Film Directing: Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen (Michael Wiese Productions)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Chicken scratches vs. Detailed Storyboards
  • of moderate interest to readers of video magazines
  • Mind-opening, even if you aren't interested in directing
  • Useful, pleasurable
  • Learning the Rules Before You Break Them
Film Directing: Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen (Michael Wiese Productions)
Steven Katz
Manufacturer: Michael Wiese Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0941188108

Amazon.com

Film Directing Shot by Shot offers a good introduction to the rudiments of film production. Steven D. Katz walks his readers through the various stages of moviemaking, advising them at every turn to visualize the films they wish to produce. Katz believes that one of the chief tasks of filmmaking is to negotiate between our three-dimensional reality and the two-dimensionality of the screen. He covers the number of technical options filmmakers can use to create a satisfying flow of shots, a continuity that will make sense to viewers and aptly tell the film's story. Katz provides in-depth coverage of production design, storyboarding, spatial connections, editing, scene staging, depth of frame, camera angles, point of view, and the various types of stable compositions and moving camera shots.

Book Description

A complete catalogue of motion picture techniques for filmmakers. It concentrates on the 'storytelling' school of filmmaking, utilizing the work of the great stylists who established the versatile vocabulary of technique that has dominated the movies
since 1915. This graphic approach includes comparisons of style by interpreting a 'model script', created for the book, in storyboard form.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Chicken scratches vs. Detailed Storyboards.......2007-08-19

I have used this book numerous times for my teachings in which students go through the process of making a short film with certain limitations being imposed. It is part of a process that I call "fast filmmaking". I like the examples that Katz presents, specifically that it is not the quality of the drawing, but how the drawing communicates the director's vision to the rest of the crew. I will usually have a student "explain" their storyboard to the class, and it is amazing how a few chicken scratches can give as much details as a fully detailed storyboard. Kudos to Katz for explaining the creative aspect of directing, and Michael Weise Productions for publishing these types of books.

4 out of 5 stars of moderate interest to readers of video magazines.......2007-08-13

as a long-time reader of videographer's magazines, I didn't find much of interest in this book. If I were new to the trade, I'd probably have found it more useful. For that reason, I gave it a rather high rating of 4 stars

5 out of 5 stars Mind-opening, even if you aren't interested in directing.......2007-06-30

I've worked in the graphics design business for years, but more recently I've grown interested in working with video, primarily shorts and documentary work. I was looking for a book that could help teach me the "language" of motion and visual storytelling, and this book fit the bill. In fact, I found it to be incredibly inspiring as a student of art in general. It's extremely well-written, chock full of practical examples, and contains numerous time-worn techniques as well as cutting-edge experimentation. One funny thing: since it was written a few years before the desktop digital video revolution began, it talks about some of the difficult aspects of shooting which are now in many ways moot. But it's good to hear about the history of the craft.

If you have any interest in all in shooting, directing, or producing any kind of motion picture, show, or short, you'll definitely want to buy this book. However, be forewarned: you'll never be able to watch movies the same way again. You'll begin to pick up all the subtle nuances of filmmaking without even realizing it, so don't feel bad if you have to force yourself to re-engage with the actual story as you're watching!

5 out of 5 stars Useful, pleasurable.......2007-05-07

I'm a college student, not at film school, who makes videos as a serious hobby. I thought this book was much better than other titles in the same market, because it's so specific. Instead of telling you what anyone with common sense knows, like "keep continuity" and "composition can affect the mood of a scene," this film lays it all out in detail. I recommend this for everyone who wants to improve. Even if you're not particularly interested in storyboarding, you'll learn how to think about your sequences in advance much better.

5 out of 5 stars Learning the Rules Before You Break Them.......2007-01-13

Even though many of the great filmmakers may have not utilized storyboards, every one of them has pre-visualized their films.

Pre-visualization is the essence of what it means to be a director. A director can only be effective if he/she properly prepares for each scene. Even if one does not have every shot precisely planned out, they will still have an idea of the look and the flow of the process.

