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!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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.
At the age of six, growing up in Canada, Bryan began experimenting with movies and animation. His first job in the film and television industry, when he was 11 years old, was as the host of a TV show on CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Company) called “Film Fun” in which he showed kids how to make their own Super-8 movies. He later transformed that talent into producing commercials for various Ottawa businesses that aired on TV in the 1970s.
At nineteen, Bryan moved to Los Angeles to attend the American Film Institute as a Director Fellow.
After AFI, Bryan’s Hollywood career began when he became assistant to Johnny Carson on the pilot for “TV Bloopers & Practical Jokes.” A few years later, Bryan’s comedy shorts, “Undershorts” became a regular feature on the show. Bryan’s “Undershorts” started a following and soon were featured on HBO, “Foul-Ups, Bleeps & Blunders,” “The American Comedy Awards” and on various comedy variety shows.
Bryan went on to direct an episode of the classic George A. Romero TV series, “Tales from the Darkside,” entitled “The Bitterest Pill”, starring Mark Blankfield. The episode became the season’s highest rated episode.
Bryan also wrote for The Ice Queen animated feature, starring the voices of Lauren Bacall and Bryan Adams. Stoller’s other animation writing credits include story editor on the Cinar animation series, Animal Crackers.
Bryan directed the landmark music video Hands Across America, produced by Ken Kragen which featured appearances by Barbra Streisand, Drew Barrymore and Robin Williams.
Bryan and his films have been featured on Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Dateline NBC and in many newspapers and periodicals including The Los Angeles Times, Premiere Magazine and People Magazine.
