film-industry Books

This book is absolutely SUPERB.

- clear, concise explanations.

- in depth. thorough.

- many, full color, glossy images to demonstrate points

- to the point. no filler.

- enjoyable to read. layed out interestingly.

- gives you a GREAT starting point for making your doc.

This is not for advanced doc makers. This is for newbies who know nothing about making a doc. Read this and you'll be ready to go. You will not be an expert but you will know enough to get things started and an excellent foundation from which to build your doc making skills upon.

Can't go wrong with this.

Anthony Artiss writes the DV book for the "rest of us" who are new to the field and are struggling to connect terminology with application. He speaks in plain english and makes sense of arcane technical terms.

I read Barry Braverman's Video Shooter immediately before Shut Up and Shoot. Now I wish that I had done the reverse as Artiss explains terms at a level for the beginner. I probably would have gotten more out of Braverman's book had it come second as his tome is more technical.

Shut up and shoot is not a Dummies book. It assumes the person has a basic understanding of the glossary of general terms but at the same time is careful to put new material in the proper context. It is a great step by step process to give one a basic understanding of the equipment and process needed to shoot a basic low budget documentary.

The bonus DVD has some great quick guides and cheat sheets that are definitely an added value.

Best value for the money. If you are a beginner this is the first book you should buy.

There is no better book out there on how to plan, organize, and execute a documentary.

I liked this book so much that I made sure to get it back from my boyfriend after we broke up. Just the "Basic List of Post-Production Elements" is worth the price of the book. Artis demystifies tech talk and shares hard-won tips so you can avoid mistakes.

Anthony Artis has put together a truly valuable handbook for making films and videos on whatever your budget. I picked this up after 20 or so years in production management work. I've also taught workshops in production and producing so I've read a lot of "how to" and theory books. This one is a keeper. It holds your attention, delivers solid advice and practical experience that is highly motivational. It also provides links to many important resources and a bonus DVD with all kinds of useful information. The best thing about this book is Artis's ability to cut to the heart of the matter and not bog the reader down with too much information. Learning filmmaking is highly experiential and that's the ultimate message here: don't get caught up in too much book learning -- shut up & shoot!

Author Screenwriter gives an honest and realistic view of the world of publishing and movie making. Without sugarcoating, but also without completely annihilating all hopes for publication, Miller takes would be authors through the process of becoming literary successes. He covers the intricacies of relationship, the cold hard facts of the basics for proposals, the realities of Hollywood and much more. This book is a treasure for authors and screenwriters. A definite must have.

Rhegina Sinozich
http://www.BalloonToTheMoon.com

"Author! Screenwriter!" by Peter Miller is THE book you need to understand the world of writing for both publishing and screenplays. If you buy only one book on the subject, make it this one! It is full of sound advice to help both new and established writers avoid many of the pitfalls in the writing business and point them in the direction of a successful writing career. Peter Miller has been a successful literary and film manager for over thirty years. Through this book he shares the vast wealth of knowledge he has gleaned over time, and it quickly becomes apparent why he has come to be known as "The Literary Lion" in the industry.

The book is broken down into three parts. Part one, "GET PUBLISHED!" takes the reader step by step through the publishing process. It starts with explaining the realities of the publishing world (it's not all book signings and appearances on Oprah) and continues on with sound advice on how to do everything from putting together your proposal to finding the right agent and everything in between.

Part two, "GET PRODUCED!" is another step by step journey, this time into the world of screenplays. Like part one, it begins with outlining the realities of the writing business in Hollywood then continues on to explain everything from the packaging of your work to marketing, making it in television, and a whole lot more.

Part three, "PROPOSALS THAT GET THE DEAL DONE" shows a variety of real life proposals that resulted in real life success stories. Through this section the reader can glean some excellent ideas on how to best present their own submittals for optimum results.

Throughout the book Mr. Miller has sections with guest speakers from various parts of the industry talking about their views on the writing business and adding sound advice on how to succeed which helps to illustrate all the important points that the book is trying to convey in how to optimize your success as a writer.

A companion DVD for this book is available from the PMA Literary and Film Management web site and is chock full of interviews with various professionals in the industry all talking about what it takes to succeed, their own personal success stories, and the realities of the business. I would highly recommend purchasing the DVD as well. The tidbits of wisdom within it are not to be missed!

