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  4. The Reel Truth

EBOOK

The Reel Truth

Everything You Didn't Know You Need to Know About Making an Independent Film

Reed Martin
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Pages
544
Year
2009
Language
English
Publisher
Farrar, Straus and Giroux

About

Did you know that most of the biggest indie filmmakers, screenwriters, and producers working today each made the same avoidable mistakes early on in their careers?

The Reel Truth details the pitfalls, snares, and roadblocks that aspiring filmmakers encounter. Reed Martin interviewed more than one hundred luminaries from the independent film world to discuss the near misses that almost derailed their first and second films and identify the close shaves that could have cut their careers short. Other books may tell you the best way to make your independent film or online short, but no other book describes so candidly how to spot and avoid such issues and obstacles as equipment problems, shooting-day snafus, postproduction myths, theatrical distribution deal breakers, and dozens of other commonly made missteps, including the top fifty mistakes every filmmaker makes.

From personal experience and his years as a freelance reporter covering independent film for USA Today and Filmmaker magazine, Martin uncovers the truth about the risks and potential rewards that go with chasing celluloid glory. Whether you're writing a screenplay, looking for financing, about to start shooting, or thinking about investing time and money (or someone else's money) in an independent film, The Reel Truth is a must-read.

Related Subjects

  • Business Aspects
  • Performing Arts
  • Adult Nonfiction
  • Direction & Production
  • Film

Reviews

"This is an amazingly well-researched and accurate chronicle of independent filmmaking. I learned so much--things I wish I'd known when I was in the middle of it all myself. It is hard sometimes to make filmmaking advice flow with dramatic interest, but Reed Martin keeps it clear, eloquent, and fresh. I would definitely suggest The Reel Truth to aspiring filmmakers--it would make a great textbook--and I am personally looking forward to the next volume, especially now."
Tom DiCillo, director of Living in Oblivion, Johnny Suede, Delirious, and When You're Stra
"The Reel Truth is definitely a book every filmmaker should read. Reed Martin does a great job of covering everything from first-timer mistakes to new paths in distribution and gets some really great advice from leading producers, distributors, writers--pretty much everyone."
Brian Newman, CEO, Tribeca Film Institute
"Reed Martin has written a production guide filled with indispensible information and enlightening anecdotes. The novice filmmaker can learn something by opening to any page in The Reel Truth."
Mark Pogachefsky, President MPRM Communications

Artists

Reed MartinAuthor