The Filmmaker’s Book of the Dead: How to Make Your Own Heart-Racing Horror Movie by Danny Draven-- Focal Press (January 5, 2010)
Reviewed by Karen L. Newman
Back several years ago, there was a reality show competition of amateurs making movies. I can’t recall the program’s name, but the show made making movies seem easy. The Filmmaker’s Book of the Dead: How to Make Your Own Heart-Racing Horror Movie by Danny Draven illustrates that that’s not true. This book is a treasure-trove of information for anyone interested in making a horror movie. These principles can also be utilized for the making of any genre of movie.
The book is well organized. The reader can look up any topic at will, or follow the book in chronological order. Draven gives out detailed examples throughout the movie-making process, along with recommended films to view for each topic. He includes interviews of people in the film industry and even has a segment by H.P. Lovecraft on writing weird fiction. He also lists websites that a filmmaker would find useful.
Color photographs are spread out throughout the book, as well as spreadsheets including budgeting, shooting schedule, and script writing. Draven gives hiring tips, information on distribution contracts, and how to avoid pitfalls. He doesn’t bog the book down with useless information or wordy segments. This is one of the most concise of books of its kind that I’ve ever seen. I’d recommend this book as a must buy for anyone considering making films or wanting learn more about the filmmaking process.
-Karen L. Newman
