Book Description
Written by Stu Maschwitz, co-founder of the Orphanage (the legendary guerrilla visual effects studio responsible for amazing and award-winning effects in such movies as Sin City, The Day After Tomorrow, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), this book is a must-have for all those budding filmmakers and students who want to produce action movies with visual effects but don't have Hollywood budgets. The Orphanage was created by three twenty-something visual effects veterans who wanted to make their own feature films and discovered they could do this by utilizing home computers, off the shelf software, and approaching things artistically. This guide details exactly how to do this: from planning and selecting the necessary cameras, software, and equipment, to creating specific special effects (including gunfire, Kung Fu fighting, car chases, dismemberment, and more) to editing and mixing sound and music. Its mantra is that the best, low-budget action moviemakers must visualize the end product first in order to reverse-engineer the least expensive way to get there. Readers will learn how to integrate visual effects into every aspect of filmmaking--before filming, during filming and with "in camera" shots, and with computers in postproduction. Throughout the book, the author makes specific references to and uses popular action movies (both low and big-budget) as detailed examples--including El Mariachi, La Femme Nikita, Die Hard, and Terminator 2.
Customer Reviews:
Essential Reading for Indie Filmmakers.......2007-10-03
The DV Rebel Guide, by Stu Maschwitz, formerly a member of Industrial Light And Magic, explains in easily understandable, yet highly technical language, exactly how to create astounding visual effects using the kinds of cameras, computers, and software available to ordinary people. A Spielbergian budget is NOT required. In addition to his information, he offers many links to other websites of technical expertise and training,
You may be making a little family drama, rather than a shoot-'em-up, but the techniques in this book will increase your palette of possibilities. In other words, every indie movie maker can benefit from this book. It's essential reading, period. No one else has published anything like it.
Maschwitz assumes throughout that you are not an idiot or a dummy. Scores of color photos show exactly how every technique is done. He also runs an on-line forum; he and other digital rebels (some of whom are exceedingly experienced and clearly top pros) will help you through the rough patches.
Get this book, go out and make movies better than anything you thought you could do.
This is got the TRICKS!!!.......2007-09-23
Awesome book. My friends and I make ugly videos as a hobby and we've tried many things... but this book has some balls to the wall tricks. The guy is not a scaredy cat about shooting videos with minimal resources and lets you know how to make the most with what you've got. Also has great instructions on how to build your own stuff and pull crazy stunts. Grease up your baby, this is gonna have you running to your video camera with ideas as soon as you open it up!
love it.......2007-08-27
I've done video production professionally for several years and picked up some of these tricks from simple trial and error. What I love is how well Stu connects the techniques in this referrence and compares them to equivalent effects on film. And its not just informative, its enjoyable to read.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in making their videos stand out or looking to up their production value without spending a lot of money.
Love this book.......2007-08-19
I have read a lot of film making books and this is easily the most useful and informative. Anyone trying to make a film on their own needs to have this book!
Best Book for Independent Digital Video Production Ever!!!.......2007-08-12
This is it!!! If you want to produce an Independeant Film this is THE book to read. Don't be fooled. You still need to know what you're doing go to school. Read the manuals, watch the best movies, by the best directors, then read this book and make your movies!!!!!
Book Description
Thanks to the digital revolution, film artists now have a spectacular array of powerful, new, inexpensive tools for creative expression through digital film. The once powerful studios can no longer stifle an artist's creativity. With the power of the Internet, film artists are finding once unimaginable ways to distribute their creations worldwide.
DV Filmmaking: From Start to Finish covers all aspects of the new digital video frontier, for amateurs and professionals alike--from the nuts and bolts of timecode and aspect ratio; to framing, lighting, and sound recording; as well as editing, special effects creation, and distribution.
