's a smooth, quick read and offers useful information. It leans largely on the behind the scenes of financing and things to look out for. If you're looking for something more focused on directing actors or the writing aspects of filmmaking, I would recommend Mamet's "On Directing Film" or Lumet's "Making Movies." However, if you're looking for some real talk on how the industry works and how to get your pictures financed and made, this is the best I've read.Doreen

From 1986 to the present, Shane Stanley has called himself a filmmaker. For over 30 years he has produced everything from industrial spots to box office hits, most notably to include SONY Pictures Gridiron Gang, starring Dwayne The Rock Johnson. He also founded and operated his own successful film company now approaching its 20th year. Exposed to the industry from a young age, Stanley donned a multitude of hats working with his father in the business. Here in his latest innovative release What You Dont Learn in Film School A Complete Guide to Independent Filmmaking, Stanley combines practical real world knowledge and his passion for making independent films, in a masterful effort to help a new generation of film enthusiasts reach their cinematic goals. In this 10 chapter compendium, Stanley takes readers through a step-by-step process exploring the daily realities of the independent filmmaking business, which are seldom taught in the classroom. Here the emphasis is placed on the need to create low budget/high concept films and being able to navigate the sales, marketing, and distribution of your product. From script choices and dealing with investors, to the importance of pre-production work and surrounding yourself with a good multi-faceted team which supports your vision, Stanley delves into a wide array of topics. Discussions about registering your screenplay with the Library of Congress, obtaining production insurance, vetting your cinematographer, as well as feeding your crew, are all given equal importance. For those individuals just starting out in the film arena, Stanley is quick to emphasize Do your time and earn your stripes. A lifetime of working in the industry undoubtedly affords Stanley a unique and personal perspective for his writing. From a well-rounded, solid vantage point he weaves factual components with touches of wit, humor, and slices of life happenings that help exemplify the make or break elements which brings a production to final fruition. With his no-nonsense approach he reveals, I know filmmakers who have died of old age that never raised the funds to get their pictures produced. Stanleys book is a quality reference for anyone interested in independent filmmaking. With knowledge and insight gained from his own early mistakes, he shares lessons learned and showcases the takeaways that have improved his ardent work strategy and helped him maintain a strong standing in the industry. Developing a good rapport and honoring a sincere and respectful relationship with all business associates, whether money lenders, lead actors, or the set gofer is crucial advice, as he notes Relationships are the skeleton key to opening the right doors and closing deals. In the oftentimes dog eat dog world of movie making, Stanleys willingness to grant insiders access to the elusive elements that help generate a viable film production seems a testament to his appreciation and willingness to help affirm the art of independent filmmaking as a plausible career option. Ideally it is for those who are willing to do whatever it takes to get their ideas on the screen. Film school curriculums would do students a service to include Stanleys book on a required reading list. His up close and personal experience in the filmmaking business is provided in a very open and honest format, shedding a much needed light on the realities of working in this industry which go far beyond the traditional offerings presented behind the buffering walls of academia. This book is a very valuable resource which needs to be in everyones bookshelf from the beginning actor to the accomplished director/producer. Carol Davala, Pacific Book Reviewvisualartsent

Impressively informative, exceptionally well written, organized and presented…An iconoclastic and invaluable course of 'real world practical' instruction and directly usable information that is unreservedly recommended as a film school curriculum textbook, as well as professional, community, and academic library Cinema Technology collections and supplemental studies lists. It should be noted for personal reading lists of film students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject. Hollywood filmmaker Shane Stanley writes a book anyone and everyone should read if they want an entertainment industry insider's professional guidance on how to create a movie. This book is an especially invaluable tool to those who have, or plan to, attend a college or university film school. A unique and personal perspective from a well-rounded, solid vantage point. A quality reference for anyone interested in independent filmmaking. Film school curriculums would do students a services to include Stanley's book on a required reading list. A very valuable resource which needs to be in everyone's bookshelf from the beginning actor to the accomplished director/producer.visualartsent

This is the best overview of motion picture making I've seen. It covers both film and video photography in considerable detail, without getting hung up on obscure details. It does a good job of decribing the "how-to" aspects of camera operation, photo shoot organization, equipment manipulation, production procedure and a multitide of informative technical background points regarding film-making. This book is a valuable tool for all persons dealing with filmmaking — from rank novices to experienced semi-pros. About the only category of readership that this book might not be useful for would be top-ranking professional photographers — who already know so much about the motion picture business that they could probably write a book like this themselves.j4entscp

This is the best overview of motion picture making I've seen. It covers both film and video photography in considerable detail, without getting hung up on obscure details. It does a good job of decribing the "how-to" aspects of camera operation, photo shoot organization, equipment manipulation, production procedure and a multitide of informative technical background points regarding film-making. This book is a valuable tool for all persons dealing with filmmaking — from rank novices to experienced semi-pros. About the only category of readership that this book might not be useful for would be top-ranking professional photographers — who already know so much about the motion picture business that they could probably write a book like this themselves.j4entscp

I need it for my class, as it's one of the textbook for my class. I a not sure whether what I like about that book, But, since it's a book about film and because of that I am kind of sure I am going to like that book, I read a couple of them, its kind of great. I do not know, not sure.ondreham

Although somewhat brief this is a fascinating book that is written by a master. Breaking down the art of film making digitally into such a compact tome could not have been easy and yet it does not feel like a small book. Mr Figgis' words are accurate and helpfulcaptainhev