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The title of The Digital Filmmaking Handbook is something of an oxymoron, because this thorough book covers everything you need to know about filmmaking production, from concept to screening. The only missing element is film itself.
Film and video production are in transition. Film and analog videotape rapidly are approaching the end of their technological lives, being replaced by digital videotape and digital cameras. You can buy computers that connect to DV cameras and edit DV tape almost anywhere, and they cost only slightly more than an entry-level computer. The Digital Filmmaking Handbook, then, is for anyone buying into the DV revolution who wants to do more than shoot home movies of the kids. It's for filmmakers young and old, professional and hobbyist, who want to learn to shoot, edit, and make great movies.
Unlike traditional filmmaking books, in which only the camera and some audio and editing equipment are addressed, part of this book approaches the medium from a computer hardware and software perspective. Numerous hardware issues like choosing the components for an editing workstation (chapter 5), the kind of digital video camera to use (chapter 6), selecting editing and audio software (chapter 7), and various output formats (chapter 18) are discussed. Also, there are chapters on effects, making video look like film (chapter 17), and digital titling (chapter 16).
The book never strays from speaking to moviemakers instead of moviemaking-gear buyers. Everything from preproduction tasks (such as scripting, storyboarding, and budgeting) to production tasks (like set preparation, lighting, filming (sans film), and sound recording) through final editing, color correction, titles, and output is explained. Filmmaking is heavily dependent on technology, and each of these subjects is well covered. Chapters on audio, for example, include selection of microphone types; differences between mic types; how to connect mics to a DV camera or synchronize audio in postproduction; how to control sound levels; and so on.
The chapter on editing reflects the experience of the authors. Films are understood through their own language, and how scenes are edited determines the dialect of that language. Such techniques as matching screen position, matching emotion and tone, matching action, when to use pauses and overlapping edits, and the effect of pauses and pull-ups (shortening a scene) are defined and justified.
If you can't get into NYU's film school--or even if you can--The Digital Filmmaking Handbook is a worthy reference to keep at your fingertips. --Mike Caputo
Book Description
New video technology makes it possible to produce Hollywood-quality features, documentaries, training films, and a variety of other productions at a fraction of the cost of traditional film production. To master these digital tools for production, producers need to understand how to integrate these technologies with the traditional filmmakers resources. If you are interested in, or are currently producing digital features, documentaries, training material, etc., everything you need to know about digital hardware, software, scripting, production, postproduction, and editing is included in this comprehensive resource. Unlike other books on this subject THE DIGITAL FILMMAKING HANDBOOK guides novice filmmakers through the entire production process, (covers both Windows and Macintosh platform issues), while helping experienced filmmakers discover how DV differs from what they already know. Its not just about video on your desktop, its about using your desktop to create productions that can be distributed on the web, home video, broadcast television, projection or video including NTSC, PAL or DTV.
Customer Reviews:
This is the book you'll need..........2007-04-19
If you're like me, just getting started as a hobbyist filmmaker, this is the book. I only received it yesterday and glancing through the contents, it covers most, if not all of the questions I've had about certain aspects of filmmaking. It is well written in everyday english, easy to understand.
Since yesterday when I first opened the cover, I haven't been able to set it down for very long. It's that good. I highly recommend this book to any and all levels of individuals who want to learn about filmmaking from the ground up. It covers it all.
From writing to production: everything you'll need..........2006-03-16
Ben Long and Sonja Schenk's DIGITAL FILMMAKING HANDBOOK THIRD EDITION pairs a fine DVD packed with project files, film clips and tutorials with an updated, revised edition of a best-selling guide to new digital video technologies. Chapters have all been revised to cover the latest hardware and software configurations and new exercises provide help with everything from writing to production. Black and white screen shots and examples throughout make DIGITAL FILMMAKING HANDBOOK a one-step resource.
Good Description of How to Get Started.......2006-03-13
An excellent one stop guide to getting started in digital filmmaking, realizing of course, that there is no film involved.
This book starts with selecting the things like the type of camera you need to make digital video. And for good work, a good camera is necessary, and expensive. IThe book is intended for the person who is just getting started. It explains the terms, the basic equipment you will need, and so on.
