Art of Technique, The: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production

Book Description

This book provides readers with a teaching tool not currently available. It fills a gap in the literature by going beyond simple discussions of hardware usage, basic technical knowledge, and descriptions of technique to in-depth discussions of how this knowledge can be applied in a coherent approach to production.

Customer Reviews:

A first-rate primer for the aspiring filmmaker.......2002-01-21

"The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production," is more of a primer than it is a critique of cinema. Yes, there is a big difference between this volume by John S. Douglass and Gleen P. Harnden and "Film Art: An Introduction" by David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson. The latter utilizes literally hundreds of frames from both classic and relatively unknown films to demonstrate cinematic techniques. "The Art of Technique" does the same thing with student models. Whether this has to do with the cost of using copyrighted images and/or transforming them into individual frames for use in a book, this is a major difference between the two textbooks. When Douglass and Harnden discuss something, like Ingmar Bergman's use of Extreme Close-ups (ECU) in "Scenes from a Marriage," they can only talk about the extraordinary intimacy it gave the production, without offering visual evidence to support their claim. However, the authors do use their "homemade" examples to good use at time; for example, when exploring the concept of framing they provide examples of "bad" shots (filled with distracting clutter) before showing better choices for the cinematographer.

"The Art of Technique" is divided into two main sections. After an introductory chapter on "Interpretation and Treatment," there are six chapters focusing on the various ways a film can tell a story, essentially pre-production considerations. There is a nice little section detailing the basic types of stories Hollywood tells over and over again ("Jack the Giant Killer," "Fish Out of Water," etc.). Clearly the emphasis here is more on production than criticism, which makes the orientation of this textbook more towards the filmmaker than the movie audience. This first section ends with a look at Mise en Scene and questions of design. In terms of concepts covered, separate from the issue of how those concepts are presented in the textbook, the authors provided a comprehensive, well-organized presentation.

The second half of the book covers "Techniques for Interpretation," which starts with a consideration of the trinity of how the camera, editing and lighting can be used for interpretation. Again, everything is here; I could not find a concept or technique that was an obviously glaring omission. The book concludes with a pair of chapters on Symbols and Significance, which get into the impact film can have on an audience. You might expect to find a glossary at the back of the book, but instead we have a pair of appendixes on Electricity and Measuring Light, which only serves to reaffirm that this book is geared towards the novice filmmaker. If you are looking for a textbook that because you are a budding film critic, then this is not going to be your first choice. I can even make the argument that by not saturating their textbook with frames from dozens of films, Douglass and Harden do their readers a favor, because instead of borrowing shots and techniques from the acknowledged masters of the art form, they are being asked to reinvent the wheel. Do not knock this, because that is basically how we think Orson Welles made "Citizen Kane."

An Excellent Overview.......2002-01-15

This book explores many aspects of filmmaking in a logical, easy-to-follow manner. A great find, albeit a bit pricy. I used it as my text for teaching a video class as it offers some aesthetic considerations for why techniques may or may not be used in a given situation. This approach helps to minimize the technique-euphoria beginners tend to have with techniques which are new to them (ala George Lucas in the new Star Wars...)

good intro for the novice filmmaker.......2000-04-21

this book works very well as an introduction to the creative use of techniques for filmmaking. it is quite clear and concise and is not bogged down by too much technical details or dicussions on film theory. a good starting point.

Stick to "Film Art" by Bordwell/Thomspon.......2000-04-17

I was shocked when I looked over this book. I had always relied on "Film Art" which is the standanrd intro to film but I wanted to branch out. I found this book to be a superficial approach to cinema, no probbing analysis or challenge to interpretaion of technique or narrative. Save your money and stick to the classics. No one seems to use this book in higher education film studies- ask your professor to suggest a book.

