Film Viewers Guide Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The previous review of this book was by a film professor. This one is by a film STUDENT. This book was required reading for my first film class which was an introduction to film class called: the Language of Film. This book is definitely a great introduction to the art of film. It is not a book about filmmaking. It is a book that introduces with each chapter a new angle from which film can be studied. Everything about film is covered: Film history; genre films; narrative form; the stages of film production, distribution, and exhibition; mise-en-scene; editing and sound in cinema; film criticism; and the future of film. Each section is accompanied by examples and screen captures from popular classic and modern films, and scattered quotations from popular and obscure filmmakers.
The title of this book is a perfect description of what the book is. If you are a beginner, it is perfect for an overview or outline of what film is. If you are an advanced film student, it is great for sharpening your knowledge of film.
With regard to the previous review by the film professor who was afraid that this book would put off his/her students, it would be better for students to know early on what they are getting themselves into. If you are actually turned off after reading this book, you shouldn't go any further with your film studies.
In conclusion, this is a great book that introduces the purely cinematic aspects of film that distinguishes it from every other art form. I highly recommend it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Film Viewers Guide

Packaged free with each copy of Film Art, this new guide by David Bordwell explains how to analyze and write about films.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Click here for more information about Film Viewers Guide

Read More...

Filmmaking For Dummies Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I read this book, as well as others, because I'm taking a stab at filming a screenplay with some other people. I have enjoyed some of the other dummies books, but I thought this one was off target. It is very high level. For example, in the first or second chapter, he goes over what the job roles are for the production assistant, and ten other job titles you might see at the end of a Hollywood movie, and I'm thinking to myself, am I really going to have a full-time grip on my movie? I was hoping this book would focus on the nuts and bolts of making a small-budget / zero-budget film, but it talked about numbers that apply to people who aren't going to be reading a dummies book. On the whole, I thought it was a real surface look at independent filmmaking, and would be appropriate for someone who wanted to learn about it, but not do it. You would be better off buying IFILM Filmmakers Handbook and some individual books on lighting and sound if you really want information about how to make your own film. A lot of the information in this book can be found on the web, also.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Filmmaking For Dummies

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!

Click here for more information about Filmmaking For Dummies

Read More...

Rebel without a Deal: or, How a 30-year-old filmmaker with $11,000 almost became a Hollywood player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Actually I think this is the most useful book for indie filmmakers EVER written. And with the addition of an interview with Kevin Smith broken up throughout the book, it always kept things entertaining.
As my daughters karate teacher once said, "It's a wise person that learns from others". So if you ever plan to shoot and sell your own movie, I think it would be wise to read this book first. This book gives a blow by blow description of what it took to write, shoot and sell an independently made movie. Written by a smart, funny, hardworking, determined, and insightful guy, that never gave up on his dream.
Absolutely an indie filmmakers bible. A must read for independent filmmakers, but a great read for anyone even slightly interested in independent filmmaking. Or if you just love Kevin Smith.
I highly recommend that you go buy this book.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rebel without a Deal: or, How a 30-year-old filmmaker with $11,000 almost became a Hollywood player

Rebel without a Deal chronicles how a High School dropout made his first movie in five days for $11,000 and got it distributed through Warner Bros. where it went on to gross over a million dollars.

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Rebel without a Deal: or, How a 30-year-old filmmaker with $11,000 almost became a Hollywood player

Read More...

Writing Music for Television and Radio Commercials (and more): A Manual for Composers and Students Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Composers and students and collections catering to them will love Writing Music for Television and Radio Commercials (And More), a detailed manual appearing in its second edition to describe the process of composing and arranging commercials for two different media, TV and radio. This new, expanded edition provides a review of the commercial music business and surveys composition, arranging, and instruction for composing for the commercial market.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Writing Music for Television and Radio Commercials (and more): A Manual for Composers and Students

Click here for more information about Writing Music for Television and Radio Commercials (and more): A Manual for Composers and Students

Read More...