The concept of making a film, no, a video starts with a story. From here you need a script. Then you do a story board to plan your shoot. If this sounds a bit professional, it is. This book presumes that you are serious about making a video. This is a rough cut at what the pros do to make a film. ==From this book alone you probably won't get to the Academy Awards show, but reading and putting into practice what the book says might get you into a commercial or a local indistrial film production.
All in all a good summary of getting started in the digital AV business.
Great for begginners--NOT for advanced or anyone who has any brains.......2005-10-31
This book was written for people that have no clue what a computer, a video camera, or a movie is. It is written for the very inexperienced or novice--the people that should not be making movies to begin with.
But it is packed with information a 7 year old or 88 year old can understand, and it is 95% close to being accurate. I guess if one needs to start somewhere, here it is, but after reading it, please do not make your first movie to send to festivals, make as many as you can, practice, practice, practice, then get a real book. Digital Filmmaking 101, Digital Moviemaking, Independent Filmmakers Manual, and so forth before getting into the movie making world--please.
Great starting guide and more!!.......2003-05-20
This book covers all aspects of digital film making and as such doesn't really have the space needed to go into in depth detail on every subject. Regardless, it is a great place to start. It's a very easy read, unlike a lot of film making books that assume you've already got a Masters degree in film. I wont talk much about content descriptions as other reviewers have done a good job of that already - infact, it was on the strength of such user reviews that I bought the book in the first place. I will say this though, if you haven't already bought a camera, buy this book before you do. Lack of funds may make your choices limited anyway, but you wont regret having read this book first.
I have given the book 4 stars instead of five simply because I found the tutorial sections to be a little out of place. The tutorials seem to make the assumption that you have equipment at your desposal - such as expensive lighting kits - and as I imagine that many readers wont, the significance of these tutorials will be slightly lost by the time you do actually have these items in front of you. Unfortunately I couldn't rate the book at 4.5 stars, but that is what I'd like to give it.
In closing, this shouldn't be, and if you're anything like me it wont be, the only book on digital film making that you buy, but it is definately the perfect place to start.
Book Description
You don't have to invest a small fortune, own expensive gear, and employ an army of technicians to create a movie. Today's high-tech tools will fit in your backpack and don't require the financial backing of a major movie studio, making this the first generation in the history of moviemaking that doesn't have to beg for big bucks to put its stories on the screen. "Digital Filmmaking for Teens" emphasizes Hollywood-style moviemaking, the way the pros do it. You'll learn how to tell your story on a budget, using tips from industry veterans. Not sure where to start? No problem. You'll cover each step-from developing your idea and writing a script to planning for production, shooting, and editing. "Digital Filmmaking for Teens" includes an amazing DVD packed with advice, instructional videos, and examples.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book! Worth Buying!.......2007-03-14
This book is worth every penny! Also the DVD it comes with is very helpful! It shows you how to do Hollywood-style tricks on a budget! I would highly recommend this book!
Starting Line.......2005-09-13
I found the information in this book useful to me as an amateur filmmaker, but I believe that it would be just as useful to a starter. It's has both basic information as well as detailed explanations for the (amateur) teen filmmaker.
Good- For Beginners.......2005-07-25
This book was useful to me, as a teen filmmaker. I marked many pages with information that I could use, ranging from proper script format, to very useful advice on how to keep your project low budget, which is always a challenge. Unfortunately, having already read books and articles on the subject of filmmaking, as well as having made a few of my own short films, I felt that this book was slightly more geared at the amateur with little to no experience, rather than someone who is more familiar with the art of filmmaking. If however, you have found yourself with an excellent idea for a short film, and have no idea how to realize it, then this book is a highly useful resource that can help anyone deliver a low-budget, high-quality masterpiece.
Aimed at Teens just Beginning to do Movies.......2005-02-25
The technology has changed so that producing a movie is not (quite) the daunting task that it once was. Modern cameras and video editing software make the production of a movie far different than it was in the days of film. In fact, the authors recommend that you start with a quite basic camers. They are much easier to use, while the professional level cameras have so many controls and adjustments that using them becomes a task in itself.
