True Indie

Life and Death in Filmmaking

By: Don Coscarelli

Narrated by: Don Coscarelli

This program is read by the author.

From Don Coscarelli, the celebrated filmmaker behind many cherished cult classics, comes a memoir that's both revealing autobiography and indie film crash course.

Best known for his horror/sci-fi/fantasy films including Phantasm, The Beastmaster, Bubba Ho-tep, and John Dies at the End, now Don Coscarelli’s taking you on a white-knuckle ride through the rough and tumble world of indie film.

Join Coscarelli as he sells his first feature film to Universal Pictures and gets his own office on the studio lot while still in his teens. Travel with him as he chaperones three out-of-control child actors as they barnstorm Japan, almost drowns actress Catherine Keener in her first film role, and transforms a short story about Elvis Presley battling a 4,000-year-old Egyptian mummy into a beloved cult classic film.

Witness the incredible cast of characters he meets along the way from heavy metal god Ronnie James Dio to first-time filmmakers Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary. Learn how breaking bread with genre icons Tobe Hooper, John Carpenter, and Guillermo Del Toro leads to a major cable series and watch as he and zombie king George A. Romero together take over an unprepared national network television show with their tales of blood and horror.

This memoir fits an entire film school education into a single audiobook. It’s loaded with behind-the-scenes stories: like setting his face on fire during the making of Phantasm, hearing Bruce Campbell’s most important question before agreeing to star in Bubba Ho-tep, and crafting a horror thriller into a franchise phenomenon spanning four decades. Find out how Coscarelli managed to retain creative and financial control of his artistic works in an industry ruled by power-hungry predators, and all without going insane or bankrupt.

True Indie will prove indispensable for fans of Coscarelli’s movies, aspiring filmmakers, and anyone who loves a story of an underdog who prevails while not betraying what he believes.

©2018 Silver Sphere Corporation (P)2018 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"A smart, insightful, and entertaining look at the bizarre roller coaster life of an indie director. If you don’t love this book...you’re already dead.” (Rob Zombie)

“A must-read for fans of horror, lovers of independent cinema, and people who respect tenacity, determination, and perseverance. True Indie is a charming, entertaining, and insightful look at the life and work of a bold and brazen filmmaker. It hits the mark like a speeding, double-spiked chrome ball.” (J.J. Abrams)

essential for aspiring filmmakers

coscarelli charms you consistently throughout it's runtime, and offers up some valuable advice and insightful anecdotes to those trying to make it on their own.

phantasm

this book introduced me to the phantasm series and was incredibaly well done thank you

Great Insight Behind a Talented Director

If you’re a movie fan, or more specifically a horror movie fan, this inside look at a very talented directors history and process is fascinating. Highly recommended if you’re a Coscarelli fan.

Every Horror and Movie Fan Will Love This Book

Don Coscarelli does an amazing job telling the story of his film career directing off the beaten path films. Really makes you feel like you are right there in the trenches with him during his journeys in film and struggles getting his pictures made. A must listen!

Beautiful Book

Being a big phantasm fan I had to check this out and it does not disappoint. Don provides a lot of great insightful and inspiring information about being an indie filmmaker. Highly recommend this for anyone interested in filmmaking.