Best introduction to filmmaking I've found.......2000-02-16

I teach filmmaking, and needed a book that covers all the basics in a few meaty and meaningful pages. This is it. Most books on filmmaking technique either wax philosophical on the author's pet theories or get lost in gee-wiz-you-can-do-this-neat-trick-with-the-camera mania. There's little of either here; instead, you'll find a focused, highly readable series of lessons on what really matters most--how to communicate a meaningful message on film or video. Unlike some VERY annoying books that give examples of lighting and other techniques via badly drawn line-art, this book shows every technique with actual stills from video shoots so you can see how lighting, framing, lens use, etc. actually change the appearance and impact of a scene.

There are also numerous references to excellent classic and modern films with quite specific suggestions for examining the techniques that make those films work so well. Perhaps most important of all, the authors never lose sight of the fact that filmmaking is about interpreting and creating a reality that evokes a meaningful and powerful experience for the audience.

Book Description

Video Shooter is a guide to both the mechanics of the video camera and the craft of shooting. Written by a veteran in the industry and utilizing an engaging, conversational style (including illustrative anecdotes from the author's many years of experience), the book takes the reader beyond "button pushing" to teach the complete range of skills required to capture compelling images. Topics include equipment selection, camera setup and operation, shooting techniques, and working with lighting and audio. Although the techniques illustrated in Video Shooter are appropriate for users of a wide range of camera models, the book focuses on the most popular 3-CCD DV and HDV cameras. A chapter on issues and techniques relating to DVD output makes the book especially suitable for industrial, educational, and government video producers. The book also features a companion DVD with tutorials, footage demonstrating storytelling techniques, and technical matter such as a comparison of various filters.

Written by a veteran in the industry, Video Shooter is a guide to both the mechanics of the video camera and the craft of shooting.

Customer Reviews:

Listen to the wisdom of great experience.......2007-08-13

Video production is a complex and expensive process. Barry's book takes the mystery out of the craft and SAVES YOU MONEY by telling you just what you need...and what you don't. I loved his wonderful, meaningful stories and personal shooting experiences mixed within his narrative of the craft and its myriad toys, gadgets and gear, all laid out clearly for the reader's benefit. Those willing to take the plunge into this artform will find this book an indispensable companion. A gifted shooter giving us all the clues we need to tell real and compelling stories of our own, available at a glance...awesome. It's like having a DP angel on your shoulder. You will find other reference books out there, but none are so beautifully laid out, comprehensive or complete as this one. Buy it. Read it. You'll be glad you did.

A Must Have Item.......2007-08-12

For a video shooter this is a "must have book". Impaired vision is corrected with appropriate eye glasses, impaired video-knowledge with Video Shooter...
Fast shipping, affordable price. Thank you.

Lots of Real-World Insights.......2007-06-26

Although I'll never reach the level of shooter that Barry is, this is a great book for learning about the issues a real-world shooter faces. Lots of examples and stories, photos, and musings on equipment. This is probably the best of the many books I have on learning to shoot.

Excellent intermediate info -- glad I read it as a beginner.......2007-06-23

I'm a neophyte to videography, and although this book went a tad over my head at times, and was certainly more than I needed as an amateur who wants to make quality videos for personal use, I greatly appreciated the comprehensive introduction to this complex art form. Because of this book, I've jumped into my new hobby with more respect and appreciation for what's involved in a quality production. I did pick up some great tips that even a beginner can use, and probably more useful, I understand the point of hiring a professional. Now that I'm a MUCH more savvy consumer of video services I will know how to judge the quality of their work.

A book about hardware.......2007-06-16

The subtitle of this book is Storytelling with DV, HD, and HDV Cameras. What I saw, when I read that, was the word Storytelling. I thought it would be a book about how to tell a story with images and sound to get across a "message". I should have read further along the sentence. This book is not about storytelling. It's about DV, HD, and HDV Cameras and their supporting equipment. The book is aimed at amateur videographers who have aspirations of turning professional and think that professional equipment will make that happen. And who have a 5 or 6 figure bank account. There are equipment recommendations on all sorts of things that make a professional shoot. All of the equipment ranges from slightly expensive to horrifically expensive. Of course this tight focus on the latest equipment means that the book will soon be out of date. If you need some equipment, have a healthy bank account, and want to buy now, this book is a good choice. If you want to learn how to tell a story with video, keep looking.

