Originally posted by CJK: Are the life of a starving artist... isn't it grand!
Haha I know!...I thrive on coming up with ways to get things for free or considerably cheaper than the most conventional way. For example today I was coming home from work, and in between the building and the parking lot was this gigantic stack of these massive 4'X4' styrofoam boxes complete with lids...my mind immediately raced with all of the amazing set and prop creations I could convert these fantastically large boxes into.
"Important dialog is only in Hollywood films" - Kyle Phillip Johnson
Posts: 1077 | Location: Indiana | Registered: May 23, 2004
It really is a great book. I read it from time to time so that I refresh my memory on what actually is important when it comes to movie making and it rekindles my passion for making a good movie. Definitely a must read.
I'm actually reading this right now, it's pretty cool. I'm surprised that it's actually as quick a read as his movies are paced (thank you journal format).
The saddest thing about the book though is how dated it is. I mean if it were as easy for anyone as it was for Rodriguez, we'd have a couple of dozen wunder-directors taken from Youtube (or this site even) or what have you. I mean, jeez, even Nick Gurewitch is still known better for his comics (The Perry Bible Fellowship) than the movies he's even shown here. As for insight into the biz, the book really just tells how the best way to make it is a great agent and bit of luck.
The No Budget Cinema that Rodriguez talks about fifteen years ago is a completely different beast, it is its own thing now. When some tool with a camera makes a fun movie on his own dime, he no longer has the chance to get scooped up by Hollywood to turn into the next "indie darling." Hell, he's lucky to get fifty real friends on MySpace, half of which who might ever actually see the movie.
I'm enjoying this book, but am saddened that he speaks of a time long past (I mean fifteen years, come on!)
elliott (otiose)...
"Why should North Carolina taxpayers pay for something they find objectionable?" --Sen. Phil Berger, R-Rockingham
Rebel Without a Crew is required reading, but it doesn't get into how to shoot. It gives his story which is wild in itself. I found a new book on Amazon called "Just Shoot It!" which gives you the real shooting info you need. How to shoot, what to shoot and why. Check it out!
Posts: 9 | Location: Los Angeles | Registered: April 29, 2007
Actually since El Mariachi, a couple of directors who have made films for $7k have become quite well known: Christopher Nolan got his start with " Following" back in 98 before he went off to do "Memento" and "Batman Begins" as well as Joe Carnahan who before he made " Narc" and " Smoking Aces", made a little film in Sacramento at a carlot he was working at the time called "Blood,Guts,Bulletts and Octane". Thease films may not of ski rocketed the careers for Nolan and Carhahan the way El Mariachi did for Rodriguez, but they were well received inside the Film Industry to the point that people were interested in working with them.
I read this last year. Really a great read, extremely inspirational. Check it out for sure if you haven't yet. Even if some of the ways of the past may have changed, just reading it makes me feel really inspired to just go out and make something.
Posts: 10 | Location: Everywhere | Registered: December 12, 2007
The Story of Film by Mark Cousins is possibly one of the greatest books I have ever read. I highly recommend it. I've also heard from my friend Michael Barnes that "Rebel Without a Crew" is more inspirational than anything else... which is all most of us need.
There's an entry in the book (it's diary style) where he just happens to have some connection to a major talent agency, does anyone that has the book on them have the details of this? It's like his sister or aunt or something and she gets him in the door. He sort of downplays it but I think it's the most important detail of his story.
Posts: 579 | Location: Killafornia | Registered: July 02, 2004
It took me a while to track down a copy of this book. Im still reading it and so far I really like his frankness on the subject. One of the lines that really stands out for me is in the first chapters when he asks himself "why hasnt anyone thought of this before?" referring to his very low budget/straight-to-video tactics. I ended up asking myself this question too and was wondering if anyone knew of other directors who have tried something like this prior to El Mariachi...
But yeah, the bottom line is lots of luck and who you know, and I feel like that goes for most if not all industries. There is so much competition out there that its hard to even make a dent in the business (but obviously not impossible).
Posts: 3 | Location: New York | Registered: March 30, 2008
This is not a useful book for the most part. IT's a wild story, but what it really boils down to is this.
HE didn't need filmschool and could just go shoot a movie because HE was making movies as a hobby with crappy equipment since he was in dipers. As such, his recommendations about 'just shooting it' do not apply to most everyone else, since he had the experience to pull off doing it fast and cheap.
In short, he had massive experince before he attempted to make the film.
That said, making a bunch of crappy short movies is a kick ass way to learn.
Posts: 1 | Location: Atlanta | Registered: April 15, 2008
just want to let y'all know that because of this thread i just ordered the book on Amazon.... I'll get in in a week and then maybe chip in with my two cents.
Posts: 92 | Location: oakland | Registered: February 19, 2008
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