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Sounds like you need a few things:

Previz materials like shotlists, overhead diagrams, and storyboards are often used in combination to work out the visuals. I find that overheads are most useful for figuring out the most efficient way to shoot as they map out the position of camera on the set in a bird's eye view. (Read Sidney Lumet's MAKING MOVIES -- a must read anyhow -- where he discusses shooting TWELVE ANGRY MEN in a very efficient manner by "shooting a wall out".)

Lined scripts -- not the ones a script supervisor does on set -- are useful for plotting out coverage so you can see what options you're setting up for your editor.

If you're a real newbie, I highly recommend [VOICE & VISION] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0240807731/ref=tmm_pap_new_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&condition=new)

It's the text I use to teach my film production courses. A bit dry at times, but it succinctly covers every phase of production. What I like about it is the focus on telling good stories. Each chapter, however technical, always comes back to the point of storytelling with solid examples from a huge variety of films.

I'm in film school right now, and most of my production classes are good because they give me a chance to use pretty good equipment to make films. You can't really teach people how to come up with stories, and that's what a filmmaker really is: a story teller. So, just keep writing and making films with whatever equipment you can. Keep practicing and working on your craft. Here are some books I've found helpful: This book has a lot of information on the technical aspects of filmmaking, from very basic to terribly detailed.
This one is helpful in learning how to format and write scripts as well as treatments and concepts. Here is another book that is full of techniques to shoot better films.
Anyway, I hope this is helpful.

If you want a book written by successful filmmakers with tons of practical info there are two great ones.

On Filmmaking by Alexander Mackendrick (The Ladykillers, The Sweet Smell of Success) is amazing- you will learn a lot about storytelling from this book, it's very practical, and no-bullshit.

Making Movies by Sidney Lumet (Twelve Angry Men, Network), is a great guide on the practicalities, politics and boring ass paperwork that a film set lives and dies by.

Possibly (and I personally have issues with his attitude and viewpoints on filmmaking) but that's beside the point. The point is a lot of young filmmakers found/find this book inspiring and empowering, even though it's probably outdated for the Youtube generation.

And to be fair to my housemate (he's a screenwriter, which is what the OP is interested in), it took him a while to come up with a book that he can recommend and at the same time not too technical, after I shot down a couple of other titles (like this, this and this.)

This is in your price range but from the looks of it looks extremely shitty. If you want some pretty well made stuff, the good people over at Jag35 have rigs/rods/follow focuses that don't break the bank like redrock or zacuto. But you do get what you pay for after all.

In this range I'd probably try my luck with the Zoom H1. No experience with the H1, but I use an H4N and the stereo mics work pretty well by themselves on that.

Amazon link.

You have 2 good choices.
Will you mainly be using it stationary or in one room? (i.e. a film where you set up the shots beforehand) Buy a Zoom H4n
or
Will you be using it while walking around and want better sound for random shots or documentary style recording? Buy a Zoom H1.

If your looking to get into cinematography, you should check out "Cinematography" and "Motion Picture and Video Lighting" by Blain Brown. Anything from Kris Malkiewicz is worth a read too. "The Grip Book" by Michael Uva, "Set Lighting Technician's Handbook" by Harry Box and "The Camera Assistant" by Doug Hart are all excellent books for more trade specific people.

Edit for links:

http://www.amazon.com/Cinematography-Practice-Edition-Cinematographers-Directors/dp/0240812093/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333841096&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Picture-Lighting-Second-Edition/dp/0240807634/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1333841096&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_7?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=kris+malkiewicz&sprefix=Kris+ma%2Caps%2C359&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Akris+malkiewicz&ajr=0

http://www.amazon.com/The-Grip-Book-Fourth-Edition/dp/0240812913/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333841229&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Lighting-Technicians-Handbook-Fourth-Edition/dp/0240810759/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1333841229&sr=8-4

http://www.amazon.com/The-Camera-Assistant-Complete-Professional/dp/0240800427/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1333841294&sr=8-4

Get this book and read it.

It is a great base and starting point that incorporates the actual filmmaking side of visual effects as well as the software.

Consider this + this?

http://www.giant-squid-audio-lab.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-H1-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B003QKBVYK/

I haven't used either, however I've been researching these for work and they both sound like winners. If this project gets the go-ahead, I'll be getting this setup.

Thinking in Pictures by John Sayles is a great read.

These are just my personal favorites in the last few years. Covers all the filming basics besides sound design. However, if you want the full "survival guide", you'll need a reference for sound design and screenwriting. With lackluster sound and a horrible script, your films aren't going anywhere.


The Five C's of Cinematography: Motion Picture Filming Techniques

Cinematic Storytelling: The 100 Most Powerful Film Conventions Every Filmmaker Must Know

The Art and Technique of Digital Color Correction

I liked The Filmmaker's Eye

You should check out his Conversations with Michael Ondaatje, as well.

Make Your Own Damn Movie

Also, some books you need to read"

The independent filmmaker's handbook
(I'll verify the title in the morning. Have it on my shelf, but I'm too lazy to get up and turn the lights on to verify the title)

Rebel without a crew


$30 film school


EDIT: The name of the book is: "Independent Feature Film Production"