The video editing software package that the authors use is based on the Apple computer (don't tell me you're surprised at this), but they also list several packages that run on Windows and which do a perfectly acceptable job of editing.
The CD that comes with the book contains a movie, the script and directors comments on that movie and video clips that you can use for practice editing. There are also several sound files suitable for editing. The demo software included on the disk is mostly Apple oriented.
Average customer rating:
- Not for most of us
- Not for general crowd - for intermediate/advanced amateurs
- Great way to learn the practical aspects of FW moviemaking
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Firewire Filmmaking (With CD-ROM)
Scott Smith
Manufacturer: Pearson Education
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Customer Reviews:
Not for most of us.......2003-05-30
If you use the Macintrash and has tons of money for high-end software, this may be for you. For 99% of the world, this book doesn't give you anything you can put to use. Avoid.
Not for general crowd - for intermediate/advanced amateurs.......2002-10-04
This is overall a good book, although I did not find it too
useful for myself or my son (he is 12 and into moviemaking).
Not useful for two major reasons:
- mostly (if not exclusevely) oriented towards Mac hardware
and software (and higher end software),
- is for more advanced users, since it discusses semi-pro and
pro video equipment, and more than trivial editing tricks
and effects.
Nevertheless it is entertaining and educational to read and
includes a DVD ...
Great way to learn the practical aspects of FW moviemaking.......2001-12-27
I have been using a camera for many years (... has my boating/flying clips), know how FireWire Macs work, can throw a decent amateur home video together, and now with my PowerMac G4 and Apple's movie making magic apps I am begining to expand my horizons. So, I was pleasantly surprised at how much useful information I got from this book. I think the title is a bit misleading. FireWire has nothing to do with film making, IMHO. After all, that is like saying that I can become a better writer if I have DSL at home instead of a dial-up connection. (I do have DSL, and believe me, it did not make me a better writer ;-) ).
So, it is more appropriate to say that is is an excellent book for people planning to use FireWire ENABLED devices to get into the art, business or hobby of making movies. (Interesting that we still call it Film making when in fact most of the stuff we do on these technologies will never see a frame of film).
The book simplifies many of the mysteries that novice moviemakers may face as they not only try to learn how to use things like Final Cut Pro (or iMovie/iDVD etc. from Apple {... is a great resource)) but also figuring out what and how FireWire can do for them. This book simplifies that part quite a bit. I do most of my moviemaking with a decent consumer FireWire equipped Panasonic DV-701 and found this book helpful in deciding what level of camera to buy, for example, and why some day I will want to buy a 3-CCD camera instead of the one this camera is based on. It helped me understand what kind of techniques I could use in making movies with my equipment. It helped me understand some of the issues I would face if I wanted to make movies that would play in non-US parts of the world that use a different standard, etc. In short, I found the book extremely useful, extremely easy to read, detailed enough to be useful, not so detailed as to be boring and left unread or put on a shelf and forgotten.
If you are looking into making movies, ideally with a FireWire equipped set of tools, this is a great book, but even for people not ready to invest in all that FireWire equipment yet, the book will be a useful addition to their toolset.
Customer Reviews:
Entertaining and not on the subject.......2004-11-26
This book is full of the author's entertaining video-shooting experiences, told in an entertaining style. It contains almost nothing of what the title and commercial blurbs suggest it contains. If you are (like me) an amateur video maker looking for tips on creating a higher-quality product while living off your day job,look elsewhere. His definition of "no-budget" includes having to rent an old helicopter, rather than a new one, for an aerial shot. The text is full of unexplained technical and slang references to filters, lights, and other equipment but it doesn't matter that you don't understand them because if you're really no-budget you can't afford them anyway.
There are a few real gems, like the opening chapter on the history of various video technologies, but these just emphasize the point -- buy this book if you want to be entertained, not if you want to learn anything practical.