The Filmmaker's Book of the Dead: How to Make Your Own Heart-Racing Horror Movie Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a member of the film-community, I am notoriously critical of these "how-to" texts. In general, they are either 1.) halfheartedly written with recycled material or 2.) unnecessarily pretentious and alienating. Therefore, when I ordered Draven's Book of the Dead, I guess you could say I was dubious of its value. In an (admittedly) unfair way, it began with a "strike against it" ... and won me over in no time!
Pros:
-Draven provides plenty of practical "tips" you may never consider. For instance, Draven suggests renting equipment/shooting during holidays: "I often shoot films 2 weeks before Christmas ... I usually get a lot of equipment upgrades for free" (89). Draven's years of experience become your guide to saving money. Another "for instance" ... exploring thrift-shops for inexpensive props/costumes (92). Not only is this a fantastic suggestion for maintaining a budget, but you'll be more inclined to find "unique" pieces. Clever. Likewise, he offers some critical tips you WILL need ... such as "how to communicate with your editor" (161).
-Draven's text includes "Interview Boxes" in which actors, directors, producers, and composers discuss relevant issues with a dash of humor. (Ex. "What are some of the most annoying, penny-pinching things low-budget films producers do when making a film?" (71).) Moreover, these aren't your "obvious" interviews! I was ecstatic when I spotted Draven's discussion with John D. LeMay. As a huge fan of Friday the 13th: The Series, I very much enjoyed an inside glimpse into this underrated television show. You won't find this attention to originality in any other text. Moreover, these interviews underscore that this is a "guide" for those who know and love the horror genre. This isn't a superficial "Let's have a conversation with John Carpenter" stuff (don't get me wrong, I dig his films, but every text in the world makes him its keystone ... yawn).
-Draven acknowledges a huge catalog of films. Instead of remaining in the "comfort zone" of the last fifteen years, Draven elects to reference Polanski, Murnau, and Corman along with more contemporary directors. Again, this brave move emphasizes how this text appeals to the true fans and creators of horror. And, it is so appreciated!
-I'm going to credit Focal Press for this next "pro." This book has GORGEOUS, full color pages on thick (i.e. expensive) paper-stock! While many publishing houses will release these texts in black and white, Focal did justice to these amazing photos, stills, posters, examples, etc... Beyond mere aesthetics, this enhances the learning potential of this piece. And, believe me, it's worth the couple of extra bucks that were probably added to the book. This is, by all means, an exciting visual masterpiece! I doubt you'll be willing to lend out this book ... it's JUST THAT "beautiful" (And, yeah, I believe a pop-corn box overflowing with viscera can be "beautiful").Cons:
-I honestly cannot find one fault with this text ... and, it's not for lack of searching.
Buy this text if you are a struggling film-maker, a neophyte in the field, a professor of film-studies (it's a great window into the "making-of" stuff) ... even if you are a lover of horror (because you will very much enjoy all the references to obscure films that your friends have never even heard of)! Hey, any text that has stills from Kiersch's Children of the Corn is genius ... and you know it! This book is unadulterated brilliance! Buy it already!


Click Here to see more reviews about: The Filmmaker's Book of the Dead: How to Make Your Own Heart-Racing Horror Movie

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about The Filmmaker's Book of the Dead: How to Make Your Own Heart-Racing Horror Movie

Read More...

Film Festival Secrets: A Handbook For Independent Filmmakers Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently finished reading film festival secrets. I appreciate much of the advice found therein, but it can be exceedingly basic at times. The book is divided into the following categories:
1. Before You Submit
2. When You Submit
3. While You Wait
4. When You Get The Call
5. The Pre-Festival Push
6. At the Festival
7. Aftermath
Holland's enthusiasm is apparent, and he gives solid advice about Withoutabox, organization, and promotion as well as an amusing list of Filmmaking cliches. There is a reiteration that you need goals going into festivals, and a review of the basic marketing materials used for them. There are also good checklists to end each section.
That said the book feels very much geared to the neophyte filmmaker setting out on his very first festival run. A lot of common sense and little new information for twenty five dollars. Much is rehashed here, although in a convenient form all in one place.
Some books that I would recommend are Chris Gore's Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide, Friends Fans and Followers by Scott Kirsner, The New Rules of Marketing and PR by David Meerman Scott.
If you are very new, this is for you, but I find it a little too expensive for what is offered.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Film Festival Secrets: A Handbook For Independent Filmmakers

Get 14% OFF

Click here for more information about Film Festival Secrets: A Handbook For Independent Filmmakers

Read More...

