The Cheerful Subversive's Guide to Independent Filmmaking

Review
Praise for the second edition
"Spend your hard-earned cash on Dan’s book, read it, then go make your movie. And the 2nd edition is packed with even more useful information than the first!"
―Matthew Harrison, Sundance award-winning film and TV director of Rhythm Thief and Sex and the City; LACCD and UCLA Extension instructor
"Dan Mirvish lends a fresh perspective to the landscape of independent filmmaking by providing readers a practical do-it-yourself approach and an entertaining insider’s look at the industry."
- Emilie Upczak, independent filmmaker and instructor at the University of Colorado, Boulder
"What I love about The Cheerful Subversive is exactly that―it’s Dan’s eternally upbeat tone along with his ability to get around the system, which are inspiring. He is not afraid to share both his failures and successes in a way that represents the 99% of filmmakers who are out in the world just trying to make something happen."
- Dean Yamada, independent filmmaker and Professor at Biola University
"My students buy the book for class, and end up using it for years after the class ends. As a filmmaker and a film teacher, it's the best tool I've found for teaching students how the real world works. The 2nd Edition delivers even more nuggets of wisdom and an up-to-the minute perspective on the industry, festivals and distribution. Students can count on Dan to tell it like it is!"
- Lise Raven, award-winning director of Low, Kinderwald and Snaeland; Associate Professor, Filmmaking BFA, Montclair State University
"It will be required reading. The 2nd edition brings even more insights into indie filmmaking that increases the necessity to upgrade!"
- Eugene Martin, award-winning director of Edge City, Diary of a City Priest and The Anderson Monarchs; and Associate Professor, University of North Texas
"Dan’s book is a prerequisite for anybody attempting to make an independent film. Do yourself a favor and read it now."
- Alex Ferrari, filmmaker and founder of Indie Film Hustle
"This invaluable volume by Dan Mirvish remains a necessary working tool for any serious film student or filmmaker. As a student, I found that this book demystified the daunting process of making an independent film, creating an atmosphere of possibility and imparting incredibly important information with a smile on its face. While Dan and I were collaborating on 18½, we consulted this useful and up-to-date second edition for cogent instruction, helpful reminders, and necessary inspiration. No matter your role in the world of independent film, there is much to be learned here. Lots of people talk the talk but Dan wrote the book and the rest of us should be thanking him!"
- Daniel Moya, writer/producer of 18½ and USC Film School Graduate
Praise for the first edition
"Dan is a true pioneer of the independent spirit. With one foot in a hot tub and the other on a mountain top he plants his independent flag somewhere between heaven and hell. In the great independent tradition of father John Cassavetes, Dan does what he has to do to exist in the inhospitable world of the true independent film artist. He is a fellow combatant against mediocrity in motion pictures and any upstart dreamer can benefit from what he has learned in the trenches of the 'just fucking do it' school of Cinema."
―Alexandre Rockwell, Sundance award-winning director of In the Soup; Associate Arts Professor/Academic Director, NYU Tisch School of the Arts
"Hands down the most fun book on filmmaking I’ve read. I wish this book existed when I first started making films."
―Caveh Zahedi, Gotham award-winning director of I Am a Sex Addict; Assistant Professor of Screen Studies, The New School
"Dan Mirvish's experience along with his intelligence and humor makes The Cheerful Subversive's Guide to Independent Filmmaking indispensable in the library of every filmmaker. If you have a budget for only one book, this is the one. This investment will pay off and help you not only make mone