The book is written for filmmakers at varying experience levels--taking an integrated approach to media production, and emphasizing the ways different aspects of the process work together to create a vital work of digital art:
- Hands-on detailed examination of the artistic aspects of film and video production
- Extensive examples use comprehensive step-by-step exercises for advanced editing techniques
- Scenes from successful films illustrate techniques used by professionals
- Includes a collection of professionally shot video clips, so the user can read and follow along with sets of structured exercises
- Develops a highly refined repertoire of advanced skills in editing, effects creation, title design, and more
- Inspires advanced readers to work with the included clips on their own and experiment with new ideas
- Written for both Mac and PC users and covers advanced uses of both Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effects
Written in an engaging, accessible style, DV Filmmaking provides a solid foundation of tremendous value to a beginner, while addressing the fine points of filmmaking with a level of sophistication, detail, and insight that even the most worldly director or educator can appreciate. The author draws upon his years of experience teaching at the college and graduate level, his extensive professional background as a media producer, and his unmistakable love of cinema to create a text that's not only easy to learn from, but also fun to read.
Customer Reviews:
conceptos interesantes.......2007-09-02
este es un libro que explica de manera didáctica ,todos los procesos que tiene una producción audiovisual.
Muy bien ilustrado, con ejemplos que ayudan al nuevo realizador audiovisual a enfrentar sus primeras producciones de una forma segura, buscando que éste no cometa errores que luego pueden demeritar su trabajo.
La única crítica que tengo para hacer de esta obra, es que los ejemplos de montaje los realizan en programa específicos , como Final Cut, algo que de alguna manera deja sin posibilidades a aquellos que manejamos plataformas de edición diferentes.
A basic primer on differences between digital and print mediums.......2006-09-08
DV Filmmaking From Start To Finish by Ian David Aronson's will reach both amateur and professional digital video users with a basic primer on differences between digital and print mediums. Familiarity with Final Cut Pro or Adobe After Effects, the two programs used here, will aid in understanding DV applications in either PC or Mac formats, while the author's background as a teacher of digital media lends a logical progression to his tips and practical applied examples.
A strong reference for digital film making process.......2006-08-13
DV Filmmaking for Ian David Aronson gives you in 18 chapter a coverage for the production, post-production and distribution process of the digital film making.
The book starts with basic digital Cinematography principles. It covers he process stages such as composing shoots, lighting, shooting, working with cameras, audio, still images and titles.
This book doesn't give you a specific software tutorial, but if you are working learning with video production and video editing program, you should get a background about the whole film making process. However, this book gives you a strong background in this industry. I find this book useful for animators, multimedia designers and creative directors.
The two appendixes in the end of the book gives you a tips about getting your work in various media and selling your products.
Great Resource, Great Job!.......2006-07-04
DV Filmmaking- Start To Finish has been a great resource for my own first feature film Hot Rod Girls Save The World.
I had checked DV Filmmaking out from the Seattle Public Library last week, now I must buy one for my personal library. I find myself refering to it again and again.
Great Job!
D.A. Sebasstian
Go-Kustom Rekords & Films
A great book that gave me the answer !.......2006-06-22
A great book!
"DV Filmmaking" is an excellent book for anyone who wants to go beyond the basics of digital video.
I recently completed a video-based project for my M.A. thesis, and used this book as my guide. Each time I encountered problems, this book gave me the answer. For example, after I shot, I noticed some severe lighting trouble in a few very important interviews and I started to panic because I didn't have enough time to shoot them again. I had more than three hours of interview footage that looked pale, shady, and just plain depressing. Frustrated, I opened this book. The solution was there, in the section on color correction!!! I could fix my footage so that it was not only usable but looked really good.
I also relied on the section on compression and encoding to make
professional quality video for the Internet (something I would not have been able to do otherwise).
This book covers all aspects of the video production process, from planning, to production, and distribution. I'd like to
recommend it to anyone who is new to the world of digital video, as well as people who want to take their work beyond the level of
point-and-shoot to make something really creative.
Book Description
Film is a powerful medium. Successful filmmakers possess the passion to visually tell a story that will affect people's emotions, make them see things differently, help them discover new ideas, or just create an escape for them.
