I’m often asked for book recommendations and other resources that cover various techniques someone desires to learn. My answer is typically non-specific, as I’ve learned most of my information from pros in the industry. However, I do take time to read books and magazines written by friends and other industry leaders who are known for specific information.

For instance, I’ve had a couple opportunities to work with Dr. Linda Segar who has great insights concerning character development, hero based story structure, and translating a book to the screen. Each of her books has a handful of nuggets that have stayed with me over the years. She also consults for those who like to pick the brains of brilliant people. I believe her biggest selling book is Making A Good Script Great.

Several books from my library on story and screenwriting that have become dog-eared from certain chapters being reread include:

The Coffee Break Screenwriter by Pilar Alesandra
The Story Solution by Eric Edson
Screenwriting 434 by Lew Hunter
Story by Robert McKee

There are a lot of other great books published by Lone Eagle, Focal Press, Michael Wiese Productions and Penguin Books, to name just a few.

For those working with smaller crews, I recommend Craig D. Forrest’s book: Commando Tactics for Digital Filmmakers.

My latest reads and rereads include:

Professional Storyboarding by Sergio Paez & Anson Jew (Note: Excellent book!!!)
On Directing Film by David Mamet
The Film Director Prepares by Myrl A. Schreibman
Directing Film Techniques and Aesthetics by Michael Rabiger

I mix up my reading between books on business, story, creativity, screenwriting, directing, filmmaking, biographies and fiction. I made a commitment to read a minimum of 12 books a year since I joined the entertainment industry. However, that number changed once I learned that a person can become an expert in a few short years by reading every book and article they can find on a given subject. I now read the equivalent of two books a month on average, taking into consideration interview transcripts and trade articles covering industry pros.

Of course, there is one new book coming out in July that is a must read…

Notes from the Napkin: A Director’s Cut on Filmmaking by CJ Powers

Okay, so a little self-promotion isn’t too bad, right?

My new book includes some of the most read articles from CJ’s Corner and other chapters based on questions new and independent filmmakers have asked me or that I’ve asked of the Hollywood pros. Since a lot of my most used knowledge came from 2-5 minutes spent with people like Ron Howard, Christopher Nolan, Wally Pfister and Ken Burns, I thought passing on my notes from the “napkins” I’ve collected over the years would be of help to the reader.

There are film techniques still done the same way as it’s been done since the early 1900’s and other techniques that are developed every year. To stay on top of this information there are numerous trade publications and websites available for gleaning this information. The lists below are just a smattering of what is available.

Screenwriting
Hollywoodlitsales.com
Donedealpro.com
Scriptpipeline.com
Writerstore.com
Script-o-rama.com
Scriptologist.com
Inktip.com
Wordplayer.com
Moviebytes.com

Filmmaking
Filmmaking.com
Filmmakers.com
Filmfestivals.com
Wihtoutabox.com
Insidefilm.com
Zap2it.com
Projectgreenlight.com

Filmmaking Terminology
Filmland.com/glossary/Dictionary.html

Film Buffs
Imdb.com
Moviejuice.com
Aint-it-cool-news.com
Rottentomatoes.com
Filmthreat.com
Filmsite.org

Screenwriting and Filmmaking Magazines
Creative Screenwriting
Screenwriter
Script Magazine
Imsdb
Fade In
Hollywood Scriptwriter
Moviemaker
Screentalk
Film Journal
Filmmaker Magazine

Industry Publications
Hollywood Reporter
Variety
Daily Variety
Back Stage
Premiere
The Independent: Film & Video Monthly
Written By (Writers Guild of America, West)
DGA Quarterly