There are certainly many people who feel directing should be intuitive, that there should be no structure to the process or else creativity is stifled. This is a valid point from the perspective of the artist.

What is wonderful about this book is that it gives extensive insight into WHY one should cover a scene in a certain way. Directing as a profession requires a certain amount of preparation and PROOF that you have a handle on the film. Producers want reassurance that you have a vision worth pouring tens of millions of dollars into. Armed with the ability to properly express yourself in regard to your vision, you will have a much easier time convincing others to follow you.

So, in the end, if you are interested in studying the language of film and the methodology behind classic film composition and editing, then this book and the accompanying Film Directing: Cinematic Motion are essential.
Television Production Handbook
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A Good Text
  • The Best television production textbook ever!!!!
Television Production Handbook
Herbert Zettl
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Accessories:
  1. Television Production Workbook for Zettl's Television Production Workbook, 9th Television Production Workbook for Zettl's Television Production Workbook, 9th
  2. VideoLab 3.0, Revised VideoLab 3.0, Revised

ASIN: 0534647278

Book Description

This classic, best-selling text introduces students to the basic skills required in all aspects of television production, including camera and studio, field equipment and production, and multicamera directing, at the same time emphasizing the latest production techniques and technology, such as audio workstations, non-linear editing, and HDV (High Definition Video). TELEVISION PRODUCTION HANDBOOK introduces cutting-edge developments in the field, while maintaining its reputation as the standard for the Television Production course. Presented in full-color for the first time, this is the most current, technically accurate reference text available, and it offers the most extensive teaching and learning package for the course.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A Good Text.......2007-01-11

This is an excellent reference text for TV production students. I use this in my classes. The problem is it is very expensive and it is missing some key framing concepts (the rule of thirds). It can also be redundant at times. As a whole though it is an excellent text.

5 out of 5 stars The Best television production textbook ever!!!!.......2005-08-03

This textbook is a truly fantastic textbook if you want to learn about television production. There are no other textbooks like it.....it literally is the bible for all television production students. I have done several internships in the field of television and this textbook has covered a lot of what I have done in these internships. Its amazing how much of what I have read and seen in this textbook are also things that I worked with in my internships. It's simply the best textbook out there for television production students!!! Look into other works by Herbert Zettl, he is the Sigmund Freud of the television world!
Camera Assistant, The: A Complete Professional Handbook
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great starter book for AC's
  • The Camera Assistant - A Complete Pro Handbook (Hart)
  • The bible for operating camera personnel!
  • This is the new Bible.
Camera Assistant, The: A Complete Professional Handbook
Douglas Hart
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0240800427

Book Description

Veteran camera assistant Doug Hart describes in this comprehensive technical guide all of the important facets and duties of the first and second camera assistants' jobs. Whether it is feature films, episodic television, documentaries, commercials, or music videos, The Camera Assistant: A Complete Professional Handbook explains both the practice and theory behind it with a concentration on technique rather than equipment. In addition, personal anecdotes from the author's years behind and beside the camera provide insight into this demanding field.

Key topics include film formats and aspect ratios, testing lenses and camera equipment, focus theory, film loading and labeling, scene blocking, marking actors, shooting tips, slating, paperwork, equipment maintenance, set etiquette, and finding work. This is not a camera equipment handbook; it is a comprehensive procedures manual which describes and explains the most important responsibilities of the camera assistant on the set, the theory behind the practice, and the methods that get the job done properly and keep the assistant frequently employed.

Douglas C. Hart has been a freelance first-camera assistant on feature films, documentaries, television shows, and commercials for more than 20 years, including 10 years (and 10 films) as first-camera assistant to Gordon Willis, ASC, as well as work in 42 states and 26 foreign countries. His work includes Presumed Innocent, Hannah and Her Sisters, The Cosby Mysteries, and CBS's Central Park West. He is a member and former president of the International Photographers Local 644, IATSE, and teaches the Camera Assistant Workshops at the International Film and Television Workshops in Rockport, Maine.

