Letters to Young Filmmakers
Author: Howard Suber
Topic: Basic overview of many aspects of filmmaking, including writing, directing and producing.
Publisher: Michael Wiese Productions
Available Formats: Print
Page Count: 214 pp.
MSRP: $20.95
Expected Release: Available Now
Official Website: http://www.mwp.com
Sample Chapter: Click Here
Special Discount: Click Here
Review Issue: Issue #75 (3/12)
Reviewed By: Matthew Terry
Final Score: 8.1
After teaching at UCLA for over 46 years, Author Howard Suber does a filmmaking Q&A. Using over 60 questions as examples, he touches on nearly all aspects of filmmaking, including writing, directing and producing.
This is not a basic “how-to” book but, more appropriately, a “let me explain to you my thoughts” book. He doesn’t go into things such as formatting or structure, but he touches on character development and conflict. He doesn’t spend pages going on about post-production, but he does mention marketing, exhibition, distribution, and even copywriting your script or film. Using the letters as a launching pad, Mr. Suber’s explanations are concise and to the point. Very rarely does a letter or response go beyond four pages.
Comprehension
With 46 years of knowledge and teaching in the author’s back pocket – the book is an easy read. Though most letters and responses are a page or two, Mr. Suber’s explanations are thorough. One doesn’t find oneself wondering if there was more behind the question or answer. If the audience for “Letters to Young Filmmakers” is, indeed, young – then this book is perfect for them.
Another plus is that Mr. Suber doesn’t confine himself to just questions on screenwriting, or directing, or acting – but he offers a swath of questions, and subsequent answers that cover a myriad of topics. This “all hands” approach enables the reader to really get a good idea of many aspects of Hollywood, rather than if they just focused on one topic such as screenwriting.
Depth of Information
As much as there is a lot of information here, there’s still that nagging feeling there could have been more. Mr. Suber’s responses are clear and authoritative. You know that the knowledge is coming from someone who knows what they’re talking about. The problem is that maybe some of the letters could be expanded or, certainly, he could have added another 200 pages to the book covering even more filmmaking topics. What is there is complete but there’s the sense that there could have been much more.
Interest Level
It’s hard to tell who this book is for. Because it doesn’t cover one certain subject but many, it’s not a book that can be described as focusing on a certain topic. The terms “Young” and “Filmmaker” in a sense pigeonhole the selling of the book. Though I’m a filmmaker, and a screenwriter, there’s a lot that I could find and explore. But will the 40 year-old woman wannabe screenwriter from Topeka pick this book up? Your guess is as good as mine. What they’ll find when they DO read it is an interesting read with tons of information on multiple topics, but I fear that if you’re not “young” or a “filmmaker” the interest level would probably be minor.
Reusability
Because the letters are so vast (60+) and cover such a wide range of topics, the book is more of a reference book than a straight read of information. Certainly you can just sit and read it in one sitting, but – with topics like “copywriting your script” or “agents” or “motivation vs. goals” – there are moments where one may want to grab this book and get a quick breakdown on one particular subject.
Value vs. Cost
If time equals money – then this book is a great value. Need quick info on one subject? Grab the book and you’ve got it. $20.95 is a bit for a young filmmaker to spend but I’m sure you can get it on a discount. As reference books go, though, you won’t find a much easier or fun read.
Overall Comment
Is this book strictly for young filmmakers? Certainly not. The information that Mr. Suber provides is good solid industry know-how that EVERYONE should be aware of. Don’t let the title fool you – this book has something for everyone. Letters that go from Ideas to Treatments to Making Films to Marketing and even, yes, to Getting Screwed. Mr. Suber covers, pretty much, all the bases. You’ll be amazed what you learn.
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Breakdown
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Comprehension
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9.0 |
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Depth of Information
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7.5 |
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Interest Level
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7.0 |
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Reusability
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9.0 |
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Value vs. Cost
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8.0 |
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Overall Score |
8.1 |
Matt Terry
Matthew Terry is a Seattle based screenwriter and filmmaker who has taught “Beginning Screenwriting” and “The History of American Film” for the past 20 years at Seattle Central Community College. In 2008 he made a micro-budget feature film entitled “Daylight Saving Time.” He has since produced two more feature films. Most recently he created a 10 part on-line YouTube video course entitled "The Screenwriting Work-Out."