Local Filmmaker Takes a Detour from the Traditional

Local author and director, William Dickerson only dreamed of making a movie outside of the traditional Hollywood system and have it propel his career. But his dreams weren’t far from reality and Dickerson’s new book for aspiring filmmakers, Detour: Hollywood released on April 14 is a testament to that and is based on the making of his microbudget debut film, Detour.

The indie film Detour was hailed by The Village Voice and The New York Times as an “underground hit” and “nothing short of authentic.” After the making of the film Dickerson began to pen a book that doesn’t hold back from sharing everything he learned while making a microbudget film.

“Those years taught me a lifetime of working knowledge about making movies. A microbudget movie jumpstarted my career...it can jump start the reader’s, too,” said Dickerson.

The book is full of hands-on experience and functional knowledge ideal for aspiring filmmakers. Dickerson walks the reader through every aspect of making a film in Hollywood. From style direction to financial obstacles, it’s a detailed guide of the experiences of up and coming filmmakers.

Kirkus Reviews said Detour: Hollywood is “A breezy guide that takes readers inside the sometimes hair-raising world of do-it-yourself filmmaking, capturing its many frustrations and challenges.”

The main goal of Dickerson’s book is to inspire readers to pursue their dreams and present to them the opportunity of microbudget filmmaking, which is revolutionizing the industry.

“I want people to know that while the film business may seem impenetrable, anyone can do what I did and make a feature film,” said Dickerson. “A short film isn’t enough anymore, a script isn’t enough anymore; the new way into the film business -- as a director -- is a microbudget feature. We are in the midst of the microbudget revolution and if you’re a filmmaker, there’s nothing stopping you from going out there and making one.”

This book comes at a perfect time as the filmmaking industry is evolving with the advancement of technology and the rise of independents a microbudgets.

“On average, less studio films are getting made, so the independent world of film is literally as independent as it’s ever been. I anticipate it will stay this way for a while,” said Dickerson. “This is liberating: with greater access to affordable equipment and passionate collaborators, we can all make our films and the quality of every single movie hinges on one solitary thing: story.”

Through his book, Detour: Hollywood, Dickerson hopes to open doors for those who didn’t think filmmaking was possible without being in the Hollywood circle.

“The most important advice that aspiring filmmakers need to hear, is not the advice of the legends -- but the advice of filmmakers who just made it -- the filmmakers who are just starting to succeed,” said Dickerson.

His book Detour:Hollywood is available on Amazon. For more information about William Dickerson you can visit his website at www. williamdickersonfilmmaker.com

Find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/williamdickersonfilmmaker

Follow him on Twitter @WDFilmmaker