Details both the practice and the theory necessary to be a camera assistant.
Concentrates on technique, not equipment.
Serves as a comprehensive manual, which teaches the necessary methods to get the job done and stay employed.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great starter book for AC's.......2006-06-12

Of the two major "textbooks" on ACing, this is the best one to start with. It gives enough information to initiate you into what is expected of all members of the camera crew, but is not overwhelming with technical info (not that you are not going to want that info someday, but if you are new, it can be confusing and even discouraging.) After this book, get David Elkin's Camera Assistant's Manual, which goes into much further detail. As you work with different cameras, download the manuals from the panavision/arri/aaton/etc websites so you can feel comfortable with the differences in individual cameras. Lastly, get a used copy of the very expensive American Cinematographer Manual for all the technical bits in one handy portable reference book. This, and tons of set experience, is probably all you need (and keep in mind some of the greatest cinematographers who ever lived worked without any of these aids). Rely on your eye!

5 out of 5 stars The Camera Assistant - A Complete Pro Handbook (Hart).......2000-08-17

This is probably the best handbook for this discipline I've ever seen. I bought a copy when I was in the States three years ago - and it was swiped ! I plan to prescribe this book for my students from 2001 onwards. Well done !

John Hill ctftvs@netactive.co.za

5 out of 5 stars The bible for operating camera personnel!.......1999-06-10

This book is a complete and highly insightful manual for motion picture camera assistants and operators. It covers the disciplines, techniques, skills and even the politics of the craft. For anyone involved or wanting a fabulous look into the workings of the film industry, buy this book!

5 out of 5 stars This is the new Bible........1997-10-15

Compiled from years of teaching innumerable students at the International Film & Television Workshops in Rockport, ME, this book supercedes all previous texts on the subject. A former President of East Coast Camera Local 644, Hart writes in a manner as readable as it is thorough. Illustrations and appendices are completely useful. This is the new Bible for the working A.C. and anyone seeking to understand how the camera department really functions.
The Complete Film Production Handbook, Third Edition (Book & CD-ROM)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A must have
  • GREAT!!! so much to learn!
  • A practical, accessible, and essential reference
  • Excellent source....
  • An Assistant Director / Prod. Manager's Dream !!!!
The Complete Film Production Handbook, Third Edition (Book & CD-ROM)
Eve Light Honthaner
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0240804198

Book Description

The Complete Film Production Handbook is a comprehensive step-by-step guide covering the essentials of the business, from checklists and sample pre-production and post production schedules to contracts and company policies relating to insurance, talent management, and even customs and immigration details. The book contains all of the many necessary forms including SAG, DGA, and WGA forms, together with standard production forms, deal memos, and release forms which are found both in the book and on companion CD.



This book provides producers and production managers with both a quick reference and refresher and an easy means of training their production staff on the day to day procedures needed to keep their production running smoothly. It provides film students with an in-depth look at what must be considered and accomplished before a single camera can roll and a more comprehensive understanding of the logistics that are required to complete and deliver a finished picture. First time independent filmmakers will find this the most comprehensive and helpful resource guide available.

The third edition includes substantial updates throughout. New chapters examine such topics as:

Basic accounting procedures
Production team members and their responsibilities
Working with vendors--negotiating deals. Saving money
Working with extras
Foreign locations--Work visas, shipping and customs

*Provides comprehensive step-by-step coverage of the production process

*With this book and companion CD-ROM you will find all the essential forms for launching a production office

*Examines basic accounting procedures and the role of the production team

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A must have.......2007-03-24

Really helpful. If you are making a film, you need this book

5 out of 5 stars GREAT!!! so much to learn!.......2005-10-08

It is quite a great book! I learned so much, and i learned where to learn more, after reading this book i came up with new doubts, and im solving them now. If you are serious about making a movie, this is a must have, this and other more.

