Reed Martin, author of "The Reel Truth"

Whether above or below the line, getting into the film industry is comparable to winning the lottery. As Examiner.com continues its "Info 101" series, presenting an opportunity to demystify one key aspect of the entertainment industry, making an independent film. Join author and professor Reed Martin as he reveals in his new book "The Reel Truth," the answers could only be found by having filmmakers' admitting their own mistakes.

It all began with one simple and final question after an interview, "What's the best advice you can give a struggling filmmaker?" For journalist and NYU professor, Reed Martin, nine years of posing the question to enough of film's leading talent was inspiration enough to share their recollections in a new book, "The Reel Truth."

While industry pundits moan the demise of the "independent film," Martin felt otherwise. He embarked on the ambitious project of creating a source that would educate and illuminate the filmmaking process. A unique blend of text book, advice and personal record, Martin turned the adage about doing and teaching into something that truly fills a void in an era where the traditional is being overshadowed by the unconventional.

"The best time to make an independent film is now," he said. "We already live in a world of amateur filmmakers, where the ubiquity of camera phone video, webcams and cheap recording equipment has opened up opportunities for everyone to create."

For Martin, the need became apparent on how to advise this growing pool of raw talent to get their projects up, finished and seen by a hungry industry and public seeking the next big thing. However, not every burgeoning Steven Spielberg or Spike Lee can attend a USC School of Cinema or NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.  While Martin will attest to the value of a university program, the combination of a street and book smart approach with "The Reel Truth" was designed to be an invaluable resource for those striking out on their own.

"This book seeks to help new filmmakers avoid the obstacles that send so many first- and second-timers through the windshield of their own inexperience," Martin added.

It helps to know that some highly regarded filmmakers went through that symbolic windshield a few times, including Martin himself. The author's own journey through the Hollywood minefields became instrumental in giving readers detailed advice on what to do after "you get the money."  From production, post-production, marketing and distribution, the book also covers such areas as dealing with music licensing, investors, script theft and securing legal help.  However, it is Martin's personal interviews with leading directors, writers, producers and studio executives that offers "The Reel Truth" an extra layer of validity and insight to make it a true "insider's guide."

"It was more work than people might imagine," Martin said. My inspiration was Andy Dufresne in 'The Shawshank Redemption.' I wanted more in-depth answers than what you might find in a newspaper article."

Among the directors that talked with Martin were recent Oscar winner Danny Boyle ("Slumdog Millionaire"), Kenneth Lonergan ("You Can Count on Me"), Seth Gordon ("The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters") and Harmony Korine ("Kids").

The interviews were not always completed in one sitting.  Some happened over the course of time stolen over several days.  Others were literally started, stopped and finished over several years; while others became little victories of nabbing the difficult "get."

"Harmony Korine really doesn’t do interviews," Martin recalled.  "He was tough to get and I got him."

Despite the harsh economic realities facing most of the world, Martin is adamant that realizing one's creative dream does not have to be compromised, especially by fear or procrastination.

"The best time to get started making a film is not tomorrow," Martin said. "Not next week and not next year, but today."

Currently on tour promoting "The Reel Truth," Martin will be in Los Angeles on the following dates:

Thursday, July 23rd  @ 7pm --  Book Soup in West Hollywood.

Saturday, July 25th @ 11am -- The Writer's Store in West Los Angeles. 

Click on the store names above for locations and phone numbers.

For more on Reed Martin and the world of independent filmmaking, click on "The Reel Truth." 

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