No-Nonsense Filmmaking

“No-Nonsense Filmmaking is the introductory filmmaking textbook I've been looking for. Comprehensive yet unintimidating, it combines technical knowledge, aesthetics, best practices, and a practical creative mindset with a tone that welcomes newcomers. It supports every part of the curriculum in my program’s required introductory production course. Jessica and Mischa Livingstone offer not just instruction, but encouragement—helping students build skills, confidence, and creative judgment from day one. This is an essential textbook for introductory filmmaking education.”

--Courtney Hermann, Professor of Film, Portland State University, and co-author of Directing the Documentary, 8th Edition

"Two accomplished filmmakers, Jessica and Mischa Livingstone, have generously pooled their skills and experience to produce a fun, informative and easy to understand guide. The illustrations, interactive exercises and depth of information make it a valuable resource for student filmmakers and anyone interested in exploring the process." 

--John Rosenberg, ACE editor, USC professor and author of The Healthy Edit and The Final Rewrite.

“In my DMA 323 class at CSUDH intro to Film Production, students use the book alongside their production work, turning to it to clarify core concepts and later apply them directly on set, and course assignments. The book's clear, approachable voice helps students grasp theory faster and translate it into stronger creative and technical decisions, with many students using the book material as reference well beyond the classroom.”

--Eduardo Carmona, Senior Lecturer at Loyola Marymount University and California State University Dominguez Hills