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First off, last week we had the screening for the Soul Proprietors 2016 Film Competition, where we won the Grand Prize of $5000 and a giant check! (And apparently a trophy, which in my glee, I accidentally gave to Fleet Feet. Oh well. We still got the giant check.)
Reading is an essential part of learning and filmmaking. Here is a list of must reads for aspiring and veteran filmmakers alike. It is by no means extensive or complete but just a few of my favorites.
1) The Illiad & The Odyssey - Simply put, the best. Amongst the oldest in Western Literature, once read the two pieces you realize the human condition has not changed in thousands of years despite our technological evolution. We are all flawed, mortal beings just trying to get the biggest piece of the pie we can before we wither and die and spend an eternity in darkness (A bright and cheery outlook, no?) All literature coming after The Illiad & The Odyssey owes them a great debt. No better read in my opinion for anyone and everyone. How unfortunately relevant is the story of Odysseus trying to come home after long, weary wars yet unable to find his way home and once found, realizing it is utterly unrecognizable. There is a reason these stories have been in the cultural fabric since their first utterance by the blind bard. Purchase at Amazon, for free at Gutenburg
2) Easy Riders, Raging Bulls - Easily one of the most entertaining books about the craziness that is New Hollywood in the 1960s and 1970s, Easy Riders, Raging Bulls really humanizes the glamour of how Hollywood deals are made, how people got into the business, and how filmmakers learned their craft. Filled with all the sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll, that is behind the movie business, it is an enlightening read on how business is done and perhaps most importantly, what not to do in a career in the movies. Purchase at Amazon.
3) The Art of Film Funding - Authored by Carol Lee Dean of From the Heart Productions Art of Film Funding gives readers an honest view of what it takes to create a sustainable career in filmmaking. Dean shows that it takes, years of long hours, hard work, networking like crazy, asking everyone you meet for money to fund projects, and the absolute dedication to your projects and relationships. Simply indispensable. Purchase at Amazon.
4) Making Movies - Penned by Sidney Lumet, Making Movies shares the insights straight from the mouth of one of the great American film directors. If Roger Ebert says it is in valuable, that is all that can be said. Read it. Purchase at Amazon.
What books have you read you find imperative for filmmaker?
As a filmmaker, it is of the utmost importance to have life experience, knowledge of the world around you. How can you have a viewpoint on the world if you know nothing about it. After life has kicked you around a bit you can start you filmmaking education. Here are five great websites that I use frequently to educate myself on various aspects of filmmaking.
Cinephilia and Beyond - http://www.cinephiliabeyond.org - An utterly fantastic website for the true cinephile. Comprehensive, educational, unparalleled. Also, they are donation based so show them some love and throw some dollar bills their way. They often have screenplays from some of the greatest works in film available for free. They dig up other content that you simply would not find otherwise. A favorite piece of mine C&B did on Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon (1975). http://www.cinephiliabeyond.org/stanley-kubricks-barry-lyndon/
Filmmaker IQ - http://filmmakeriq.com - Another website that scours the internet for juicy film related material and puts it all in one nice place. There are also handy lessons on topics from color temperature to the history of aspect ratios. I have spent a lot of time on this site.
Roger Deakins Forum - www.rogerdeakins.com - Not only is Roger Deakins one of the best cinematographers to have ever worked, he is incredibly generous in sharing his knowledge and experience. He answers questions on his own work and the work of others. I have lost myself for hours on end scrolling through the nearly limitless knowledge.
YouTube - www.youtube.com - This one may seem obvious and it is. There is so much information on youtube, one really has to comb through it. Take all opinions with a grain of salt and use a little common sense and you will be able to find valuable tutorials, behind the scenes, reviews, and lectures on YouTube.
Hurlbut Visuals - www.hurlbutvisuals.com - For those interested in camera, grip, or gaffing work this is another great resource. I have not yet taken part of Shane's Inner Circle educational service but I hear good things. Shane is really good about sharing his thoughts on various tools.
What websites do you find valuable for continuing your filmmaking education?