Great ways to get it done on low budgets.......2003-04-10
This is a very cool book for any novice, student or video professional who is faced with producing commercials and videos with very little budget to work with. Clearly the author has been challenged by a variety of clients on an assortment of projects. There is a lot to learn by reading his experiences and solutions to these challenges.
In production, we tend to think our creativity will be exercised primarily in the development of concepts and scripts, but often that creativity must be tapped for technical problem solving. This book inspires one to look at low budgets and logistical nightmares as opportunities to be creative...to "make the shot" in the face of adversity, with limited lighting instruments, small crews and even insufficient available cameras.
I found "No-Budget Digital Filmmaking" to be a wonderful addition to my library of film and video production books. Its a great reference one can turn too should similar challenges present themselves on any production.
Good job Mr. Gloman, and thanks.
East Read.......2003-03-15
A great book for anyone who has no budget and a willingness to learn
Great Read.......2003-03-13
I learned quite a bit from this informative text. I enjoyed the humorous approach
Not a "how to" book, but "how I did it" case studies........2003-02-02
Using examples from his own long career, the author offers hints, tips and tricks on how to make videos on the cheap. Not only does he tell you how he produced videos with few resources, but he gives a wonderful overview of how you can make a living with your video camera.
On the other hand, although it says "digital filmmaking" in the title, there is really very little technical information about digital video here. Nor will you find much technical information on cinematography, directing, production or editing. If you need technical help, look elsewhere. But there is plenty of inspiration here.
If you can get past the endless typos and the author's annoying and unrelenting attempts at humor, you'll be inspired, but not educated.
Average customer rating:
- This book is great, people you have to think when you use it
- Waste of money
- Problems with certain chapters
- Does this book even talk about DVD?
- Especially recommended for novice digital editors
|
Final Cut Pro 3 and DVD Studio Pro Handbook (Digital Filmmaking Series) (Digital Filmmaking Series)
Adam Watkins
Manufacturer: Charles River Media
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Binding: Paperback
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Final Cut Pro (R) 3: The Complete Reference
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Final Cut Pro 3 and the Art of Filmmaking
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Book Description
With recent advances in technology, the exciting realms of digital editing and DVD authoring are now within reach of most graphics professionals. Until now, editing and rendering animations to fit on VHS and compressing digital images for delivery meant sacrificing quality. But with Apple Final Cut Pro 3, DVD Studio Pro, and the practical guidance found in this book, designers and animators can edit and deliver their creations with excellent results. Written for graphics professionals, animators, video artists, and users of Final Cut Pro and other popular video packages (iMovie, iDVD, Premiere), the Final Cut Pro 3 and DVD Studio Pro Handbook provides hands-on practice for the entire digital editing process. The book is broken into two main parts. Part One provides an in depth look at FCP and basic cinematography and editing concepts. It includes a detailed review of non-linear digital video editing (NLDVE), outlines the technical specifications for DVD, and provides a comprehensive overview of Final Cut Pro 3. From there the book delves into the process of editing and delivering media productions. Using raw video files from the book?s companion DVD, users work through every step of the editing process, from importing and editing media, to audio techniques, effects, outputting FCP data, and exporting to DVD. In Part Two, users learn how to use the core features of DVD Studio Pro, such as creating compressed media, importing streaming media, designing still and motion based menus, adding fully functional interactivity, and integrating subtitles.
Customer Reviews:
This book is great, people you have to think when you use it.......2003-02-28
All the previous reviews people are talking about things like the labels on the clips. You need to write those labels in yourself. That was designed from a teaching stand point. You have to start working right from chapter one with the tutorials. They all build on each other.
All I can say is this my second time though the book. A lot of the things people are unsatisfied about, are missed due to hasty studying. You have to label those clips yourself, right from the start! That book has helped me tremendously. I made the same mistakes the first time through the book. Final Cut Pro is very complicated, first time through you are going to miss things.
You are getting taught with this book. Making it though the book is not easy,however once you do make it. You will have a very good skill. This author is a teacher! The way he writes makes you think! He really takes you through at a good fast pace, and it is tough for the student(reader) to keep everything staight. There are so many details. Everyone tends to think that it is the author who is incorrect, I can tell you from experience that it is the reader, not the author or the book. I get that, Ohhhhhhhhhhh Yes, now I get it. But it took me the second time through.
