Feature Filmmaking at Used-car Prices

Book excerpt: Independent producer and director Schmidt discusses the techniques of creating and financing low-budget feature films. Since for him the low-budget level hovers around $6,000 his advice is well-directed to both students and beginning professionals who want to test their filmmaking skills. Schmidt starts with the most basic element--the concept of the film itself--and shows how the idea is developed from scripts and other reproduction aspects to actual filming. Editing is discussed along with other post-production activities before the promotional elements of filmmaking are explained. Throughout, Schmidt balances technical considerations and aesthetic issues. A final chapter is devoted to the video format. ISBN 0-670-82264-7: $18.95.