Independent Feature Film Production: A Complete Guide from Concept Through Distribution

by Gregory Goodell

Book Overview

Independent Feature Film Production is an essential guidebook for filmmakers. Gregory Goodell addresses the making of independent films, taking the reader through the process of the independent film's development phase: the script, commitment from the director and actors, and the legal structure necessary to raise money to make the picture. Whether interested in learning to make a movie on a shoestring budget or on a larger scale, this book...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312181175
• ISBN13: 9780312181178
• Release Date: May 1998
• Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
• Length: 512 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Complete and then some

This book goes into fairly extensive detail on almost all aspects of film production. Production is a grey area to most and this book illuminates it quite well. It is a bit dry and long winded but is more than made up for by its excellent index and organization. It doesn't have to be a page turner if you can find the page you need. Buy it and use it as you need it (and you will need it)

Invaluable resource, a must-buy for all aspiring and experienced independent producers

I'm a writer-producer currently prepping my first independent film where I'm in the driver's seat. This book has been an invaluable resource for me along the way in terms of educating me on the industry and laying out all of the steps I need to take in order to pull off this project. I've read a number of other books on producing lately, and so far nothing else comes even close to this one. Completely comprehensive, from development to distribution.

Applicable from the streets of LA to the beaches of Sydney

As an Australian filmmaker, it would seem a waste of time and money to get hold of a film production book written for primarily the US market. But in this case, it was time and money very well spent. I bought this book nearly four years ago, and it has proven to be an invaluable resource in all my work. From a smaller independent Australian film to the latest international theatrical release, the tips, insights, strategies and suggestions contained in this book have helped clarify, focus and guide decisions and choices that have paid off enormously. Yes, this book is heavy on detail, but this is a subject that can appear to be deceptively simple, and in reality is far from. Gregory Goodell has gone through every stage of making your film, any film, and has done so admirably well, emphasising the pitfalls that often land filmmakers in trouble, and how to avoid them yourself. Any filmmaker who wishes to comprehend and orienteer the complex world of filmmaking, anywhere in the world, and make a film properly from start to finish, would be well advised to add this book to their collection.

Simply The Best!

This book is simply the clearest, most comprehensive book on feature filmmaking available! It's an invalauable resource for anyone undertaking the task of making their first feature film and a great way for the more experienced types to brush-up on the nuts and bolts of the process. I read the First Edition of this book fifteen years ago and proceeded to Write and Produce my first feature film with no previous experience, film school, or consultation of other resources. I just recently finished the TENTH FILM that I have Written/Produced/ or Directed, all of them theatrical releases, and for me it all started with this book. I can't possibly praise it too highly. I recently read the revised edition and found that it's even better than before!

Comprehesive, current, understandable and practical

This is a terrific book. I have used it in classes that I have taught on film and television financing. I think the new edition of the book covers new financing issues and new technology about as well as anything you can find