Product Description

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. The new edition of this bestselling book 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: www.making-short-films.com

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3475 in Books
• Published on: 2008-02-15
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Review
FROM REVIEWS OF THE FIRST EDITION: 'This book is destined to become the "bible" for anyone who wants to make a short film.' Amazon.com 'Clifford Thurlow's book is the definitive must have for any filmmaker contemplating making and marketing a short.' Elliot Grove, Director of Raindance: The Voice of Independent Film 'Many undergraduate students will find this book useful as it aims to cover the whole process from idea to distribution...Making Short Films should be an opportunity to develop skills and hone the craft.' Roger Crittenden, The Times 'A riveting read, packed with rare anecdotes and expertly chosen examples from across the film world. And by weaving throughout tales from the likes of Cocteau, Bunuel or Fellini, Clifford Thurlow provides a refreshing and much needed focus on the artistic and creative - as well as the technical - aspects of filmmaking.' Nic Wistreich, development director of Shooting People and co-author of Get Your Film Funded 'Nobody should think about making a short film without reading this first. Thurlow takes new filmmakers through the steps of shooting film in a way that will save time and money. Plus it's a good read!' Producer Jennifer Fate Velaise, Fate Productions, Los Angeles 'It is so easy to make a short film these days there is a strong temptation to do it as soon as the impulse grabs you. For some, such impulsiveness can pay off. For others, a few pointers would help...Thurlow passes on his insider tips neatly packaged in simple chapters that will guide the novice over the minefield of filmmaking and inspire them to go out and make movies...It's enough to make you feel like the next Spielberg. But why not? Someone has to be. And my guess is it will be someone who starts off reading ...Making Short Films.' British Film Magazine 'There are tons of books about making feature films, but most people start off with a short and this definitive book is for them. From the clever guide to writing short scripts to screening shorts on TV and at festivals, the writer takes new filmmakers by the hand and leads them every step of the way. At the connected website I found lists of festivals and short film festivals, and Thurlow writes honestly about the problems and pleasures he had directing a short film according to his own theories. The book is witty, entertaining and informative. And that's what we're looking for.' Amazon.co.uk 'Reading almost like a novel, the book weaves together anecdotes and film history to illustrate the filmmaking process, citing example from both classic cinema and contemporary films. Ultimately, Thurlow's book is meant to inspire. He emphasises that short filmmaking is primarily a creative and collaborative exercise, not financially profitable, and should be considered a chance to learn skills and stretch your imagination. His emphasis is not on technical advice, but on the creative and artistic considerations of short filmmaking. As one of the directors that Thurlow interviewed in the book comments, "People try to formalise the process, but it is not about formulas, it's about communication...it is your emotional input, your veracity, that will make a film work." ' Nancy Harrison, Vertigo Magazine 'Thurlow brings his personable style to Making Short Films and turns what is effectively a step by step text book into an easily assimilated, fact packed tutorial with all the dynamism and panache of a contemporary novel...an essential tool of the trade and indispensable for the embryonic auteur.' Mike Von Joel, State of Art 'Making Short Films will be your ideal guide and will take you right through the process.' Writing Magazine 'Great guide to practical aspects of production [with] advice that can save time and money!!' Freddie Gaffney, Ravensbourne College of Design & Communication

About the Author
Clifford Thurlow is a writer and independent filmmaker. He co-produced Salvador Dali: A Biography and co-produced and presented The Dali Triangle for Yellowbay Films. The winner of a screenwriting award from EMDA, the European Media Development Award, his screenplay Zeitgeist is in development with Hub Media.

Customer Reviews

invaluable introduction
this is an invaluable introduction - not only to short films but the industry itself. it's brimming with excellent advice based on the author's own experiences; and boasts a refreshing economy of style which always makes it interesting. i wish it was available when i was at film school.

the only guide you will ever need
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

A must for all short film makers
This guide provided me with vital details for making my 2nd short film. Well laid out, easy to read, packed with great tips and useful information. This will be my first point of reference for all future projects.