Independent Ed: What I learned from My Career of Big Dreams, Little Movies, and the Twelve Best Days of My Life

(Paperback)

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In Independent Ed, Edward Burns shares the story of his two remarkable decades in the film industry. At the age of 25 Burns produced his first film, The Brothers McMullen (1995), on a tiny budget. It went on to win the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 1995. Since then, aspiring film makers have sought his advice. This entertaining and inspirational memoir tells readers how he managed to secure financing and how he found stars on the way up, as well as sharing his work methods. A must-read for movie fans, film students and everyone who loves a gripping tale.

Reviews

"Every young, hungry, creative person should view this as a textbook.... It's a how-to." MattLauer, Today

Independent Ed is Burns' inspirational speech to filmmakers wondering how to begin, or how to keep going. Newsday

Mr. Burns charm stems largely from his ability to play the nice, real guy the sort of guy who, despite landing roles in Hollywood films like Saving Private Ryan, gets excited when Al Pacino says hi to him in a restaurant. The Wall Street Journal, Weekend Journal

Independent Ed doubles as a handbook for aspiring filmmakers who need to stay afloat in an ever-mutating business. Metro New York

[Ed Burns] prides himself on his ability to pitch, making it feel like I was telling a story while sitting at the bar with a beer in my hand. Fortunately, thats also the easy tone of his memoir, which focuses on his hardscrabble moviemaking career after his initial brush with success 20 years ago. Entertainment Weekly

His book is an attempt to dispel some of the myth surrounding filmmaking, and to explain it's like any other craft. A unique voice, thick skin, and a deep love of the work are required and while he makes clear they don't by themselves ensure success, he's used them to find his own fulfillment and to help keep the self-doubt that confronts any artist at bay. The Week

Chronicling the struggles and the long hours as well as the heady moments when months of planning and writing come to fruition, Independent Ed is a must-read for movie fans, film students, and everyone who loves a gripping tale about what it takes to forge your own path in work and life. Red Carpet Crash

Author Bio

Ed Burns was born in Woodside, Queens, and raised on Long Island. While in college in New York City, Burns switched his focus from English to filmmaking before quickly moving on to make The Brothers McMullen, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. He has acted in 31 films and written, produced, and/or directed 13 others. He lives in New York City with his wife and two children.