Shooting to Kill: How an Independent Producer Blasts Through the Barriers to Make Movies that Matter

Complete with behind-the-scenes diary entries from the set of Vachon's best-known films, Shooting to Kill offers all the satisfaction of an intimate memoir from the frontlines of independent filmmaking, from one of its most successful agent provocateurs—and survivors.

So, what do Hollywood producers actually do? "What don't they do?" Vachon responds. In this savagely witty and straight-shooting guide, Vachon reveals the guts of the filmmaking process—from developing a script, nurturing a director's vision, getting financed, and drafting talent to holding hands, stroking egos, and stretching every resource to the limit. Along the way, she offers shrewd practical insights and troubleshooting tips on handling everything from hysterical actors and disgruntled teamsters to obtuse marketing executives.

Hailed by the New York Times as the "godmother to the politically committed film" and by Interview as a true "auteur producer," Christine Vachon has made her name with such bold, controversial, and commercially successful films as Poison, Swoon, Kids, Safe, I Shot Andy Warhol, and Velvet Goldmine. Over the last decade, she has become a driving force behind the most daring and strikingly original independent filmmakers—from Todd Haynes to Tom Kalin and Mary Harron—and helped put them on the map.