True Indie

Dive into the wild world of indie filmmaking with celebrated director Don Coscarelli's revealing and entertaining memoir, True Indie.

Best known for his iconic horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films like Phantasm, The Beastmaster, Bubba Ho-tep, and John Dies at the End, Coscarelli takes you on a thrilling journey through the ups and downs of independent cinema. From selling his first feature to Universal Pictures as a teenager to navigating Hollywood's cutthroat landscape, Coscarelli's experiences are both enlightening and harrowing.

Encounter a colorful cast of characters, including heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio, first-time filmmakers Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary, and horror icons Tobe Hooper, John Carpenter, and George A. Romero. Discover the behind-the-scenes stories that shaped Coscarelli's career, like setting his face on fire during the making of Phantasm and transforming a short story about Elvis battling a mummy into a beloved cult classic.
True Indie is a must-read for fans of Coscarelli's work, aspiring filmmakers, and anyone who loves an underdog story. Packed with insider insights and hard-earned wisdom, this memoir offers a comprehensive film school education in a single book, revealing how Coscarelli maintained creative control in an industry dominated by power-hungry predators – all without losing his sanity or going bankrupt.