Whether you love the experience of being enthralled by movies or the excitement, challenge, and magic of making the movie yourself, Filmmaking For Dummies is your primer to creating a respectable product. For the seasoned professional, this friendly reference can inspire you with fresh ideas – before you embark on your next big flick. Get ready to roll with expert information on
- Defining the difference between independent and studio films
- Knowing what genre fits your fancy
- Finding perfect locations
- Storyboarding your film
- Directing the action
- Giving credit and titles
Written from the author's 30 years of hands-on work as a writer, producer, and film director, Filmmaking For Dummies carries you through from screenplay to distribution, with lots of experience-packed insight into
- Writing or finding a screenplay
- Raising financing for your film
- Budgeting and scheduling your film
- Hiring the right actors and crew
- Planning, shooting, and directing your film
- Putting your film together in the editing room
- Finding a distributor to get your film in from of an audience
- Entering (and maybe even winning) film festivals
Taking into account the advent of digital technology, author Bryan Michael Stoller focuses on creative elements that apply to both film and video production. He also points our technical differences and notes the many similarities between traditional and newer age making of motion pictures – all in a fun and engaging way that'll have you shooting for the stars!
Customer Reviews:
Good overall reference........2007-07-19
Good overall reference for filmmaking, for the beginner. For the experienced, good reminder of the basics that one might have forgotten.
Filmmaking for Dummies.......2005-07-19
The book is very helpful. It brings a lot of good information for new filmmakers. You can find tricks, terminologies, tips, techniques, and more to start your career as a new filmaker. There are many good material to learn. The author uses recent movies as examples. It covers many aspects of the filmmaking industry and how to make a low budget film. Beside, the book brings a lot of links to interesting web pages related with the filmaking industry.
Well written, but content is misguided.......2004-04-16
I read this book, as well as others, because I'm taking a stab at filming a screenplay with some other people. I have enjoyed some of the other dummies books, but I thought this one was off target. It is very high level. For example, in the first or second chapter, he goes over what the job roles are for the production assistant, and ten other job titles you might see at the end of a Hollywood movie, and I'm thinking to myself, am I really going to have a full-time grip on my movie? I was hoping this book would focus on the nuts and bolts of making a small-budget / zero-budget film, but it talked about numbers that apply to people who aren't going to be reading a dummies book. On the whole, I thought it was a real surface look at independent filmmaking, and would be appropriate for someone who wanted to learn about it, but not do it. You would be better off buying IFILM Filmmakers Handbook and some individual books on lighting and sound if you really want information about how to make your own film. A lot of the information in this book can be found on the web, also.
Perty Good Book.......2004-03-09
Hey. Well, I got lade off at the plant, so I got this book. Its a reall good book. Now Im going make a movie about how I used to work at the plant, get me one of them oscars. Next thing, Im moving to hollywood. Or maybe even california!
Do like me ant get this book.
The Best Filmmaking Course on a Budget!.......2003-09-06
I always love to learn about subjects that interest me, and even though I may have read through dozens of books on a subject to gain the maximum know-how about it, it's always a thrill to pick up a read that is truly superb. Bryan M. Stoller, the author of Filmmaking for Dummies, has accomplished one of the best jobs on this subject matter that I've found so far over the years. He's categorical and precise and I'd call it the best Filmmaking Course on a budget. The reader can learn in this inexpensive book just as much as in many 8-week filmmaking courses that often cost thousands of dollars and the good part is that with this book you already have the notes printed in front of you. The author offers a volume of resources discussing the differences of using actual film vs. video and new 24fps digital camcorders like the Panasonic AG-DVX100 Cinema Camera. He has excellent chapters on lighting, sound and camera filters, as well as on the commercial aspect of idependent film distribution and film festivals, etc. This is a very practical, right-to-the point book and it's an enormous resource from a qualified guy who's been interested in filmmaking for a long time and who has at least 20 years of on-hand in-the-field experience. Stoller also offers very helpful Website addresses for further information, even where to buy or rent equipment, etc., etc. Every aspiring and even professional filmmaker will definitely benefit from this book. Amazingly, this book is so updated as if it was just written a few weeks ago including the newest technological developments regarding digital film formats.
