Do The Reading: 10 Lessons I Learnt As A Filmmaker

I began my journey as a filmmaker like many others. I was a fan of the movies. The cinema was my church. Growing up, the notion of becoming a filmmaker was something that I didn't even know to want. It was such a foreign feeling and filmmakers took on this kind of mysticism in my mind. Like magicians or tech geniuses.

As I grew older and started to dream, my understanding of filmmaking was still so overcomplicated and unnecessarily chaotic in my mind. So I turned to books. Back then, I'd do anything but read, but as I began to start, my journey into the world of books about cinema began.

Here are some lessons from ten of my favourite books that helped me grow as a filmmaker and inspired me to keep learning with each film I made and each film I watched.

Adventures in The Screen Trade by William Goldman

This book can only be described as an exploration of the Hollywood screenwriting process, filled with insights and anecdotes from legendary screenwriter, William Goldman himself.

He's responsible for writing classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and The Princess Bride (1987).

The lesson I learned from reading this book was that "nobody knows anything".

A quote that underscores the unpredictability of the film industry. It encourages filmmakers to trust their instincts, take creative risks, and not solely rely on trends or conventional wisdom. Understanding this helps filmmakers cultivate originality and authenticity in their storytelling, rather than chasing formulas.

Spike Lee's Gotta Have It

This book is a deep dive into the making of Spike Lee's groundbreaking debut film She's Gotta Have It, while offering some great lessons on independent filmmaking.

If you haven't heard of the great Spike Lee, go check out his film, Do The Right Thing (1989) and thank me later.

In this book, there are many lessons but if I had to pick one that resonates with me particularly now, it is to "embrace creative constraints".

Learning to work with constraints—whether it's time, the weather, the budget or the equipment just to name a few, can actually become the cornerstone for unique artistic choices that might end up defining your style as a filmmaker.

Making Movies by Sidney Lumet

If you're an aspiring director, this is the book for you. Sidney Lumet lends his amazing insight into the art and craft of directing. A peek behind the curtain.

Sidney Lumet for those who aren't in the know, is a director who is responsible for masterpieces like Serpico (1975) and Dog Day Afternoon (1973). Legend isn't nearly good enough to describe him.

"Drama is conflict" from god's mouth to my ears as they say. Storytelling is more than a plot device but something that engages the audience. Craft compelling characters that audiences can love, hate or laugh at, and they will be yours.

Rebel Without A Crew by Robert Rodriguez

This book tells the story of how Robert Rodriguez made his first feature film El Mariachi on an extremely low budget, while he shares some tips for guerrilla filmmaking.

Robert Rodrguez is one of those lesser-known filmmakers where the everyday moviegoer is concerned but if you've seen the film Sin City (2005) you'll know he's a rockstar.

My takeaway lesson from this book was the fact that Robert Rodriguez says "Be a guerrilla filmmaker". He advocates a very DIY approach to filmmaking and says that filmmakers must and should take charge of their projects and be fearless when experimenting creatively.

Every Frame A Rembrandt by Andrew Laszlo

This is a book for aspiring cinematographers. It's a guide to the art of cinematography, with a focus on how to create visually compelling films through careful use of light and composition.

Andrew Laszlo is a well-known cinematographer known for his work on the film, The Warriors (1979) and his cinematography on the original Shogun miniseries.

The lesson is "master visual storytelling".

Understanding the principles of visual storytelling—composition, lighting, colour—enables filmmakers to communicate mood, and theme effectively through the visuals, which enhance the overall emotional impact of their films.

In The Blink of An Eye by Walter Murch

I found this book to be an insightful analysis of film editing, exploring its emotional and technical dimensions from an acclaimed film editor.

Walter Murch is one of the O.G's of film editing and just some of his credits are films like Apocalypse Now, The Godfather Trilogy and The Conversation. I'll stop there.

In his book, contrary to many editors' advice, he talks about how editors should "edit with emotion."

Learning to edit not just for continuity but to enhance storytelling rhythms, build tension, and evoke specific audience responses helps editors shape the narrative flow and properly curate the audience's experience.

If It's Purple Someone's Gonna Die by Patti Bellantoni

This book is an exploration of how colour influences emotion and meaning in film, providing filmmakers with tools to use colour more effectively.

Patti Bellantoni is one of the most important scholarly voices in colour theory and she has some brilliant lessons in store.

The one that I personally liked the most was; "Use colour symbolism consciously".

This book explores the psychological impact of colour in film. How different hues evoke emotions, signify themes, or reinforce character traits enables filmmakers to deepen storytelling through visual cues, adding layers of meaning that resonate with audiences.

The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield

This book is more of a motivational book that tackles the internal barriers filmmakers or creatives rather, face, and it offers strategies to overcome blocks and find some artistic catharsis.

Steven Pressfield is a seasoned author of historical fiction and has a great way of analysing and breaking down the process of breaking that barrier of resistance in your artistic life.

Needless to say, the lesson that this book repeats is of course to; "Overcome resistance."

The book as a whole becomes a book about recognizing and overcoming resistance whether it's fear of failure, procrastination, or self-doubt and empowers filmmakers to stay motivated, productive, and committed to their artistic vision amidst challenges and setbacks.

So You Want To Be A Producer by Lawrence Turman

Is a practical guide to film producing, detailing the skills and knowledge required to bring a film from concept to completion.

Lawrence Turman was one of the most prolific producers in Hollywood. He was even nominated for an Academy Award.

The main take-home I got from this book was; "Master the art of production."

Turman's book provides insights into the producer's role, from budgeting and scheduling to team management and logistics which helps filmmakers figure out the practical aspects of bringing their creative vision to life.

Letters To Young Filmmakers by Howard Suber

So as the title suggests, this book is a collection of letters that offer some wisdom and guidance to aspiring filmmakers on going through the challenges of being in the film industry.

Howard Suber is one of the most well-known scholarly minds in this industry with over 46 years of experience.

The book makes the point to say how we as filmmakers should; "Cultivate lifelong learning."

Suber's letters encourage continuous growth and to have a mindset of a lifelong

student. From understanding diverse storytelling techniques, and adapting to evolving technologies that help filmmakers stay relevant and allow them to adapt better.

These 10 lessons are but the tip of the spear when it comes to reading these books and I personally am of the opinion that you don't become dumber when you read but you definitely will miss out if you don't.

Thanks for reading and till the next one!