There’s a lot of material out there for aspiring filmmakers to choose from, and it can be hard to know where to start. Reading books about the craft can open you up to new points of view and experiences of different kinds. If you’re seriously trying to become a filmmaker you must & should read this books. Here are 7 great books that provide a range of information to absorb as you head out on your path to making movies…
1. Conversations with Mani Ratnam by Baradwaj Rangan
Conversations with Mani Ratnam is a 2012 Indian biographical book by the film critic and author Baradwaj Rangan, focusing on the career of the Tamil filmmaker Mani Ratnam. The book contains conversations between Rangan and Ratnam, discussing the latter’s career as a director, producer, and screenwriter.
2. Rebel Without a Crew by Robert Rodriguez
Robert Rodriguez was one of several filmmakers who led the independent film revolution in the 1990s. When Rodriguez’s El Mariachi came out in 1995, it earned $2 million dollars, but was made for a mere $7,000. Reading about Rodriguez’s journey offers aspiring filmmakers the useful opportunity to learn how to make a movie on the cheap from someone who has actually done it.
3. Hitchcock by Truffaut
This book has two of the greatest directors of all time chatting openly about their movies, style, substance, actors, and just the process. It’s a revealing look at the master of suspense and the way his mind works.
4. In the Blink of an Eye by Walter Murch
Editors are often the unsung heroes of the film. Walter Murch is one of the greatest editors of all time. He details every step he’s taken plus strategies he uses to control the edit.
5. Something like an Autobiography by Akira Kurosawa
Kurosawa’s autobiography lets you into the master’s mind. You can see the decisions he made, how painting influences him, and why and how he left an indelible mark on filmmaking.
6. Making Movies by Sidney Lumet
You want to be a filmmaker? how about an entire book on filmmaking? Lumet’s lessons probably apply to television as well, as does most of his practical advice. If you’re going to read a book, read one by someone who did it over seven decades
7. Deep Focus by Satyajit Ray
If you want to understand the art form. Read & Watch Ray
