We focus on a full scope on products, from independent narrative films, to. Film production books to get you started what you dont learn in film school indie film production. It is a straightforward, insightful, and articulate account of what it takes to make a successful feature film. In 1996 the legendary roger corman was a guest of the raindance fim. How to produce an independent film ecg productions. The art of political murder a good woman is hard to find out of blue. Tinseltown independent movie production companies part one. Film production books you need to read top ten list indie. Meet the 25 players who can actually get an independent movie.
Jun 15, 2000 compelling interviews with awardwinning, firsttime directors and producers take filmmakers, film students, and film fans on an incredible behindthescenes journey into the sizzling independent film scene. Cones film finance related consulting concerns the choice of finance method as well as the choices relating to. Since the bewildering field of film slides between craft and art, a new or experienced filmmaker needs some maps. How to start an independent movie production company. All films, regardless of the budget, start with a script. I decided to focus primarily on films and creative artists that made a significant contribution to the commercial andor artistic development of film production and distribution. The majority of independent producers will agree that the most difficult task is raising money to pay for the production. Recognize the talents that others bring to the table, then exploit the hell out of those talents to get results. A film production needs to be a tight, welloiled machine which enables every. Books on filmmaking and distribution what film schools don. This is a comprehensive bible to lowbudget film producing for emerging and professional producers.
It is the perfect tool for someone looking to break into the filmmaking business. Independent films the following year included blood simple, the stark, deadpan neonoir by the coen brothers joel, b. The latest version of the film production handbook is, like the previous version, an indispensable guide to film production. Oct 04, 2019 when writing your personal story and film synopsis, be sure to highlight that youve already proven your metal you have completed an independent film. This is a list of film production and distribution companies. This book documents these developments as a genuine outcome of the democratization and liberalization of film production. Raising funds to do your dream project, producing awardwinning films with a low budget, putting name actors on your indie filmits all doable, and this book guides you through the entire process of being a successful producer with bonus tips on how to effortlessly maneuver through the sphere of social media marketing and fundraising tactics. That means that 99% of the projects being made today wont make an roi, let alone their money back. Active production companies are either run by themselves or as a subsidiary. But, where six major studios were once responsible for most creative guidance and financial backing, now there are ample production companies and private investments that can raise the large sums of money needed to get a film in the can. See screening room with video clips, and check out.
A production company may specialize in producing their inhouse films or own subsidiary development companies. The complete film production handbook sciencedirect. Indie film producing explains the simple, basic, clear cut role of the independent film producer. Unlike other crowdfunding campaigns that promise advanced screenings when their indie film is completed in 25 years, you can provide an instant download via a private link on vimeo or youtube. Gregory goodell addresses the making of independent films, taking the reader through the process of the independent films development phase. Independent feature film production is an essential guidebook for filmmakers. Gave me a lot of information on making money with my indie film. Apr 03, 2019 challenges facing independent filmmakers.
The book is ordered chronologically, beginning with independent filmmaking in the studio era examining both toprank and lowend independent film production, moving to the 1950s and 1960s discussing both the adoption of independent filmmaking as the main method of production as. This book takes you into one directors journey to make a low budget, debut film. Independent film production company based in houston texas that specializes in film production around the world. That helped to eliminate many obscure films and filmmakers from coverage. Ive read many mwp books, and havent found a clinker among them. A history of american independent filmmaking documents this rich history, showing what it meant to be independent in the 1930s and what it means today. The worlds bestselling books for independent filmmakers. And in my opinion, it provides more practical guidance for beginning filmmakers than any other book on. Compelling interviews with awardwinning, firsttime directors and producers take filmmakers, film students, and film fans on an incredible behindthescenes journey into the sizzling independent film scene. Best of all is the bullet point tips on various topics. At less than 150pages or so, the book is a quick and easy read. Greyhound films is a small film production company responsible for indie films, documentaries, and parody animated shows that are viewable on youtube and amazon prime.