Getting it Done: The Ultimate Production Assistant Guide Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I must say, as someone who has been on sets and seen the hustle and bustle, I was skeptical that there could be all of the necessary information one needs to survive the "biz" in a single book. Mr. Friedman, however, exceeded all expectations. He has found a way to walk a fine line between being both informative and entertaining at the same time, offering not only helpful hints and concrete facts, but using his own personal stories and experiences to enhance the reader's journey through this fascinating world. If there is one book I would suggest on the topic of being a production assistant, this would be it! I promise you will learn everything you need to know and more, and his inclusion of pictures, charts and paperwork forms provides an insight into life on set that cannot be rivaled.
"Getting it Done" could not be a more apt title for this book- Mr. Friedman clearly "gets it done" within its pages, and I promise that after you read it, so will you!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Getting it Done: The Ultimate Production Assistant Guide

Only a fool would enter a film set without having first read this production manual. There is no faster way up the ladder than being prepared and no faster way out the door than by screwing up. This manual was created by a working PA as a tutorial for those starting out, or a reference guide for seasoned filmmakers. Getting It Done offers information on the many departments involved in a film production, the day-to-day operations of the set, the paperwork involved, and much more. This is the book that will get you started and keep you working at your very best.

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about Getting it Done: The Ultimate Production Assistant Guide

Read More...

The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you've never had a movie distributed then this is a good starter book. It doesn't contain all that you'll need, but it will definitely get you thinking in the right direction. It's got a lot of info for a decent price.
However, if you've already had a flick distributed and are looking to get a better deal on your second flick, this probably isn't the book for you, as much of this is novice-only.
So for
Fledgeling filmmakers: 4 stars
Experienced: 2 stars
Also recommended: From Reel To Deal, the Dov S. S. Simens book, that has(besides some excellent filmmaking tips) plenty to say about getting distribution for your flick.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution

Innovation in technology means that almost anyone can make an independent film these days. Although this may be good news for aspiring filmmakers, it also means that the oversupply of independent films on the market has caused acquisition prices to dramatically decrease. As a result, producers and investors rarely recover their initial investment in the films they make. But don't be discouraged! Use this book to learn the realities of the market in advance and map out a winning distribution plan. This comprehensive manual for filmmakers and producers dedicated to film distribution and the marketplace could mean the difference between getting your film out to the public and keeping it "in the can." Learn how to sell your movie to a studio, a cable network, a video distributor, or an international buyer. Self-distribution and other alternatives to traditional distribution are also considered. As well, you'll hear some success stories from producers and hearexactly what buyers are seeking.Stacey Parks has worked with dozens of hungry filmmakers to get their films a distribution deal and knows how frustrating the whole process can be. Let her tell you how you can take control of your filmmaking career and start getting your work seen by audiences with a few little-known distribution secrets. Features include: * Interviews and case studies with producers and distributors* Ten Ways to Market Your Film for Self-Distribution* Sales Projections per Territory* Distribution Resource Listings* Negotiation tips for distribution agreements* Sample distribution agreements* What you must know to get your independent film distributed* Written by a distributor who knows the process inside and out* Interviews with buyers and acquisitions executives from every sector of the business on what kinds of films they look for, what they're sick of seeing, and how their acquisitions processes work

Get 34% OFF

Click here for more information about The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution

Read More...

