Digital Filmmaking 101: An Essential Guide to Producing Low-Budget Movies

The book describes in plain terms (without being patronizing) what is needed to produce a digital feature. From finding scripts, to casting actors and crew, all the way through to post-production and distribution, this book will guide you all the way. It gives examples of special effects, breaking down your script and creating a shooting schedule, sample actor and location release forms, even inexpensive meal suggestions for feeding your cast and crew during production!

Dale Newton and John Gaspard know their craft. They've shot feature films in both film and video formats, and have many essential tips for the low/no budget filmmaker. The book is written with a sense of humor. The authors laugh at some of their mistakes while helping us avoid those same problems.

If you are a novice or budding filmmaker but need a little direction to get started, this is the book for you.


Should be your "first buy"   September 30, 2005
S. Williamson (Sandy, OR United States)
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

When I decided to go down the path of becoming an indepedent filmmaker, I knew I needed to read up on the subject. After reading various reviews, I decided to get Digital Filmmaking 101 by Dale Newton and John Gaspard. I'm SO glad I did. This book is amazing! It covers everything you need to know about independent digital filmmaking, all from the perspective of doing it on a shoe-string budget.

Although it doesn't go into great detail on any one subject, it covers every aspect to at least a general level, making this a great introductory text. I've read it cover to cover at least three times and have re-read specific chapters several more times on top of that.

Newton and Gaspard's writing style is humorous yet matter-of-fact and you always get the feeling they are in your corner. Most other books written by industry experts tend to have a "talking down to you" tone to them.


The perfect book for you? I think so.   June 15, 2001
Attila Fajta (West Palm Beach, Florida, United States)
35 out of 43 found this review helpful

I ordered Digital Filmmaking 101 a few days ago. Since then, I live in a well-isolated world where only this book exists. And of course snacks and pops close enough not having to get off the couch. Not only does it give you essential information but keep you entertained through the last page. It's a great pick for your first book about filmmaking just as well as your next one for your shelf. Thoroughly walks you through the development of your movie from picking the perfect script, budget building, recruiting your crew, find locations. Even what business forms you should consider. To pre-production, casting the cast, production and post-production. And finally: distribution. In a nutshell, I can highly recommend this book to anyone with the dream of making their first low-budget digital feature film. It's a must read.

Good luck.


The book you have to buy about Digital filmmaking   September 21, 2003
D. F. Curran (Missoula, MT United States)
27 out of 33 found this review helpful

This book is a hoot! Read it before you read anything other than Rebel without a Crew. No other book makes digital filmmaking fun. The section on setting up a filmming spreadsheet alone is worth the price, although you'll love the sections on special effects problemsolving. There are a lot of books about the technical aspects of digital. (Digital Filmmakers handbook, etc.) But this one is about actually making films with the stuff. THIS ONE IS A MUST READ.


A superbly organized and presented resource   October 8, 2002
Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
16 out of 19 found this review helpful

Collaboratively written by film production experts Dale Newton and John Gaspard, Digital Filmmaking 101: An Essential Guide To Producing Low Budget Movies is a highly practical and informative guide to the creation of low-budget movies utilizing innovative film making technologies and the personal computer. From how to handle digital video equipment, to scripting and casting, production and distribution, to working the film festival circuit, Digital Filmmaking 101 is a superbly organized and presented resource recommended for all aspiring student and independent filmmakers.