Nov 08, 2020 an indie film is any featurelength or short film that is made without a major studio or big production company attached. Clearly, i could not accommodate every independent film into the book. And in my opinion, it provides more practical guidance for beginning filmmakers than any other book on this list. Independent film producing book by paul battista official. Maa films independent film production home facebook. The best independent films to inspire your craft right now 2020.
Independent feature film production gregory goodell macmillan. The christian film industry is an umbrella term for films containing a christianthemed message or moral, produced by christian filmmakers to a christian audience, and films produced by nonchristians with christian audiences in mind. Independent films are sometimes distinguishable by their content and style and the way in which the filmmakers personal artistic vision is realized. An independent film, independent movie, indie film, or indie movie is a feature film or short film. Most indie films get stuck in post production for well beyond the time estimated because all the money was allocated to production. The 10 highestgrossing independent films of all time. Thats a film from the late 1990s that, to me, is emblematic of a time when indie film ranked alongside any other genre as a moneymaking venture. Raising funds to do your dream project, producing awardwinning films with a low budget, putting name actors on your indie filmits all doable, and this book guides you through the entire process of being a successful producer with bonus tips on how to effortlessly maneuver. Invaluable checklists which begin 12 weeks before shooting. A free resource that guides independent filmmakers through the sagaftra signatory process, making it even easier to hire actors, regardless of budget.
Marketing independent film from start to finish by elliot. Apr 09, 2020 a production book is a collection of documents that contains all the key information about your video production, specifically pertaining to the days your team will be on set. This list includes both active and no longer active defunct companies. Film production books you need to read top ten list. Top indie producers shaking up hollywood new york film. Indie film producing explains the simple, basic, clear cut r. It provides a detailed survey of each of the processes and players involved, and analyses of the legal and commercial issues faced by all of the participants in a film financing transaction. Web site, production and legal consulting for entertainment clients. Structured to guide the reader through production meetings, every aspect of the film production process is outlined in detail. Indie film production explains the simple, basic, clear cut role of the independent film producer. A unique emphasis on the visual elements of storytelling because the camera is always presentthe screenplay must act as a guide for the director and the editor.
Maa films is a freelanced video production service based in chicago, il. Film sourcing production documents and templates are not intended to be legal advice and are for educational purposes only. Geoffrey gillmore, programming director for sundance film festival if you are in the independent film business, you must read this book cassian elwes, william morris agency this is a true bible for all aspiring. This book is for working filmtv professionals and students alike. It provides a detailed survey of each of the processes and players involved, and analyses of the legal and commercial issues faced by all of the participants in a film. Major production companies often distribute films from independent production companies. Here are some nice screenwriting examples to fuel your creative fire. An independent film producer stitches the finance for the film from a whole. This book is for working film tv professionals and students alike. In this comprehensive guidebook, three experienced entertainment lawyers tell you everything you need to know to produce and market an independent film. Filmmaking involves a number of complex and discrete stages including an initial story, idea, or commission, through screenwriting, casting, shooting, sound recording and pre production, editing, and screening the finished product before an audience that may result in a film release and an exhibition. The best films of 2019, according to the independent film. These various meanings are examined in the course of the book.
Declarations of independence american cinema and the partiality of independent production. For example, when a distributor wants to market the film following film industry norms. Independent film producing by paul battista the number of independent films produced each year has almost doubled in the past decade, yet only a fraction. Aug 20, 2020 an independent film is a film made outside of the film industry, usually with private money. An independent film, independent movie, indie film, or indie movie is a feature film or short film that is produced outside the major film studio system, in addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies. There are lots of books on filmmaking and distribution, but this new book is taking the indie film industry by storm. Author greg merritt distinguishes between indie and semiindie productions, explores the genres represented. Home of warner bros movies, tv shows and video games including harry potter, dc comics and more. They are often interdenominational films, but can also be films targeting a specific denomination of christianity popular mainstream studio productions of films.