Filmmaking: Direct Your Movie from Script to Screen Using Proven Hollywood Techniques Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The illustration on the cover of this book is very apropos. As someone who jumped in to the industry with both feet and not a first clue about what I was getting into, I can say that I WISH that I had had "Filmmaking: Direct Your Movie from Script to Screen Using Proven Hollywood Techniques" by Jason Tomaric back then! It is just packed with just about every single detail that any aspiriing, or even established independent filmmaker can have a question about.
The one thing that really thrilled me about this book is that it goes beyond techniques and how to film scenes, three point lighting, cameras, etc. This book also effectively delves into the nitty-gritty of the business side. This is the one area, in all honesty, what so many film students or would-be filmmakers painfully lack. Filmmaking is a business, and Tomaric brings that reality home. Jason Tomaric shows step-by-step on scheduling, casting, dealing with the various unions and organizations, as well as keeping things nice and organized during the all-too-important post-production and distribution stages.
If you want to make movies, and you don't necessarily have the time and inclination to go to film school, there is no better book that I have found than this one that covers it all in one volume. It simply is a must-own!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Filmmaking: Direct Your Movie from Script to Screen Using Proven Hollywood Techniques


Filmmaking, the definitive resource for filmmakers, blows the doors off the secretive film industry and shows you how to adapt the Hollywood system for your production. Full of thousands of tips, tricks, and techniques from Emmy-winning director Jason Tomaric, Filmmaking systematically takes you through every step of how to produce a successful movie - from developing a marketable idea through selling your completed movie. Whether you're on a budget of $500 or $50 million, Filmmaking reveals some of Hollywood's best-kept secrets. Make your movie and do it right.

The companion site includes:


Over30 minutes of high-quality video tutorials featuring over a dozen working Hollywood professionals

Industry-standard forms and contracts you can use for your production

Sample scripts, storyboards, schedules, call sheets, contracts, letters from the producer, camera logs, and press kits

45-minute video that takes you inside the movie that launched Jason's career. 3,000 extras, 48 locations, 650 visual effects-all made from his parent's basement for $25,000.

The companion site includes:


Over 30-minutes of high-quality video tutorials featuring over a dozen working Hollywood professionals

Industry-standard forms and contracts you can use for your production

Sample scripts, storyboards, schedules, call sheets, contracts, letters from the producer, camera logs and press kits

45-minute video that takes you inside the movie that launched Jason's career. 3,000 extras, 48 locations, 650 visual effects, and all made from his parent's basement for $25,000.

Get 34% OFF

Click here for more information about Filmmaking: Direct Your Movie from Script to Screen Using Proven Hollywood Techniques

Read More...

The Business of Media Distribution: Monetizing Film, TV and Video Content in an Online World Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Whether you are a newbie on YouTube or a Hollywood bound Director, there are things covered in here that you would have never thought of, and that will only create more profit, in turn, providing the needed backing of a better picture.
There are financial opportunities to many entities if you have the ability to sell your film idea or even a completed film. Sponsors, product placement, tie-ins with other companies, cross promotion, and items sold based on the film as if it were fan memorabilia and more. Well, all that requires licensing, negotiation, contracts, and making the right agreements.
With a focus of web use, we all know that the Internet will only become the main source of our entertainment. I don't even think theaters will be around much. The tv screens are getting very big, very high quality and very reasonably priced. We will be staying home, with our TVs connected to online services. So, filmmakers may be looking at YouTube as a starting point, but the concept will continue to larger audiences.
With facts and figures from Hollywoods biggest production companies, you are informed of every level or expectation. Nothing is out of sight if you are able to sell your creation. This is a reference book as well, as you will be using your ideas and referring to it to see if you can connect those ideas with investors or distributors of services that go well together.
The entire process is overwhelming, tedious and frightening, but this publication will help organize your inspirations into something that could very well pay off in areas you didn't even know existed.
I have a lot to learn, and far from creating a film of merit, but will be using this guide to make sure I take the right steps to make it work.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Business of Media Distribution: Monetizing Film, TV and Video Content in an Online World


Written by the insider who headed sales for Lucasfilm across distribution markets and managed the release of Star Wars Episode III, this is the first book to show how all related media distribution markets, including television, video and online, work together and independently to finance and maximize profits on productions. It demystifies how an idea moves from concept to profits and how distribution quietly dominates an industry otherwise grounded in high profile elements (production, marketing, creative, finance, law).

The book provides a unique apprenticeship to the business, illuminating at a macro level how an idea can move from concept to generating $1 Billion, relating theory and practice in the context of the maturation of global market segments, and exposing the devil in the detail that impacts bottom line profits.

