Routledge The Cheerful Subversive's Guide to Independent Filmmaking

In this fully updated second edition, award-winning film director and Slamdance Film Festival co-founder Dan Mirvish gives you soup-to-nuts, cradle-to-grave advice on every aspect of the filmmaking lifestyle and craft. He drops advice on playing the Hollywood game, and shows you how to finance, cast, shoot and show your indie feature, documentary, episodic series, short film, student film, web video or big-budget blockbuster. Once labeled a "cheerful subversive" by The New York Times, Mirvish shares lessons he's learned personally from film luminaries Robert Altman, Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, Steven Soderbergh, Rian Johnson, Whit Stillman, Harold Ramis, Lynn Shelton, John Carpenter, Ava DuVernay, the Russo Brothers, Bong Joon-ho, Sean Baker and more. This revised edition includes brand new chapters on filming during a global pandemic finding investors and crowdfunding backers whether and where to go to film school how to get a big Hollywood agent self-distributing your film, even to airlines casting an Oscar®-winner as your lead actor and turning your garage into a 1980s New York subway Visit the extensive companion website at www.DanMirvish.com for in-depth supplemental videos, behind-the-scenes footage from Dan's films and bonus materials. Review Praise for the second edition "Spend your hard-earned cash on Dan’s book, read it, then go make your movie. And the 2nd edition is packed with even more useful information than the first!" ―Matthew Harrison, Sundance award-winning film and TV director of Rhythm Thief and Sex and the City; LACCD and UCLA Extension instructor "Dan Mirvish lends a fresh perspective to the landscape of independent filmmaking by providing readers a practical do-it-yourself approach and an entertaining insider’s look at the industry." - Emilie Upczak, independent filmmaker and instructor at the University of Colorado, Boulder "What I love about The Cheerful Subversive is exactly that―it’s Dan’s eternally upbeat tone along with his ability to get around the system, which are inspiring. He is not afraid to share both his failures and successes in a way that represents the 99% of filmmakers who are out in the world just trying to make something happen." - Dean Yamada, independent filmmaker and Professor at Biola University "My students buy the book for class, and end up using it for years after the class ends. As a filmmaker and a film teacher, it's the best tool I've found for teaching students how the real world works. The 2nd Edition delivers even more nuggets of wisdom and an up-to-the minute perspective on the industry, festivals and distribution. Students can count on Dan to tell it like it is!" - Lise Raven, award-winning director of Low, Kinderwald and Snaeland; Associate Professor, Filmmaking BFA, Montclair State University "It will be required reading. The 2nd edition brings even more insights into indie filmmaking that increases the necessity to upgrade!" - Eugene Martin, award-winning director of Edge City, Diary of a City Priest and The Anderson Monarchs; and Associate Professor, University of North Texas "Dan’s book is a prerequisite for anybody attempting to make an independent film. Do yourself a favor and read it now." - Alex Ferrari, filmmaker and founder of Indie Film Hustle "This invaluable volume by Dan Mirvish remains a necessary working tool for any serious film student or filmmaker. As a student, I found that this book demystified the daunting process of making an independent film, creating an atmosphere of possibility and imparting incredibly important information with a smile on its face. While Dan and I were collaborating on 18½, we consulted this useful and up-to-date second edition for cogent instruction, helpful reminders, and necessary inspiration. No matter your role in the world of independent film, there is much to be learned here. Lots of people talk the talk but Dan wrote the book and the rest of us should