Book Description
Publisher Marketing: A step-by-step guide, filled with in-depth exercises and breakthrough processes, this book will equip artists and entertainment professionals with the spiritual tools and techniques to make their everyday walk in the business a more purposeful and prosperous adventure. Rydall empowers readers to achieve their dreams and create material that has a postive impact on the planet.
Customer Reviews:
Derek is Tuning IN with Tamara.......2007-05-29
Derek Rydall talks about the ideas in his book on my spiritual entertainment talk show in a way that shows he's living the message in every fiber of his being. Reading his book renews my passion and confidence for my personal dream and vision of shining as a real light. He reminds me of my divinity and power in this magical play of life. He explains "oneness" like I've never grasped it before. He reveals the most important "it's who you know" metaphysical truth in Hollywood. He reminds me of my higher purpose and now I have a much deeper meaning to my work in television, and I'm able to articulate it to others so I can touch and awaken all those who cross my path on this beautiful journey. He enables us all to be true healers through the entertainment medium as we perform the real work of remembering and awakening wholeness in every heart on the planet. -- Tamara Henry, MA, Producer/Host, IN with Tamara Henry, Santa Monica News Anchor
A spiritual approach to show business life.......2007-05-19
In his second book, Derek Rydall attempts to provide an antidote for the cynicism, greed and rampant sociopathic tendencies which plague the entertainment industry. To counter these, he exhorts people to become `enlightened entertainers', who see the entertainment industry as a force for Good and who live their lives accordingly. A tall order, perhaps, but in the book he provides all the necessary information in order to set out on this journey of the soul.
Rydall starts off with the basics: identifying what enlightened entertainment is, and why audiences need it. He also provides the basic tools needed for the journey: types of meditation and soul-searching exercises. Next up is the big picture, a look at the realities of show business and the spiritual world, and how these contrast and (possibly) interact. Changing the business is something which can only happen one person at a time, so the rest of the book is devoted to developing the character of the reader. First on the purely personal level, then specifically as an artist, and finally as an entertainment professional. The final section of the book helps the reader create a career plan.
This book is definitely very New Age in style. If you're not into spirituality, the book won't do much for you - although many of the exercises are introspective ways of getting to know yourself better, and these will be beneficial for anyone. If you are spiritually enclined, Rydall's book will undoubtedly be inspirational and provide you with great insights.
More Than Entertainment.......2007-05-14
This book is not just for screen writers who want to go beyond simple entertainment to meaningful film, but for all writers who want to make a difference. The time for enlightened entertainment is now! This book is not only a stepping stone and good resource, it's invaluable. Read, learn, and profit.
So Inspired!.......2007-05-11
Derek,
First let me complement you on your book. I really am inspired by every word. I did the visioning exercise today on the industry. I've know for some time that my purpose as an actor and writer is to wake people up to their humanity through the emotions evoked in my performances or my writing. Today I got so clearly that the essence of the industry is love and connectedness.
Thank you!
INSPIRED in 2007,
Traci Dority
More than just a book...it's an experience.......2007-05-11
Firstly, well done! Well done, congratulations and two thumbs up for writing There's No Business Like Soul Business. Not only was it an inspiring read for the spiritual warrior but a brilliant example of someone wanting to help other artists and pass on oh-so-valuable insights about not only life but the wonderful world of entertainment. Reading each chapter I could hear the lessons of Deepak Chopra shining through, as I have read many of his books, and then to apply them to entertainment breaking down the myths that people can get caught up in, and allow a new road to be paved for the "enlightened entertainer" who can then make the conscious decision to shift his/her attitude and focus on your inner being as the tool for transcedence is...well, awe-inspiring.
A must read for anyone wishing to follow their dreams in the wonderful world of entertainment!
Marshall Dunn (Sydney, Australia)
Book Description
Directors from Eisenstein to Spielberg have used storyboards to visualize their stories before production.
Customer Reviews:
not much here.......2007-06-12
All of what this book says could have been said in 5 or 6 pages. There are a few basic concepts the book covers that are worthwhile, but I found it to be heavily padded and very basic. A much better book is Profores' Film Directing Fundamentals, which comes at storyboarding and other visualization tools from a director's viewpoint, rather than an illustrator's.