Making Media: Foundations of Sound and Image Production

Average customer rating:

Making complex issues clear

Making Media: Foundations of Sound and Image Production
Jan Roberts-Breslin
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The People and Process of Film and Video Production: From Low Budget to High Budget
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ASIN: 024080502X

Book Description

Making Media takes the media production process and deconstructs it into its most basic components. Students will learn the basic concepts of media production: frame, sound, light, time, motion, sequencing, etc., and be able to apply them to any medium they choose. They will also become well grounded in the digital work environment and the tools required to produce media in the digital age. A CD-ROM, compatible with both Macs and PCs, will provide interactive exercises for each chapter, allowing students to explore the process of media production. The text is heavily illustrated and complete with sidebar discussions of pertinent issues.

Focusing on the building blocks that transcend the boundaries between film, television, multimedia, and the Internet, this highly illustrated and interactive text stresses the commonalities of various types of media and prepares the student to succeed within a wide range of disciplines.

*Prepares students to move with ease into any number of media disciplines - film, video, photography, audio, multimedia
*Includes companion CD-ROM with interactive exercises
*Highly illustrated throughout

Customer Reviews:

Making complex issues clear.......2004-12-24

This book has been a real life saver for me on my first semester at graduate school. The other media books I had to read were overwhelming with never ending details and jargon language. Roberts- Breslin's book explains everything plainly from start to finish. She has an uncanny ability to simplify extremely complex matters. Even with no prior knowledge of the technical aspects of media making I now have a solid foundation.

The main terms are bolded, and also listed in the end so you can read the book beginning to end or just look up specific topics. The attached CD is a great addition as it visually illustrates concepts that are difficult to explain verbally, such as the different camera movement (What is the difference between the pan and truck movement?) or the phi phenomenon.

Another great thing about the book is the practical tips it gives to a beginner. Logging all my footage, for example, would have never accrued to me, but it made editing so much more manageable and must have saved me hours upon hours.

Portable Video: ENG & EFP, Fourth Edition

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Portable Video: ENG & EFP, Fourth Edition
Norman Medoff , and Tom Tanquary
Manufacturer: Focal Press
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Make it Memorable

ASIN: 0240804384

Book Description

Portable Video focuses on technique and technology for single camera electronic news gathering and electronic field production. Covering everything from basic creative and technical editing techniques to budgets and copyright issues, it is accessible to the home videomaker or amateur and to the professional seeking information on the newest advances in technique and equipment.

Portable Video: ENG and EFP, Fourth Edition has been revised and updated to cover all of the latest equipment and techniques. Additionally, it discusses the history of video production and electronic news gathering, and the importance of the verbal content in any production is explored in a chapter on scriptwriting.

A comprehensive guide to all aspects of field production
Theory is enhanced with real-life examples
Updated emphasis on digital video

The Art of Voice Acting, Third Edition: The Craft and Business of Performing for Voice-Over

Average customer rating:

The Best Bible of Voice-Acting Out There
Sloppy, inattentive to detial, repetative, some good info, though
This is the BIBLE for aspiring voice-over talent.
Thorough primer
Worthy Investment

The Art of Voice Acting, Third Edition: The Craft and Business of Performing for Voice-Over
James Alburger
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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YOU CAN BANK ON YOUR VOICE: Your Guide to a Successful Career in Voice-Overs

ASIN: 0240808924

Book Description

From basic acting techniques and exercises for keeping the voice in top condition, to marketing and promotion of the actor, this book covers it all. The Art of Voice Acting is an excellent introduction to the business and art of voice acting. This new edition also features coverage of specialist areas of voice over: animation/video gaming and film/ movie trailer. Updated to reflect the latest changes in performance techniques and products in the industry, it is essential reading for all voice over actors. Packed with expert advice on job opportunities and career management tips, it is the ideal resource for anyone involved in the industry. The voice over demos and exercises on the expanded CD ROM complete this perfect modern manual to getting established in the voice acting industry.

