Probably the most unusual book written about The Blair Witch Project was released last month: Nothing That Is: Millennial Cinema and the ‘Blair Witch’ Controversies by Sarah Lynn Higley (Editor), and Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock (Editor) is an academic look at everything Blair Witch, from the movie and website(s) to the massive media attention and hype lavished upon it. The twelve essays provide diverse views on the film, and while I didn’t agree with all of them, I did find them interesting to read.

My only criticism is occasionally the writers get their facts wrong — easy to do, I admit, considering all the false crap that has been written about BWP, but still disappointing.

On the positive side, it has one of the best analysis of the website and marketing campaign that I’ve seen. Also, some of the earliest Blair Witch fan site webmasters and supporters get some shoutouts, including Jeff Johnsen, who started the very first fansite back in 1998, and the illustrious A & E, whose fanatics guide is still up and active! This is a must read for hardcore Blair Witch fans, and even the casual fans will find something of interest in this book.

John Pierson has recently updated his fabulous Spike, Mike, Slackers, and Dykes in a new paperback edition. Spike Mike Reloaded is a must read for anyone interested in indie films — easily the best 12 bucks you’ll spend on a film book. Check out the Grainy Pictures website for more information about John, and to read about his Blair Witch connection.

Finally. Peter Biskind, author of Easy Riders and Raging Bulls recently unleashed the controversial Down and Dirty Pictures : Miramax, Sundance, and the Rise of Independent Film. It’s pretty much a tell-all book about Harvey Weinstein, Robert Redford, and the politics behind the business. What starts off as amusing in a “I shouldn’t be reading this” way becomes, by the end of the book, depressing as hell due to the sheer number of stories about filmmakers getting screwed. If you are a film student or indie filmmaker, Down and Dirty Pictures is the indie film equivalent of those old driver’s ed films. Read it, then run to John Pierson’s book for a more positive view and, more importantly, great advice and information to help you avoid some of those situations.

In other news, lot’s of great stuff coming up, but nothing to report at this time. Look for a Sanchez update in this space soon and visit us in the forum.