Letters to Young Filmmakers: Creativity and Getting Your Films Made

What a fantastic idea for a book about everything related to the film industry. Howard Suber’s advice stems from a deeply invested and caring place for his students, both old and new. Gaining access to his insights is truly amazing. I couldn’t put this book down, and even after finishing it, I find myself picking it back up. It’s also the perfect book to just pick up and open at any page. Love it.

I must admit, I approached this book with apprehension as I find most "advise" books about the film industry to be nothing more than a narrowly focused how-to look at the author's choices that got them to whatever amazing job they have, or how they made their project, etc.This is not that book - it's SO MUCH BETTER! Reading each short letter is like eavesdropping on a conversation in the hallway of one of the best film schools in the world, hearing a seasoned mentor talking with a student. But it's not the do this than that sort of story I was expecting. Each letter is about setting realistic expectations, thinking a strategy through, evaluating your options, and breaking down a problem so the student can find their own solution. The book finishes strong, with a very realistic look at the life of a professional in the film business, and a wonderfully succinct look at the complexities of copyright.This is a must read for anyone seriously considering a career in the entertainment industry.

Joan Didon once wrote that "we tell ourselves stories in order to live."This is a book about how storytellers make a living. In it Howard Suber, UCLA Film Professor of almost 50 years, answers young filmmakers' essential questions, such as:How do I get an Agent?How do I choose collaborators?How do I stay creative?How do films get made?How do I choose a mentor?What kind of day job should I choose?What kind of people "make it" after film school?Howard's answers are simple, sage and straightforward. They chart the highs and lows of choosing a life based on creative collaboration. This is not another "How to Write a Screenplay" book, it's "How to Survive as a Screenwriter, Director or Producer." Its contents can be read in an afternoon and implemented over a lifetime.Simply put, it's essential reading for anyone interested not in "how to make a film," but in how to get a film made.

Howard Suber has done it again. If his Power of Film was intelligent and provocative, then Letters is that and more.Elegant and compassionate, this book is more than about making film. It's about being, and being creative in anything. Suber's voice and heart come through clear and strong. And his far-ranging intelligence is a joy. He seems to know more about psychology--and how to apply it's concepts meaningfully and directly--than most psychologists I know. He's simply excellent in labeling the links of theory and practical product, and then connecting them. No small feat.This book is a must read. And a must re-read. There's more here than meets the eye. It's well-crafted, and crafty, inviting you to pull more and more threads to expose new paths and newer insights. It's evocative on so many levels, not only filmmaking. Brilliant.

As an aspiring screenwriter, I've read too many books on the subject, even books that aren't directly about it. This book is not limited to screenwriting, however, but to any major entity in the business so to speak. If you're reading this review, then I'm assuming you're one of us...one of us...one of us...Anyway, do yourself a favor and buy this book. This is NOT a how to book. This is zen-like, philosophical book that offers advice on how to survive the cruel, cruel world that is known as Hollywood. Think of Phil Jackson writing a book on basketball (oh wait, he did) and there you have it. If you're looking for a magic pill that will win the big fight, I'm sorry, it doesn't exist. But if you wanna learn how to throw a punch (or dodge one!), check this book out.

Talk about a dose of reality on every page. I love this book. One of my favorites so far is how he explains why screenwriters are treated like crap and his explanation is right on the money and I never looked at it that way before. Other topics of discussion are about creativity, character, pitching, Hollywood, Agents, and more and more and more. Trust me this is unlike any book on film you will ever read. No other book will be this honest, so honest that it will blow away some of the misconceived ideas you may have about the industry.

Just a really important book full of wisdom and insight- absolutely brilliant. Can’t recommend highly enough to anyone interested in films or creativity in general.