*Learn insider tips on finding work, making audition tapes and establishing yourself as a professional voice over actor
*Gain expert advice on how to keep your voice in top condition
*Perfect your performing skills using easy-to-follow voice exercises and demos on CD Rom

Customer Reviews:

The Best Bible of Voice-Acting Out There.......2007-09-19

James Alburger wrote this book some years ago. In fact, he's on his 3rd edition! And this book is still so in style. Having worked in voice-over for a number of years here in Los Angeles I can honestly say that Mr. Alburger hits the nail on the head with his advice. He covers the basics like proper breath control, how to create believable characters and subtext, breaking down copy, recording a demo and how to succeed at your first session. You can follow the samples that he has included in the book and on the CD to practice your craft and get it down. How great is that!

Recently I heard that Mr. Alburger and his colleague Penny are putting on a major voice-over event here in L.A. sometime in the spring 2008. I don't think aspiring voice-over artists will want to miss that, but should read his book first.

By the way, Mr. Alburger is correct that on-going training and "classes" are essential to voiceover success....unless you are lucky enough to be working every day in the industry....which is very rare.

A must-read for anyone interested in entering this potentially lucrative industry. Break a leg!

Sloppy, inattentive to detial, repetative, some good info, though.......2007-08-09

Has some good information in it. It's written in simple, accessible prose. But, honestly, there were so many typos within the first few pages, that I started getting distracted and looking for them. It's also quite repetitive, reiterating, rather than adding to a point or topic. (i.e. "take as many VO and acting classes as you can!")

This is the BIBLE for aspiring voice-over talent........2007-08-09

Only thing I have a problem with in this excellent book is the rather constant "suggestions" that you stay in classes forever. As in stage and film acting, a lot of good, natural actors have been ruined by "teachers" who insist on "shaping" them to their own personal style. Works for some workshop junkies I suppose.

Thorough primer.......2007-06-05

This book provides all the necessary information one needs to find his or her way into the voice acting profession.

Alburger brims with enthusiasm and an earnest desire to share his experience to the benefit of others.

It could probably be a little more concise, but the positive tone of the book more than makes up for any wordiness or repetition.

Thanks, James!

Worthy Investment.......2007-05-18

The author, James Alburger, has taken his passion and years of knowledge, experience, and wisdom to assist others who are interested in the art of voice acting. I have not attended any workshops yet, but after reading this book that also comes with a demo cd... I feel that I have gained a wealth of information that will be very valuable as I develop my voice acting career.

This book covers tips, techniques, the business side, auditions, demos, characters, promotions, agents, and getting paid. I enjoyed this book and will read it over and over again on my acting journey.

Audio Post Production for Television and Film, Third Edition: An introduction to technology and techniques

Average customer rating:

Very Professional
Great for Reference and Fundamental Overview.
Definate key text for students of sound and film
A Must Have Book

Audio Post Production for Television and Film, Third Edition: An introduction to technology and techniques
Hilary Wyatt , and Tim Amyes
Manufacturer: Focal Press
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Binding: Paperback

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Sound Design: The Expressive Power of Music, Voice and Sound Effects in Cinema
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Audio Postproduction for Digital Video

ASIN: 0240519477

Book Description

Previously titled Audio Post-production in Video and Film, this third edition has been completely revised and restructured to provide a step-by-step guide to the professional techniques used to shape a soundtrack through the production process. Covering sound for both film and television, this edition includes many of the practical techniques and shortcuts used by experienced editors and mixers.

Part one explains the basics of audio post production how audio is recorded, how sound and picture stay in sync, how audio can be exported from system to system, and how film and video technology works. Part two follows the path of production sound from its original recording right through to the final mix, and includes sections on editing sound with picture, dialogue, sound effects and music editing, how to run ADR and Foley record sessions, and mixing, using many practical examples.

Audio Post Production for Television and Film is aimed at professionals already working in the industry, newcomers, students and those considering sound for film and television as a career in fact anyone who wants an insight into current professional practices and a comprehensive overview of the sound post production process.

