Films like Night of the Living Dead
and sex, lies and videotape
prove low budgets aren't a barrier to creating innovative cult movies and box-office bonanzas. Gaspard (Digital Filmmaking
), an independent filmmaker, has written a fun, user-friendly handbook for wannabe filmmakers with big visions but few funds. While providing helpful tips and telling anecdotes, this how-to guide focuses on 33 independent films to extol the benefits of self-financing. Gaspard opens by interviewing Roger Corman, the godfather of low budgets, who preaches both the importance of preparation and the need for flexibility. Corman, who brought Little Shop of Horrors
to the screen, influenced everyone from Ron Howard to Martin Scorsese. Though Gaspard nabs an impressive list of directors, including Steven Soderbergh, he's also happy to cull insights from magazine articles and DVD commentaries. He ends with a list of 69 quick-hit lessons: two key lessons, "cast with care" and "use reality to your advantage," helped turn The Blair Witch Project
and Swingers
into hits. One lesson in particular is inspiration for any enterprising filmmaker: "Get past the notion that you're trying to make a movie. There is no try. You either do it or you don't. So do it." (Aug.)
