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RECOMMENDED
RESOURCES
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Recommended Resources
Writers often email us asking which screenwriting books, classes, seminars, and software our judges recommend. They ask questions about script formatting, screenplay registration, film industry contracts, script sales, and a whole host of other subjects. So we polled our judges – a panel of over 30 industry professionals – and assembled a master list of their most highly recommended screenwriting books, classes, software, services, tools and supplies. The list is divided into three sections, designed to help you:
WRITE YOUR SCRIPT
| SELL YOUR SCRIPT
| MAKE YOUR MOVIE
If you'd like to explore any of these websites or find out how to purchase any of the recommended materials, simply click on the link provided. We hope this information will be helpful to you!
MAKE YOUR MOVIE
Many aspiring screenwriters and directors are now choosing to take their careers into their own hands and make their own indie movies. And with the advent of the new digital cameras, inexpensive editing systems, and cutting-edge internet marketing and distribution tools, it's becoming easier every day. If you're ready to take the plunge, here are some of the top books, classes, software, and other indie film production resources that can help you make your dream a reality:
THE TOP 10 BOOKS
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FILMMAKERS & FINANCING
To create a movie, you first have to find the funds to do it. Let Louise Levison, who wrote the innovative business plan for "The Blair Witch Project," show you how. Whether you want to produce a feature, short, or documentary, this unique film financing guidebook teaches you how to create a movie business plan that you can present to your potential investors. Supplementary exercises and spreadsheets on the bonus CD-rom help you get comfortable crunching the numbers. |
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RISKY BUSINESS
A comprehensive nuts-and-bolts guide to indie film financing and distribution. Attorney Mark Litwak discusses the entire process in detail: from finding film financing via loans, presales, and investors to contracting and policing film distributors. Topics include: partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, equity investments, co-productions, working the film festivals, understanding distribution territories, film distribution agreements, distributor's accounting practices, and much more. |
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SHAKING THE MONEY TREE
Morrie Warshawski shows you how to acquire film financing through grants and donations from individuals, foundations, government agencies, and corporations. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are available to those who know how to unlock the right doors. Warshawski shows you where to find the money and how to deal with donors on a step-by-step basis. Also included: grant forms and grantwriting examples. |
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THE GUERILLA FILM MAKERS HANDBOOK
Insider perspectives on every aspect of filmmaking. Working professionals teach you how to get into the film business, how to make your movie, how to sell your indie film to Hollywood, and how to survive the process and go on to make another! Case studies reveal how other indie filmmakers got their pictures made, and how you can too. Hundreds of useful filmmaking tips, info, websites, addresses and phone numbers in easy-to-read sidebars. |
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THE COMPLETE FILM PRODUCTION
HANDBOOK & CD-ROM
The most comprehensive and helpful film production resource guide available, this step-by-step manual gives you all the tools you need to make your movie, including checklists, sample forms, schedules, contracts, information relating to insurance, talent management, and much more. All the necessary film production forms, union forms, deal memos, and release forms are provided both in the book and on the companion CD-rom. |
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FROM REEL TO DEAL
So, how is this book any different from the other 942 film production books on the shelf? Simple. Pick it up and you'll learn how to create a movie from beginning to end. No cute stories, no ego, no name-dropping – just straightforward, easy-to-follow directions. The founder of the renowned Hollywood Film Institute, Dov S-S Simens, guides you step-by-step through the entire process: from conceiving the idea and finding investors to attending film festivals and negotiating deals. |
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RAINDANCE PRODUCER'S LAB
LO-TO-NO BUDGET FILMMAKING
Author Elliot Grove has worked on hundreds of low-budget indie movies, teaches filmmaking classes, and runs the Raindance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in Europe. His detailed film production handbook delivers a wealth of creative and technical expertise, and the accompanying CD-rom provides sample budgets, publicity plans, trailers, and interviews. Refreshingly clear, no-nonsense filmmaking tips and tricks of the trade to help you make your movie. |
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THE ULTIMATE FILM FESITVAL
SURVIVAL GUIDE
Learn the inside secrets of all the major film festivals worldwide. This eye-opening guide is jam-packed with information, revealing how to get your film accepted and what to do afterwards – from putting together a press kit to selling your film. Comprehensive listings of hundreds of film festivals, including travel tips and contact information, in-depth analysis of the Top 10 Film Festivals, how to make festival politics work for you, and much more. |
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THE COMPLETE MOVIE
MARKETING HANDBOOK
Mark Steven Bosko has been promoting and distributing indie movies for over 10 years, and he has packed all that experience into this one essential handbook. Using dozens of savvy techniques and real-world examples, he shows you how to land a distribution deal, get free media coverage, stage a low-cost premiere, and sell your movie to video chains and over the internet. It's like having a highly-paid marketing guru right at your side! |