* Reflects current working practice and covers the latest topical issues
* Extensively reorganized for maximum ease of use
* Illustrated throughout and features helpful workflow diagrams

Customer Reviews:

Very Professional.......2007-09-17

The data found inside this book is absolutely useful, many questions found answer inside, la diseccion del time code por ejemplo esta hecha de una manera clara y me ha permitido emplearme de manera mas eficaz en mi trabajo, ademas me ha permitido contrastar en varias oportunidades opniones que tengo sobre temas tecnicos y ver que piesan personas que se dedican a lo mismo que yo en otras partes del mundo, esta muy bien escrito y es facil de leer, incluso se puede decir que es un libro ameno para ser un libro de contenidos tecnicos una A+.

Great for Reference and Fundamental Overview. .......2006-02-25

I've been mixing and Recording music for 15 years and have done a number of major motion pictures now, but always felt slightly in the dark regarding some of the technical jargon and workflow for Film and TV post production. This book is clear, to the point, easy to read, and a constant source of reference for me as more and more work i do is for Film and TV. As someone who has had a lot of experience in audio, I really appreciate that the delivery of detail is not dummied down, but that it's nor over explained either. This is a great launchpad for people needing to grasp a fundamental overview of the whole process. It should be required reading for anyone who considers themselves a TV or Film or Commecial producer.

Definate key text for students of sound and film.......2005-11-11

This is the book I wanted to write! There are many books out there around this subject, but this text is comprhensive AND comprehensible! It covers every area of the post production process ( and a good deal of giudance for the recording of production sound too) in exactly the amount of detail that is needed, with each technical topic supported by useful and informative technique and advice.
The chapters on editing sound give many valuable pointers that will help anyone who is learniung this craft to develop a strong skills base, with really useful practical tips. There is no important technical information missing; all the standards and formats are addressed and explained in easy to read language, so that you're not left with an incomplete picture, and it's up to date with contemporary systems such as Windows XP and Mac OSX, hard disk recording and digital TV, DVD, diffusion systems for broadcast (surround) and more.
So to sum up, this is a really good read, and worth having as a reference book for anyone studying or working in this field who wants to get a a good understanding of the entire process of audio post, and I would also recommend it to film makers as well, as it is a good read and will inform and enlighten.
I have included it my essential reading list for students on our film and sound design courses.

A Must Have Book.......2005-04-11

A modern, up to date and informative guide to audio post production techniques used in todays complex industry.

Hilary describes each step of the audio post production process, from a locked picture edit, through to final mixing and deliverables.

Chapters on editing give the reader a unique insight into how a sountrack is created and prepared for the mix, using techniques that Hilary has acquired from working on many feature films and television programmes.

A must have book for anyone wanting to gain knowledge and understand sound in the modern film and television industry.

Average customer rating:

A completely professional approach
A good lighting manual for a beginning cameraperson.

Motion Picture and Video Lighting
Blain Brown
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0240802497

Book Description

Motion Picture and Video Lighting explores the technical, aesthetic and practical aspects of lighting for film and video. Written by a professional in the field, this comprehensive book reveals inside information based on years of experience and thoroughly explores the challenges faced by cinematographers, lighting directors, gaffers and grips.

Through a hands on approach which is augmented by insightful diagrams, tables, charts and photographs, the author illustrates the power of light as one of the most important elements of filmmaking. Whether the reader is a professional, or student, a gaffer, grip or cameraman, this book will be a useful reference.
Blain Brown is a cinematographer and lighting director based in Los Angeles, California. He has lit and photographed a range of productions - from macro/table tops to boxing arenas, and from no-budget shoestring productions to large-scale features. Mr. Brown has also worked as a producer and line producer on commercials, music videos and feature films.

Provides a comprehensive look everyone involved in motion picture or video lighting.
Contains diagrams, tables, charts, and photographs to supplement the text.
A perfect reference for the professional or the student.

Customer Reviews:

A completely professional approach.......2001-07-20

The thing about this book is that it is written from a completely professional point of view. It deals with lighting as it is really practiced on professional movie sets - not like most books on cinematography which seem to be written by people who haven't actually done it all that much in the real world. I've bought about every book there is on movie lighting and most of them are a waste of money.

