The Best Production Books for Beginners

Start your journey with the best production books for beginners, recommended by leaders, experts, and readers worldwide

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Recommendations by The Boston Globe, The Independent, Pat Jackson, Boston Globe and 6 others

Not sure what to read? Our AI can suggest the most recommended Production books!

1
Book Cover of Steven Ascher, Edward Pincus - The Filmmaker's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age: Fifth Edition

By Steven Ascher – Oscar-nominated filmmaker and educator (you?) and 1 more 

4.76
| 2012 | 896 Pages
Recommended for: 
Aspiring filmmakers and students. Ages 12 to Adults.
You will:
  • Learn the essential techniques for producing and directing films and videos effectively.
  • Discover the latest advancements in video and film production technology.
  • Understand the business aspects of funding and distributing your film projects.
  • Explore the various roles and responsibilities within a film crew.
  • Gain insights into both traditional and digital filmmaking processes.
Reviews:
Comprehensive Guide
Well-Written
Up-to-Date
Practical Advice
Broad Coverage
Overwhelming
Not Step-by-Step
  • #1 Best Seller in Cinematography on Amazon
  • New York Times Bestseller
  • Rated Amazon Best Book of the Year
Recommended by The Boston Globe, The Independent, Pat Jackson and 7 others
The Boston GlobeGold-standard technical reference book for filmmakers
The IndependentThe bible--updated
Pat JacksonI was thrilled to find your book, which is a gem. No matter what corner of the subject I poked into, looking for cogent explanations, the Handbook passed with flying colors. So please accept my admiration, appreciation and thanks
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2
Book Cover of Thomas A. Kelly - The Back Stage Guide to Stage Management, 3rd Edition: Traditional and New Methods for Running a Show from First Rehearsal to Last Performance

By Thomas A. Kelly – Professional stage manager and production manager for over forty years (you?) 

4.61
| 2009 | 304 Pages
Recommended for: 
Aspiring and veteran stage managers. Beginner to Intermediate readers.
You will:
  • Organizing rehearsals and performances effectively
  • Maintaining scripts and cue sheets
  • Supervising technical aspects of shows
  • Running shows in various venues
  • Dealing with performers and crew members professionally
Reviews:
Comprehensive
Educational
Engaging Style
Anecdotal
Updated
Not Practical
Repetitive
  • #7 Best Seller in Theater Direction & Production on Amazon
  • Lifetime Achievement Award from USITT
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Production Book made by AI

By TailoredRead – AI that creates personalized books for you 

4.98
| 2025 | 30-300 pages
Learn Production faster with a book created specifically for you by state-of-the-art AI. Our AI has vast knowledge of Production, and will craft a custom-tailored book for you in just 10 minutes. This tailored book addresses YOUR unique interests, goals, knowledge level, and background. Available for online reading, PDF download, and Kindle, your custom book will provide personalized insights to help you learn faster, expand your horizons, and accomplish your goals. Embark on your Production learning journey with a personalized book - made exclusively for you.
Recommended for: 
All readers across all knowledge levels.
You will:
  • Get a Production book tailored to your interests, goals, and background
  • Receive a book precisely matching your background and level of knowledge
  • Select which topics you want to learn, exclude the topics you don't
  • Define your learning goals and let your book guide you to accomplish them
  • Get all the knowledge you need consolidated into a single focused book
Reviews:
Insightful
Focused
Highly Personalized
Easy to Read
Engaging
Actionable
Up-to-Date
3
Book Cover of Heather Maxwell Chandler - The Game Production Handbook
4.47
| 2013 | 468 Pages
Added to Reading List by Marco Intrieri
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