The Declaration of Independent Filmmaking: An Insider's Guide to Making Movies Outside of Hollywood

Mark Polish; Michael Polish; Jonathan Sheldon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0156029529 ISBN 13: 9780156029520

Publisher: Harvest Books, 2005

Less than a decade since they began working in the movies, Mark and Michael Polish have established themselves as critically acclaimed, award-winning independent filmmakers. Their innovative approach to art direction, use of digital photography, and ability to attract stellar talent to their modestly budgeted films sprang from necessity; now these aesthetics have become admired trademarks of their work.
Infused with this same balance of artistic integrity and popular appeal, "The Declaration of Independent Filmmaking" is a practical guide to writing, shooting, editing, scoring, promoting, and distributing short and feature films. Mark and Michael have packed this book with star-studded, often hilarious tales from their own experiences--as well as helpful insider photos. This is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in filmmaking, whether a high school student with a $500 budget or a serious filmmaker looking for a fresh approach.

A Harvest Original

Review:

"I've been sent countless books about independent filmmaking. I've finally found one that's comprehensive, easy to follow, anecdotal and specific."

PRAISE FOR THE POLISH BROTHERS' "NORTHFORK"
"Another masterpiece . . . After "Twin Falls, Idaho, " here's more evidence that the Polish twins are the real thing."--Roger Ebert, "Chicago Tribune"
PRAISE FOR THE POLISH BROTHERS' "TWIN FALLS, IDAHO"
"Eerily effective . . . "Twin Falls, Idaho" has style, gravity, and originality to spare."--"The New York Times"
PRAISE FOR THE POLISH BROTHERS' "NORTHFORK"

"Another masterpiece . . . After "Twin Falls, Idaho, " here's more evidence that the Polish twins are the real thing."--Roger Ebert, "Chicago Tribune"

PRAISE FOR THE POLISH BROTHERS' "TWIN FALLS, IDAHO"

"Eerily effective . . . "Twin Falls, Idaho" has style, gravity, and originality to spare."--"The New York Times"
PRAISE FOR THE POLISH BROTHERS'"NORTHFORK"

"Another masterpiece . . . After"Twin Falls, Idaho, "here's more evidence that the Polish twins are the real thing."--Roger Ebert, "Chicago Tribune"

PRAISE FOR THE POLISH BROTHERS'"TWIN FALLS, IDAHO"

"Eerily effective . . ."Twin Falls, Idaho"has style, gravity, and originality to spare."--"The New York Times"

From the Back Cover:

""The Declaration of Independent Filmmaking" is a well-organized, often hilarious guide for any first-time filmmaker's journey through the perilous and unpredictable world of independent filmmaking. By tracking the process of their films, from an idea's infancy to its realization in a distribution deal, the Polish Brothers take their unique and pragmatic methods and break them down into an easy how-to chronicle. Their determination, vision, and enthusiasm are evident both on screen and in writing. Their love of the process, the most important part of successful filmmaking, is inspiring."--Ridley Scott, director of" Blade Runner "and "Gladiator"
"Like their movies, the Polish Brothers' book is funny, insightful, delightful, odd, smart, and full of good ideas and truths. It's completely accessible for the absolute novice, and yet will still be helpful to those who have some experience (after making six films, I still learned a thing or two). I certainly plan to recommend it when I teach or mentor young filmmakers."--Keith Gordon, director of "A Midnight Clear, Waking the Dead, "and "Mother Night"
"All do-it-yourself filmmakers must experience their own blood, sweat, and fears. But everything else to be learned from the independent adventure can be found in this priceless and entertaining guide. Tried, true, and terrific, it's like having your most credible filmmaking friends offer their shoulders to stand on. This book is an invaluable public service to would-be celluloid dreamers and schemers everywhere. Read it. It's your inalienable right."--Alan Rudolph, director of "Afterglow "and "Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle"
Mark and Michael Polish have written, produced, and directed three feature films: "Twin Falls Idaho, Jackpot, "and "Northfork." Their filmmaking awards and citations include the John Cassavetes Award at the 2002 Independent Spirit Awards and a 2001 Seattle International Film Festival New American Cinema Award. Their films have collectively been nominated for five Independent Spirit Awards. They both live in the Los Angeles area.
Jonathan Sheldon was an associate producer on "Northfork "and was named head of development for the Polish Brothers' production company. He lives in Los Angeles.