The Encyclopedia of American Independent Filmmaking - by Vincent LoBrutto (Hardcover)

About the Book

Independent filmmaking is often regarded as a relatively recent phenomenon, yet the so-called movement has actually existed as long as movies themselves. In this indispensable single-volume reference work, LoBrutto surveys the subject from cinema's inception through the 21st century.

Written in an accessible style and including biographical, critical, factual, and bibliographical information, this remarkable source encompasses films and filmmakers operating independently from the studio system in concept, financing, production, and distribution. Such a broad interpretation of independent filmmaking separates it from that of commercial Hollywood, a conglomerate existing to create product rather than support personal artistic vision. Many of the entries' subjects have rarely been investigated and studied--yet knowledge of independent filmmaking is vital to any understanding the cinematic medium, making this an essential book for any library's film shelves.

Book Synopsis

Independent filmmaking is often regarded as a relatively recent phenomenon, yet the so-called movement has actually existed as long as movies themselves. In this indispensable single-volume reference work, LoBrutto surveys the subject from cinema's inception through the 21st century.

Written in an accessible style and including biographical, critical, factual, and bibliographical information, this remarkable source encompasses films and filmmakers operating independently from the studio system in concept, financing, production, and distribution. Such a broad interpretation of independent filmmaking separates it from that of commercial Hollywood, a conglomerate existing to create product rather than support personal artistic vision. Many of the entries' subjects have rarely been investigated and studied--yet knowledge of independent filmmaking is vital to any understanding the cinematic medium, making this an essential book for any library's film shelves.

Review Quotes

"[P]rovides insightful observations about a vast field that spans the history of film ... a welcome addition to the handful of books that survey the field ... It is definitely a worthwhile addition to university, college, and public libraries. For those interested individuals who can afford a copy of their own, it will be eminently useful as a reference book."-Journal of American Studies

?[P]rovides insightful observations about a vast field that spans the history of film ... a welcome addition to the handful of books that survey the field ... It is definitely a worthwhile addition to university, college, and public libraries. For those interested individuals who can afford a copy of their own, it will be eminently useful as a reference book.?-Journal of American Studies

?LoBrutto's work will prove valuable to anyone interested in independent and avant-garde cinema....Recommended. General and academic collections.?-Choice

?Recommended to supplement collections with heavy film content.?-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin

?The Encyclopedia Of American Independent Filmmaking is an excellent scholarly resource and a definitive professional reference recommended for anyone interested in making independent films as a career, or simply viewing them as a personal hobby.?-The Bookwatch

?This excellent introduction to a burgeoning industry is recommended for both academic and public libraries.?-Gale

?An essential guide for all film collections.?-Library Journal

?An essential guide for all film collections.??Library Journal

"An essential guide for all film collections."-Library Journal

"LoBrutto's work will prove valuable to anyone interested in independent and avant-garde cinema....Recommended. General and academic collections."-Choice

"Recommended to supplement collections with heavy film content."-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin

"This excellent introduction to a burgeoning industry is recommended for both academic and public libraries."-Gale

"The Encyclopedia Of American Independent Filmmaking is an excellent scholarly resource and a definitive professional reference recommended for anyone interested in making independent films as a career, or simply viewing them as a personal hobby."-The Bookwatch

About the Author

VINCENT LoBRUTTO is an editing, production design, and cinema studies instructor for the School of Visual Arts./e He is the author of Stanley Kubrick: A Biography, as well as Selected Takes: Film Editors on Editing (Praeger, 1991), By Design: Interviews with Film Production Designers (Praeger, 1992), Sound-On-Film: Interviews with Creators of Film Sound (Praeger, 1994), and Principal Photography: Interviews with Feature Film Cinematographers (Praeger, 1999). He is also a contributing author for American Cinematography, Films in Review, and Cinemaeditor, a publication of the American Cinema Editors, of which he is a special member.