Making Short Films

 
 

MSF Book Cover

Making Short Films
The Complete Guide
From Script To Screen

Making Short Films was first published in 2005 in the United States, the UK and Australia with reprints in 2006 and 2007. The book is used as a standard text in more than 70 universities worldwide including UCLA and the University of New South Wales.

An updated and expanded edition with an added 35,000 words of key information, 100 photographs and a new black & white cover went on sale at the beginning of 2008.

Described as the 'bible for anyone who wants to make a short film,' Making Short Films is a practical and inspirational guide to students and independent filmmakers and is the only book to explain the whole process, from creating an original or adapted screenplay, through producing and directing to finance and distribution.

Whether you are embarking on a short with a group of friends or are planning a more ambitious, collaborative project, Making Short Films gives you the low-down on everything you need to know, including:

  • A detailed, structured guide to the whole filmmaking process.

  • Information on new, digital and internet technology.

  • Interviews with key filmmakers.

  • A range of complete scripts from award-winning shorts with commentaries by the filmmakers.

  • Tips on making deals, renting equipment, securing funding and getting your short shown at festivals, on television and on the net.

  • Details on all major FESTIVALS.

  • A glossary of film terms.

  • Where to find the money.

Making Short Films is available from

In North America

Readers across the world

and from
amazon.com

  Your Reviews

Write a review
Name     Mark
I only bought the book after seeing Mr Thurlow speaking at the Hedges & Butler film night and it's turned out to be the best ten quid I've spent trying to get into film. Totally inspiring.
Name     wendy
For someone who teaches a short film course, this book is the most valuable textbook on the market. My students find it particularly readable and, rather than the usual academic stodge, the book is packed with totally practical advice.
Name     Jason
This book was listed as useful reading for our media course and I'm glad i spent the money to get it. It puts the whole process of making a film into perspective - it also makes you realize that it isn't as easy as you thought and in the end, you just have to go for it.
Name     Phoebe Wakenham
Totally brilliant - a how-to book that's well-written.
Name     Book Reviewer
There are tons of books about making feature films, but most people start of with a short and this definitive book is for them. From the clever guide to writing short scripts to screening shorts on TV and at festivals, the writer takes new filmmakers by the hand and leads them every step of the way. At the connected website I found lists of festivals and short film festivals, and Thurlow writes honestly about the problems and pleasures he had directing a short film according to his own theories. The book is witty, entertaining and informative. And that's what we're looking for.
Name     Nancy Harrison
Reading almost like a novel, the book weaves together anecdotes and film history to illustrate the filmmaking process, citing example from both classic cinema and contemporary films. Ultimately, Thurlow's book is meant to inspire. He emphasises that short filmmaking is primarily a creative and collaborative exercise, not financially profitable, and should be considered a chance to learn skills and stretch your imagination. His emphasis is not on technical advice, but on the creative and artistic considerations of short filmmaking. As one of the directors that Thurlow interviewed in the book comments, "People try to formalise the process, but it is not about formulas, it's about communication...it is your emotional input, your veracity, that will make a film work."
Nancy Harrison, Vertigo Magazine
Name     George O'Dell
This is a classic. I got more out of this book than I got out of two years in film school.
Name     Mel
I will be getting the book on Monday :-)
Quick question: Do I need any experience when I study film and television course at Uni?
Derby, UK, England.
Name     Adam Greves
From Amazon.co.uk
Indispensible, Thurlow maps out the entire film-making process, from the very beginnings of script-writing all the way through to post-production. So, clear a space on your bookshelf between McKee's 'Story' and Vogler's 'A Writer's Journey' and complete your triumvirate of film-making handbooks. A must-buy!
Name     Roberta Adam
I am resolved in the New Year (2006) to do all the things I say I'm going to do and one of those things is to make my first short. Received Making Short Films for Christmas and it was better than getting a Rolex watch. Not that I got the watch. The book is totally inspiring with so many little bits of useful information. I found on second reading a whole bunch of stuff I missed first time round. The website is really useful, too...Roberta
Name     James Napier
Read Making Short Films a while back - excellent book. One of my filmmaking friends swears by it. James Napier
Name     Jo Kline
I have just started a media studies course in Nottingham and when I came across your book I thought it was a lot more useful than all the stuff we've been set to read. What's wrong with the college admin? Don't they look out for new books on the market? My intention is to be a filmmaker and I will learn a lot more from Making Short Films, the book, and making short films, the action, than I will in my course. Thanks. I am glad there is someone out there thinking about us poor suffering students.
Name     Katharine Robinson
I was delighted to discover your recent book making short films – I have not been able to put it down – I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Steve and I have produced an award wining short film since we met, you can have a look at it on www.haveipassed.com - we won the nokia shorts last year. Katharine Robinson
Name     Andrew Caplan
What I like about this book is it fits in your pocket and you can actually refer to it when you're on set. Some of these film guides just waffle on. This one makes the point and moves on.
Name     Amazon.com
Short Film Bible (Rating: 5 out of 5)
This book is destined to become the "bible" for anyone who wants to make a short film.
Name     Greg Cohen
I only found the website after I bought a copy of the book and, while I think it is a good idea, it is a shame more of the material on the website, especially the photographs, are not included in the book itself. It was also interesting to see how the short story Greta May changed so much when it was adapted into the script and I shall send for a copy of the DVD to see whether the actual finished film is anything like the script. As a further suggestion, it would have been a good idea to have included the DVD with the book, that, together with the extra material on the website, would make a total package for anyone trying to make a short film. The website, I must admit, is a pretty good design and easy to use. So, all in all, it's good, but with just a little thought, it could have been better.
Greg, NYC
Name     Ryan Phipps
At last, a book that actually tells you how it is. People think it's easy making a film. It's not. I reckon this book is at least going to help make it easier. I found the chapter about writing short films really useful and will apply this thinking to my won scripts. Ryan P
Name     Emma Goodman
Just finished reading Making Short Films and feel inspired to go out and make a short. Really useful info and easy to follow. Thanks.
Name     Carlos Garcia Fuentes
All the best books on filmmaking are in the English language. This is another and I am very happy to have it on my course. I will make my second short next month and thanks to your book it will be better than the first one. Thank you from Spain.
Name     Darren K
I have attended a lot of film courses in my time, but in the end you just have to go out and get hold of the camera and gear and get on with it. Making Short Films for me is more encouraging than all those courses because that's the essential message.
Name     Andy Taylor-Wyatt
This is an invaluable site for guiding filmakers to courses and distributors, and I really like tips on writing short films. Maybe you should should Greta May as well, then it would be complete. Andy
Name     Jade Donnelly
This is a sensational book. It has helped me wade through the endless detail and data that imprisons making a short film and freed me to just go out and do it. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Name     Kevin M
Inspiring!
Name     Bobby Tuft
When I finished Making Short Films I started right there and then at the beginning again. There is so much to learn, this book is like a whole film course. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to make movies!
Name     Elisabeth Wright
Your book is simply fabulous. How did we ever manage without this handy guide. I shall recommend it to my students.
Name     Darren
Now I know making shorts ain't as easy as it looks. Glad I got the book.
Name     Adam Tyler
Thanks. I saw the book mentioned on Shooting People and it's the most useful film book I've come across. Christopher Vogler's Writers Journey is right on if you want to write a feature, but for the beginner like me, it's great to have a reference when you're trying to write a short film. In fact, I think writing a short film is harder than a feature. There's so much to pack in and so little time to do it. I have written out the Eight-Point Guide for writing shorts, now I've just got to put the theory into practice. Adam
Name     Maxine Barker
Your work will become a bible to a lot of young filmmakers. Thomas Snowdon in the gallery looks very debonaire indeed. Maxine Barker, actors' agent. Big Management
Name     Catherine Sagnier
Great book for any film addict, so full of information and tricks. A real must for any future (short)film director, in short a real "bible".
Name     Jenny McNamara
I am very pleased to be the first "critic" and can say that I love this book! I have been planning a short film for several months and I can see now what I have to do to streamline the process. Great to have.
Name     morgan
Date26/04/08 11:11 am
Don´t leave home without it. This book is better than any course I´ve atendeded in London and I wouldn´t have done my first film without it. Thanks a mil.

