Here's the hottest books for those interested in being a part of Hollywood. One caveat: MOST of these books are aimed at those who want to be filmmakers, directors, producers or scriptwriters - but actors should remember that Matt Damon and Ben Affeck wrote a movie called Good Will Hunting - and their acting careers took off.
So here are the books I've found most interesting lately (and why) and don't forget you are likely to find the best deals right here on Ebay, so keep an eye out for these:
1. Rebel Without a Crew- How a 23 year old Filmmake rwith $7000 Became a Hollywood Player, written by Robert Rodriguez - director of El Mariachi and Once Upon a Time in Mexico. This is irreverent, honest and a truly fun read. Not only filled with incredible anecdotes, a very cool film photo section and the original screenplay for El Mariachi but also truly helpful info. I'd consider this one a collector's item.
2. The Portable Film School (Everything You'd Learn in Film School without Going to Class) by D. B. Giles. Don't take my word on this. Read reviews here and at other sites. This book is basically a private tutorial from an instructor at a major film school. Proof of his expertise? Many of his students have gone on to score deals, sell scripts and direct films. He has also written for stage, screen and tv. The book contains sections on Storytelling, Filmmaking (directing, pitfalls,etc), Dialogue and Characterizaton...Screenwriting, Finding Your voice and more.
3. From Reel to Deal - by Dov S-S- Simens, a writer who Quentin Tarentino says "Started my career" (that blurb is on the cover of the book). This book includes a secton on digital fimmaking A-Z as well as tips on "how to beat the system". He has taught such notables as Quentin Tarentino, Will Smith, Guy Ritchie, Baz Luhrmen and helpfed first-time Mark Archer produce In the Company of Men (for 25K and it went on to gross 25 million).
4. A Writer's Roadmap - Nuts and Bolts about how to plot your screenplay, think through the transitions, etc.
5. Finally, and this is not a specific book recommendation, but I'd suggest you get copies of screenplays you love. Read them. Figure out what "hooked" you, what holds your interest. Then adapt that information to your particular viewpoint and skills.
Hope to see YOUR film someday!
So here are the books I've found most interesting lately (and why) and don't forget you are likely to find the best deals right here on Ebay, so keep an eye out for these:
1. Rebel Without a Crew- How a 23 year old Filmmake rwith $7000 Became a Hollywood Player, written by Robert Rodriguez - director of El Mariachi and Once Upon a Time in Mexico. This is irreverent, honest and a truly fun read. Not only filled with incredible anecdotes, a very cool film photo section and the original screenplay for El Mariachi but also truly helpful info. I'd consider this one a collector's item.
2. The Portable Film School (Everything You'd Learn in Film School without Going to Class) by D. B. Giles. Don't take my word on this. Read reviews here and at other sites. This book is basically a private tutorial from an instructor at a major film school. Proof of his expertise? Many of his students have gone on to score deals, sell scripts and direct films. He has also written for stage, screen and tv. The book contains sections on Storytelling, Filmmaking (directing, pitfalls,etc), Dialogue and Characterizaton...Screenwriting, Finding Your voice and more.
3. From Reel to Deal - by Dov S-S- Simens, a writer who Quentin Tarentino says "Started my career" (that blurb is on the cover of the book). This book includes a secton on digital fimmaking A-Z as well as tips on "how to beat the system". He has taught such notables as Quentin Tarentino, Will Smith, Guy Ritchie, Baz Luhrmen and helpfed first-time Mark Archer produce In the Company of Men (for 25K and it went on to gross 25 million).
4. A Writer's Roadmap - Nuts and Bolts about how to plot your screenplay, think through the transitions, etc.
5. Finally, and this is not a specific book recommendation, but I'd suggest you get copies of screenplays you love. Read them. Figure out what "hooked" you, what holds your interest. Then adapt that information to your particular viewpoint and skills.
Hope to see YOUR film someday!
Guide created: 09/16/06 (updated 05/28/08)


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