Something to Do in the Bathroom

Here is a list of books that I have found helpful and interesting and I thought I would pass them along.

Screenwriting
The Screenwriter's Bible
Some people argue that there is no secret formula to writing a good story, that it can't be taught. There may be some truth to that but, there are some things that all good stories have in common. The Screenwriter's Bible breaks those things down and gives examples of movies that illustrates those points. Even if you could care less about the format portion of this book, there is enough just in the "story telling" (Book One) part to make it worth your while.

The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Screenwriters
Maybe this should be under the inspirational section, but I put it here because it deals mainly with screenwriters. This is not a "how-to" book. What it is, is a compilation of the feelings and thoughts of many different screenwriters on their goals, processes, and why they do what they do. The book is divided into sections like Enthusiasm, Commitment, and the Creative process. Each section has quotes from different screenwriters on the topic. The reason I really enjoy this book is that it can be picked up at any time and can be read in any place and without even reading a whole chapter something can be gained.

Inspiration
Rebel Without a Crew
I actually just finished reading this one. Even if you are not a Robert Rodriguez fan but want to make movies, this is a must read. It is a journal of the production of his first feature length film Mariachi. It details his time in a science research lab to raise the money and how he turned that money ($7,000) into a calling card for Hollywood. It's a great way to see how someone else views the process of making movies and how things should and should not be done. Again, a must read.

Excelsior! : The Amazing Life of Stan Lee
Ok maybe I'm just indulging myself here. But, seeing how this guy created the characters for some of the biggest summer blockbusters out today(Spiderman, X-men) I figured I could mention him here. Best known for his influence at Marvel comics, his creations have made a successful crossover to the big screen(well, most of them anyway, Hulk?). Again, this book takes us through the life of a normal guy who did great things. He was in the right place at the right time and stuck with what he thought was entertaining even sometimes when he was ahead of the curve.

Film Production
Actually you won't find any books recommended here. The reason being is because I agree with Stanley Kubrick when he said "the best education in film is to make one". There are hundreds maybe thousand of books on making movies. I think it's important to get as much information as possible, but in the end there is no substitute for actually making a film. Creating a story, working out the logistics of actors, locations, and schedules. Then, once it is on film trying to edit the thing to resemble something close to what you had in your head to begin with. It's a very enlightening experience. I read message boards all the time that talk about what kind of camera and other equipment to buy. I wonder if these guys have ever bothered to borrow a friends camera and just go out and shoot something? I have now unsuccessfully shot two short films. (I have some completed projects too, but I think I learned more from my two failures) I obviously don't say this to brag but, I have learned an enormous amount about actually making a movie. It is something you must experience to appreciate. I'm not sure what a successful move is but, I know you can't sit around reading about it and thinking about it. At some point you have to get out and shoot it.

Well, I hope this list of resources helps someone out there.