You see them on the video shelves, with titles such as Domestic Strangers, The Bride of Frank, The Blood Between Us, Strawberry Estates and Sandman. Skeptically, perhaps, you rent one and slip it into the VCR. Hey, you think, this isnt so bad--sometimes actually quite good. Suddenly, you discover that there is a whole range of movies from filmmakers operating outside the studio system that have their own attractions that the big budget fare cant match. You have, of course, discovered the world of independent filmmaking. Intrigued, you begin thinking that maybe you could do this, maybe you could make an independent feature film. In this work, J.R. Bookwalter, Ronnie Cramer, Mike Gingold, Eric Stanze, Steve Ballot, and 20 others tell what it is really like to make an independent feature. Covering such topics as the script, equipment, actors, publicity, distribution, all facets of production, and budgeting, these indie filmmakers give a virtual how-to for those interested in joining them or just learning more about how those interesting titles end up on video store shelves.

The success of low-budget independent films like The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity clearly demonstrated that successful movies can be made with very small budgets. Still, working on a tight budget requires both skill and ingenuity, and is an inevitable and continuous learning experience for the filmmaker. Join two dozen truly independent filmmakers--those used to working, and delivering, within extreme limitations--as they bluntly chronicle their experiences creating features ""from the trenches."" They cover the major stages of the filmmaking process, from financing, technical decisions, and handling actors and crew to music, production, and distribution. With loads of practical advice, actual case studies, and many behind-the-scenes photographs, this collection of war stories from the micro-budget front lines will benefit aspiring and experienced independent filmmakers alike.

After the success and wide distribution of the first ADDICTED TO MURDER movie in 1996, writer/producer Kevin J. Lindenmuth wanted to shoot a larger budget sequel. He came up with the idea for THE LAST VAMPIRE and hired frequent collaborator Ron Ford to write the screenplay. However, that was not to be. So Lindenmuth proceeded to make a micro-budget PREQUEL, TAINTED BLOOD, keeping in mind that he would make this "Final ADDICTED TO MURDER movie" one day. While a lesser sequel to the first two movies was made, BLOODLUST, this screenplay remained unproduced. Then, itching to do a follow-up years later, Lindenmuth agreed to let screenwriter Todd French take a stab (and puncture) at it. Keeping in mind THE LAST VAMPIRE script, as well as the continuity of the first three movies, ADDICTED TO MURDER: REDWORK was born. Alas, there was not a producer for this script, either. Now that a decade has passed fans of the ADDICTED TO MURDER trilogy can discover how the series finally ends...