VALAUABLE FOR PREVIZ.......2007-02-11
I found the book invaluable as it gives a great insight into the real world of storyboarding. I am a 3d previz artist trying to establish an economical previz solution to productions of smaller budgets.
I believe the traditional storyboard artist and illustrators are an integral part of the process of previz, all my 3d previz begin with boards all sketches.
I think this book is excellent for anyone wanting to tune their skills towards a professional storyboarding career.
tony
[...]
A MUST READ.......2006-10-27
I found this book an excellent read and a great tool. I write screenplays, so my characters have specific duties. This book helps me determine what the camera shots should look like (without having to direct the director, which is a big no-no in screen writing).
Informative and an easy read.......2005-05-09
Very informative and interested. The best book I have read on storyboarding. This book is a page turner with funny, real-life experienced stories at the end of each chapter. It explained clearly, in full detail how stoyboards are done and even got into perspective and technique. I learned a lot of important information that got me thinking about filmmaking on a whole new level. I have used what is detailed in this book for my short film. I highly recommend reading it before making a film or if you are going to be doing storyboards.
Perfect Introduction to Filmmaking in General.......2005-04-21
This is such a cool book for anyone interested in putting together a film. I am interested in directing and cinematography at the moment and this book taught me things that even my specialized textbooks didn't. It's easy to ready, and over before you know it. Feels good too.
Book Description
Offering a fun voyage of discovery for learners of all ages, The Director in the Classroom provides the "Why" for digital video in the classroom in a clear and concisely written book. The Director in the Classroom examines how filmmaking engages learners and explores how the process of filmmaking fosters the development of personal, social and higher-order thinking skills.
Digital filmmaking can empower students with the tools, skills and confidence to take creative control of their research projects. This book identifies how today's digital cameras and software tools are revolutionizing filmmaking and enhancing learning in the classroom, and investigates curriculum connections and strategies for meeting standards and provides examples of successful video projects from K-12 and beyond.
The Director in the Classroom also provides you with strategies for assessing video projects, dealing with copyright issues, and project ideas.
Book Description
From the cinema verité of the sixties to softer fare like Splash, New York has provided some of the most iconic moments on film. Beginning with a survey of such classics as Breakfast at Tiffany's, Scenes from the City captures how the changing face of New York, as well as the founding of the MOFTB, have contributed to a particular school of film characterized most emphatically in the street-style work of directors as diverse as Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee. With over 200 stills and contributions from noted New York film personalities such as Sidney Lumet and Nora Ephron, the book also includes rare, unpublished, behind-the-scenes shots and stories from the quintessential New York filmmaker himselfâWoody Allen. With a special section on the landmark TV series, commercials and music videos filmed in New York, Scenes from the City is an affectionate and vivacious ovation for this captivating "character" that rarely receives billing but always steals the show.
Customer Reviews:
Scenes from Many Memorable Movies.......2007-01-28
Almost an infomercial on filmmaking in New York City, this book suceeds because it is filed not with the details of movie making, but with scenes from the movies made in New York.
The book was published as part of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the New York City Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting. This organization, set up by Mayor John Lindsay to streamline movie production in the city. Here for the first time was an organization with the authority and power to handle the interface between the city and the movie maker. Before this separate permits had to be obtained from dozens of different departments, i.e. each police precinct where the movie would be shot, and 'about ninety different kinds of inspectors' would show up at shoots and threaten to shut down production unless they were compensated, i.e. bribed.
As can be seen in this book the number of movies made in the city since has skyrocketed as the city made filming easier. And here we see the results in more than 250 stills from many, many memorable movies who had an uncredited additional actor - the city itself.
Great Book!.......2007-01-16
I am very pleased with this purchase. It is a great coffee table book, and also a great gift!
I love NY.......2007-01-11
Wonderful book for a stroll down New York memory movie lane. This book takes you through the generations of movies filmed in NY and conjures up some great memories. A great gift or just fun to own yourself!
