Making It Big in Shorts: The Ultimate Filmmaker's Guide to Short Films

by Kim Adelman

Book Overview

Brings together the artistic and business sides of filmmaking. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1932907580
• ISBN13: 9781932907582
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Michael Wiese Productions
• Length: 264 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Great Guide for Short Filmmakers!!

"Making it Big in Shorts" is a great book for all short filmmakers. It emphasizes that each filmmaker is their own studio and is the one sets the agenda for the kind of film they want to make. Whatever the goal of your short...youtube sensation, the festival circuit, money or a showcase piece for a feature film, this book has helpful tools for you. Kim Adelman has her finger on the pulse of the short film world because she has been in the trenches for years and has produced amazing results. The tips that Adelman offers are presented in a clear and practical way which makes for an easy and helpful read. Between the insight of her own experiences and those of other film professionals, this book will help you from your original concept through your career. It is a short filmmaking journey that tells of the simple truths and harsh realities. This book can also get your creative juices flowing. I came up with a handful of short concepts as I read through Adelman's guide. As a film professional, I highly recommend this book to all filmmakers interested in tackling the short film medium, especially those just starting out.

Informative and Entertaining Guide For Beginning Filmmakers

I've been thinking about making a short film for ages, and was lucky enough to get my hands on an advance copy of this book. After reading it, I feel inspired to actually make it happen. There's a great mix of encouragement and practical advice here that helped organize my thoughts regarding the steps I need to take to make my short. The anecdotes from veteran short filmmakers, including Kim herself, were especially helpful. I appreciated that no set-in-stone rules were set down, but the worst mistakes to be avoided are still spelled out. I'd say it's a must-read for anyone who's going to make a short and hasn't had much experience with production. But it could also be helpful to more seasoned filmmakers who want insight into aspects of the process they haven't given much thought to, especially marketing and online distribution.

Beg, Borrow or Steal This Book for your Shelf!

If you're an aspiring filmmaker whose budget isn't quite as limitless as your imagination, Kim Adelman's new release is a must-have for your screenwriting library. "The Ultimate Filmmaker's Guide to Short Films: Making It Big In Shorts" is a straight-to-the-point text that will teach you everything you need to know about finding a plot, finding the resources to get it produced, and (hopefully) finding yourself among the beautiful people at international film festivals. Her chapters on "Budgeting: Everything for Free" and "Essential People and Paperwork" are especially well crafted and provide humorous, taut, and solid "been there/done that" advice that can help the novice sidestep costly disasters in his or her first filmmaking venture. Bravo on a book well done and one that I will be enthusiastically recommending to my script coverage clients who want to take that first step on the road toward fame and fortune. Christina Hamlett Pasadena, California

A Must For All Filmmakers

I was starting my first short with no experience and I had no idea what I was doing. I saw this book in the bookstore and bought it. It was the best purchase I've ever made. It was easy to read, and very informative. It will tell you everything you need to know about making a short and you can use a lot of the tips for features. The best part, it goes from the idea all the way to distribution. You will know the rules of the game before you begin your film so you have a better idea as to how you will make and use your film. What I also really enjoyed about the book was that it gave a detailed list of what kind of medium you can shoot your movie on. What is better, DV or film? If you don't know this book will help you figure that out. It also tells you how you can get those great songs on your soundtrack without paying for it. I hope that if you are an inspiring filmmaker that you pick this book up, and good luck with your movie.

Aspiring Filmmakers Need This Book!

The Ultimate Filmmakers Guide to Short Films: Making It Big In Shorts should be read by every aspiring filmmaker. Kim Adelman lays out everything you need to know in an informative, witty, and intelligent way. She tells you about the mistakes that others (including herself!) have made, so that you don't make the same mistakes. And as someone who has worked at a number of film festivals over the years, I found her insights into dealing with festivals, and planning a promotional, marketing and festival strategy for your film to be spot-on. I'll be recommending this book to every filmmaker (and filmmaker wannabe!) I know.