The Student Filmmaker Survival Guide

The Student Filmmaker Survival Guide familiarizes readers with the critical concepts and processes involved in the production of a film or television show. The handbook helps budding filmmakers better understand the operations of a film set, develop valuable work habits, and contribute meaningfully to a production.

The book begins with a foreword from Stephen Broussard, a producer with Marvel Studios, as well as a preface and introduction by the author. Each chapter features four sections that guide and enhance the student learning experience: Picture is Up!-an introduction to the chapter topic; Rolling!-an overview of the history or background of the subject; Action!-tips for taking action and getting things done; and That's a Wrap!-a conclusion. Individual chapters cover time management, feeding your crew, securing necessary permits, scouting locations, conducting rehearsals, and slating shots. Readers learn the importance of filling out camera and sound reports, getting safety takes, obtaining proper clearances, backing up data, and more.

Featuring short, easy-to-read chapters written in a conversational tone, The Student Filmmaker Survival Guide is a practical and essential resource for filmmaking students and novice film professionals.

Josh Ellis is a former Los Angeles-based IATSE Local 600 camera assistant. He is originally from Seattle, Washington, and now teaches film production at Miami Dade College in Miami, Florida. He holds an M.F.A. in motion picture, television, and recording arts from Florida State University and a B.A. in film and video studies from Central Washington University.