what are the best books about cinema? let’s find out together.
The best way to learn to make movies is by doing it. there is nothing else that can teach you so much. but between projects, it’s also okay to read.
Reading books on the craft can open you up to new perspectives and experiences on different types of projects. Besides, there is something about a good book. it is the smell, the turning of the pages and the visceral sensation of having knowledge in your hands.
You are reading: Books for film directors
Either way, I wanted to set 2022 up for success by recommending the top twenty books on film for you to check out this year.
let the pages turn…
read the 20 best books about cinema for 2022
this is my list and i am always looking to add. if you think there is something that belongs more than anything else, tell me in the comments. there is nothing I leave on purpose, so take care of me and let me know!
Now let’s dive into the list!
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1. Making Movies by Sidney Lumet
Let’s start the list with something that says it all. do you want to be a filmmaker? how about a complete book on cinema? Lumet’s lessons probably apply to television as well, as does most of his practical advice. if you’re going to read a book, read one by someone who did it for seven decades and racked up the most lessons.
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2. Rebel Without a Crew by Robert Rodriguez
The purpose of this website is to teach you how to do it yourself and this book perfectly embodies that as well. I want to see you do something in 2020. This book can guide you on how to do it, even if you don’t have anyone to be part of the team.
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3. Shooting to Kill by Christine Vachon
produce is an all-encompassing term. this is one of my favorite books on the list because it takes you through what a producer actually does in each size of film. it also provides a clear structure for how someone rose through the ranks to become a creator who works with other creators.
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4. Hitchcock by Truffaut
This tête a tête has two of the greatest directors of all time having an open conversation about their films, style, content, actors and simply the process. is a revealing look at the master of suspense and the way his mind works.
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5. Kazan on Directing by Elia Kazan
mickey rourke gave me this book after working with him on a movie that never happened. It holds a special place in my heart for that reason and for the stories Kazan tells on every page. kazan was a controversial person in history, but this shows why his craft transcended that and became timeless.
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6. Master Shots Vol 1, 2, 3 by Christopher Kenworthy
To tell you the truth, I’m not the best shooter. but when i work with a dp i find this book very helpful to keep my side of the conversation going. this is where you can learn the lingo and shots you can try on your own.
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7. In the Blink of an Eye by Walter Murch
editors are often the unsung heroes of the movie. Walter Murch is one of the greatest editors of all time, so it’s good to hear Hollywood from his point of view. he details every step he’s taken as well as the strategies he uses to control editing. he has helped me learn to talk to editors and trust them.
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8. On Directing Film by David Mamet
Many directors have written about directing, but I love mamet’s point of view because he approaches it as a writer. Furthermore, his theater days give him an uncanny ability to communicate how to deal with actors.
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9. Hello, He Lied by Lynda Obst
I love a good book written by an executive. this point of view is rarely shared, so it’s good to see what people on the other side of the table are looking for in projects. plus, as the title suggests, confront the lies that are told over and over again to get a project off the ground.
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10. Adventures in the Screen Trade by William Goldman
Although I tried to avoid screenplay books here, I wanted to mention this masterful autobiography. goldman is one of our best storytellers and he weaves an excellent story detailing how it all happens. he does not protect you from the ups and downs.
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11. Something like an Autobiography by Akira Kurosawa
We often spend so much time focusing on the Hollywood perspective that we forget about other directors who are doing amazing things. Kurosawa’s autobiography lets you enter the mind of the master. you can see the decisions he made, how painting influenced him and why and how he left an indelible mark on cinema.
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12. Film Lighting: Talks with Hollywood’s Cinematographers and Gaffers by Kris Malkiewicz
Again, I’m not the best at this stuff, so I love to read and improve. This book has the nuts and bolts of what goes into creating the look of your favorite movies, but also stories of how challenges were overcome on set. It’s a problem solver’s dream.
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13. The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers: A Legal Toolkit for Independent Producers by Thomas Crowell
It turns out that there are many legal forms to make a film. here’s a lawyer’s manual so you know exactly what you can and can’t do on set. it’s really useful if you’re filming without permits and need to save money.
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14. Cinematography: Theory and Practice, Second Edition: Image Making for Cinematographers and Directors by Blain Brown
This is a great book to explain to you why people shoot the way you do. Whether you want to analyze a film or simply get a message across to an audience, this book can guide you through the most difficult task of choosing shots for your projects.
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15. Who the Devil Made It: Conversations with Legendary Film Directors by Peter Bogdanovich
Why learn from one director when you can hear from dozens? Bogdonovich is spectacular as an interviewer and interviewee. he talks to some of the greatest directors of all time and you get all the wisdom.
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16. Shaking The Money Tree, 2nd Edition: How to Get Grants and Donations for Film and Video by Morrie Warshawski
You can’t make a movie or a short without money. then where does it come from? This book takes you through the best methods when it comes to raising the cash you need. I love the practical ways he dictates and the ways he offers to help you find grants to maximize your income.
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17. The Reel Truth: Everything You Didn’t Know You Need to Know About Making an Independent Film by Reed Martin
There are many things that go into making an independent film. It’s not just money but personalities and structure. plus there are so many books that focus on hollywood insiders that this one really shows what it would be like for you to make a movie.
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18. Filmmaking For Dummies by Bryan Michael Stoller
Look, the “dumb” series gets a lot of flak, but they’re pretty good at breaking it all down. think of this as a 101 course that gives a general understanding of everything. I like to give this as a gift when people ask me what I do for a living. my mom loved it.
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19. The Technique of Film and Video Editing: History, Theory, and Practice by Ken Dancyger
When I commit to creating something, I like to delve into each job on set. I want to know why certain decisions are made and I need to be able to perform each function if the budget is small. this book really taught me a lot about editing. I also learned to communicate much better with the people I work with.
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20. The Complete Film Production Handbook by Eve Light Honthaner
I feel so trapped in the writer’s chair that I forget there is a world outside of scripts. Whether you’re new to Hollywood or aspiring to visit and work here, this book gives you all the details on the hows and whys of every job in town. guides you through the titles and why they are important.
what’s next? the best books on screenwriting!
There are so many books on screenwriting and so few of them really matter. If you want to read about the industry and how to create stories, you want to read the best tips out there.
check out our list!
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