OK, that's it, what are you waiting for? Click "Add to Cart" and go process your order. The sooner you read the book, the sooner you will be on the road to success! :o)

Just one read of Peter Miller's book, "Author! Screenwriter!" will broaden your horizen of writing possibilities. Don't just think screenplay, but consider formating that same story idea into a novel as well. And when you consider the odds, 100,000 to 200,000 books published per year, as compared to only some 1,000 stories produced for all of the Network Television, Motion Picture, Cable and DVD industries, Mr. Miller argues an interesting point. With over 30 years experience managing and producing writers, he gives insights into the industry that few others have even touched upon.

Definitely worth any writer's time and money. But regardless of one's writing goals, this book gives that big push every writer needs to encourage perfection and perseverance.

If you're serious about realizing your potential as a writer, this is the book you buy. Having successfully managed hundreds of books, Peter Miller truly is "The Literary Lion", and Author! Screenwriter! has left a huge impact on me as a professional writer.

Need an inside guide on how to write the perfect proposal or understand the delicacies of contracts? He's got you covered. Or maybe you really would like to take a look at some sample inquiries, be inspired by some success stories, have a better understanding of the do's and don'ts in a profession where millions of writers compete for the interest of professionals in the industry. Trust me, if you read this book it will never be far from your hands. Buy Author! Screenwriter! and you'll go back again and again to Mr. Miller's wellspring of experience and insight.

If you're like me, you want to be armed with the truth as a writer, and Peter Miller delivers. Read it, cloak your talent in its wisdom, and move forward. You'll agree that it's more than a book.

It may well be the key to your future.

The book is a must-have for a writer's bookshelf. But a companion DVD is also available with practical and pointed interviews that is well-worth seeking out.

After graduating from film school, I had no idea how to start my career as a writer in the film industry. "The Writer Got Screwed" not only showed my how to start my career, but showed me the different kind of careers which exist for Writers in the Entertainment Industry. Most books don't explain what WRITERS working in the entertainment industry need to know: THIS BOOK DOES. If you want to work in the legal department of a studio, take classes in copyright and contracts. If you want to work as a writer in the entertainment industry, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.

Very few books explain how to start your career, the different forms of representation (agents, managers, and attorneys), how to protect your work (copyright registration vs. registering with the WGA), how to protect yourself (contracts-what do they mean?) and give lists of available resources (scholarships, WGA approved agencies, production companies, legal resouces/attorneys) for writers working within the entertainment industry--"The Writer Got Screwed" delivers on all of these areas. Whether you are working in film, television, feature animation, soap operas, or interactive, "The Writer Got Screwed" provides interviews with writers who work in these areas and valuable, RARELY FOUND, information regarding how these started their careers. This book is a terrific, must-have book for anyone who wants to write for the entertainment industry, and now is joined by a companion website at [...].

This book is one of those needles in a hay stack. It's not out there like all the other books for writers. But if you find it... you have found gold. It is written so that it is easy to understand and has tons of great information in it. A must have.

There are a lot of books out there on writing for the entertainment industry, but this was the one book that got me started. A lot of writers tend to pass around gossip and poor information, but this book set me straight from the beginning, and is now joined by Wharton's website/blog: brookewharton.com(rated in top 10 for film blogs). This is the one book that anyone writing for film or television should START WITH. I'm mystified by a previous reviewer who said that Wharton doesn't talk about the WGA (there's a whole chapter on the guild), and also that she doesn't discuss acquisitions vs. development (it's called spec sales vs. assignments in the 1st 10 pages of the chapter on writing for film). Clearly this person couldn't have read the book. If you need real answers, buy the book.

Given all the 5 star ratings, I expected better. Not that this isn't a good book, but it depends on the reader's sophistication. If you don't know anything about some of the basic legal and business aspects of the publishing biz, this book is a good start. On the other hand, if you're a detail oriented person who really wants to dig in deep into this subject, you may find the content a bit light.

Screenwriting for Teens
Author, Christina Hamlett

FADE IN

From the Beginning to the middle through the end, Christina Hamlett uses her mind, body and soul in the assembly of proven methods that will make your screen writing dreams a reality.

The honest, thought provoking concepts are full of wisdom that will move you into a profession like no other. Many of life's greatest lessons are there for your fulfillment and enjoyment.

The Brainstormer exercises will open all your senses in the physical and spiritual realm to achieve your greatest potential. Learn and apply these methods and we will see your name in the credits.

Christina Hamlett receives Donley's Five Star W.O.W. (Words of Wisdom) Award.