Producers, media executives, students and entertainment attorneys in specific niches will benefit from this wide-ranging look at the business across various distribution outlets, including theatrical, video, television, online, merchandising, video-on-demand, etc. This book is officially endorsed by Variety magazine.

* Covers the entire range distribution outlets; learn how your speciality relates to the big picture * The definitive book on how studios and networks make money; apply the knowledge and concepts to your business - endorsed by Variety magazine! * Demystifies net and gross: learn how/when you get the money once you've produced a film *Includes perspectives from leading industry executives from studios, networks and online leaders, including Fox, Paramount, MGM, ABC, Lucasfilm, Pixar, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon, etc. *Illustrates historical film windows, the economic drivers behind them, and how online and digital delivery applications are changing the landscape * Relates economic theory, in the trenches practices, market history and current trends *Explores and highlights online influences to each sub-distribution market (e.g., film, video, TV) throughout the development, production, financing, marketing and distribution chain

Get 40% OFF

Click here for more information about The Business of Media Distribution: Monetizing Film, TV and Video Content in an Online World

Read More...

Think Outside the Box Office: The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution and Marketing for the Digital Era Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I ordered Reiss' book as soon as I heard about it, as I had just finished shooting my first feature film this summer. I wish we had this book last year! But we are still in post-production so we'll get at least a metric ton of valuable information even at this point in the process to put into use before we finish the final edit and release our film. Now, the question is: how will we release it?
Many people would tell you the film business is somewhat broken and you cannot rely on a huge win at a festival and having your film bought and vaulted to hundreds of screens. This being the case, you have to work a little harder, you have to know how to manage your rights (digital and otherwise), how to market and reach your audience yourself and more than you ever thought as a filmmaker. Jon's book is very timely, full of current information (but he should sell it with a PDF update for future revisions!) and has answers to all types of questions. Theatrical? Festival? DVD? VOD? Streaming? BitTorrent? And how much time and money does this all take to do this DIY (do it yourself) anyway? How do I use social media to reach my audience? There are a million questions and Jon covers them all, and ably, too. I cannot recommend this book enough, especially for the price. Get yours now before Reiss figures out what a goldmine he's got here and starts charging $2,995 for a seminar that covers the same! Seriously, you could spend a lot of money on seminars and such and not get as much value as you get in "Think Outside the Box Office."

Click Here to see more reviews about: Think Outside the Box Office: The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution and Marketing for the Digital Era

The independent film community is a buzz with the collapse of the traditional independent film distribution model. No longer can filmmakers expect their films to be acquired and released nationally. But just as the digital revolution created a democratization of the means of production, a new hybrid model of distribution has created a way for independent filmmakers to take control of the means of distribution. This hybrid approach is not just DIY or Web based it combines the best techniques from each distribution arena, old and new. Jon Reiss spoke with countless filmmakers, distributors, publicists, web programmers, festival programmers and marketing experts to create this ultimate guide to film distribution and marketing for the digital era. Unlike any other book on the subject, Think Outside the Box Office is the first to address the new distribution and marketing landscape facing filmmakers today. Throughout the book, Reiss redefines the process from a filmmaker s point of view empowering the reader to create unique strategies for their individual films. Filmmakers are hungry for information on how to distribute and market their films. No single resource exists that combines all of the knowledge and tools now available to them. Think Outside the Box Office fills that void. The book is a break through step-by-step nuts and bolts guide to distributing and marketing a film. Each chapter addresses an essential aspect of a film s release and offers specific techniques so filmmakers can take control of their distribution and marketing destiny. Instead of buying multiple out of date books and searching the web for hints and tips now all of this information is available in one place for the first time. Topics include: o Audience identification and targeting o Negotiating split rights agreements for your film. o A reclassification of film rights from a filmmaker s perspective. o Your distribution and marketing team. o Integrating marketing into your production and post o Social networking crowdsourcing and crowdfunding. o Budgeting for distribution and marketing. o Redefining the theatrical release. o Booking a conventional and unconventional theatrical release. o The new role of film festivals. o Conventional and web marketing. o How to sell DVDs with a distributor and on your own. o How to negotiate with digital distributors and aggregators. o How to DIY your digital rights. o Using transmedia for marketing and expanded creativity.

