A Movie Making Nerd

By: James Rolfe

Narrated by: James Rolfe

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

James Rolfe is an independent filmmaker and creator of the Angry Video Game Nerd web series and feature film. A Movie Making Nerd is a personal account of his origins, starting with an early love of making home movies before the rise of the internet and digital video. Rolfe candidly details moments of triumph and failure in both life and filmmaking—from his time in special education school and struggles during adolescence and college, to personal relationships, finding employment, and raising children. Every recollection in A Movie Making Nerd, whether happy, funny, or painful, shows how one might turn a childhood hobby into a life-long calling.

©2022 Screenwave Media Inc. (P)2022 Screenwave Media Inc.

Thoroughly engaging

Very entertaining from front to back. James Rolfe really put me in his shoes for a lot of these life stories to where I felt the same emotions he would have. Well written and well performed.

Close encounters with the AVGN

Been a fan of James since 2006 when I stumbled upon his videos on YouTube. Anyone that grew up in the NES era could quickly relate to the action that unfolds in his videos. Having it dramatized added an additional element that had me hooked and wanting to see more. James and his team always had a genuine appeal to me in their videos and reminded me of my child hood friends growing up. This audiobook allowed me to see the backstory of how the AVGN came to be and by James narrating it himself added an additional level of realness that I think listeners will appreciate. Great work James from a fan in Oklahoma. Keep family first and things will always work themselves out for the best. Looking forward to seeing the next chapters play out.

Great behind the scenes for an incredible creator

I really enjoyed the backstory and a lot of the thoughts from the behind the scenes, but would definitely have also loved to hear a bit more about specific individuals involved with the creative process as time went on, specifically after the AVGN movie released. The bonds shared and how everyone was able to come together to create creative projects was very inspiring and insightful, especially as a very longtime fan of James’ work on AVGN and Cinemassacre broadly, but it would be great to hear more behind the scenes things with those individuals as well as to hear where those people are now.

That aside, I found this a great work. It’s written in a very humble tone where James is proud of his accomplishments, but openly acknowledges life’s struggles. The stories of college life and the hardships of finding your own creative identity all ring very truthful, and I found it very relatable and down to earth. I have always loved his voice in being honest about creative struggles and what you need to do to find your voice as a creative individual. This is a great read for those interested in Cinemassacre as well as those who know how difficult it is to find your flow as a creative. Definitely inspiring and ultimately through everything uplifting.

Couldn't Have Been Better

I'm a fan of AVGN but I wouldn't consider myself a HUGE fan, y'know what I mean? I picked up this book after realizing it was about him and it was surprisingly good. It's a great documentary into his life and thoughts. I loved it.

The Nerd! James Rolfe

A great retrospective and look into the mind of an amazing artist. If you're an independent film maker, amateur movie maker or internet content creator this could provide insides.
For those that love AVGN, it's great to listen to all the stories and history of the original angry retro gamer. He took us back to the past ...let's hope it continues to last.
Great job James.

Love that James!!

A must read for anyone!! James, your entertainment value in movies, videos, music and now books is a true blessing to this planet we call home! Thank you for being you and sharing you with us!!

An amazing life story on James Rolfe

I've always known James as the nerd, and know he likes to keep his private life, well... private. But getting a glimpse into it is really inspiring. I don't share the experience of him going after what he's always loved as a kid, but James leaves you with a powerful message that no matter how old you are, it's never too late to live like that kid and find that spark in your life---regardless of your hurdles.

Overall, a great listen if you want to know a bit more about James' story and how he got into filmmaking. I think this was narrated well. I always enjoy his commentary on a variety of topics and just hearing his ups and downs was both captivating and hilarious at times! Thanks James.

Even more interesting than I expected

I’ve been watching AVGN since episode 5 first came out in 06, I was excited to hear about the life and times of my favorite YouTube personality and listening to this audiobook I learned so much about the movie making process. This book is a must for any AVGN fan.

A great insight into the man behind the Nerd

I've watched James Rolfe for over 2 decades. I've seen all the media he's made available and all the discussions on movies, tv and games.
I was unaware that he and I had similar difficulties as young people but I'm glad James seems to have had a couple of amazing parents to help him along the way in addition to dozens of people who see. to have been drawn in by his natural charisma.

It's no wonder James takes so much time to mention and thank so many people as I'm sure that having such a wonderful support network is the reason he's the man he is today and I think it implies a good lession about how no matter how bad things are, if we have good people around us we can still excel and prosper.

I'm glad the author decided to share so much of himself with us as it's not often we get to know people who make our entertainment so intimately. I feel like I appreciate his works even more now and I am excited to see what he produces next.

I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about the creative process, what it's like to grow up not quite fitting in or if you like enjoy watching "the fucken nerd".

10 Stars

Would have rated 10 stars if I could have! It was fantastic to hear all about his childhood, and the movie making process. I plan on buying a physical copy of the book as well!