5 Books Every Film Student Must Read This Summers

Written by Fahad Khan - 10/04/2019

By the time I realized the importance of self-education, it was too late. During my last year at film school, I started analyzing my 4-year long journey based on 43+ courses, each comprised of 3 credit hours. The amount of knowledge I was carrying with me was even less than the wisdom of a regular spot boy on film set.

And this is the harsh reality that film schools in South Asia are not only producing the zombie graduates but also keeping them away from the sea of data that is drying on its own without being consumed at all. 

If you are planning to go to film school, rely heavily on books. Unfortunately, teachers who are being hired to teach different aspects of film are nothing but the tool operators. I am not saying that they don't know their job. They do as they are 'Industry Professionals'. But they aren't teachers, and a person with less than average knowledge of theory and pedagogy are not good enough to teach.

In this case, only books, and of course, movies can help us. So if you are planning to join a film school or you are already in your first year, make sure to read these books in order to fully understand why film matters and how can you save yourself from 'Industry Professionals'.

1) The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler

Every film begins with an idea, then a story, which is then turned into a screenplay - script of the film. In this book, Vogler discusses the traditional story structure called 'The Hero's Journey' presented by Joseph Campbell, to whom I consider The Father of Storytelling. The in-depth analysis and further breakdown of larger chunks into smaller easy-to-digest pieces of The Hero's Journey is done by Vogler in this book, which also makes it a great textbook for every storyteller including novelists and filmmakers.

2) Making Movies by Sidney Lumet

Have you seen 12 Angry Men? How about Dog Day Afternoon? And Network? If no, then please leave this article and go watch these movies. These are the essentials of film school and almost considered sacred. Lumet not only left us with these gems but also a book called Making Movies where he discusses the 40-year long span of his career telling us how the magic of 2 hours on screen make hundreds of people cry on film set. It's a memoir cum textbook for all those who are looking forward to become a part of this rigorous craft.

3) On Directing Film by David Mamet

Inspired by Russian Gurus of Film including Sergei Eisenstein and Konstantin Stanislavsky, Mamet's humorous yet beautifully written book is a must read for all those students who think their drone and steady cam shots can make their films better. According to Mamet, simple shots are the most beautiful ones, and provide  a greater meaning when combined together on an edit table. 

After reading this book, also check out Mamet's Masterclass on Dramatic Storytelling, which I am sure you will enjoy more than a usual DC flick.

4) In The Blink Of An Eye by Walter Murch

Consider yourself a wannabe filmmaker at this moment because whenever you are asked about your favorite films, you name The Godfather Trilogy in that list. Well, if you don't know about The Godfather, consider why are you still reading this post. Those who have watched the trilogy know that the second installment was way ahead of its time and even better than the first one. Why? EDITING! 

One of the editors on board was Walter Murch. His emotion over continuity approach won him awards and critical claim. An easy to read, short textbook on editing by Murch tells us the importance of each cut with its pacing. Make sure you get the 2nd Edition of this book since the 1st Edition only covers the Linear/Traditional editing parts. 

5) Rebel Without A Crew by Robert Rodriguez

So far we have covered the writing, producing and editing part. If you have learnt the rules, you are ready to break them now. The book by Rodriguez is a must-read for all student filmmakers who are always worried about budgets. One of the wisest things you can learn as a filmmaker is the power of decision making. Your decisions will bring you consequences. Do you want that drone shot or do you need it? Rodriguez's Guerilla Filmmaking approach made him the man he is today. If you are worried about that expensive lens you can't afford or the actor you can't hire, read this book, please.

Have I missed anything? Comment below and let me know.