Film Alchemy: The Independent Cinema of Ted V. Mikels
Published by McFarland, 2007.  220 Pages
By Christopher Wayne Curry

The name of Ted V. Mikels is one that is not that well known in the film community. Unless of course, you are a fan of cult movies. Then you are well aware of the name, and the man, and the movies that he has given us over the past 40+ years. Now thanks to author Curry, we are able to get a closer inside look at the man and his movies.

Mikels’ films can pretty much be the definition of “independent cinema”. Within these pages, Curry does an excellent job explaining and showing the readers just what Mikels has gone through to bring his productions from conception to creation. It’s not a pretty story in most cases. But as Mikels says in the book, “I always tell people at the beginning of my movies that if they’re not here to enjoy the making of a movie then they shouldn’t be here.” I think that statement perfectly describes Mikels. He simply loves to make movies.

This book is not written by a obsessed fan who praises everything that Mikels has done. For anyone who has seen a few of his work knows there are more than a few misfires in his cannon. But Curry does show the inner workings of this independent genius and why some of his films are not as “good” as others. Not trying to make excuses for them, he at least lets us the readers understand this man a little better, which in turn makes us look at his films under a much different light. All in all, it does show that he really is an intelligent and very talented filmmaker, one that not only loves to make films, but also loves to pass on his knowledge and passion of filmmaking to anyone who is willing to learn.

Curry takes a close look at 19 films that Mikels has directed, giving us plot synopsis, cast and crew, and then his thoughts, as well as comments from the filmmaker himself and other people involved with the film. There is also a great interview with Mikels at the end. The book is filled with great poster art, promotional material, and some rare stills of behind-the-scenes.

Ted V. Mikels was probably one of the nicest filmmakers that I’ve ever had the honor of meeting, a couple of times, in fact. He was the most kind, friendly, and eager and willing to talk to anybody that would ask him about his work, or just filmmaking in general. He may not have been a master craftsman of cinema, but he made films that have entertaining thousands of people, and will continue to do.

You can order your copy from McFarland through their website HERE or calling their order line, 800-253-2187.