This book covers everything from a basic introduction to color, exposure and electricity up to the more complex technical issues you have to deal with as a gaffer or cinematographer: very thorough and comprehensive. The Set Technicians book is good if all you are trying to be is an electrician, but this is the one you want if you really want to move up as a gaffer, lighting director or Director of Photography. Except for one chapter (film exposure), everything in the book applies equally well to video, digital video or High Def. There is also a very good chapter on video which covers what you REALLY have to know to work in video lighting.

If you work (or want to work) in the motion picture industry, knowing lighting is the key to advancement and success. This is the book to get if you really want to learn motion picture and video lighting.

A good lighting manual for a beginning cameraperson........1998-10-20

Blaine Brown's book provides a decent explanation of set lighting, it's instruments and protocol. The text, though, seems to speak more to the cameraperson or AC who is curious about lighting. There is a lack of attention given to the juicers and hammers who are actually creating and shaping the light. There is a considerable amount of text granted to electrics and the distribution of power, but much more thorough and much more practically explained definitions are readily available in Harry Box's "Set Lighting Technician's Handbook."

Basics of the Video Production Diary (Basics of Video) (Basics of Video Series)

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Basics of the Video Production Diary (Basics of Video) (Basics of Video Series)

Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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What They Don't Teach You At Film School: 161 Strategies to Making Your Own Movie No Matter What

ASIN: 0240516583

Book Description

Video production requires a high degree of organization to be a success. Good organization will require a proper diary to be kept of your production. It is the understanding of the paperwork and its organization that will make your production either a success or a failure.

Explained in accessible terms and assuming little prior knowledge of the subject, this book will help you to: plan successful procedures for all stages of a video production; produce paperwork logically to get professional results; understand the basic principles of setting up and running your own business; avoid common (and costly) pitfalls.

If you are a student who wishes to learn about all aspects of planning and documenting a video production, from conceptualization right through to final screening, this book is for you. It is particularly suitable for the City and Guilds Media Techniques Certificate: Television and Video Production Competences.

This book complements the other three titles in the series, which allow you to understand the overall process of video production, and then look in more detail at sound and lighting.

·Improve your production management skills with this accessible introduction to planning procedures for all stages of video production.
·Learn how to produce paperwork logically to get professional results
·Tips provided to help you avoid common (and costly) pitfalls

Average customer rating:

Short and Sweet
A decent book at a decent price...
If you are involved with digital video, you need this book!

Sound for Digital Video
Tomlinson Holman
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The DV Rebel's Guide: An All-Digital Approach to Making Killer Action Movies on the Cheap (Peachpit)
Producing Great Sound for Digital Video
Sound for Film and Television, Second Edition (Book & CD-ROM)
Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances for Film & Television
Rebel without a Crew: Or How a 23-Year-Old Filmmaker With $7,000 Became a Hollywood Player

ASIN: 0240807200
Release Date: 2005-06-17

Book Description

The distinguishing feature of many low-budget films and TV shows is often the poor sound quality. Now, filmmakers shooting DV on a limited budget can learn from Tomlinson Holman, a film sound production pioneer, how to make their films sound like fully professional productions. Holman offers suggestions that you can apply to your own project from preproduction through postproduction and provides tips and solutions on production, editing, and mixing.

Holman, sound engineer on such films as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, is famous for his pioneering work in film sound production and for developing THX. Now, he brings his expertise to the relatively new field of sound for digital video productions. Once considered an amateur format, digital video is becoming the format of choice for some feature films and for many lower budget productions; this book will enable you to use this medium to create the most professional and effective sound possible.

*Learn how to get great sound on a limited budget, from the recognized expert in the field
*Provides tips and instructions for improving sound, from planning through mixing
*Includes CD with recording and editing exercises

Customer Reviews:

Short and Sweet.......2007-04-06

I've read many books on sound post. This book is excellent. It full of tips and techniques throughout, especially on sound editing, the cd provided has good examples of sound edits. Highly recommended.

A decent book at a decent price..........2006-03-03

This is a pretty good "bridge" book for those who have no knowledge of sound and its importance in film/video and those who have some. I have yet to utilize the cd that came with it, but the chapters are lucid and easy to follow.

