Everything you ever wanted to know about making a movie but were afraid to ask…  

Lights, camera, action! We all have at least one movie in us, and the amazing and affordable advances in digital technology makes it increasingly easy to make your dream a reality and share it with the world. Filmmaking for Dummies is your definitive guide to bringing a project to life, from the comedy antics of loveable pets to the deepest, most meaningful independent film. Bryan Michael Stoller is your friend and guide, sharing his knowledge gained over 100 productions (directing and working with Dan Aykroyd, James Earl-Jones, Barbra Streisand and Drew Barrymore, among others) to show you how to take your movie from the planning and storyboarding stage, through shooting and editing, to making it available to your adoring audiences through television broadcast, streaming online or in movie theaters.

For the do-it-your-selfer, the book includes tips on how to finance your project, a look at the latest software and apps, including advancements in digital technology, and for the passionate director, advice on how to hire and work with your cast and crew and find great scenic locations. Whether you want to become a professional filmmaker or just create great YouTube videos or nostalgic home movies, shooting with your smartphone or with consumer or pro-gear, this practical guide has it all. 

• Learn how to compose your shots and when to move the camera
• Make the perfect pitch to sell your story
• Take advantage of helpful contacts and tons of new resources
• Get up-to-date on the latest and greatest digital technology
• Find the right distributor, or learn how you can be your own distributor!

So, you really have no excuses to make your masterpiece. Get rolling with a copy of Filmmaking for Dummies today and start shooting for the stars!

Bryan Michael Stoller is an award-winning filmmaker who has produced, written, and directed more than 100 productions from music videos and commercials to TV shows and feature films. His movie First Dog had nearly a half-million Redbox rentals, and he has directed stars such as Edward Asner, Barbra Streisand, James Earl Jones, Drew Barrymore, and Dan Aykroyd. Bryan's movies have amassed close to eighteen-million views on video on demand platforms. Learn more at www.BryanMichaelStoller.com.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Started with Filmmaking 5

Chapter 1: So You Want to Be a Filmmaker 7

Chapter 2: Genres in General 21

Chapter 3: Penning and Pitching a Great Story 39

Part 2: Gearing Up to Make Your Movie 55

Chapter 4: Scheduling and Budgeting Your Movie 57

Chapter 5: Financing Your Movie 77

Chapter 6: Location, Location, Location 93

Chapter 7: Crewing Up: Hiring Your Crew 109

Chapter 8: Assembling Your Cast of Characters 129

Chapter 9: Storyboarding Your Movie 145

Part 3: Ready to Roll: Starting Production on Your Movie 161

Chapter 10: Shooting through the Looking Glass 163

Chapter 11: Let There Be Lighting! 191

Chapter 12: Sound Advice: Production Sound 209

Chapter 13: Directing Your Actors: And Action! 227

Chapter 14: A Sense of Direction: Directing Your Movie 243

Part 4: Finishing Your Movie in Post 265

Chapter 15: Cut to: Editing Your Movie — Shot by Shot 267

Chapter 16: Posting Your Movie’s Soundtrack: Adding Music and Effects to the Mix 287

Chapter 17: Conjuring Up Special Effects 305

Chapter 18: Giving Credit and Titles 325

Part 5: Finding Distribution for Your Movie 337

Chapter 19: Distributing Your Movie 339

Chapter 20: Exploring and Entering Film Festivals 363

Part 6: The Part of Tens 377

Chapter 21: Ten Tips for Discovering New Talent 379

Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Get Publicity for Your Movie 385

Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Avoid Murphy’s Law 391

Chapter 24: Ten Tips for Shooting on Your Smartphone 397

Index 405