Brian J. Donley
Author, The Original Psychology of Success

FADE TO BLACK

Though I love movies, I've never considered writing for screen. But Screenwriting for Teens is not only a terrific guide for every screenie teen, but a good book to read for any writer. Screenwriting covers everything from genre definitions (and examples!) to dialogue rules, formatting guidelines and finance notes. Perfect for a teen's attention span, each chapter is only 2 pages long and covers a different concept (100 in all) of screenwriting basics.

This book is fun and thought-provoking at the same time. I loved all the movie references (I've seen almost all of them!) and have added Moonstruck and Laura to my To-Be-Watched list. But I also kept thinking about my Novel-in-Progress, and how Christina's advice about conflict and character-building needed to be worked into my book. This unusual teen-centered "textbook" (not textbook-boring at all) belongs on your bookshelf if you are interested in writing and especially if you want to be a screenwriter.

- [...]

My son got this book from the library and was pretty upset when he had to return it. He had to own it. He loves it.

In Screenwriting for Teens, Christina inspires young and old to dive into the film craft. The book's depth of information allows for it to transcend the high-school age group. One of the unique aspects of the book is the subject chapter exercises which prove both helpful and challenging. Participating in these exercises will enhance one's film craft. Highly recommending the book.

Candidly, I have to confess that before I read Christina Hamlett's Screenwriting For Teens: The 100 Principles Of Screenwriting Every Budding Writer Must Know, I knew very little about screenwriting. This is not to say that after completing my reading I have become a maven on the subject matter, however, it did give me an excellent introduction into this fascinating and absorbing craft. And perhaps one day, with the tools and techniques Hamlett has provided me in her book, I will sit down and write my first film short.

Hamlett's vast experience as Professional Script Consultant, as well as an author of twenty-four books, one hundred and eighteen plays and musicals, four optioned films and screenwriting columns that have been published throughout the USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, was a natural choice to write an instructive manual on screenwriting. Although, the title may imply that the book is for teens, nonetheless, adults will likewise reap a great deal from its enlightening contents.

The text of the book is kept to a minimum and is written in a clear, upbeat, and conversational style that readers will enjoy. Then again, what really makes this book a standout is its simple and effective presentation. Each short chapter consists of a key concept about the craft of screenwriting that is followed by a "Look & Learn" section listing reference films, television shows, books and website. The intention of these lists is to reinforce the principles presented in the chapters. The last part of each chapter entitled, "Brainstormers," is an activity section containing writing exercises that can be used in connection with specific projects or simply a tool to wake up the creative side of your brain.

As an example, if you look to the chapter dealing with the concept that "Conflict Grows Out Of Character," Hamlett stresses that "conflict becomes the intersection where the participants respective intentions, beliefs, and past experiences all crash into each other." In other words, if your story does not have a conflict, your story is basically about nothing. And as mentioned, "conflict cannot emerge from nothing as it needs to be fueled by the clash of wills that occurs whenever people who feel they have nothing in common are forced to share the same space. Bringing these dissimilar personalities together is what ignites the conflict that will then drive the plot."

To reinforce this principle, Hamlett refers to the movie Lethal Weapon where she goes onto explain how conflict is introduced. This is followed by three suggested exercises such as writing about a situation at school or at home where the personalities of you and someone else clash.

Adding to the book's thoroughness is an extensive filmography containing movie titles and the year of their production as well as the lead actors.

The field of intelligent books addressed to teens pertaining to screenwriting is certainly not overpopulated, however, Screenwriting For Teens: The 100 Principles Of Screenwriting Every Budding Writer Must Know has now most admirably filled this void.

Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor Bookpleasures

great fun. if you're not rolling on the floor with laughter when you read this your first name is ebenezer. several friends get together and critique movies. no one is spared when they carve up such cinematic masterpieces as st. elmo's fire, the bodyguard, glitter, basic instinct, pretty woman [ I don't understand julia roberts popularity, eric got the talent gene, imo ], my favorite is the chapter on the movie cruising.

Back in college, a devoted group of soap watchers gathered in the student center every day to keep up with life in Salem. None of us knew each other outside that TV room, but for one hour a day, five days a week, we were united in our running commentary of crazy plots, acting that ranged from barely there to over the top, fashion don'ts, and Alice's donuts. Anyone stumbling in might have thought we hated the show, but no demand of college could keep us away from it.

Screening Party reminds me of that, only better, because Hensley's (based on life?) movie viewers are friends. Their lives become little subplots to the movies they watch and comment on. It all makes for a greatly entertaining read. I've read it cover to cover once, and I keep it handy to dip into when I want a quick read during lunch or something. I can always count on it to make me laugh.