If you are involved with digital video, you need this book!.......2006-02-09

Target audience: Anyone involved in audio for video, from the rank amateur to the
experienced professional.

As a video shooter, you are most concerned with your picture. But as we move from SD to
HD, the quality of your soundtracks should follow suit. Video has never been more capable
of delivering high quality sound and picture, yet today's soundtracks are getting worse
instead of better. Why? Partly because DV equipment has made video accessible to more
people at lower cost. While there's nothing wrong with low cost gear, unless you really know
how to handle your audio with the equipment you have, you'll end up with some truly awful
sound. But even expensive top of the line Pro gear can record bad audio, and does so often,
and with great precision! So what can you do to ensure the best quality sound for your
video?

Enter "Sound for Digital Video" by Tomlinson Holman. Simply put, every question about
sound for DV, from microphones through recording, to editing and release audio formats is
covered. Yet, surprisingly, the principles are highly approachable by even the most non-
technical reader. In fact, Mr. Holman has adopted a unique "Director's Cut" section within
chapters, intended to serve those, like Directors, who have limited time but need to digest
the key points quickly and with complete lucidity. The book is, in fact, quite easy to
assimilate by someone who picks it up, but is in the middle of a production! Mr. Holman
directs those readers to what chapter to read FIRST, to glean the critical essentials, as well as
how to use the "Director's Cut" sections.

But don't think it's only for the beginner or the time-limited. There is enough detail and
scientific information contained that even a seasoned pro will find it an essential reference
work. There is enough contained in each chapter to merit several readings, even by those
with careers in audio. The beauty of the book is that it can serve such a wide audience with
useful information, without alienating the extremes.

For those with more time, or more need to create a highly polished and effective soundtrack,
the book delves into the real nuts and bolts of audio as it applies to digital video. For
example, if you had to record dialog from a shout to a whisper, what do you need to know to
accomplish it? What microphone would be best (the answer might surprise you!), should you
plug the mic into your camera directly, or use a mixer? What can you do in post production
to make your dynamic range sound larger than it is? Would using a compressor help you or
hurt you, and when should it be used or avoided?

The basics are completely explored: What type of mic should you use for a given type of
recording circumstance? How can you use both channels of your camera to best advantage?
Avoiding overload is covered more thoroughly than I've ever seen it before, and yet in a
highly understandable way.

In today's competitive market, everyone needs some kind of "edge". After reading only a
portion of this book (for example, on avoiding overload) you become equipped to produce
soundtracks that can sound better than many very high profile producers. For example, we
recently heard a track on a PBS TV show that, if the recordist had understood "avoiding
overload" in this book, the track would have contained clean and understandable dialog. As
it was, it was so overloaded as to be barely intelligible. So simply reading this book can give
you the understanding to record better audio than National Geographic! How's that for
Return on Investment?

Then there's the included CD. It's a collection of demo and illustration tracks to be used as
examples for material in the book, but is also a collection of audio tools that can be used for
calibration and testing. The demo material illustrates sonic characteristics not easily
described in words, like good and bad bump edits, and how to solve editing problems.
There a group of Sound Process Demo tracks that demonstrate filers, limiting and
compression and numerous other audio processes. The demo tracks have descriptive
narration. There's also a standard leader track (30 seconds of tone plus "2-pop") that you
can use on the head of your project. All together, there are 23 tracks.

"Sound for Digital Video" is as enlightening as it is pleasurable to read. No one involved in
DV production, pro or amateur, should be without this book. Recommended without
hesitation or reservation!

Placing Shadows, Third Edition: Lighting Techniques for Video Production

Average customer rating:

No Technique - thin on using shadows for anything
Placing Shadows
Good info if you want to know how a light bulb is made.
Puts ligth on the life of beginers and pros
Great introduction to "Art" of lighting.