Four decades of New York filmmaking.......2007-01-10
This handsomely produced volume traces forty years of film-making in New York City with a rich variety of photographs and anecdotes. There are lots of behind-the-scenes photos, plus essays and epigrams from directors, actors, producers, and other film professionals. Though the organization is chronological, the materials are organized by theme: "Chases," "Central Park," "Backlit Streets," etc. It's eminently browsable and consistently entertaining.
At the same time, serious film buffs will find the book light on analysis and somewhat haphazard in organization. The filmography, for instance, does not include casts. Its publication marks the 40th anniversary of the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting -- the City agency renowned for its ability to cut through red tape and otherwise ease filmmakers' lives -- and, not incidentally, the launch of a wildly successful new program of tax and promotional incentives. So the book is, in a sense, a print infomercial. But the presentation is so engaging and the "product" so fascinating that it's an infomercial you'll gladly stay up late to see.
Great gift book.......2007-01-10
Really nice coffee table book. Gave this as a gift to a New Yorker living out-of-state and she loves looking back through the memories and familiar places.
Book Description
The Ultimate Resource for the World's Best Digital Video Editor
This full-color, hands-on guide introduces you to the powerful new features of Final Cut Pro 4, while leading you through all aspects of editing digital video. First you'll learn how to set up your workstation and master fundamental concepts. Then you'll learn pro-tested techniques for every stage of the process--everything from shooting tips to logging your footage, from adding transitions and special effects to delivering your masterpiece in multiple formats. Along the way, professional video editors emphasize the tricks and shortcuts they use to get polished results.
Striking illustrations and screen shots throughout, plus sample video project files on the DVD make it simple for you to visualize and grasp the concepts. Whether you're an emerging filmmaker or a seasoned vet, Final Cut Pro 4 and the Art of Filmmaking empowers you to complete the tasks that film editors face daily, such as:
- Mastering the new features, including unlimited real-time effects, auto rendering, motion blur, and time remapping
- Customizing the interface and keyboard shortcuts to best fit your work flow
- Editing clips in the Timeline quickly
- Creating complex overlays and transitions with contextual menus
- Expertly adding effects, applying filters, and working with text
- Creating titles with video generators and advanced Boris FX title generators
- Working with the audio tools to make your film sound as good as it looks
- Preparing your finished product for the Web, CDs, and DVDs
- Editing for 24fps
Featured on the DVD: All the clips you need to follow the lessons in the book, including a complete, fully edited short video documentary, and source material, so you can quickly get started working with real footage. Plus a bonus chapter on editing for 24fps.
Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.
Customer Reviews:
eeeh.......2007-07-23
I've never used final cut before and this book doesn't dumb it down enough for a beginner. It does have lots of non beginner techniques however. If your just starting out wait on buying this book.
Great book! .......2005-09-09
Easy book to learn for dummies like myself. Lots of pictures and easy content.
Amazon.com
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.
Average customer rating:
- A must for anyone interested in hollywoods's golden age
- Fascinating, but buyer beware
- A refreshing take on Hollywood where business men are stars!
- Fantastic resource of film history, and a fun read to boot
- Just an excellent book on the subject
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The Genius of the System: Hollywood Filmmaking in the Studio Era
Thomas Schatz
Manufacturer: Owl Books
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Book Description
At a time when the studio is making a stunning comeback, film historian Thomas Schatz provides an indispensable account of Hollywood's tradional blend of business and art. This book lays to rest the persistent myth that businesspeople and producers stifle artistic talent and reveals instead the genius of a system of collaboration and conflict. Working from industry documents, Schatz traces the development of house styles, the rise and fall of careers, and the making-and unmaking-of movies, from Frankenstein to Spellbound to Grand Hotel. Richly illustrated and highly readable, The Genius of the System gives the definitive view of the workings of the Old Hollywood and the foundations of the New.