5 out of 5 stars A practical, accessible, and essential reference.......2003-03-04

Now in an updated and expanded third edition, The Complete Film Production Handbook by film production expert Eve Light Honthaner is a comprehensive, resource packed instructional reference enhanced with essential the "need-to-know" ins and outs of the film business, including checklists, example schedules for pre-production and post-production, guidelines for insurance policies, talent management, immigration details applying to actors and other film industry workers crossing national borders, forms used for the Screen Actor's Guild (among others), basic production forms and deal memos, and a companion CD-ROM containing numerous useful documents in easily printable form. A "must-have" for anyone seriously considering producing a film for the first time, The Complete Film Production Handbook is a practical, accessible, and essential reference for novice filmmakers, and is highly recommended resource for even the more experienced movie producer, whether independent or studio contracted.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent source...........2003-02-18

This book, along with the Producer's Handbook, is tied at the top of my list! It is filled with excellent information on everything film related. From pre-production to post, you will find details on every single point of production and development. It introduces the novice to the world of production starting with crew position definitions, and at the same time it goes over many aspects that concern the professional filmmakers (like budgeting, scheduling, finding and bringing together a crew, a set, etc...). There are a considerable amount of forms and contracts/agreements that every filmmaker should know about, etc. It is truely a MUST if you seriously want to know what you're doing when it comes to filmmaking! This book is an A + + +!!

5 out of 5 stars An Assistant Director / Prod. Manager's Dream !!!!.......2003-01-18

This book is gift from heaven for any AD or UPM. I had the old edition and thought it was great. But this edition is even better! There are explanations and checklists from Preproduction to Post. The CD-ROM has both Mac and PC files which are very comprehensive and well organized. Your whole AD Kit on 1 CD!! Best of all the price is within anyone's budget. I've worked in the field for 8 years. I've already recommended this book to 2 other people. They bought it and love it.
Set Lighting Technician's Handbook: Film Lighting Equipment, Practice, and Electrical Distribution
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A lot of Really Good Info.
  • Great for beginners or review for experts
  • A must have, for any D.O.P
  • Everything you wanted to know about lighting Film and TV but where afraid to ask
  • Everything I could've hoped for
Set Lighting Technician's Handbook: Film Lighting Equipment, Practice, and Electrical Distribution
Harry C. Box
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  5. Painting With Light Painting With Light

ASIN: 0240802578

Book Description

The Set Lighting Technician's Handbook is a friendly, hands-on manual covering the day-to-day practices, equipment, and tricks of the trade essential to the motion picture lighting technician. This handbook offers a wealth of practical technical information, simple techniques, as well as aesthetic discussions.

The Set Lighting Technician's Handbook focuses on what is important when working on-set: trouble-shooting, teamwork, set protocol, and safety. It describes tricks and techniques for operating a vast array of lighting equipment including xenons, camera synchronous strobes, black lights, underwater units, lighting effects units, and many others. This handy on-set reference has also been widely adopted as a training and reference manual by union training programs and top university film production programs.

New in the second edition:
Revised and updated throughout
12 new appendices of handy reference tables
Over 180 illustrations and photographs
Lots of new topics and gadgets

Harry C. Box is a Hollywood-based gaffer and director of photography.

Foremost hands-on guide to set lighting from an industry professional.
Only comprehensive source specific to the set lighting industry.
Practical, anecdotal, detailed, and comprehensive.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A lot of Really Good Info........2007-06-03

A MUST HAVE for the inside scoop into the Industry.

5 out of 5 stars Great for beginners or review for experts.......2007-05-15

If your planing a career in the motion picture or television business than this book will greatly advance your technical knowledge of the business. If your an old pro at the business the book is great for a quick reference to prepare you for a shoot.

5 out of 5 stars A must have, for any D.O.P.......2007-05-15

This wonderful book, covering all the major areas in lighting, in enough detail to give a solid grounding. w

While it may appear a little too technical for the absolute beginner, it does offer a solid base in knowledge for those with a little experiance wanting to expand their knowledge, and take away plenty of ideas with which they can put to trial on future set's.