Film industryrelated services are offered separately on a casetocase basis from our team of hardworking crew members. Independent film 82 cult film 46 cigarette smoking 44 murder 39 death 32 female nudity 31 national film registry 31 boyfriend girlfriend relationship 30. The number of independent films produced each year has al. Dec 25, 2020 independent film used to be defined as any film made outside of the studio system. A marvelous primer that actually delivers what it promises.
Ultimate list of film production books about the craft indie film. The truth is that raising money is the key to any independent film, regardless of the position, experience, and past credits of the people involved. All earnings from vod or screenings goes to the next film production. Contributions from respected scholars, interviews with filmmakers, personal accounts and primary sources by important directors and screenwriters collectively provide readers with a lively account of dynamic film. In fact, the first independent film production to win the best picture oscar was david o. Aug 08, 20 five of the nine films nominated for this years best picture oscar were based on books, including the winner, argo. Gregory goodell addresses the making of independent films, taking the reader through the process of the independent film s development phase. We are photography, graphic design and we also turn books into film. This book includes important information on vendors, permits, film financiers, production companies and more. Movie based on judy blume book begins filming in charlotte. This book demystifies the legal and commercial implications of a film from start to finish. When industry money is attached it usually only commits on the completion of the film.
Independent film production companies greyhound films. Financing an independent feature film production is a highly complex process. Dec 24, 2019 the best films of 2019, according to the independent film community we asked a range of influencers in the independent film world to share their cinematic highlights of the year. This book offers a frontline vantage point, following bright, young talents as they negotiate the travails and triumphs of independent filmmaking.
How to release and selfdistribute an independent film rev. Ive been in the business a long time, but i still like to reread this book every few years. Independent film producingpaul battista 201008 the number of independent. Arguably, your big breakthrough as a producer was with the film boys dont cry. All of the major independent producers of the 1920s through 1950s, at one time or another, released their films through united artists. Top indie producers shaking up hollywood new york film academy.
Most of the major studios had boutique indie imprints and independent film was an economic force. If you wish to support the production of our indie films, please, support through your bank or the donate box. Producing independent feature films that make money by rick. Indie filmmaking is often lowbudget, which in the film industry can mean anywhere from a few thousand dollars microbudget to a few million. A comprehensive guide for the digital age 20 edition by steven ascher and edward pincus a staple of filmmakers bookshelves for well over a decade, the latest edition of the filmmakers handbook has revitalized all of the essential knowledge which it has become known for and brought it right up to date. How to option a book for film adaptation filmmaker magazine. Indie film producing the craft of low budget filmmaking nacfe. The success rate film distribution for most independent film endeavors is less than 1%. Filmmaking contracts should always be customised to suit each production and the legislation of your country area. The daughter of a billionaire, ellison has been able to approach film financing with an indie heart but with none of the constraint, and its a killer combination that shes leveraging to its fullest extent.
An independent film production can rival a mainstream film production if it has. Feb 05, 2021 independent movie production companies are production companies that operate without a studio or distribution contract or budget. Filmmaking or, in any context, film production is the process by which a film is made. As a former sales agent and a distribution consultant to low budget independent filmmakers, stacy parks is unusually wellpositioned to provide producers with the information and insights they need to successfully distribute their films.
Consult an entertainment attorney for advice on any specific situation. Creating a new black cinema is the first book dedicated to the films and filmmakers of the l. Founded in 2003 independent is a fully integrated content creation and distribution company specialising in film and. Jun 16, 2015 megan ellison is in a unique position in the world of independent film production.
For these reasons, it is inevitable that you, the independent film producer, shall at some point want to acquire the motion picture and television rights to a book. If youre a line producer, production manager, production supervisor, assistant director or production coordinatorthe book has everything youll need including all the forms, contracts, releases and checklists to set up and run a production from finding a production office to turning over delivery elements. An impressionable teenage girl from a deadend town and her older greaser boyfriend embark on a killing spree in the south dakota badlands. Home page independent film production company film.
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