G'day. I'm looking to expand my ever-growing film making bookshelf. Has anyone read anything really good that has motivated/helped them in their filmmaking, that they reccomend I should buy. I am pretty much interested in all aspects of filmmaking so there is no specific category I'm after. My brother works at a bookstore so I thought I should use that to my advantage before he quits or gets sacked or whatever.

Well, I have said this so many times, others here are probablly sick of hearing it, but will agree its true.
If you are interested in film making, and hope to pursue it in the future (or, simply love stories of inspiration) you MUST buy Robert Rodriguez's book "Rebel Without A Crew". Read that book, and no one will be able to convince you that you cant make it in this business. This is the book that I tell people, "If you buy no other film making book, buy this one." Its that good. There are others, but Ill try not to steal other folks steam.
R. Michael McWhorter
www.tizzyentertainment.8m.com
www.tizzystoryboardartist.8m.com

P. S.
For a laugh, buy "How to make an action movie for $99" Its basically B.S., and could prove dangerous to an unexperienced film maker, so id wait to read it later, when you can understand how moronic it really is.

And you shall know us by the trail of dead.

There is a great page i've been to that is from robert rodriquez and has somegood ideas and points about film making especially for less expensive, less experienced films.
http://www.exposure.co.uk/makers/minute.html
go to it
i also recamend seeing the citizen kane dvd. i just got it and have learned mor from the robert ebert commentary then i did in my whole high school film course.

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Originally posted by hsteinbrick:
There is a great page i've been to that is from robert rodriquez and has somegood ideas and points about film making especially for less expensive, less experienced films.
http://www.exposure.co.uk/makers/minute.html

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Yep, a "must read". That ten minute film school is in the afore mentioned book, along with diary entries from his entire film making process. From raising money (By having a lab test drugs on him) to shooting, editing, going to Cali, being picked up by one of the big three agencies, having a huge buzz, and bidding war started over him, all the way to his win at Sundance. READ THAT BOOK.
R. M.

And you shall know us by the trail of dead.

Will do

This is a great book detailing the previsualization, shot planning and shooting process. Loads of great info.

Film Directing Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen - by Steven Katz

Have fun.

I'm a graduate film student who is selling her collection of film making books to help fund her thesis film. Please check these out. I have them at half.com and they are much cheaper than retail. All are in good shape. I will also be adding more weekly. My half.com user name is fundaflick.

Sandra's Books at half.com

Oh and this is one of my personal favorites. I'm not selling this one but you can find it on Amazon.

What They Don't Teach You at Film School: 161 Strategies to Making Your Own Movie No Matter What

also check out Film Directing Cinematic Motion- also by Steven Katz