Screenwriting : Best book for new Indie film making by Joe Thayer

I would say YouTube. You can see 100 opinions and see what you like as advice.

Thanks Craig! I'll definitely use YouTube for reference. I was hoping for a step by step book for reference to carry around.

this site may help

https://nofilmschool.com/tv-episode-structure

Thanks Carl, checking it out now

Here is my check list for a short film.

Figure out what you want the short film to be. Is it a learning tool to help with writing? Is an example of your writing? Is it a job application to be writer/director?

This will influence budget decisions and how big you want to go.

I would try to keep it to a single scene or two.

Never have crowds or extras. Too hard to organise.

Limit locations. Less is better.

Write a script that has these limitations.

Next find a cast.

Whatever camera you have is the right camera.

Rehearse.

Find locations.

Get permits (if needed).

Film.

http://griffithscreative.com.au/short-films-promos-bts/

Here are few I have done. They are a great way to learn how to write. There are also some BTS and Promo videos.

Awesome, thanks! Very helpful.

How to make movies by Kevin J. Lindenmuth, Scheduling and Bydgeting your film by Paula Landry are pretty good. There might be some better ones but those are the only two I have read.

Thanks Dan, I take a look.

Take a look at Berry Andersson's 'The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook', copyright 2015. It's pretty complete and as up to date as I know.

Hi Joe, there are a lot of 'experts' in the world. Some of them have produced a lot of stuff but yet it doesn't mean you're going to like their work. I guess what I'm saying is that while the theory of making films are out in the world, the hardest part of the process are the difficult conversations with your fellow crew. These difficulties will include having a clarity of vision that everyone on the team can understand and translate to the screen. I'm a rookie still but I have made about 6 short films through my film school; each of them were very difficult due to dealing with people. I know you asked about books for indie film making but the part that's missing in many of the books is how to deal with others.

I hope you'll accept this post in the spirit that it's written; I want to see you succeed. I hope all creative people get to do what they really feel passionate about.

Hi Joe,

Books/online stuff is great, but there are a whole bunch of talented people in the Brooklyn Filmmakers Collective. If you're not already involved with them, then you might want to check them out.

Best fortunes to you, Joe, and stay safe!

Doug Nelson - Thanks!

Jaeson Iskandar - great points! I'm comfortable working with others and driving a vision. I'm really looking for a how to type reference guide.

Bill Costantini - will check them out, thanks for the tip! Be well.

What You Don't Learn in Film School by Shane Stanley.

I've literally worked with the guy and watched him do the job plus he has a very extensive background in both indie and studio production.

Don't take my word for it though, it's also backed by Neal Moritz (The Fast & Furious Franchise, S.W.A.T, 21 and 22 Jump Street), Jeff Sagansky (Former President of Sony Ent. & CBS Ent.), and Adam Kane (Damnation, Star Trek: Discovery, American Gods, The Boondock Saints).

Also check out https://indiefilmhustle.com Alex is a great dude focused on spreading truth about filmmaking.

CJ Walley - Thanks! I will take a look. I used Indie Film Hustle for Coverage and received Recommends, so I like them already :)

Joe Thayer , directed my first short back in 2003....didn't know sh**t :))) Just transferred words from the script into images in my head and then on film...It came out far from perfect, but good under the circumstances....point is, even if you do not match any good written words in the books of vise, just do it....what do you have to loose?

In film school, a required reading was “shot by shot” by Katz. The book is 30 years old but still relevant; it covers the use of camera angles, script breakdown - the technical and physical parts of filming. Other than books & training webinars, get a job on-set as a refresher course for you and also to pouch cast & crew for your films.

Kiril Maksimoski definitely hear you and that's my approach, just want to prep us as best I can.

Dan MaxXx unfortunately, I've got a 9-5 to feed my kids and pay the mortgage, but I'd love to work in set (like I did years ago)