Mike Jones Digital Basin
cinematic media rinse cycle

Crucial books for indie filmmakers

The most powerful tool a filmmaker (or any creative producer of any media and medium) can possess is Not a 8-core computer or a RAID5 system, its not a HD camera or T1 internet connection. The most powerful tool a creative producer can possess is a library. A personal collection books that line the studio or office.

Knowledge is power and the ability to both confirm knowledge by reference and expand knowledge by exploration is the fuel to any film project.

Whilst such a library should be as diverse a possible i have distilled down 3 of the most used, most loved, most dynamic tomes that sit on my shelf that I think should sit on the shelf of every indie filmmaker.

1) The Filmmakers Handbook



Many  have tried, most fail dismally. Over arching guide books attempting to cover all elements of production are not easy and most slip into trite and shallow territory. The Filmmakers HAndbook is the exception. Its reliable, detailed ansd very readable. Now in its 3rd Edition it still forms my first port of call when checking a process concept or technical element of cinema.

2) The DV rebels guide



Again this book sits in a genre category that is vastly overpopulated and yet invariably cream rises the top. The DV Rebel's guide by Stu Maschwitz is fresh, 'no-bullshit' and  utterly packed with a dynamic and innovative approach to indie production. Its a book that strikes that wholly rare blend of articulate creative information on how to get the most out of every shot, paired with consummate technical knowledge and the absolutely specific technical process. Its vivid, highly readable, and by virtue of its frank gung-ho attitude, thoroughly inspiring. You wont make it to the last page because half way through you wont be able to hold back from grabbing your camera and going out to shoot something.

3) The power of film.



Books on screenwriting and story are even more prolific than books on DV production. Frankly most of them are the same derivative re-hashed clap trap thats being doing the rounds for 3 decades. The power of film is effectively a glossary of terms, an anthology of micro 1-2 page essays on cinematic ideas. It doesn?t lay out a 3act structure or a 22-step plan or any other formula. It uses creative surgery to isolate profound dramatic concepts. The power of film virtually never mentions the screenplay and it you can learn ore about writing and screen drama than all other screenwriting books and seminars combined.

Posted at 12:00AM Jul 21, 2008 by Mike Jones in video  |  Comments[2]