Screening Party is a witty, saucy book that will get you laughing. Obviously, Hensley has distilled the most brilliant and effervescent remarks from his real-life screening parties for this story. These funny characters do more than just crack Sedarisque lines about movies; you see the changes in their lives as the story progresses.

This is a calculated mix of movie commentary and storyline, though more oriented for those who want the cultural analysis rather than the story. It's an especially vivid snapshot of mid-70s to early 80s pop culture. Even movies you thought were great get roasted via the sass-spatula from these wacky grillers.

This book is GREAT. I had this book purchased for me in July 2003. I was out for drinks with my brother and his partner ( who bought it for me) and they casually asked had I read it yet...I lied and said "yeah of course. Good book." They looked at each other, then back at me and said simply. "Liar"

This provoked me to get the book out of the pile next to the bed labeled "mean to read" and skim through it. By page 2 I was in tears. Mr. hensley made me crack up REALLY LOL. Like before LOL existed, this is what I did..so much so that my husband asked me to READ TO HIM what was making me crack up to this extent. (Shoot me now. He NEVER has done that before) Well, we continued to laugh till well into the am. hours.

I highly recommend this book. Hillarious and the BEST if you are one of those who like to sit and "bag" on things. Bravo Mr Hensley! Great book!

Jodi Wallace

Dennis Hensley and his gaggle of five chums crack wise to earn your giggles in what is one of the more original and better written movie books I've read. Decidedly not a traditional film review or guide, Screening Party seamlessly integrates hilarious commentary from Hensley's peanut gallery with poignant, often surprisingly touching storytelling about the lives of those in said peanut gallery. The contemporary campfests you might expect are covered (e.g., Basic Instinct, The Bodyguard, Glitter, & Flashdance), but also included are some unexpected gems (e.g., The Sound of Music and Taxi Driver). While the banter is always funny but not always totally original, this is actually the point: you will find yourself laughing out loud at times, reliving the magic of Sharon Stone's infamous legs uncrossing scene and your reaction to it the first time you saw it. The gang's commentary is as witty as you wish yours had been, and, thanks to Hensley, retold faithfully and skillfully.

If you are looking for a collection of serious film reviews, then look elsewhere. If you are looking for a great way to spend an evening or a lazy afternoon (because you will not be able to put down this book), then make some baked goods a la one Partygoer and join the Party.

I'll tell you right off that it brought back a lot of memories of my production assistant days. Your descriptions of what one needs to survive in this industry are right on. I'm very grateful to you that it was written in a very clear and concise way with touches of humor and the incorporation of actual experiences. It was a very easy read.

I liked your suggestions for follow up letters. I actually used them twice already. The format is great: direct and concise.

I found it to be helpful and informative

I read the book twice and loved it! It has a wealth of information that anyone in this industry needs. I have already gain further info that will help me achieve the goals I have set for myself. I wasn't looking for it but while I was browsing through the bookstore, when I got to that section, it was the first to jump out at me. This book was a sign that I have been on the right path for the last four years. I thank you.

This book served no purpose other than it's nice contact indices in the back (for which I gave the 1 star). Other than that, it was a waste of money. I wish I had bought it at Borders so that I could have skimmed through it first. Then I could have also just ripped out the index list and taken it home. Shhh! Don't tell anyone.

Christina Hamlett is a respected and well-known script consultant who has taken her knowledge of the industry and turned it into a thought-provoking look at the process of writing a script. While most how-to books on screenwriting give a reader the nuts and bolts of what makes a good screenplay, Ms. Hamlett does one better and walks her readers through HOW to make a good screenplay. Could It Be A Movie? is conversational and encouraging the whole way through and I especially like the hands on exercises that can be found in each chapter. They truly provide insight on what works for a story and what doesn't.

Ms. Hamlett begins by guiding her readers through deciding which format - movie, book, or stage play - best suits their particular story. She includes interviews and inside stories from some of the industries leading professionals who help explain what writing, and writing for Hollywood, is all about. She touches on everything a writer ever wanted to know about the screenwriting process - three-act story and it's proper structure, character and dialogue, adapting material from other mediums, rewrites, script consulting, more rewrites, and all about the business side of screenwriting - like protecting your work and querying an agent.