If your looking to become a cinematographer; but feel there are gaps in your knowledge, get this book. I believe it to be a must have.

5 out of 5 stars Everything you wanted to know about lighting Film and TV but where afraid to ask.......2007-03-21

Harry C. Box's book on Set lighting for film and TV is the most comprehensive book on the subject. He writes with humor and an insiders knowledge, while taking the time to explain things as though you where a novice. If anyone is considering a career in Film production this is a must read on their list.

5 out of 5 stars Everything I could've hoped for.......2007-03-11

This book is great in that in speaks to all levels. Going over the basics between a baby and a junior all the way up to distribution and specialty lighting, this book will inform the novice and work as a reference for the rest of us.

Most of the second half of the book is all reference charts. It's a great source for planning your next shoot all in one place (for those of us that don't have the luxury of getting half the rental shop to accommodate our needs).
The Camera Assistant's Manual, Fourth Edition
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Amazing reference! May leave you a soulless husk if you read it all the way through...
  • The Best Book On The Subject. PERIOD.
  • The Best Technical Book on Moviemaking
  • Beginner to Pro
  • Must Have Manual
The Camera Assistant's Manual, Fourth Edition
David E. Elkins s.o.c.
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0240805585

Book Description

Every film or video shoot calls for at least two camera assistants. Camera assistants (or first and second ACs, as they're known) have the important job of maintaining the camera, readying it for use, troubleshooting (such as knowing what to do when a camera drops into the ocean), and preparing it for transport. The Camera Assistant's Manual teaches the complete workflow in easy-to-understand terms and does not assume prior knowledge. It is a must-have on the set for camera assistants and is loaded with reference material such as camera illustrations, forms, charts, checklists, and equations. Invaluable career advice rounds out the book.

· New companion website with extensive forms, charts, and illustrations to print out and use
· Completely updated with information on digital video and high definition cameras that are changing the camera assistant's job
· Career tips and complete job descriptions help camera assistants get and succeed at jobs
· Companion website: www.cameraassistantmanual.com
· Author's site: www.davidelkins.com

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Amazing reference! May leave you a soulless husk if you read it all the way through..........2007-01-09

I bought this book when I was hired to AC for a project on equipment I had never worked with before. For one of those, "Holly crap! I agreed to do a job I only know how to do part of!" moments, this book is great. Every question I could think of was answered thoroughly and I mean THOROUGHLY. If you want to learn exactly what the responsibilities of an Assistant Camera Person are and how best to execute them read this book! If you are a working AC and want an easy to read, text-book style reference this is it.

5 out of 5 stars The Best Book On The Subject. PERIOD........2005-12-03

Nothing comes close to David Elkins' book. It's that simple. This is the best, most complete book on the job of the camera assistant. PERIOD. If you are new to the job of the camera assistant, this book is an absolute must have. If you are a seasoned "vet" who has years of experience working on motion picture sets, again, this book is an absolute must have. Elkins' total description of every aspect of the AC's job is so consise, it's like a classroom in a book. Loaded with every conceivable diagram and chart, and covering every motion picture camera currently being used, this book goes well beyond your typical "job description" type tome.

The bonus materials alone make this book invaluable. Along with the companion website, the reader has vast amounts of precious material available for when the job calls for it...label templates, charts, manufacturer links and contacts, the list goes on and on and on. The best part is the writing style is clear and informative, almost like Elkins himself is teaching you as you go.

Look no further than this book. It's all here.

5 out of 5 stars The Best Technical Book on Moviemaking.......2005-11-29

David Elkins's The Camera Assistant's Manual, Fourth Edition is the best technical book around, and one of the best books on movies, period.

Dave manages to cover every aspect of an assistant's job, no matter how obscure or infrequently encountered. But the completeness is only one aspect which recommends it to any aspiring or working cinematographer.

