Chris Jones & Genevieve Jolliffe, February 2004
0826414648 £25.00
The latest in the hugely popular Guerilla Film Maker Handbook series, this hefty phone-book sized tome is not only a great resource for those looking to break into the Hollywood system, it also provides fascinating insights from many of those who already have. Continuing with the winning format of previous editions in this series, The Hollywood Handbook provides a mix of interviews with industry insiders, practical tips, advice, links, info and case studies from the creators of such indie breakthrough movies as Thirteen, Chuck and Buck and Donnie Darko, as well as the film-making misadventures of the authors themselves, here in the UK.
An exhaustive amount of interviews with those already working professionally inside the Hollywood machine make up the bulk of this volume, broadly covering every aspect of the film-making process, from conception to completion and crucially, how to survive the whole tawdry experience and go on to make the next one.
Each specialist area is touched upon in a whistle stop tour that checks in with everyone from storyboard artists, location managers, DP's, AD's, stunt men, Foley engineers, Negative cutters, sales agents, studio executives and everyone in between, including the less 'glamorous', but just as essential areas, such as unions, insurance, finance, sales and distribution.
The book's comprehensive content is shot through with verve and humour and is complimented greatly by its ease of use, which is where its real strength lies. The authors hit upon a very reader friendly design with their first book, and have wisely stuck with it. Made to be dipped in and out of, each section of this volume is extremely easy to navigate through, while simple illustrations and side-bars supplement each topic discussed and numerous helpful links and glossaries are included too. Of course, much of the information covered is tailored specifically towards Hollywood and the American film industry, so may seem to be less immediately relevant to the aspiring British film-maker, but isn't Hollywood the place they all want to end up eventually?
An enjoyable and informative read for anyone interested in films and film-making.
"Don't be fooled by appearances. The book looks like a fun read, but it's a lot more than that, with a wealth of serious and valuable information. I wish it had been around when I started out." - Michael Apted - Director, Producer (Coal Miner's Daughter, Gorillas In The Mist, The World Is Not Enough)
"Absolutely indispensable. This book should be within arm's reach throughout the entire film making process." Dan Myrick - Director, The Blair Witch Project
"Invaluable insider information that gives you everything you need to know to make your movie." Matthew Vaughn - Producer, Snatch and Lock Stock...
Gus Alvarez
Available at www.livingspirit.com or at all good bookshops.
Filmmaker and Co-author Chris Jones will be appearing at Kent Hothouse on April 24th, to discuss his books and experiences. Chris will be interviewed, present film clips, take part in a Q&A session and be signing copies of his books.
For more information contact Kent Hothouse info@kenthothouse.com
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