This book is one of the best on the market - as an aspiring screenwriter I've read many - and definitely belongs on the desk shelf right next to the likes of Syd Field, Linda Seger, and Dave Trottier. Ms. Hamlett's wonderful insights and straightforward writing style make it clear that she enjoys writing and helping other writers achieve their full potential. I can't say enough good things about this book, but I will say that Ms. Hamlett is a master at providing guidance to aspiring writers and she is a wonderful inspiration to us all!

Could it be a Movie gives great, detailed advice to aspiring screenwriters trying to come up with ideas and inspiration. But the book delivers so much more. This is a seriously good resource and I would highly recommend adding this book to your collection. From soup to nuts, Christina Hamlett keeps it real and discusses dialogue, agents, what producers do once they have your script and more. This is one of the best, most inclusive, humorous and spot-on books on screenwriting I have seen in some time. I just love Christina's voice. Reading her book is like having coffee with a dear friend.

Julie Gray
Founder, The Script Department
www.thescriptdepartment.com

"Could it Be a Movie?" tackles the title question with wit and a great sense of the craft and business of storytelling. Beyond that, it explores the fundamental question: Could I Be the Movie Writer? If that is a career you are considering, read this book first. Not only does it give solid information to help you make that decision, but it clues you in on the fundamental principles of the craft and business of writing for the movies. This remarkable book is loaded with resources from the library and from the internet. Could your idea be a movie? Just maybe, yes, with the aid of this invaluable resource.

There is only one reason a person writes - because they have to. And no one ever has to read what you write. But if you wish, pass copies out to your family and friends. I promise you they will gush and fawn. And you will realize the money you dropped on that script writing software was well spent. Then buy Christina's book. You'll find out that developing a script is not done by just sitting at a computer. Christina's too much of a lady to tell you in the book to do this, but here's what I did after reading COULD IT BE A MOVIE- I grabbed a couple note books, a bunch of sharp pencils, a bottle of scotch, found an empty table, and slashed my way into my soul. Christina helped me find places there I was proud to write about.

Just like Christina Hamlett's other reads, Could It Be a Movie? get's two pens up! This How-To book is your first step in determining whether or not your newly written script is fit for the big screen. Maybe it would be better as a book or maybe a stage play. Now, with this book as your guide, you will be able to make that determination on your own.
This book is chock full of great knowledge dug up from the wonderful mind of a successful theater director, script consultant and former actress. But what is great about the book is its easy to understand voice. Christina writes in a very conversational tone and combined with her wit and great sense of humor, it seems as though you are learning all this priceless information from across a table in a coffee shop. It's amazing how easily the information flows from the book to the brain. I even catch myself (who has no experience in this field) saying to myself, "Oh yeah! That totally makes sense!"
The book also relays great advice such as, "if you can strip away all the glitz and gizmos and your story still has something substantive to say to an audience, you've probably got yourself a solid plot." She instructs you to be familiar with the medium you are trying to emulate. "Don't be a playwright who has never seen a play, a novelist who has never read a book or an aspiring scriptwriter who never goes to the movies." And another brilliant point she makes is: "there are no short cuts in this business so you might as well start at square one."
Like Christina Hamlett's other book, Screenwriting for Teens, this book also has great mind-stimulating exercises to give a try. For instance, she asks the reader to list movies that are written in "bookend format" or what she aptly named the "maypole format." How about turning a commercial you are familiar with into a movie? All the while, she continues to drive home the importance of your story having a solid message. What does your script say to the audience?
There are so many important topics this book touches on that first timers may not already know. For example, she explains how to shorten a script by taking out lengthy stage directions. She advises leaving that to the directors. Or maybe you have never left Wisconsin but you want to write a believable book about a character in Los Angeles. With the invaluable resources she has included such as websites written to help novelist's research different kinds of people, jobs, cities and customs for anywhere in the world or anything you may be writing about, it's now possible. She delves into the legalities of copyrights and how to stay away from shady websites that promise you the world. Worried about how to find an agent? Could It Be a Movie? to the rescue! Yes, even that information is in there.
So start writing that first script because like in her waffle analogy, the first one always gets thrown out.

Since I named my son Graham after Bill, I thought perhaps I should know a little bit more about his life. I now now know alot more!

It is written in a narative style which makes it very easy to read. The stories are told by the people who were there, some happy, some sad ,some very funny.

If you are interested in the life of this man or even the history of modern day Rock and Roll Concert Production, how it started and evolved, I highly recomend this book.

