The Declaration of Independent Filmmaking: An Insider's Guide To Making Movies Outside of Hollywood - Softcover

Identical twins MARK AND MICHAEL POLISH have written, produced, and directed three feature films: Twin Falls Idaho, Jackpot, and Northfork. Their filmmaking awards and citations
include the John Cassavetes Award at the 2002 Independent Spirit Awards and a 2001 Seattle International Film Festival New American Cinema Award. They both live in the Los Angeles area.


JONATHAN SHELDON has worked on Jackpot and Northfork and was named head of development for the Polish Brothers' production company. He lives in Los Angeles.

"The Declaration of Independent Filmmaking is a well-organized, often hilarious guide for any first-time filmmaker's journey through the perilous and unpredictable world of independent filmmaking. By tracking the process of their films, from an idea's infancy to its realization in a distribution deal, the Polish Brothers take their unique and pragmatic methods and break them down into an easy how-to chronicle. Their determination, vision, and enthusiasm are evident both on screen and in writing. Their love of the process, the most important part of successful filmmaking, is inspiring."--Ridley Scott, director of Blade Runner and Gladiator

"Like their movies, the Polish Brothers' book is funny, insightful, delightful, odd, smart, and full of good ideas and truths. It's completely accessible for the absolute novice, and yet will still be helpful to those who have some experience (after making six films, I still learned a thing or two). I certainly plan to recommend it when I teach or mentor young filmmakers."--Keith Gordon, director of A Midnight Clear, Waking the Dead, and Mother Night

"All do-it-yourself filmmakers must experience their own blood, sweat, and fears. But everything else to be learned from the independent adventure can be found in this priceless and entertaining guide. Tried, true, and terrific, it's like having your most credible filmmaking friends offer their shoulders to stand on. This book is an invaluable public service to would-be celluloid dreamers and schemers everywhere. Read it. It's your inalienable right."--Alan Rudolph, director of Afterglow and Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle

Mark and Michael Polish have written, produced, and directed three feature films: Twin Falls Idaho, Jackpot, and Northfork. Their filmmaking awards and citations include the John Cassavetes Award at the 2002 Independent Spirit Awards and a 2001 Seattle International Film Festival New American Cinema Award. Their films have collectively been nominated for five Independent Spirit Awards. They both live in the Los Angeles area.

Jonathan Sheldon was an associate producer on Northfork and was named head of development for the Polish Brothers' production company. He lives in Los Angeles.