THN are always eager to share details of interesting film-related goodness, so this new book by Ted Hope (with Anthony Kaufman), should be right up everyone’s street.
Described as an ‘inspiring, tell-all look at the independent film business’ book, it’s by one of the industry’s most passionate producers, Hope for Film: From the Frontlines of the Independent Cinema Revolutions (on sale: August 12th) captures the rebellious punk spirit of the indie film boom in 1990s New York City, its collapse two decades later, and its current moment of technology-fuelled regeneration.
Ted Hope, whose films have garnered twelve Oscar nominations, draws from his own personal experiences working on the early films of Ang Lee, Eddie Burns, Alan Ball, Todd Field, Hal Hartley, Michel Gondry, Nicole Holofcener, Todd Solondz, and other mavericks, relating those decisions that brought him success as well as the occasional failure.
Whether navigating negotiations with Harvey Weinstein over final cuts or clashing with high-powered CAA agents over their clients, Hope offers behind-the-scenes stories from the wild and often heated world of low-budget cinema—where art and commerce collide. As mediator between these two opposing interests, Hope offers his unique perspective on how to make movies while keeping one’s integrity intact and how to create a sustainable business enterprise out of that art while staying true to one’s self. Against a backdrop of seismic changes in the independent film industry, from corporate co-option to the rise of social media, Hope for Film provides not only an entertaining and intimate ride through the ups and downs of the business of art house movies over the last 25 years but also hope for its future.
Here’s some sexy quotes to get you all in the mood:
“I’m just one of many filmmakers who have benefitted from Ted’s resources, his skill and enthusiasm. In this book, Ted Hope draws on his own experience to show you how to make a movie you can afford, instead of wasting time in development; and more importantly, he teaches you how to use limited resources to maximise creativity and artistic freedom. There is nobody in the independent film world quite like Ted Hope. His wisdom and heart shine through every page.”
—Ang Lee, Director of Brokeback Mountain
“Ted Hope’s remarkable career makes for fascinating reading. He has lived in the centre of independent filmmaking for almost three decades. His insight into the challenges and process of independent film offers any reader, whether you’re a film student or indie movie fan, a unique glimpse into how specialised films really get made, sold, and released.”
—Ed Burns, Director of She’s the One
If you’re in the UK, click here to order and if you’re in North America then head to this link.