Customer Reviews:
A must for anyone interested in hollywoods's golden age.......2005-03-08
Thomas Schatz does a remarkable job of diagraming the rise of the studio system in Hollywood. The book is remarkably easy to follow (compared to any of Andrew Sarris's works) and includes numerous photographs. He focuses most on the trials and tribulations of Universal Studios, Warner Bros. and MGM and their distinct, integrated studio styles (He mentions RKO as well).
Irving Thalberg, David O. Selznick, Daryl Zanuck and Hitchcock are featured prominently and rightfully so. Also, includes many of the behind the scene battles between studios and directors/ producers.
There are some minor criticisms though. He almost completely ignores Paramount and Colombia. And the decline of the studio system is sparse compared to the rise of. But aside from that, this book is an enjoyable read and recommend it to anyone who is fascinated with early hollywood
Fascinating, but buyer beware.......2004-08-02
Schatz's book is well-rounded and nicely structured. It was a good decision on his part to take a round-robin focus on each studio instead of trying to mix them together, as some authors have. All of the studios had different ideas about what they wanted to achieve in their work, so this approach makes sense. Twentieth-Century Fox and Paramount were left out completely, but Schatz was clearly trying to choose one studio of each type of size and characteristic so as to keep control of the scope of the book.
I did find a glaring error--the finale to "Babes in Arms" was not the minstral number, but the song, "God's Country." In a book of this size, or of any size for that matter, errors will creep in, so it isn't the kiss of death. However, if the reader is familiar with MGM musicals, it may be a small turn-off.
Also, I wasn't satisfied with the epilogue. Instead of citing examples of the comeback of the studio system (LucasFilm, for instance), Schatz simply outlines the creative decline of Alfred Hitchcock. Huh.
Slight shortcomings aside, this book is very entertaining. I wish my film studies textbooks had been this interesting.
A refreshing take on Hollywood where business men are stars!.......2003-11-26
Film theorist Andre Bazin once wrote "The American cinema is a classical art, but why not then admire in it what is most admirable, i.e., not only the talent of this or that filmmaker, but the genius of the system." Quite simply author Thomas Schatz had done just that with this groundbreaking and wondrously entertaining history of the Hollywood studio era.
Up until its publication in 1988, film history had been defined by the "auteur" school of thinking where the director is the supreme artist who nurtured the art form. The studio executives- the money men- were relegated to the background and often depicted as crass capitalist who often hindered the creative process.
In Schatz's eyes, men like Carl Laemmle, Darryl F. Zanuck, David O. Selznick, Harry Warner, and Irving Thalberg were intuitive geniuses who understood the art of storytelling and were able to systematically deliver that art to the masses with drive and innovation. From the low rent beginnings of the Nickelodeon to steady decline of the studio system amid the dawn of Television, these men set standards that are sadly not met by today's faceless conglomerates. They all created "the movies" as we fondly perceive it and Schatz lets the creation of 20th century popular culture unfold with a finely turned narrative sweep.
Fantastic resource of film history, and a fun read to boot.......2003-01-07
It's rare that one can read a book containing so much dry information such as the budgetary concerns of many many films, and still be captivated by the storytelling enough to make it work. This book reads like a well-crafted novel, with the main characters being a handful of studio executives. What results is an utterly readable, insider's look into the business of filmmaking in the studio era. The artistic genius of some of these men is acknowledged, but largely, their business dealings are highlighted. If you're afraid of such business talk, don't be. The author makes budgets and salaries an interesting and integral part of the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who just loves movies and wants to learn more about how it all started. I also recommend this book to anyone who is in or getting into the producing biz now. What a helpful and inspirational resource. My only regret is that there is just no way that I can remember all of the information that I read in this book. That's why I refer to it as a resource in the title of this review and why I will use it as such for years to come.
Just an excellent book on the subject.......2000-07-28
Prof. Schatz does not suffer from the scholar's disease of academic-speak and writes a book that clearly demonstrates his expertise on the studio structure. Most books I have read extended the view of the outsider looking in at the star system and not the economics of the studios. "Genius of the System" chronicles the history of the studio's business, that is to say the economics and the people behind the economics.
If you want to read about the business structure of Hollywood during its beginnings, this is the book for you. I cannot recommend it enough.
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