Filmmaking For Dummies

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

Foreword. Introduction. Part I: Filmmaking and Storytelling. Chapter 1: So You Want to Be a Filmmaker. Chapter 2: Genres in General. Chapter 3: Penning and Pitching a Great Story. Part II: Gearing Up to Make Your Film. Chapter 4: Scheduling and Budgeting Your Film. Chapter 5: Financing Your Film. Chapter 6: Location, Location, Location. Chapter 7: Crewing Up: HiringYour Crew. Chapter 8: Assembling Your Cast of Characters. Chapter 9: Storyboarding Your Film. Part III: Ready to Roll: Starting Production on Your Film. Chapter 10: Shooting through the Looking Glass. Chapter 11: Let There Be Lighting! Chapter 12: Sound Advice: Production Sound. Chapter 13: Directing Your Actors: … And Action! Chapter 14: A Sense of Direction: Directing Your Film. Part IV: Finishing Your Film in Post. Chapter 15: Cut to: Editing Your Film Frame by Frame. Chapter 16: Posting Your Film’s Soundtrack: Adding Music & Effects to the Mix. Chapter 17: Conjuring Up Special Effects. Chapter 18: Giving Credit and Titles. Part V: Finding a Distributor for Your Film. Chapter 19: Distributing Your Film. Chapter 20: Exploring and Entering Film Festivals. Part VI: The Part of Tens. Chapter 21: Ten Tips for Discovering New Talent. Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Get Publicity for Your Film. Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Avoid Murphy’s Law. Chapter 24: Ten Best Filmmaking Periodicals.

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.