Rating: 
Summary: It was okay.
Review: I was disappointed. It's not really step-by-step. However, it did give me a few tips on what NOT to do on set.
Rating: 
Summary: Headlines are ok...
Review: I was expecting to see "HOW".
This book is merely a "psychological boost":
"Yes! You Can Do It!"
But that's all about it. You can just read the headlines or have someone read them for you.
If you want to read it because you want to "make your own movie no matter what" (it's on the front cover), you will be disappointed.
Rating: 
Summary: strategy # 1 - don't buy this book!
Review: I wasted my time and money when I took the leap and thought this book would be helpful. Gee, I got such great advice as, "Don't have an affair with one of the cast members!" Following that great chapter ... I then learned that "When I DO have an affair ... I should not break up with that person until AFTER the shoot is over." This advice was not meant to be funny. This advice was not told to lighten things up with minor sarcasm. This advice, and the rest of it, was a waste of time, $ and paper. There is no advice in here than anyone with any practical common sense could not figure out on their own. The only thing stopping me from SELLING my copy here is because I would feel guilty for scamming someone into buying it. If the authors' film is as bad as this book ... then no one in our industry has any use for them. Oh, well.
Rating: 
Summary: Think you want to make a movie? Read this first.
Review: I'll never complain about a movie again, studio or indie.Why? Because it's hard as hell to get one made. Even if you don't make films, after reading this book you'll appreciate what directors and crews have to go through behind the camera. Most people have no idea all the hullabaloo that goes on to get to the point where someone can yell "action!" Read Landau and White's book to find out about all the little things you need to know before and while in production. Some are quite simple, others more complex: having enough food and coffee on the set (to keep morale up), getting a casting director to work for you cheap (maybe even for free), dealing with actors (and knowing how to tell them they didn't get the part), raising money, studying other film's budgets to get an idea how much yours will cost, how to decide who to hire onto your crew, how to wring the most out of your resources (e.g., get anything for free when you can), writing a good script (it's about CONFLICT and RAISING THE STAKES folks) etc. See? These are just some of the things you have to deal with to make a movie. Landau and White's pragmatic approach to this book indirectly prooves that you need to be just a "wee bit crazy" to want to make movies for a living (or do anything else in the film industry for that matter). You won't learn everything you need to make a film in this book, but you will learn...well...look at the title. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Student, Indie, Pro - This book is a must-read!
Review: If I'd had this book two years ago, my film would be out now! Filled with vital insights for directors and producers, this book isn't just for indies and kids, it should become the back-pocket bible for every film industry professional. From people making their third picture to those wondering if they should try, I say do yourself a favor--buy the book--NOW.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Book - A Must Read!!
Review: If only I had read this book before starting my Theater Company! Camille Landau & Tiare White's knack for critically examining the element of human relations in "What They Don't Teach You at Film School: 161 Strategies to Making Your Own Movie No Matter What" is what makes this book invaluable. More-so than give information on film-making techniques (even though like Campbell's Soup - "it's in there!"), these insightful filmmaker/authors take the reader beyond mere textbook theory, and vividly illustrate the HUMAN day-to-day processes of filmmaking, from top to bottom, with all its joys, pains, challenges and triumphs. THANKS! Camille & Tiare for taking beginning filmmakers, such as myself, on a guided tour of filmmaking at it's best, at it's worst, and still put it all together to "Make A Movie No Matter What!"
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Book - A Must Read!!
Review: If only I had read this book before starting my Theater Company! Camille Landau & Tiare White's knack for critically examining the element of human relations in "What They Don't Teach You at Film School: 161 Strategies to Making Your Own Movie No Matter What" is what makes this book invaluable. More-so than give information on film-making techniques (even though like Campbell's Soup - "it's in there!"), these insightful filmmaker/authors take the reader beyond mere textbook theory, and vividly illustrate the HUMAN day-to-day processes of filmmaking, from top to bottom, with all its joys, pains, challenges and triumphs. THANKS! Camille & Tiare for taking beginning filmmakers, such as myself, on a guided tour of filmmaking at it's best, at it's worst, and still put it all together to "Make A Movie No Matter What!"
Rating:
Summary: Somewhat disappointing
Review: If you're looking for 161 tips that will truly help you make your film, and you have a hint of common sense, I suggest you divert the money you would have paid for this book to your film's budget. Yes, some of the tips given are interesting and will prove useful, but most, and I do mean most, contain simple very basic knowledge that you already have. Personally, I don't need to be told to smile to people to improve my chances of getting them to help me, nor do I need to be told not to have sex with cast or crew. So if you take out the more asinine information, you're left with about fifteen pages of useful material. Not the best investment... On the other hand, if you're on the verge of making your first film and need motivation, this is the book for you. You won't learn much, but you just might feel more confident about your ability to go all the way. On a more positive note, the chapter and section titles are catchy...
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book - Inspiring and Encouraging - Plus Useful !
Review: If you've read some of my other reviews, then you know that I'm a true filmmaker wanna-be. I love film and read about making films to feed my dream. I've read text book style books, handbooks, and how-to's. This book actually defies those brandings and makes itself into something all together new - an ENCOURAGING, HUMORFUL and HELPFUL book about what you have to do to make a film. What a revelation I've found when by chance I purchased this book here at Amazon. For those wondering, this is NOT a how-to guide. What it is - well, it's a great book which does something (repeatedly) that very few other books about the art and craft of filmmaking do - it ENCOURAGES YOU TO MAKE FILMS: small films or grand epics, or videos of your dog - it doesn't matter - all they suggest is that you tell your story. It encourages you to make a film - no matter what - if that's what you want to do - this book ENCOURAGES you to do so. There's a whole lot of sensible information here, along with some gentle guidelines for deciding if filmmaking is really something for you. With chapters titled "Fix the script, the rest will follow", "Sultans, dentists and Uncle Al" and my favorite "Donuts, red vines and keeping the crew together: the care and feeding of the set" you get a feel for the humor that's also used throughout. Ultimately though, you have to ask the question, for a future filmmaker, is this book useful? I'd have to answer a resounding yes! It reinforces the notion that if you make a movie, no matter if it sells or doesn't, makes a million or never screens for anyone but your best friends - you are a filmmaker. That's a great gift to the reader. Buy this book before you invest too much else in text and handbooks, and how-to guides. You won't be disappointed and you'll be getting a very good read. Good luck making your film. Best Regards,
turtlex
Rating: 
Summary: Great Read
Review: In some distant world I'm sure there are aspiring filmmakers who live in a constant state of creative bliss. They freely work thier magic while a pack of gurus with pocket protectors handle all the fiancial,technical, and organizational concerns. But the rest us left here on earth must be content with sharping our people skills, digging up our own money, and generally serving as a one-man-band on the set in order to realize any success as an indie filmmaker. This book doesn't offer much in the way of creative insight or technical instruction. It's more concerned with organizing, getting funds, and a strong dosage of self motivational preaching. I'm actually not sure if this book would make a lot of since to absolute beginners, but after a first project or two this book makes all too much since! I got several laughs out of it recognizing several situations described that I was all too familiar with. If you happen to be feeling the indie blues at the momment don't hesitate to grab this book!
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