Synopses & Reviews
"
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.
Review
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
Synopsis
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
About the Author
Born in El Centro, California in the early 1970's, Mark and Michael Polish, identical twin brothers collectively known as the Polish Brothers, have made three critically lauded and award winning independent feature films. Upon the 1999 release of their first film, Twin Falls Idaho, Roger Ebert hailed it as "one of the best films of the year." And Janet Maslin of the New York Times said, "Twin Falls Idaho has style, gravity and originality to spare." Winner of the 2001 Independent Spirit Award's John Cassavete's Best Independent Film Award, and the 2001 Seattle International Film Festival's New American Cinema Award, for their second film, Jackpot, the Polish Brothers have become key-figures in the independent film world. Their third film, Northfork, (starring James woods and Nick Nolte) was chosen as an early selection by the Sundance Film Festival and garnered rave critical reviews; Roger Ebert called it "a masterpiece".Born in El Centro, California in the early 1970's, Mark and Michael Polish, identical twin brothers collectively known as the Polish Brothers, have made three critically lauded and award winning independent feature films. Upon the 1999 release of their first film, Twin Falls Idaho, Roger Ebert hailed it as "one of the best films of the year." And Janet Maslin of the New York Times said, "Twin Falls Idaho has style, gravity and originality to spare." Winner of the 2001 Independent Spirit Award's John Cassavete's Best Independent Film Award, and the 2001 Seattle International Film Festival's New American Cinema Award, for their second film, Jackpot, the Polish Brothers have become key-figures in the independent film world. Their third film, Northfork, (starring James woods and Nick Nolte) was chosen as an early selection by the Sundance Film Festival and garnered rave critical reviews; Roger Ebert called it "a masterpiece".
Jonathan Sheldon was an associate producer on
Northfork and was named the head of development for the Polish Brothers' production company. He lives in Los Angeles.
Table of Contents
Contents
Preface ix
Introduction: The Pipe Dream 1
What Makes a Film Independent? 7
Our First Day 15
Writing 27
Pricing Your Film 55
Financing Your Film 65
Preproduction 89
Casting 105
Production Design 123
Camera 143
Producing 161
Directing 175
Postproduction 193
Film Editing 203
Music 215
Sound 227
Independent Distribution 241
Welcome to Hollywood 259
Epilogue 267
Acknowledgments 271
Glossary 272
Movie Synopses 295
Index 298
Photo Credits 311