This book is a little weird (to me) in concept but it works out really well in the end. The book goes from Bill's early days in Nazi Germany all the way to his death with no major stone left unturned. Lots of great stories with very little in the way of punches being pulled. I mean Bill really tells you what he is thinking. Very uncensored. Covers the drugs and the behind scenes stuff with no BS involved. Shows the guy for who he was, warts and all and lets him and the people he is talking about retort one another which I thought was weird in a good way. This book is of great interest to anyone who has probably gotten to this point in reading reviews. If you are interested in this type of subject then this book is a must.

It's a good insight into the rock scene back in the 60's and 70's. A must read for anyone who likes classic rock.

i didn't realize how much bill graham did behind the scenes.
montery pop ,woodstock, altamont,ect............

This book is structured so that as Bill Graham comments on different times of his life, he allows the persons hes speaking of to comment in the next paragraph. This makes for some very interesting reading. Grham discusses his time in Korea and killing the enemy. This experience allows him to have an abundant amount of courage when it comes to dealing with band managers in the future. Bill discusses Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Zeppelin, the Stones, J Geils Band, Santana, the Who and all the tense dealings with each of these personalities. This book could have benefitted from better pictures of the bands. Thats my only critical comment.

This book continues to be one of the greatest resources a D.P., Gaffer, Best Boy or Electrician could ever ask for. I continue to read and reread this handbook and learn and understand more and more about film lighting and technique.

Whether you are an experienced gaffer or an apprenticing electrician, this book is the first step to gaining a professional knowledge of film lights, distribution and practice!

Stephen Q. Breslin

I purchased this third edition copy as a gift for a stagehand friend of mine. I have the second edition. After flipping through the pages - I was tempted to keep it! As before, the section on basic electricity (line loads, paper versus real amps drawn) was a really good reference to those unfamiliar with basic electrical concepts but who may have to apply working knowledge of it daily. The explanation is excellent. In addition, this copy has made some significant updates to the material, including a a new section on color, gels, and color temperature. I recommend this book as an excellent reference to both seasoned and novice stage/film electricians.

This book is very in depth and easy to read. I have done lots of lighting for theater and concert, but not film or video. This book taught me a lot. It is specific to lighting for film and video so if you are looking for more information on theater lighting or automated lights for concerts, this book only has a few pages on that. But for film and video it Rocks! I would even recommend this book to anyone interested in lighting.

I gleaned a lot of information from this book. There is not a ligting, electrical connection that is not explained to my satisfaction. Take the time to read all then keep this book handy as a reference. Just showing that you have the book, proves that you know what you are talking about.

Great book, lots of detail for any working Lighting tech, or aspiring tech. Great for a indi-film makers library.

This book is an EXCELLENT source, full of complete information on film production. This is the most comprehensive and complete publication I have seen to date. No wonder it constantly sells out. I am glad I bought it. I highly recommend it.

Really good book. Full of excellent forms and useful tips. Great for your next film.

I offered this book to a friend who is into film production. He seemed to be really satisfied with the book content...

Eve has done a great job of encapsulating the logistical process of making a film. One could call Eve's book a filmmaking bible. No other book says it better.

Matthew Giovannucci
Student / Rockport College, Maine

My friend Mark Hansson wrote to me recently to recommend this set. Mark is a busy guy in `the biz,' having done almost a hundred films and TV shows, including episodes of Murder She Wrote, Fat Actress, Six Feet Under, as well as the features Dreamgirls and The Quickie (overlooked and much-recommended) - so his advice is key.

Turns out that Eve and Mark have been friends for a couple of decades, since they met on a film when Eve was a Production Coordinator. Mark read the first edition in galley form, long before it became a standard reference book at most studios and at many film schools. Eve's got another book out too - Hollywood Drive: What it Takes to Break in, Hang in & Make it in the Entertainment Industry.

While Hollywood Drive deals with more `esoteric issues,' this book is worth its price for the production forms alone: a CD Rom of almost 200 templates that can be customized and adapted for any film or TV show. Mark says, "I still use some of them today, such as the `Walkie Talkie Checkout List,' an active Word document that you can type into once it has been downloaded."

Eve herself has helped thousands of our industry colleagues, through classes and the group she founded - the Film Industry Network (FIN), which still meets once a month at Sony studios. Mark again: "I'm very proud of Eve and the second career she has found as an author and teacher. She's an extraordinary person. And no - I don't get royalties from the book!"

I don't get royalties either - in fact I bought both books right here on Amazon, and I am glad I did. The Complete Film Production Handbook is a must-have for any producer, director, or production manager.