Must-Read Books on the Film Industry

Lists
Written By Habiba Abdou

Filmmaking is a career like no other. It is helpful to be educated formally, but there are many who enjoy successful careers in the industry without formal education.

These books offer a glimpse into the industry for those wishing to take the leap. These books are the perfect reading material for anyone starting film school, or trying to score a job in the field.

Making Movies, by Sidney Lumet

Lumet is well-versed in screenwriting, having written the scripts for 12 Angry Men, Dog Day’s Afternoon, and Network. The latter two films were both nominated for Oscars, and are widely considered to be cult classics. Lumet’s book is partly an autobiography, and partly a guide for becoming a successful filmmaker. The book teaches how to remain calm and creative, despite the more hectic sides of the industry.

👉 Buy Making Movies, by Sidney Lumet as Book on Amazon

On Directing Film, by David Mamet

Mamet is an American playwright and movie director. His work earned him an Oscar nomination, and his book details how to achieve such successes within the industry. His natural and persuasive dialog is a well-known trait of Mamet’s work, and the book details its importance. On Directing Film is a comprehensive guide, covering every stage of filmmaking from writing a script, to filming, to editing and post-production. It is based on a series of lectures given by Mamet at the Columbia University.

👉 Buy On Directing Film, by David Mamet as Book on Amazon

Kazan on Directing, by Elia Kazan

Kazan was one of the greatest Hollywood directors of all times, best-known for East of Eden, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Splendor in the Grass. He was truly a giant in the golden age of the industry. This book takes influence from a variety of different media, including interviews, lectures, letters and personal notes: all bound together by filmmaking as a common theme.

👉 Buy Kazan on Directing, by Elia Kazan as Book on Amazon

Hello, He Lied by Linda Obst

There are far too few books about the industry written from the perspective of women. Linda Obst is one of the industry’s biggest names, known for films such as Interstellar, Sleepless in Seattle and Hope Floats. Her book goes into the details of aspects such as production and financing, sharing anecdotes from the author which make for an authentic and fun read.

👉 Buy Hello, He Lied by Linda Obst as Book on Amazon

Rebel Without a Crew, by Robert Rodriguez

Robert Rodriguez is a hit-making machine, known for the likes of Spy Kids and Sin City. However, he was once just a kid from Texas, who wanted to make movies but had no idea where to start. Rodriguez’s book is a must-read for aspiring filmmakers. It’s a book to keep you motivated throughout your journey, teaching what it takes to maintain a career in this competitive and ever-changing field.

👉 Buy Rebel Without a Crew, by Robert Rodriguez as Book on Amazon

👉 Watch Rebel Without a Crew, by Robert Rodriguez on Amazon Prime

Adventures in the Screen Trade, by William Goldman

William Goldman is a screenwriter with an impressive resume, having worked on such films as The Princess Bride, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Marathon Man, and All the President’s Men. It is safe to say he knows his stuff when it comes to screenwriting for film. This book goes into detail of how to sell your script: something you’ll need to know regardless of where in the industry you see yourself.

👉 Buy Adventures in the Screen Trade, by William Goldman as Book on Amazon

 

Which book will you read first, and why?

 
Habiba Abdou
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