Making Movies

Library Journal

Veteran independent filmmaker Russo outlines the moviemaking process step by step, from developing an idea to selling the finished product, including sections on budgeting, pre- and post-production, raising money, technical aspects of shooting and editing, and dealing with agents, lawyers, and distributors. What sets Russo's book apart is the pragmatic, no-holds-barred quality of his information--this is eminently useful, down-to-earth, learn-from-my-mistakes (and successes) advice. There are interesting interviews with other ``successful'' indies like George Romero (with whom Russo started on Night of the Living Dead ), Lizzie Borden, Sam Raimi, Tom Savini, and Tobe Hooper, and an appendix of sample contracts.-- David Bartholomew, NYPL