Get 34% OFF

Click here for more information about Think Outside the Box Office: The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution and Marketing for the Digital Era

Read More...

Rebel without a Crew: Or How a 23-Year-Old Filmmaker With $7,000 Became a Hollywood Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Not because he's a great writer or director, but because with every single project he makes me feel like I can DO this. I can make good movies that people will enjoy watching. And you can, too.
This is one of the most inspiring books on filmmaking I've ever read--it depicts, in detail, all the ups and downs that went into making and selling EL MARIACHI, the $7000 sensation that opened doors for Rodriguez.
A lot of filmmakers argue that EL MARIACHI isn't a great film, that the story's kind of silly, that the version that most of us saw had $500,000 worth of post-production work added, and on and on.
But they're talking about it. It's 2003 and people are still talking about the amazing feat Rodriguez pulled off with this film. For $7000 of his own money, plus a whole lot of blood, sweat and tears, he got himself noticed and made a career out of his hobby. "Do what you love, then find someone who will pay you to do it."
This is a how-to manual for the basement movie-maker, written by a man who is excited about using movies to tell his stories: in this book, in the commentary tracks for his movies, in his Ten-Minute Film School installments, I have never once felt like Robert Rodriguez was bored with either his work or his achievements. The guy has fun, and his personality gets its fingerprints all over his work--if you can't enjoy yourself while watching a Rodriguez movie, you're expecting too much and thinking too hard.
This guy is not changing the face of American cinema: he wants all of US to change the face of American cinema, and this book is an open invitation to do just that.
Devour Rodriguez. Consume this book and engorge yourself on his DVDs. Chow down on special features on how he did it that also show YOU how to do it. If, after a week-long diet of Robert Rodriguez, you DON'T want to make your own movie IMMEDIATELY, seek a different destiny: making movies is not for you.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rebel without a Crew: Or How a 23-Year-Old Filmmaker With $7,000 Became a Hollywood Player

In Rebel Without a Crew, screenwriter and director Robert Rodriguez 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.

Get 32% OFF

Click here for more information about Rebel without a Crew: Or How a 23-Year-Old Filmmaker With $7,000 Became a Hollywood Player

Read More...

Marketing to Moviegoers: A Handbook of Strategies and Tactics, Second Edition Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As London bureau chief of The Hollywood Reporter, I covered the whole range of movie marketing strategies, from bad to brilliant. Bob Marich gives those who market movies and those with an interest in the film business a great inside look at how it's done, from market research to promotions and publicity to distribution. He covers major studio releases, movies distributed by indies, and foreign-language films. This is a great read for anyone who cares about how movies reach the ticket buying public.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Marketing to Moviegoers: A Handbook of Strategies and Tactics, Second Edition

While Hollywood executives spend millions of dollars making movies, even more money is poured into selling those films to the public. In the second edition of his comprehensive guidebook, Marketing to Moviegoers, veteran film and TV journalist Robert Marich plumbs the depths of the strategies and tactics used by studios to market their films to consumers. Packed with real life examples and useful data, this new edition blends practical, up-to-date information with theory to clearly explain all aspects of promoting motion pictures. Marketing to Moviegoers: A Handbook of Strategies and Tactics takes readers carefully through all of the key components of film marketing. From creative strategy, market research, and advertising to publicity, product placement, and distribution to theaters, Marich's book covers everything film professionals need to know to mount a successful marketing campaign. Each chapter contains a wealth of useful information-including the historical background of the business, sample market research documents and advertising budgets, comments from successful industry insiders, and over thirty-five tables-and offers intriguing insight into the strategies of modern promotion. Most other film marketing books focus mainly on marketing by independent distributors, but Marich specifically outlines the marketing methods of the six major Hollywood studios, which are notoriously secretive about these methods, while also detailing the marketing plans of the independent and foreign film sectors. In addition, he examines in depth the effectiveness of both new and old media, especially the ways in which the advent of the Internet has both helped and hindered the movie marketing process. While many books have been written on the business-to-business aspect of film promotion, Marich's volume is one of the few that focuses on the methods used to sell motion pictures to those who truly make or break a film's success-the public. This essential reference contains detailed examples, more than twenty illustrations, and a comprehensive glossary of marketing terms. A highly navigable handbook that breaks down a complicated process into manageable strategies in an easy-to-read style, Marketing to Moviegoers is a must for all film professionals and filmmaking students.

