Making Short Films: The Complete Guide from Script to Screen, Second Edition

By Clifford Thurlow and Max Thurlow

Book Overview

This new edition of what has become a bible for filmmakers internationally is completely rewritten, expanded and redesigned. This is the only book to describe and explain the whole process - from creating an original or adapted script, to producing and directing, to managing budgets and people, to financing, marketing and distributing your film. Whether you are embarking on your first YouTube project or planning a more ambitious, collaborative film, Making Short Films gives you the low-down on everything you need to know. Making Short Films includes- A detailed, structured guide to the whole filmmaking process; Information on new, digital and internet technology; Interviews with key filmmakers; A range of complete scripts for award-winning shorts with commentaries by the filmmakers; Insider tips on making deals, renting equipment, securing funding and getting your short shown; Details on all the major film festivals; A glossary of film terms; An accompanying website with supporting information and access to the key films discussed- making-short-films.com

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1845208048
• ISBN13: 9781845208042
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Berg Publishers
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.8" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Simply the best guide there is

I sooo wish i had this book when i was doing film studies at college.there is simply nothing as good as this book. if you need any advice or knowledge about any stage of making a short film, then the info is here.BUY IT

Exceptional Guide

There are a lot of books about film making out there but most seem to have been written for people who are already in the industry and know what steps you have to take to climb the ladder. Making Short Films is the exception, a book for absolute beginners that takes you by the hand and guides you through the entire process from writing a script to finding actors, cash and crew, directing, editing and finally showing your short to the world. In one section of the book there are five scripts for five short films, and at the linked website www.making-short-films.com you can see the finished result online. The films are all very different, and they are not necessarily that great. That's the point. The exercise shows you how it is done, but leaves room for new film makers to learn from the mistakes and do better. There is nothing more disheartening than seeing short masterpieces and one has to remember, that many great film makers started out with mediocre shorts and got better by doing it. That's what the writer emphasizes: just do it. An exceptional piece of work, I can't recommend it enough.

Great Book for reference

I am just beginning into the world of shorts.; This book answered alot of questions i had. I would recommend this book to anyone getting into film making. Lots of good resources to draw from.

essential

i can't believe my luck, stumbling across this title. it really is "the only guide you will ever need" lots of titles claim this, few deliver. an A to Z of every important, unknown, or plain overlooked piece of info you will need to get your film on the screen.should be in every film school or film studies class

Short Bible

Every film, short or feature, begins with the screenplay. In Making Short Films, the writer has managed to condense all the screenwriting 'secrets' and mysticism into a powerful, straightforward guide to telling stories through film. Having started at the beginning, the book takes you step by step through the arts of directing, producing, editing and screening shorts at festivals and on the net. There are useful chapters on casting, locations, careers in film and I particularly enjoyed the History of Short Films, which puts the genre in context as it takes you on a journey from The Lumiere Brothers to YouTube. For new filmmakers, this is an essential guide. For tutors, you really won't need any other course work. Rarely does a book come along that can really change lives. Thurlow's Making Short Films is just such a book.