Product Description

Now updated--the step-by-step secrets to capturing great moments on film

With all the recent advancements in filmmaking technology, more people than ever are trying their hand at filmmaking. Keeping up with the newest information in this booming field, this updated edition of Filmmaking For Dummies features up-to-the-minute coverage of the latest and greatest hardware, software, accessories, and trends--including high-definition technology and new outlets for films such as YouTube and MySpace. It demystifies the nuts-and-bolts of filmmaking, from developing a project and securing financing to hiring a cast and crew, editing, and getting distribution. This new edition also provides new movie examples and updated contacts and resources. Whether people want to become professional filmmakers or simply shoot quality home movies, this practical guide has all the advice and tips needed to succeed.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #172663 in Books
• Published on: 2008-11-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780470386941
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"I found Filmmaking For Dummies a thorough and informative read: a complete A to Z that demystifies not only production, but pre- and post- production as well. Stoller paints a picture of filmmaking so basic that you'd have to be not just a dummy but completely braindead if you're unable to make your own movie after closing the book." (Entertainment Weekly, September 5, 2003)

From the Back Cover

Now updated! Your step-by-step guide to turning your filmmaking dreams into reality

So you want to make movies? Whether you're looking to go pro or create quality home movies, renowned filmmaker Bryan Michael Stoller shares his extensive hands-on experience in shooting a successful film. From developing a script and securing financing to editing and working in high definition, he reveals secret tips for capturing great moments on film — even on a tight budget!

• Tell your story — explore the different genres and write (or find) a screenplay

• Gear up and start production — choose the right camera and format, scout a location, and hire the right cast and crew

• Add the finishing touches — edit your scenes, set your movie to music, incorporate sound effects, and more

• Get your film in front of an audience — enter film festivals and find a distributor

• Grasp the latest technology — understand the advancements in digital and HD; upload your movies to such sites as YouTube and MySpace

• Exclusive new interview — gain invaluable insights from Alan Horn, President and COO of Warner Bros.

"From 'Fade In' to 'Fade Out,' from 'Action' to reaction, Bryan Stoller gives us a comprehensive understanding of the art and science of making movies. Filmmaking For Dummies is the smartest book I've read on the subject."
—Peter Saphier, co-producer of Scarface and executive at Paramount Pictures

Open the book and find:

• Filmmaking tips and secrets not found anywhere else

• Expert advice on choosing the best equipment and format to use

• New movie examples, photos, and figures

• The latest on new digital technology, including affordable HD camcorders

• Ways to generate publicity for your film

• Unique Web sites for the independent filmmaker

• Cost-saving tips for film stock and software

• Updated contacts and resources

About the Author
Bryan Michael Stoller is an international-award-winning filmmaker who has produced, written, and directed over 80 productions, including short comedy films, half-hour television shows, music videos, commercials, and feature films. He has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including actors and studio presidents.

Customer Reviews

The Best Filmmaking Course on a Budget!
I always love to learn about subjects that interest me, and even though I may have read through dozens of books on a subject to gain the maximum know-how about it, it's always a thrill to pick up a read that is truly superb. Bryan M. Stoller, the author of Filmmaking for Dummies, has accomplished one of the best jobs on this subject matter that I've found so far over the years. He's categorical and precise and I'd call it the best Filmmaking Course on a budget. The reader can learn in this inexpensive book just as much as in many 8-week filmmaking courses that often cost thousands of dollars and the good part is that with this book you already have the notes printed in front of you. The author offers a volume of resources discussing the differences of using actual film vs. video and new 24fps digital camcorders like the Panasonic AG-DVX100 Cinema Camera. He has excellent chapters on lighting, sound and camera filters, as well as on the commercial aspect of idependent film distribution and film festivals, etc. This is a very practical, right-to-the point book and it's an enormous resource from a qualified guy who's been interested in filmmaking for a long time and who has at least 20 years of on-hand in-the-field experience. Stoller also offers very helpful Website addresses for further information, even where to buy or rent equipment, etc., etc. Every aspiring and even professional filmmaker will definitely benefit from this book. Amazingly, this book is so updated as if it was just written a few weeks ago including the newest technological developments regarding digital film formats.

Well written, but content is misguided
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.

Filmmaking for Dummies
The book is very helpful. It brings a lot of good information for new filmmakers. You can find tricks, terminologies, tips, techniques, and more to start your career as a new filmaker. There are many good material to learn. The author uses recent movies as examples. It covers many aspects of the filmmaking industry and how to make a low budget film. Beside, the book brings a lot of links to interesting web pages related with the filmaking industry.