The DV Rebels Guide (2006)

There is one book that has gotten continuous acclaim among low-budget filmmakers. That book is The DV Rebels Guide An All-Digital Approach to Making Killer Action Movies on the Cheap written by Stu Maschwitz. Yes, it is a very long title, but it is extremely accurate. As I am planning on shooting a low budget action movie in the next three years (Sonlight Pictures' Severed) I thought I would take a look at this unique approach.

The book is excellent on so many levels. First, its very well written, complete with a Rebel with a Camera attitude and style.

Second, Maschwitz, who worked at ILM and helped created the video effects company called The Orphanage, knows his stuff when it comes to low budget effects. More importantly, he knows what is actually needed for an effect or stunt to work and what is not needed. Many times, the perception of an effect is much more important than the reality of the effect.

Third, Maschwitz gives step-by-step processes for making your own special effects. Included with the book is a DVD that includes his short film exemplifying his low-budget effects work along with tutorial examples, samples and freebies that we can use to help make our film high-quality production value.

For anyone who wants to make a low-budget movie, action or not, this book is an excellent resource. For those of you wanting to make a low-budget action film, this book is indispensable. A quick, great read that is both inspiring and educational.

It is a great compendium to Robert Rodriguez's A Rebel Without a Crew. They make for a solid and complete one-two punch.