Placing Shadows, Third Edition: Lighting Techniques for Video Production
Chuck Gloman , and Tom LeTourneau
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Lighting for Video, Third Edition (Media Manuals)
Painting With Light
Nonlinear Editing: Storytelling, Aesthetics, & Craft
Motion Picture and Video Lighting, Second Edition
Producing Great Sound for Digital Video

ASIN: 0240806611

Book Description

A mix of theory and practical applications, Placing Shadows covers the physical properties of light and the selection of proper instruments for the best possible effect. For the student, advanced amateur, and pros trying to enhance the look of their productions, this book examines the fundamentals and is also a solid reference for tips on better performance.

* Heavily illustrated in full color!

* Covers the fundamental properties of light as well as many tips and tricks

* Includes up-to-date equipment and techniques such as lighting for High Def, HMI lighting, etc.

Download Description

Customer Reviews:

No Technique - thin on using shadows for anything.......2007-04-04

Reviewer Joel (CA United States) is 100% correct: This book's description and all of the other reviews are completely misleading. The book is thin on content at this price range and doesn't even truly cover the subject of "Placing Shadows", and, other then building off of a foundation of the standard 3 point lighting system, it doesn't provide any techniques to do anything with shadows at all.

What it does provide is a good easily understood explanation of color and the measurable aspect of temperature along with definitions of the various existing light bulbs, their properties and color temperatures. But if you are at the stage where you're looking to buy a book to help you with using shadows then you should already know everything this book has to offer on this subject. And if not this isn't the book to get it from.

This book is not what I thought it would be as I was expecting some advanced knowledge on creatively using lights to create shadows that would enhance my productions. What I got was a rehash of the basics of illuminating a subject, with illumination as the key word.

If you want to learn lighting for video go get one of the lesser costing setup books that have page after page of diagrams of different sets and the various positions of where the lights should go.

This is not the book to help you learn about using shadow techniques to enhance your production as it is more a book about light bulbs and their color temperatures.

Oh, yeah, the second edition's cover is completely different and looks like a cheeply produced self published paperback book.

Now I have only one question: Where do I get a refund?

Placing Shadows.......2005-12-21

Placing Shadows in an appropriate title for this book. Shadows are the 3rd dimension of lighting ignored by many video professionals. The book explains in depth, the spectrums and characteristics of different types of light. Most books don't go into these explanations except 400 level college video classes. By doing so, it gives a basis to go on to discussing the many assorted manufactures lights and their practical use. Not just hypothetical lighting situations, but actual sets, from office settings to exercise videos. Also acknowledging, every set is completely different and must be lit by what is necessary to create the look you need.
Additionally this book, described how to set up your monitor by using different color bars and using waveform monitors and vector scopes, something that many college graduates were never taught how to do, like ME! If a student learns and retains everything in this book you will be ahead of all you peers and will understand what is being done on a set when they're in the real world of video.

Good info if you want to know how a light bulb is made........2003-08-26

I have a background in photography so using tungsten lighting is not new to me. I thought this book would have more technique then I was led to believe.

It does have some great info on how a light bulb is created and the various parts but is not very fulfilling. this book is not what I thought it would be like and
the reviews from others are misleading.

It goes over various lighting setups, any photography book covers this and skims over ratios. It explains color meters in short detail but it would be great to have more "meat" to hang on to then the author's bad grammar and old sayings. He suggests that you learn by doing. enough about his experiences, show me something I don't know how to do!

If you want to learn lighting for video, this is not the book to buy. If you want to learn about light bulbs and color tempatures of tungsten lights then this book delivers.

I give it a 2 stars because it does have some merit but not in the area of lighting technique. For a really thin book, its not worth the price even if you get a discount.

Puts ligth on the life of beginers and pros.......2002-04-20

I belive this book can be very helpful for people who want to make films, either as a guide to create a nice looking product or as a general idea of how ligth works for the image, this book is a great begeaning in every cinematographer's career.

Great introduction to "Art" of lighting........2001-11-10

As a beginning Videographer I found this book a great introduction to the many different lights and techniques used in obtaining good video. The book is also very current on what is available today. I feel it could have been a little more in-depth, but for the price and length I found it well worth buying and reading. The authors write in a very "readable" style that educates you but doesn't bore you. Highly recommended.

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