An ad in the latest edition of the New York Review of Books alerted me to an about-to-be released new edition of Clifford Thurlow’s Making Short Films:
Paperback edition on Amazon US for US$13.57, released 15 April 08
Hardcover edition on Amazon US for US$94.95, available now
Paperback edition on Amazon UK for £12.3, available now
Thurlow’s a writer, and this book emphasizes the importance of writing and story–in addition to the technical things that most “how to make a movie” books have. Both are important. But the former is usually underemphasized. Here’s reviewer’s blurb for the first edition:
“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, Buñuel or Fellini, Clifford Thurlow provides a refreshing and much needed focus to 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
From Thurlow’s own website describing the book:
There are many problems, pitfalls and oversights that make filming more costly and time consuming than it needs to be.
I know. I have made those mistakes.
In Making Short Films I have brought together my own experiences with those of a raft of filmmakers from producers and indie directors to technicians and writers. Their experiences are practical and inspiring and will guide students and new filmmakers on that hazardous journey from script to screen!
In Making Short Films you will find:
- A detailed, structured guide to the whole film-making process
- Information on new, digital technology
- A range of complete scripts from 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
- Glossary of film terms
Accompanying website at: www.making-short-films.com
At making-short-films.com there is a complete history of the making of Greta May, a 10-minute film shot on 16mm and produced by Sacha Van Spall at Metro Seven Films. The site has a comprehensive list of FILM COURSES, DISTRIBUTORS, PRODUCTION COMPANIES, a PRESS KIT, a FILM TERMS guide, a film HISTORY, 10 BEST SHORTS, and the EIGHT-POINT GUIDE to writing short films.
And from Thurow’s web site, a hodge-podge (personal wiki?) of tips on writing. (Not a bad roundup, but with a few typos and not that well edited–surprising for a site which admonishes “all writing is re-writing” and “no book is published without a good editor”!)
But I’m intrigued enough to order the book and check it out…
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