Reviews

‘This book is destined to become the bible for anyone who wants to make a short film. ’ Amazon.com

‘Clifford Thurlow’s book is the definitive must have for any filmmaker contemplating making and marketing a short.’
Elliot Grove, Raindance, the 'Voice of Independent Film.'
www.Raindance.co.uk

‘Many undergraduate students will find this book useful as it aims to cover the whole process from idea to distribution … Making Short Films should be an opportunity to develop skills and hone the craft.’
Roger Crittenden, The Times

‘Provides a refreshing and much needed focus on the artistic and creative – as well as the technical – aspects of filmmaking.’
Nic Wistreich, Development Director of Shooting People and co-author of ‘Get Your Film Funded.’ www.shootingpeople.org

‘Nobody should think about making a short film without reading this first. Thurlow takes new filmmakers through the steps of shooting film in a way that will save time and money. Plus it's a good read!’ Jennifer Fate Velaise, Fate Productions, Los Angeles.

‘Your ideal guide that will take you right through the process.’ John Jenkins, Writing Magazine

‘Thurlow passes on his insider tips to guide the novice over the minefield of filmmaking and inspire them to go out and make movies. It's enough to make you feel like the next Spielberg. But why not? Someone has to be. And my guess is it will be someone who starts off reading Making Short Films.’ Terence Doyle, British Film Magazine www.britishfilmmagazine.com

‘Takes new filmmakers by the hand and leads them every step of the way. ’ Amazon.co.uk

'Thurlow brings his personable style to Making Short Films and turns what is effectively a step by step text book into an easily assimilated, fact packed tutorial with all the dynamism and panache of a contemporary novel…an essential tool of the trade and indispensable for the embryonic auteur.' Mike Von Joel, State of Art