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about Marketing to Moviegoers: A Handbook of Strategies and Tactics, Second Edition

Read More...

Trailer Mechanics: A Guide to Making Your Documentary Fundraising Trailer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is one of the most compassionate and insightful books for those who are possessed by the subject of their doc but don't know how to structure it or express that structure to others. It asks the right questions and takes the filmmaker on an inner journey to uncover their working style and avoid the pitfalls of procrastination. Not the technical book the name would suggest. A very organic, but methodical, process of self-discovery is what Rossi provokes, in order to make you understand just what it is you want your film to express to the audience--and to potential funders.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Trailer Mechanics: A Guide to Making Your Documentary Fundraising Trailer

In order to raise money to make a documentary, it is essential to produce a trailer that will capture the imagination and confidence of grant-makers and investors. "Trailer Mechanics" guides the filmmaker step-by-step through the entire process of making such fundraising trailers.

Click here for more information about Trailer Mechanics: A Guide to Making Your Documentary Fundraising Trailer

Read More...

Coming Soon: Film Trailers and the Selling of Hollywood Technology Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The advancement of new technologies can sell a movie in its own, people wanting to see the marvels of the latest modeling and other such advancements. "Coming Soon: Film Trailers and the Selling of Hollywood Technology" is a discussion of new technologies in film making and how new technology can sell movies. And in a meta manner, how the fact that this can sell movies pushes new technology further. "Coming Soon" is an intriguing read about Hollywood's ever changing technology, highly recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Coming Soon: Film Trailers and the Selling of Hollywood Technology

Click here for more information about Coming Soon: Film Trailers and the Selling of Hollywood Technology

Read More...

I'll Be in My Trailer: The Creative Wars Between Directors and Actors Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Actors... can't live with them, can't fire them. Of course, actors are very special people. And of course, the main key to dealing with them is communication. However, finding the RIGHT way to communicate is often very difficult, because the way a director, writer or a producer thinks is very different from how the mind of an actor sees the creative process. (they also differ greatly from each other, but that's a whole different ballgame)
John Badham, director of some huge hits (Saturday Night Fever, Stakeout, War Games) tries to build bridges in this book, even though the title leads one to believe the tone will be fairly belligerent. On the contrary, while there are some stories about extremely bad behaviour here, Badham is being very constructive. In many cases, he puts the blame for an incident squarely on his own shoulders, even when an objective observer would think he did nothing wrong. His main goal is to facilitate the communication between director and actor, by explaining how to give direction in a way that actors can actually use. Badham himself uses the `as if'-technique (i.e. play this scene as if you got to catch the last train) to put actors in the right frame of mind. However, this approach isn't right for everyone (some actors DO want result-oriented direction), and Badham duly notes alternative approaches.
The book also provides a ton of helpful hints for almost all of the problems that can crop up on a set, acting-wise and actor-wise. When dealing with an addict, the only option is tough love. When some actors misbehave just for the fun of it or to flaunt their own power, a swift and just retribution is in order - except when you're dealing with real stars, who are beyond anyone's power to control.
The book also contains lots of interviews with actors, directors and producers who provide insights from all sides of the `war'. There's a lot of on-set anecdotes about Travolta (Saturday Night Fever) and Richard Dreyfuss, among others, and the interviewees include both huge stars, television directors, well-known actors who never made it to the A-list, and producers. The book is completely succesful at what it sets out to do, though of course the problems will remain. But now at least, there's some real help out there for directors struggling to get their cast under control.

Click Here to see more reviews about: I'll Be in My Trailer: The Creative Wars Between Directors and Actors

Get 44% OFF

Click here for more information about I'll Be in My Trailer: The Creative Wars Between Directors and Actors

Read More...