Like Brothers

Like Brothers is a dual memoir by filmmakers Mark and Jay Duplass chronicling their lifelong creative partnership and sibling relationship. The brothers alternate writing chapters about their childhood in New Orleans, early filmmaking attempts, and rise through the independent film world. The book details their unique collaborative process and philosophy toward making movies and television on small budgets with intimate stories. Their journey includes pivotal moments in their careers, from early struggles to breakthrough successes with films that helped define the mumblecore movement. The narrative covers their evolution from inseparable young brothers making home movies to established writers, directors, producers and actors in Hollywood. Their personal lives, marriages, and the challenge of maintaining their close bond while building separate adult lives receive equal focus. The memoir explores themes of creative collaboration, sibling dynamics, and the tension between artistic vision and commercial success. Through their story, the book examines how family relationships shape creative partnerships and what it means to pursue shared dreams while maintaining individual identities.

Readers describe the book as part memoir, part advice guide from the Duplass brothers on filmmaking, creativity, and their relationship. Many appreciate the authentic, conversational writing style and personal stories about breaking into Hollywood on a micro-budget. Liked: - Practical filmmaking tips and industry insights - Raw honesty about family dynamics and career struggles - Humor and relatable sibling relationship details - Behind-the-scenes stories from their film projects Disliked: - Some chapters feel scattered and unfocused - Too much relationship analysis between the brothers - Writing quality varies between sections - Several readers note it can be hard to distinguish which brother is narrating Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (250+ ratings) "The filmmaking advice alone makes this worth reading" - Goodreads reviewer "Gets repetitive with the brother relationship stuff" - Amazon reviewer "Inspiring for indie creators, but meanders at times" - Goodreads reviewer

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🎬 Mark and Jay Duplass wrote alternating chapters without consulting each other, then combined their work to create a conversational feel throughout the book. 🎯 The brothers' first breakthrough film, "The Puffy Chair," was made for only $15,000 and helped establish the "mumblecore" movement in independent cinema. 👥 Despite their close relationship, the Duplass brothers lived together for only one year as adults - in a tiny Los Angeles apartment while trying to launch their filmmaking career. 📝 The book includes actual childhood contracts the brothers made with each other, including one that outlined how they would split future Hollywood earnings when they became famous. 🎥 Before becoming successful filmmakers, Mark and Jay created a film called "This is John" for $3 at their parents' house - it premiered at Sundance and launched their careers.