2nd Edition
IFP/Los Angeles Independent Filmmaker's Manual
Backed by the resources of Independent Feature Project/West, co-authors Nicole Shay LaLoggia and Eden H. Wurmfeld have written the definitive low-budget production manual. Using examples from the Swingers and Kissing Jessica Stein, this comprehensive manual offers the independent filmmaker a single volume reference covering every aspect of making a film: script rights and rewrites, financing, breakdown, scheduling and budgeting, pre-production, production, postproduction, and distribution. A resource guide listing useful references and organizations, as well as a glossary, complete this guide. The downloadable resources feature interviews with important figures in the independent film industry, including Billy Bob Thornton and Ang Lee. Forms that are illuminated in the text are also included on the downloadable resources for ease of use.
The new edition is updated with thorough coverage of digital and HD-how to decide which to shoot on, what the financial impact is, and the effect on preproduction. There is also a new chapter on distribution and expanded material on postproduction.
Before You Begin
The Script
Financing
Breakdown, Scheduling and Budgeting
Pre-production
Production
Post-production
Festivals and Distribution
A Final Word
Resource Guide
Biography
Eden H. Wurmfeld produced the indie-hit "Kissing Jessica Stein" and the
award-winning documentary "Sunset Story," among others. She has worked as an assistant director, production manager and line producer on multiple films, including the 1996 hit movie "Swingers." Eden received an alumni award from the UCLA School of TV, Film and Theater and was named one of Variety's 10 Producers to Watch in 2002.
Nicole Shay LaLoggia began her career in development before earning her first producer credit on Swingers, which was picked up for distribution by Miramax in 1996. She has developed, produced, line produced, assistant
directed, post-produced, marketed, sold and taught about nearly every aspect of independent filmmaking. LaLoggia is currently a producing professor at the North Carolina School of the Arts.
Praise for the second edition:
"Having worked with both Nicole and Eden, I can say that no one knows more about indie filmaking. And they share their deep knowledge in this incredible tome." - Doug Liman, Director, Swingers, Go, Bourne Identity
"This manual is an powerful tool for anyone wanting to produce or direct a film. Going beyond theory, Eden has put together practical information that can be put to use immediately, from breaking down the script to financing to distribution. Eden is a hands on producer working at the top levels of independent film and an invaluable source for anyone wanting to take the leap and make a film." - Meg LeFauve
Praise for the first edition:
"If only there'd been a book like this when I was starting out. Heck, I'm glad it exists even at this point in my career, so page-packed with useful info is this indispensable tome. Trust me, first-timers, read it from cover to cover and avoid the pitfalls and hang-ups most of us had to learn firsthand. You hold in your hands the perfect marriage between practical and technical advice, and breezy, entertaining anecdotes. What Nicole and Eden have wrought, let no filmmaker put asunder."
-Kevin Smith, writer/director, Clerks, Chasing Amy, and Dogma
"...A clear, insightful and commonsense guide for anyone involved in making a low-budget film that is also a labor of love. Unlike most how-to books which provide clinical step-by-step directions on how to do budgets and schedules, this book explores the nuances of the creative process by walking us through the living, breathing experience of line producing."
- Denise Mann, Vice-chair, Producer's Program, UCLA