This book gets you rolling. This book will get you right into it. You will learn extremely fast. If you take the free downloaded manual from Apple with this book you are set. Even better is Lisa Brenneis's and the DVD studio Pro manual too. I had these manuals for a year and did not get anything going. Then I got the Watkins book. I thought the same thing hey these clips are not labeled, I was in chapter four or five, I thought it was the author. No NO No you have to lable the clips yourself. And chapter stops are on page 289. You finish Adam's tutorials you will be able to take the book, computer, camera hook them all together and get very nice work accomplished. It is not an easy study it takes effort. Once you learn it, you can do a big project. You learn a lot from Adam Watkins, he is good teacher. I would easly buy this book again, I would only buy it sooner.
My past I used imovie for two years. I bought FCP and did not due a project for a while. Then I got Adam's book and started to get my hands dirty right away. I am not afraid to do anything with final cut pro. I learned a lot. The tutorial is great, good beat beat sound to set clips to. I can match sound and a clip together. I learned an awful lot from this book.
Waste of money.......2003-02-12
This book is badly structured, verbose and chatty. A seasoned editor could have reduced it by at least 20 percent. More important, the book omits crucial features in FCP 3/DVDSP, such as using Markers to indicate Chapters. As a matter of fact, the subject of Chapters in DVDSP isn't even touched upon!
Further, in spite of the title, the book is heavily biased to FCP, with just a few scant chapters on DVDSP.
I'm very disappointed and consider this book a waste of money.
Problems with certain chapters.......2003-01-19
First thing I had to rename all of the files on the DVD to get started with the Tutorial. It was a problem but I over came it. Things worked out ok, then came chapter 7. This chapter was very confusing. He tells you to select the wrong tracks, he forgot to tell you to set up certain things in the canvas before you started the chapter and then he leaves you with a whole bunch of questions. The final project of this chapter left me more confused then before I started it. The DVD chapters do nothing for me that I didn't learn in the tutoral that came with the DVDSP. He gives us only 2 chapters on DVD Construction. I mean they dont even tell you how to make chapter tracks. Or outputing a master DLT for mass duplication. If you are trying to find a book that helps you beyound the manuals you get with these 2 softwars. Look for other books. If you are a beginner to FCP and DVDSP also look elseware. This book helps with shortcuts and Editing with DV only. He never touches on the un-compressed cards or outputing for true broadcast video in component or SD. I am sorry I spent the money and the time on this one.
Does this book even talk about DVD?.......2003-01-01
So I got this book and first thing out of the box you have to rename all of the files on the DVD.... Great.....This really gives me a bad feeling about the whole book after this point. Then you spend about 3/4 of the book on FCP3.. which is fine, the writing is clear and easy to read, but ..... they only have 2 chapters on DVD Construction. I mean they dont really even talk about how DVD studio pro works. they dont even tell you how to make chapter tracks. If you are trying to find a book that helps with DVD studio pro don't buy this book it is a waste of money and time.
Especially recommended for novice digital editors.......2002-10-08
Final Cut Pro 3 & DVD Studio Pro Handbook by Adam Watkins (Director of Computer Arts, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas) is a straightforward user manual and self-teaching guide to making the most of the Final Cut Pro 3 and DVD Studio Pro computer softwares for editing and delivering computer animation. Covering everything from technical specifications, to step-by-step how-to instructions, Final Cut Pro 3 & DVD Studio Pro Handbook is an excellent resource which is especially recommended for novice digital editors who seek to take full advantage of these fine softwares to produce work to professional standards of excellence.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Critical Arts, published by Critical Arts Projects on January 1, 1998. The length of the article is 322 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Ilisa Barbash and Lucien Taylor: Cross-Cultural Filmmaking: a Handbook for Making Documentary and Ethnographic Films and Videos. (book review)
Author: Keyan G. Tomaselli
Publication:
Critical Arts (Refereed)
Date: January 1, 1998
Publisher: Critical Arts Projects
Page: 190(2)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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