Written in a clear, conversational manner, Dave manages to demystify both the jargon and the sometimes strange job of an assistant. His accounts of procedure for both first and second assistants clarify what we in the business call "industry standard": the accepted, professional way of conducting yourself and doing a job. Outside of a job on a
Hollywood set, it is nearly impossible to learn these classic, time-saving routines. And unless you've been a pro in the business, you're not going to know about such things as the relative merits of Magliner and Rubbermaid carts for hauling equipment.

The book covers the general characteristics of film, cameras, and lenses in such a way as to give a general technical education. Dave also gives a valuable overview of the camera department and its place in film production overall.

What many readers will find most useful are the sections on troubleshooting, the diagrams and threading patterns of every currently used camera, and the wealth of forms and lists to organize the on-set work.

I've tried to give a good idea of what the book covers, but it contains much, much more. I've been using The Camera Assistant's Manual since the first edition. This is the biggest and the best version. I only wish that, when I started as a camera assistant, I had had access to such a clear, helpful book.

5 out of 5 stars Beginner to Pro.......2005-10-17

The 4th Edition of the Camera Assistant's Manual by focal press author David Elkins is a must have for the beginner as well as the seasoned pro. From how to set up a darkroom, to threading diagrams on all "in use" cameras, to lifelong useful tables and charts, this edition has it all.

5 out of 5 stars Must Have Manual.......2005-09-27

The Camera Assistant's Manual is a must have reference book for both beginners and experienced professionals in the camera department. If you are a beginner, this manual will teach you all of the basics as well as the advanced details of camera assisting. Although not a substitute for actual experience, author David Elkins also coaches you on how to act efficiently and professionally on a set. This can save you countless embarrassing blunders on your "first barbeque." But before learning all of the AC's duties, the reader is introduced to the basics of cinematography and a complete overview of the camera department. This is extremely helpful - allowing the beginner to understand the "big picture" first. If you are an experienced professional, Elkins gives you hundreds of tips and suggestions that will add to your knowledge base and help your job go smoothly. This 4th edition contains the most complete and up to date camera diagrams, tables, and formulas of any single reference source. Imagine your relief when you have to load and thread a new camera for the first time. The Camera Assistant's Manual is worth it's weight in gold.
Standard Handbook of Broadcast Engineering (McGraw-Hill Standard Handbooks)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Standard Handbook of Broadcast Engineering (McGraw-Hill Standard Handbooks)
    Jerry Whitaker
    Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Professional
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

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    Television Production Handbook (with InfoTrac)
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • The Best television production textbook ever!!!!
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    Herbert Zettl
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    Book Description

    This classic, best-selling text introduces students to the basic skills required in all aspects of television production, including camera and studio, field equipment and production, and multicamera directing, all while emphasizing the latest production techniques and technology, such as audio workstations, non-linear editing, and HDTV. This text introduces cutting edge developments in the field, while maintaining its name as the reference text for the TV Production course. This is the most current, technically accurate text available and offers the most extensive teaching and learning package. Zettl's TELEVISION PRODUCTION HANDBOOK is the reference text and standard for the course.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars The Best television production textbook ever!!!!.......2005-08-03

    This textbook is a truly fantastic textbook if you want to learn about television production. There are no other textbooks like it.....it literally is the bible for all television production students. I have done several internships in the field of television and this textbook has covered a lot of what I have done in these internships. Its amazing how much of what I have read and seen in this textbook are also things that I worked with in my internships. It's simply a great textbook!!!
    Uva's Rigging Guide for Studio and Location
    Average customer rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars
    • Too Little for Too Much
    • Poor followup to his grip book
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    Michael Uva , and Sabrina Uva
    Manufacturer: Focal Press
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    ASIN: 0240803922

    Book Description

    Readers of Mike Uva's GRIP BOOK who are interested in more detailed information on the work of the grip department will welcome his new rigging manual, clearly detailing all the ways to mount cameras and lights both on a set as well as on location.

