Books by Sara Caldwell
Splatter Flicks: How to Make Low Budget Horror Films (2nd Edition, Non-Fiction)
Proud HWA Member
Raven Dock (Young Adult)
Splatter Flicks: How to Make Low-Budget Horror Films (2nd Edition) is your crash course in turning a micro-budget idea into a killer movie-from the first scream on the page to the final cut on a streamer. This updated edition folds in today's tools and techniques and adds fresh, on-the-ground insights from working pros across writing, acting, stunts, costume and production design, music, editing, special effects, and distribution.
You'll learn how to shape a lean, original script; raise and protect your budget; plan practical and digital gore; direct performance and action safely; cut for tension; score for dread; and build a marketing and distribution path that actually finds an audience. The book walks you end-to-end: development and funding, production, post, and release.
You'll also get field notes from filmmakers doing it now-award-winning VFX artist William Reliford on studio-level visuals at indie prices; producer-writer-director John Penney on shepherding features; directors Jill Gevargizian and Natasha Kermani on graduating from shorts to features; DP Jendra Jarnagin on shooting fear; make-up FX artist Anthony Pepe on the state of splatter; plus insights from programmers, stunt coordinators, production designers, sculptors, and more.
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2025 Encyclopocalypse Publications. Available where ever books are sold, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble​​​
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17 year-old Harper Duncan never fit in anywhere her family moved…and they moved a lot. But after her parents and brother die in a tragic accident, she finds out she’s adopted and her birth mother lives in a remote retreat called Raven Dock. Harper ventures north and discovers a dark family secret: her birth mother is a witch. And she’s one too. As Harper learns about her own hidden powers, will she choose to embrace her chilling heritage, or return to the safety of the ordinary world?
Raven Dock is the first novel in the Dark Coven book series. Visit Sara's author site for more information.
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2018 White Bird Publications. Available on Amazon, Goodreads and Barnes & Noble
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Firsthand knowledge and advice on every aspect of forming a film production company can be found in this one source. Film production company owners, entertainment attorneys, accountants, and distributors answer the most commonly asked questions on forming and running a successful film production company. They provide proven tips for setting up shop, following a financial plan, working with investors, forming a marketing strategy, getting a film distributed, and more. Real-life anecdotes from a wide range of professionals from the production company trenches are both informing and entertaining.
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Allworth Press. Order Jumpstart