Hey Hive Family!
I'm excited to report my new business book is now out and available on Amazon.com. I'm going to share some of the most interesting, fun, revealing and bizarre experiences I've had working in the film business in future posts, so I hope you'll give them a look as I roll them out in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, if your interest in this space runs a bit deeper, if you've ever dreamed of working in film in any capacity, I like to think I've crafted the most definitive guide to the process from start to finish.
But even if it's not a possible career path, the book is a highly entertaining read if you're at all curious about some of the odd and funny behind-the-scenes machinations and happenings that take place on a movie set. Some of these vignettes are tales about experiences with celebrities including Kevin Smith, Michael Madsen, Ben Affleck, Martin Sheen, Danny Trejo and many more. The goal was always to craft an entertaining read to appeal to people who just love movies as well as those who are pursing a life in the industry and want to learn the tricks of the trade!
Here's the blurb from the back cover:
So, you want to make movies? Well, you can drop $100,000 on a film school degree or dive right in head-first and make your first film.
Either way – you’re getting schooled!
…or you could take the easier route. The reality is, I learned more about making movies my first three weeks on a Hollywood film set then I did during four years of college. There are lessons everywhere - if you know where to look.
I have written, produced, directed, edited and sold dozens of feature films over the years. Some have been festival darlings, some have made money and one was kind of a turd… but many of the best lessons came from the misses and the mistakes.
If you’re thinking about making an indie film, this is the book to walk you through the entire process and give you the best possible chance for success.
And with Film Schooling, we’re even going to have some fun doing it!
Hope you check it out! If you (or someone you know) might be willing to do a review or an interview, please let me know. I can send along a preview copy upon request. Also, if you'd like to read the book, but can't afford it, I'm happy to send along a copy as well, just let me know.
Thanks for the time.
-Chris Hood
Good on you for creating a guide about something you love! I remember as a child when my very staid grandparents asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I said "a camera man" not knowing the proper title for a director at the time. Their surprised looks of dissapproval and admonishment to find an interest in a "real" job, is a telling example of how not to snuff out the desires of someone so young.
While I never did enter that field, I could never stop analyzing the hows and whys when watching a film or video. How did they get the camera to move so smoothly when filming someone running down the street? (tracks). How did they get those shots high above the heads of the actors? (before I learned about the utility of cranes).
I'd often have to guess at what was going on behind the camera, and would try to piece together what was happening with every scene. What really got me was the art behind those long scenes shot in one beautiful take. I knew there had to be a lot of planning behind them (and a little bit of luck).
I watched a documentary on audio in film and really learned to appreciate how much it adds to the moviegoing experience. The lighting, textures and general ambiance (I'm a big fan of the art deco and steampunk periods), all combine together into a (hopefully) beautiful whole. :)
Hey Ever,
It is a magical place and I love it dearly... though it might be hard for people to understand after reading the book and seeing all the nightmares one has to endure. But despite all the difficulties, I'm always eager to get to it again.
I'm a fan of well-done long takes myself. In fact, I have a script that I sold that currently getting some traction (including some A-list actor interest). Probably only a small chance I'll get to direct, but I have the opening scene planned out (at least in my mind) as a single long take. Actually, in this case it's necessary for reasons I won't get into (as I don't want to spoil anything).
But I'll always reflect on Goodfellas, Touch of Evil and Old Boy as among my favorites. Maybe some day I'll give the world a great one for future generations to talk about film school!!