Our Picks for the Best Books on Filmmaking (2024)

Wondering what are the best books on filmmaking? You may think that the best way to learn about the filmmaking process is by doing it. Yes, spending time on set will give you a hands-on learning experience. But that doesn’t mean reading a few books on the filmmaking process will hurt. Reading is always a convenient method to improve your craft.

There have been thousands of books written about filmmaking, so where to start? We at Peerspace have narrowed it down to what we believe are five essential books every passionate filmmaker can learn from. That said, check out our the favorite books on filmmaking.

1. Making Movies by Sidney Lumet

Written by one of America’s most acclaimed directors, this book doubles as a professional memoir and an ultimate guide to the art, technique, and business of filmmaking. With over 40 years of experience in the film industry, Sidney Lumet illustrates the strenuous labor and long days it takes to create just two hours of onscreen magic. Lumet explains the nature of his passion by highlighting how each department collaborates to bring the director’s dream into reality.

This book dives deeply into the professional aspect behind how a film develops over the course of a production. However, it is still advantageous to the entry-level filmmaker. It explores the ideology behind what makes any film successful. This book should appeal to any filmmaker who is curious about the art of filmmaking.

2. Something Like an Autobiography by Akira Kurosawa

From legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, this autobiography examines his beliefs on everything from the importance of a good script to camera placement. In doing so, Kurosawa explores his most renowned films, such as Rashomon and Seven Samurai. He then determines what makes them successful works of art.

Kurosawa offers his wisdom on his creative process of writing and filmmaking. He also has a surprising memory of his life events from infancy to adulthood. This book is a joy to read for anyone who is curious about understanding a legendary director’s artistry.

Whether you are an amateur or a professional filmmaker, this book is a beneficial read due to its wise perspective from one of the best filmmakers of all time. He also touches on every aspect of filmmaking. But Kurosawa starts by examining what makes a perfect script and the value of understanding what makes one’s writing great.

3. In the Blink of an Eye by Walter Murch

Walter Murch’s book on film editing starts with what seems to be the most basic editing question — why do cuts work? Murch teaches the reader everything they need to know about editing as an art form, from its emotion-altering aesthetics to the practical concerns of cutting a film. Along the way, Murch offers intelligent observations and anecdotes accumulated over his 50-year-long career. He touches on subjects such as emotional cues, continuity, and discontinuity in editing.

New to this second edition is Murch’s lengthy meditation on the current state of digital editing. The way in which films are edited is severely different today. However, the psychology and semiotics behind good editing remain the same. Examining each principle that makes a cut cinematic, this book will help make any filmmaker a clever editor.

4. Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder

Blake Snyder’s book is essential reading for any aspiring screenwriter. Hundreds of books out there try to tackle the screenwriting process, but no others break down the script to its fundamentals like how Snyder does it. This screenwriter’s bible is the last book you will ever need on screenwriting.

With years of experience and success as a screenwriter in the film industry, Snyder explains the method to his madness. The Snyder “beat sheet” is famous in the industry today for its reliable formula. Before you write the script, create a beat sheet to outline the important beats that will propel your story forward. The same beats occur at the same point in almost every feature film script one way or another, no matter the genre. The Snyder beat sheet helps you organize and calculate what beats need to be in your script and when they are most effective.

Sure, there are many different ways to approach an outline for a screenplay. Yet, the Snyder beat sheet is by far the most organized way of logically piecing your idea together on paper. None of the other outline techniques fundamentally break down and organize the beats needed for a perfect story arc. Many readers may take the beat sheet too seriously and become afraid to stray away from it. Remember, though, that rules are meant to be broken. But in order to do that successfully, you must understand them in the first place.

Keep an eye on our filmmaker’s resource articles to keep your finger on the pulse of all-things related to movie making!

5. Rebel Without a Crew by Robert Rodriguez

Detailing the production of his first feature made with only $7000, Robert Rodriguez’s book illustrates how he jumpstarted his career. It traces how he became a respected Hollywood filmmaker grossing hundreds of millions in the box office. This book is an essential guide for any independent filmmaker with a story to tell and the ambition and determination to see it through.

Comprising a series of journal entries, Rebel Without a Crew explores the trials and tribulations of a low-budget production. You will learn how anyone with passion can make great cinema on a budget. The journal entries detail Rodriguez’s mindset as a 23-year-old filmmaker, describing how he financed and produced his first film, El Mariachi. Having budget limitations forced Rodriquez to think creatively to accomplish his action film with innovative filmmaking techniques.

Financial constraints can be a filmmaker’s friend at times. After all, it can change their thought process and brings forth a new perspective on the project. This inspiring book reveals the fact that you do not need to start out rich to become a famous Hollywood player. It is must-read literature for every independent filmmaker.

6. Backwards and in Heels by Alicia Malone

Backwards and in Heels chronicles the past, present, and future of females in the film industry. Written by film reporter and TCM correspondent Alicia Malone, this is one of the few tomes dedicated to women’s role in the film industry. While women have been integral throughout filmmaking history, their contributions have often been ignored and silenced. Backwards and in Heels looks to rectify that oversight, informing readers about female barrier breakers in the industry. All that plus in an insightful and exciting read.

The book also shares interviews with actors, filmmakers, and historians like Ava DuVernay, America Ferrara, Paul Feig, and more. Filmmakers of every age and gender need to read this book to further their education on the true history of filmmaking.

Best books on filmmaking: conclusion

Being a filmmaker means you are continuously honing your craft. And these best books on filmmaking provide the education and insights you need to do that.

As we mentioned, experience is also part of the equation. Bring your films to life by booking a Peerspace production venue near you. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, we offer you access to hidden gem spaces across the globe. From professional film studios to everyday locations that suit your vision, you can find it all on Peerspace.

Find unique production venues on Peerspace