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THE INSIDER'S GUIDE TO
INDEPENDENT FILM DISTRIBUTION
A comprehensive distribution manual for independent film producers. Stacey Parks has helped scores of hungry filmmakers get distribution deals for their indie movies, and she knows how frustrating the whole process can be. Let her show you how, with a few little-known secrets, you can take control of your film career. Learn how to sell your movie to a studio or video distributor or distribute it yourself. (Also available as an E-BOOK) |
TRADE PUBLICATIONS & MAGAZINES
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DAILY VARIETY
In-depth analysis of the television, cable, home video, music, new media, theater and film business around the world. Breaking news on the latest deals, statistics, hits and misses, published every business day and available 24/7 on Variety.com. (Get a DISCOUNT SUBSCRIPTION) |
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THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
The industry's most complete film and TV production charts, U.S. and International daily box office grosses, the latest script sales, entertainment news, reviews, and critical analysis of how current events are impacting the film business. Stay connected to what's happening through the Hollywood Reporter's daily print publication, online edition, and email alerts. (Get a DISCOUNT SUBSCRIPTION) |
SOFTWARE & SUPPLIES
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MOVIEPLAN BUSINESS PLANS
In order to raise the funds to create a movie, the first thing you need is a business plan. Since 1995, the award-winning, critically acclaimed MoviePlan software has helped hundreds of filmmakers and production companies create the documents necessary to raise money for their indie film production projects. These editable text files virtually write your film's Investment Memorandum for you. Just add your project details. |
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SHOWBIZ FILM & TV CONTRACTS
Attorney Mark Litwak's collection of over 60 fill-in-the-blank industry contracts is an invaluable resource to help you make and sell your movie. Whether you choose to complete one of these contracts yourself or send it to your attorney, this software will pay for itself the first time you use it. Forms include: Literary Submission, Option and Sales Agreements, Collaboration Agreements, Employment Agreements, Distribution and Financing Agreements, and many more, along with a detailed glossary of terms. |
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MOVIE FORMS PRO INTERACTIVE
A complete package of film, video, HD, DV and commercial production forms on an easy-to-use CD-rom. Contains many new and redesigned forms, releases, storyboards, signage, and much more. Originally created for Hollywood professionals, this software supports all phases of film production – from pre-production through post – and can be customized to fit your project's needs. Just add your company logo, letterhead, movie title or graphic. |
CLASSES & SEMINARS
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THE ACTION/CUT FILMMAKING SEMINAR (DVD)
One of the most acclaimed filmmaking seminars in the industry, now available as a 3-DVD collection, complete with detailed production workbooks. Working writer/director Guy Magar, presently on contract to Miramax Films, designed this inside look at the film business from A to Z, with an in-depth, audio-visual study of the skills, tools, and industry trade secrets you need to help you create a movie. |
| DOV S-S SIMENS 2-DAY FILM SCHOOL (classes) |
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| Voted "America's #1 Film Instructor" by the National Association of Film Schools, Dov S-S Simens has taught at USC, NYU, UCLA and over 18 other major universities around the world. In his highly-acclaimed 2-day Film Seminar, he packs four years worth of film school education into a single weekend. Whether your budget is $5,000 or $5,000,000, in these two rapid-fire days you'll learn exactly how to finance, produce, direct, shoot, market and sell your movie. (Also available on DVD) |
| MANEUVERING FILM FESTIVALS (online course) |
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| There are over 3,000 film festivals around the world. How do you navigate your way through them all? In this online course, industry pros Rona Edwards and Monika Skerbelis provide valuable tips and resources to help you get the most out of the film festivals and sell your movie. Topics covered include: targeting festivals and submitting your film, financial considerations, creating a promotional plan, marketing yourself and your film, and making the festival circuit work for you. |
INTERNET RESOURCES
| BOX OFFICE MOJO |
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| Box office statistics, news, forums, and up-to-date information about the film business
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| COMING SOON |
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| All the latest movie news, reviews, previews, and box office stats
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| GREG'S PREVIEWS |
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| Learn about tomorrow's movies today! Each page tracks an individual film from development through release
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| WHO REPRESENTS? |
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| A comprehensive database of the agents, managers, publicists, and attorneys for thousands of actors, writers, and directors
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| FILM FESTIVALS |
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| All the latest news and inside information about film festivals around the world
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| WITHOUTABOX |
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| A suite of online tools to help you promote, market, and distribute your indie film
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WRITE YOUR SCRIPT
| SELL YOUR SCRIPT
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© 2004-2008 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards
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