Hope For Film: From the Frontline of the Independent Cinema Revolutions

I read this book twice-- I was so blown away by it! Veteran producer Ted Hope's war stories in the field were endlessly fascinating and inspiring. As someone who grew up in NYC, the changing landscape of cinema mirrors the changing landscape of the city.As a filmmaker, I cannot help but imagine what it was like to shoot Claire Denis' first short film in NYC. Ted saw something in her even at that nascent period in her life as artist. This book was a revelation- the creative collaboration between the producer and the director. To hear Ted's dedication to understanding the directors process- like giving Ang Lee time to think and translating his method to a crew that might grow hostile--was inspiring.Ted's questioning of filmmakers' rush to make compromises even before we begin shooting and the detriment it has on creative process and ultimately the film was truly something to contemplate. The films Ted Hope made early in his career are truly artifacts of a cultural moment that will far outlive us. They are important works of cinema to be entered in the canon of world cinema. This book made me reflect as a filmmaker- in times where the viewers demand instant gratification and access to creators- can a safe be imagined for writer/ director/ producers to not just make products but to question the status quo?Another thing Ted's book did for me was to articulate so much of the frustration of minority/ women filmmakers. Why is it that a great director like Nikki Kassel has a decade between films? How many women/ minority directors have internalized that maybe they aren't good enough or their work not strong enough to continue in this industry? The need for writer/ directors to meet a partner in a producer to develop their career- to creat e a long term relationship is so so important. This book made me realize that such a relationship is vital to create directors like Ang Lee- so they develop not just a film but push their craft with every film. Try a certain shot, a certain genre- to develop their craft.Ted's emphasis on craft and collaboration is truly inspiring. It's what every filmmaker needs and only dreams to find.Also the book's articulation of a growing need for community in the face of changing models for film financing/ distribution- was so spot on. It creates a mixture of unbridled enthusiasm and sobering financial reality- something that all filmmakers have to face throughout their career.Most of all- the personal/professional anecdotes that Hope shared in the book are amazing. Many of the truths divulged are a sort of no no in the secretive world of film producing/ financing. As I read the book, I could not help but think how brave transparency truly is. Hope has often voiced uncomfortable truths for the filmmaking community- most vehemently how the digital revolution needs to revolutionize both how films are made and how we see their life after its creation. And since reading this book- Hope has moved from Fandor now to the head of productions of Amazon Films. So it makes total sense- he was an early adaptor of re-thinking the model of film and now he is leading a company that is precisely trying to that. Scary and exciting times for the future of film!

I liked the book overall, but the title should almost be No Hope for Independent Film. This is a well written and engaging memoir by one of the great producers of independent cinema. Ted Hope lays out the state of affairs of current independent film business. Distribution is tied up by established players and until technology is adapted in a way that can keep some of the profits for creators - I'm afraid were going to see more of the same. Independent cinema is not sustainable. If creatives can't participate in the revenue stream, they're not going to be able to make movies. His main thesis is that something has to be done. But the existing players are so entenched - the game is stacked on the side of the distributors. Not an encouraging read if you're an aspiring filmmaker. Mr. Hope paints a bleak picture.

This is a personal and pragmatic guide for anyone who wants to make that leap to producing movies. Ted Hope has rode the changing economic currents of the film business and he keeps his readers abreast of how much the economic landscape has shifted and how producers have to adjust. He has dedicated his career to making great movies that will stand the test of time but understands that the financiers' passions lean toward the bottom line. Mr. Hope writes as a philosopher for the movie business exploring how both the financial side and artistic side can work together to accomplish both of their missions. He is also interested in the artists making enough money to continue making great art and tries to come up with solutions to accommodate that. But what makes this a necessary read for anyone who loves cinema is the love and dedication to great art that comes across in his writing. His experiences with some of film's excellent and trailblazing directors, such as Ang Lee and Ed Burns, are great learning experiences for any producer or want-to-be director. This is an informative and enjoyable read from start to finish and necessary if you're a lover of cinema.

Ted Hope's goal is to better the independent film industry through transparency, innovation, collaboration and community. Part fly on the wall memoir, part how-to guide, "Hope for Film" offers a wide breadth of useful and inspiring content, from intimate anecdotes to the ideal outline for getting a film to Sundance. Structured across themed chapters, the book is detailed and honest without being pretentious.Working for a nonprofit film organization, I can easily relate to Hope's passion and struggles (especially as he described his time in San Francisco). Having never worked in the production world, Hope allowed me to be his vicarious production assistant, working with directors such as Ang Lee, Michel Gondry, Alejandro González Iñárritu and James Gunn.The best piece of advice I have ever been given was from former NBC "Today Show" correspondent Mike Leonard. He told me, "Don't compete - create." After reading "Hope for Film," I can tell you that's exactly what Ted Hope was done over the course of his career, and then some. Read this book and be inspired.

I have a shelf that has 11 books about film on it that I read over and over again at intervals. It now has 12. Ted Hope's HOPE FOR FILM is a refreshingly honest, hugely informative and enjoyably colourful description of behind-the-scenes independent movie making. It's a proper story too, leading it's readers from Ted's early and enthusiastic beginnings in the business through multiple adventures to where he sits today, in a slightly different position as CEO of Fandor. Of course, there are also intriguing tales of stars and star directors within its pages. But most of all the book feels astonishingly current - as if the author has brought us convincingly right up to date with the predicaments and possibilities of independent film as they stand today. I for one am going to follow the updates on Ted's website closely. Whether setting out as a film-maker, blossoming in mid-career or considering a return, don't risk not reading this book.

As a film writer and director, I spend my life balancing that optimism and hope for us all to make great creative and innovative work, with knowing (or thinking I know) what 'the market' will take. What's great about Ted Hope's book is that it investigates and narrates US independent cinema production from the head and from the heart, showing how great projects can get through, and how indies can strategise in the current climate. He has been there and fought battles in a changing climate but despite being on the frontline he draws back and evaluates the process in a way that is truly inspiring for all of us.

Being a big fan of Ted Hope's Good Machine and This is that production company output I was interested and, dare I say it, excited to read this book. I was not disappointed.It is a brilliant insight into a producer who has not only shepherded great films through to completion but also to producers like myself it gives us 'hope' that what we are trying to do is not that disimilar to the greats, and yes I count Ted Hope as one of the greats.If you like film, work in film or have ever seen a film, this book is as the blurb states - invaluable. Buy it, tell your friends to buy it, and if they don't - well then buy it for them.Read his blog too. Great.

A joy to read from the start to the end credits. If you are involved or interested in indie film it is a must-buy and the author's live for film shines through on every page. The motto is if it can be done, you will find a way to get it done.

Great read and inspiring on the future of filmaking!