    The book covers the latest truss systems, rigging equipment and portable stages, as well as lifts, boom arms and camera mounts for every type of moving vehicle. The book is not limited to equipment specifications, however; Uva offers tips and tricks throughout in order to make the process of setting up and shooting safer and more efficient. Grips often need to invent makeshift solutions in a short time, and Uva shares many such devices developed over his years in the film and TV industry. This book will help grips and key grips move on to the bigger feature projects and commercials that require this equipment. It will also be useful for directors of photography and producers in pre-planning the required equipment for specific shots.

    Offers detailed information on the use and operation of the latest rigging equipment
    Includes some hard-to-find information on camera mounts for difficult situations such as aircraft, boats, cars, trains, and even people
    Time-tested tips and tricks for smooth and safe set-up and operation

    Customer Reviews:

    2 out of 5 stars Too Little for Too Much.......2006-06-09

    I totaly concur with the other review. Not enough real GRIP info. I've been a grip for over 10 years and actually thought I'd get something usefull, but actually this book is just the last few chapters of the Grip Book, drawn out, for 50 bucks. I mean, yea there's an illustration of mounting on a DC3 Plane, but its crappy and nonspecific. I mean there's almost more AC and Electric info than Grip. Underwater Exposure Housings? Ummm not Grip Dept. I'm just getting more into rigging and wanted to see more real world stuff, not even a mention of speedrail/nurail in the Index or Glossary, and barely a page in between brings it up and we know how important it is in rigging and on the spot ingenuity.
    The most important part of this book is "The Big Break", how to act on set for noobs, pretty much.

    1 out of 5 stars Poor followup to his grip book.......2004-03-20

    I bought his grip book first and was very impressed by its catalogue of grip equipment. It not only explained the purpose of each piece but gave an insiders view on its application as well as a host of other tips. This book is allmost the complete opposite. For the price, I received what amounts to a reprint of some general information from the grip book, plus some reproduced catalog information from the various manufacturers of camera mounts, cranes, trusses, etc. What I expected to find: how to rig a camera to a vehicle, how to rig equipment to structures, scaffolding, etc., how to build rigs or to adapt commercially available equipment. A skinny little book, hardly worth the money.
    Grammar of the Shot (Media Manuals)
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • THE BEST BOOK FOR THE LANGUAGE OF THE FILM
    • excellent work
    Grammar of the Shot (Media Manuals)
    ROY THOMPSON
    Manufacturer: Focal Press
    ProductGroup: Book
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    ASIN: 0240513983

    Book Description

    Grammar of the Shot is a manual for those who are about to embark on a career in shooting pictures. It is aimed at the novice, concentrating purely on the principles of shooting - still the best way to tell a visual story.


    Written in simple, easy-to-follow language and illustrated with clear uncomplicated line drawings, the book sets down the fundamental knowledge needed to achieve acceptable results.

    The book:
    · is a sister volume to Grammar of the Edit
    · has been extensively tested in Europe, Asia and Africa
    · lists, examines and explains the conventions and working practices of taking pictures.

    Jargon free and easy to read
    Explains the fundamental principles
    A foundation on which the novice can apply practical experience

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars THE BEST BOOK FOR THE LANGUAGE OF THE FILM.......2001-07-06

    This book is AMAZING.I'm a film student and i have to say i learned more from this book than the past three years in school.

    5 out of 5 stars excellent work.......2000-12-07

    This book, shall we say, 'cuts to the chase scene' of what to look for in a good shot.

    Rather than contain lots of useless trivia look so many other books on filmaking and editing ["here's what a movieola looks like...it was invented in 1272 by Sir Random Dingleberry...", etc.], this book describes in no uncertain terms what ABSOLUTELY MUST BE IN EACH AND EVERY SHOT -- so that the successful film-maker can build a story that flows smoothly. This book will help you to be artistic, but will also help you to avoid confusing your audience. A small book that is easily read in the space of an hour, the student or novice film-maker will find himself using it as a quick reference many times over. Highly recommended.

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