10 Best Filmmaking Books to Read in 2023

Whether you are new to cinematography or have spent years studying it, you may find that your cinematic knowledge has reached a plateau. You are now searching for excellent filmmaking books to advance your abilities.

We have compiled the best list of filmmaking literature so that you can write, direct, film, finance, and complete your video projects – regardless of the circumstances.

1. Hollywood Producers Directory

Making Movies in the Blink of an Eye: The Rebel Without a Crew Guide to Directing Film

Something Comparable To An Autobiography Taking It All In Master Shots, Volumes 1,2,3

The Filmmaker's Companion

If It's Purple, Someone Is Going to Die FILMMAKING BOOKS

The Hollywood Producers Guide

J. Douma & D. Perez are the author(s) of this article.

This is by far the most important practical publication on this list. Every dedicated producer has a copy of this book. It consolidates the majority of the resources required to produce a professional film, television show, or new media production.

Best Screenwriting and Filmmaking Books - StudioBinder Hollywood Producers Directory - StudioBinder

This book contains valuable information regarding purveyors, permits, film financiers, production companies, and more. When it comes to the finest film-related books, Hollywood Producers Directory is the go-to resource for producers, directors, and anyone else interested in learning more.

2. Making Movies

Sidney Lumet is the author of this work.

Numerous of our filmmaking videos have featured concepts from Making Movies, so it's no surprise that this book is on our list. Lumet divulges an abundance of his techniques and insights.  And in extensive detail.

The Best Filmmaking Books - The Filmmakers Handbook - The Best Film Books - Making Movies - Sidney Lumet - StudioBinder

In many cases, he also engages in the business side of filmmaking, which is equally as essential as the physical production. Below, in our video, we go into great detail about one of the most important teachings in Making Movies - The Lens Plot. This is an advanced course designed for filmmakers.

Advanced cinematic aesthetic.

3. In The Blink of an Eye

In the Blink of an Eye is the best film editing essay ever written. Murch explains a plethora of useful techniques not only for visual editing but also for audio editing.

Best Filmmaking Books - In The Blink Of An Eye - Walter Murch - Best Books On Film Editing - StudioBinder

In a Single Blink of an Eye

You will learn how to cut, recut, complete, and submit your edited music to a composer. Walter Murch also instructs his readers on how to execute an ideal "emotional cut." Prepare your Oscar acceptance speech.

In the Blink of an Eye is one of the finest editing books available.

4. On Directing Film

On Directing Film explains how ideas are conceived, how they progress through the business pipeline, and how to exploit opportunities. Mamet discusses everything, including how to approach a script and direct actors, as well as how to effectively communicate with cinematographers and producers.

Even editing your own initiatives for maximum effectiveness is addressed. If you're searching for a film production book about directing, On Directing Film is your best option.

Best Screenwriting Books - Film Direction Books - On Directing Film - David Mamet - Film Production Books - StudioBinder On Directing Film Best Screenwriting Books - Film Direction Books - On Directing Film - David Mamet - Film Production Books -

He demonstrates how to approach the script, direct actors, collaborate with cinematographers, communicate with producers, and edit your project for maximum efficacy.

Based on seminars taught by Mamet at Columbia University.

5. Rebel Without A Crew

Robert Rodriguez is the author(s).

This book chronicles the voyage of a first-time, low-budget filmmaker. It is the ideal instrument for those seeking to enter the filmmaking industry.  And, in my opinion, no other book on this list offers more practical advice for beginning filmmakers than this one.

StudioBinder's Top Filmmaking Books - Rebel Without A Crew - Robert Rodriguez - Shooting On A Budget

Rebel devoid of a crew

Robert Rodriguez has never lost the chip on his shoulder, and he enjoys sharing his audacious ingenuity with others.

6. Something Like an Autobiography

Akira Kurosawa is the author.

You should never pass up an opportunity to learn from a genuine master, and Something Like an Autobiography provides just that.

Akira Kurosawa is arguably the finest director in history. He advanced the craft of filmmaking more than any other living individual. He utilized science, mathematics, and cinematic language to fundamentally alter how humans perceive the universe. To completely comprehend his movies, you must read his book.

The Best Filmmaking Books: The Filmmakers Handbook, Something Like an Autobiography by Akira Kurosawa, and StudioBinder

Similar to an Autobiography

Kurosawa explains to the reader what it means to be a director. What it means to live a life beyond one's profession or trade. How it affects you as a person.

One of the finest directors ever. One of the finest books on filmmaking.

7. Taking It All In

Pauline Kael was a film critic for The New Yorker, and many prominent Hollywood filmmakers, including Quentin Tarantino, continue to admire her work. She helped usher in the distinctive cinematic culture of the 1970s by being ruthlessly honest about movies.

StudioBinder: Best Filmmaking Books - Best Screenwriting Books - Taking It All In by Pauline Kael

Taking It All In

The lessons in her book are invaluable, despite the fact that Kael is not the epitome of critics and her opinions are by no means sacrosanct. Even more so when you disagree with them.

8. Master Shots Vol. 1, 2, 3

Christopher Kenworthy is credited as the author

This book is a brilliant visual aid that delves deeply into the emotional impact of cinema's greatest shots. Kenworthy demonstrates composition, camera angles, and camera movement.

Best Filmmaking Books - Master Shots Vol 1 2 3 - Christopher Kenworthy - Film Production Books - StudioBinder

I've encountered directors and cinematographers who carry this book with them on set, just in case they need to refer back to it.

This work is loved by cinematographers because it focuses solely on the visuals.

This book is adored by directors because it enhances their camera literacy superior to most other film production books.

9. The Filmmakers's Handbook

S. Ascher & E. Pincus are the author(s) of the work.

The filmmakers compendium attempts to explain as much as possible about filmmaking, and it does a decent job of it. They address lighting, finances, personnel, and cast, and have updated this version to account for the transition to the digital age. 

Best Filmmaking Books - The Filmmakers Handbook - Stephen Ascher - Edward Pincus - StudioBinder

The Filmmaker's Companion

It is a trustworthy guide to film production because it contains both classic and contemporary techniques.

Everyone will learn something from The Filmmaker's Handbook, including directors, writers, producers, and production coordinators.

10. If It's Purple, Someone's Gonna Die

If it's Purple, Someone's Going to Die is an excellent book. It instructs filmmakers on how to select the appropriate colors for their situations. The book is divided into six sections by color and describes how each hue evokes a distinct emotional response in the viewer. These sections contain illustrations, anecdotes, and recommendations for using or avoiding each color.

If It's Purple, Somebody's Gonna Die by Patti Bellatoni - Film Production Books - StudioBinder.

If it's purple, someone will perish.

The book contains interviews with Roger Deakins and Ed Lachman, and it explains how your choice of color can increase the efficacy of your project.