Feature Filmmaking at Used-Car Prices: Revised Edition

by Rick Schmidt

For about $6,000 anyone with the right know-how--and this book--can write, produce, direct, film, edit, and promote a feature film. Step-by-step instructions, summary checklists, and lots of tips on how to save money support the filmmaker spiritually, aesthetically, and technically.

Genres: Nonfiction, Film

Paperback

Published August 1, 1995

About the author

Rick Schmidt is the author of Feature Filmmaking at Used Car Prices (Viking Penguin, 1988, 1995, 2000), which is considered "The Bible" of fledgling filmmakers, credited with influencing filmmakers Kevin Smith, Vin Diesel, Tom DiCillo, many others.  Extreme DV (Penguin/Random House Books), his digital video book, is now available on e-book. And his first novel, Black President, was published by Picnic Publishing in UK,
In 2006, Schmidt received a Lifetime Achievement Award at Rome Intl., . His films have been screened worldwide, at film festivals including Sundance's Dramatic Competition (Grand Jury Prize nomination), Slamdance, Rotterdam, Berlin International, New Directors/New Films, Museum of Modern Art (NY), and on Channel Four, UK.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another book coming from the world of inspirational anecdotal books on how to produce films and live the dream. Unfortunately, my politics and my ideals (and my aspirations) are so divergent from Schmidt's that I found it nearly impossible to read. I think anything that gets people to pick up a camera and shoot their story is great, and I think this book has done that and probably will continue to do so. But if you really want a guidebook that is both practical and inspirational, check out Gaspard and Newton's Digital Filmmaking 101: An Essential Guide to Producing Low-Budget Movies. If you have to choose between these two, go for the 101.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful companion to the film "Morgan's Cake". I have to confess here that I have been in three of Rick Schmidt's films and know Morgan, as well. I watched it for the first time in years and it is still a delightful film to me. If you are a Schmidt fan or a budding filmmaker, you can't go wrong with this volume. Full of quick-wittedness and compassion. Read it!

[Keanu]

Great book I must say

[Cynthia Duval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve Dead Frogs and Other Stories, a Filmmaker's Memoir by Rick Schmidt is an entertaining and insightful memoir and must read for everyone who aspires to become who they truly are, as artist and human being.

Filmmaker, writer, educator Schmidt takes us on a journey back in time to the beginnings of his artistic inclinations, and forward as he shares the path of making his award winning low-budget films and writing his best-selling Penguin book, Feature Filmmaking at Used-Car Prices.

His life story is a soulful adventure of self-actualization through artistic invention, self-expression, perseverance and resilience, with a healthy dose of humor with a profound sensibility to the absurd in everyday life sprinkled on top. He's told his story mostly in one-to-three-page anecdotes that are full of emotion – they made me laugh and cry.

We learn how Schmidt's artistic style and career as an independent film artist and author was shaped by his personal life and the cultural historical forces of the times, including the San Francisco Bay Area post-1960's art scene. His recollections are both fun and agonizing to read, being inspired as they were by the ups and downs of love and life, and the difficulties of balancing family life with the ever-present call of his artistic muse.

I'm still thinking about Frogs two-weeks after reading it. It's powerful. I'm going to read it again before giving it to my son. Bravo to Rick for exposing his innermost feelings to his readers and for bringing the creative and emotional threads in his life and work together in this wonderful book.

– Cynthia DuVal, CEO and Artist at New Intelligentsia Atelier Art & Innovation

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are the reminiscences of a passionate artist and independent filmmaker and the roller coaster ride of dedication to the creative life. The book is smart, genuine and open-hearted and reveals not just the author's artistic journey, but also his talent for friendship and fatherhood. There is wisdom here for the reader -- examples on the value of being present, of slowing down and taking time, of being open to life and creative possibilities, on keeping focus and sticking to it. From growing up in Chicago and car-loving Southern California to the energies of the San Francisco Bay Area in the 70's, to New York and international film festivals thereafter, it's the recounting of an adventurous creative life, well-told.

[Bill Kimberlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An uncompromising look at the joys and sorrows in the life of an artist culminating with the satisfaction of a life well lived. Rick Schmidt's book is a primer not perhaps for your life but for a life to learn from.
To call Rick, the central character in this book a survivor, would be to misconstrue the message. The artist alive here is the ideal we aspire to yet few of us achieve. To some extent you may feel that your artistic approach and Rick's are diametrically opposed—I suggest that you will benefit from trying to think more like Rick and less like yourself whenever you have a creative problem to solve.