General Video and Filmmaking Book Reviews

	Technique of Film Editing, Reissue of 2nd Edition Karel Reisz and Gavin Millar Pub Date: August US PRICE: $ 49.95 EUR PRICE: 41.95 GBP PRICE: £ 35.99 Enhanced version of the seminal text on editing includes a new foreword, a new afterword, a revamped cover and layout, as well as a lower price! * New foreword and a new afterword * New layout features wider trim for easier readability and more ideal figure placement, while sidebars and tips call-outs provide quick-access to key concepts and ideas * Enhanced version and at a lower price More Info
	The Grip Book * Known as "the bible" for grips on TV and movie sets, professionals know it and love this well-respected classic from a knowledgeable and well-known author and grip * Includes a website with visual demonstration videos and hundreds of illustrations help clarify and demonstrate concepts * Covers new topics such as CGI screens and perms and includes a slew of new glossary terms and slang words that all grips need to know The Grip Book, 4e PUB DATE: October 2009 US PRICE: $ 44.95 EUR PRICE: € 32.95 GBP PRICE: £ 22.99
	The Lean Forward Moment Norman Hollyn outlines his 'Lean Forward Moment Method' of storytelling that applies to all aspects of the film-making process and media production. Whether you are an editor, producer, director, cinematographer or visual effects pro, this book will provide the essential techniques you need to create engaging content that emotionally connects with your audience. The core storytelling techniques in this book, apply equally to all levels and types of film and media projects: feature films, television documentaries, fiction, web-based video games, commercials, event films and much more. more info
	Technology and Workflows for Multiple Channel Content Distribution: Converged Production for Diverse Distribution Channels is the only book available covering multi-channel broadcasting production infrastructure and the impact on the production process, from a pioneer in HDTV! This book addresses the emergence of multi-channel broadcasting. Televisions, PC's, handheld and mobile reception devices now all receive content that was once solely distributed by broadcast TV. Readers will acquire an overview of not just the technology, but processes that impact the creative process and new cross-platform advertising sale/buy model. Integrated, parallel production workflows design techniques for multi-channel distribution are discussed. The book facilitates an understanding of the inherent challenges in producing and distributing content for multiple consumption devices. It connects consumer technology with production infrastructure. It also ties together all other technical books that deal with each topic individually: i.e DTV, IPTV, Internet, Mobile TV
	Grammar of the Shot (2nd Edition) by Roy Thompson and Christopher Bowen provides a clear and concise explanation of motion picture terms and visual language. Targeted to beginners it provides a very good "moviemaking 101" experience. This is a good book for those who are thinking of making their own short movie or video, as well as those who are considering the film arts as career. In many ways, it distills the essence of film school down to a easily consumed 200 some pages.
	The Fifth Edition of The Camera Assistant's Manual by David E Elkins, SOC has been completely updated to reflect the technology of today, providing crucial guidance to student filmmakers as they prepare to enter the professional world and work as camera assistants. The companion website provides forms, charts, and camera illustrations to print out and use along with links to cinematography related websites and techniques that camera assistants can easily use while on location (www.cameraassistantmanual.com). Aspiring camera assistants will never be left in the dust again by using this complete guide Career tips and complete job descriptions help camera assistants get and succeed at jobs Information on the differences between union and non-union productions Expanded section on the importance of proper record keeping and paperwork used by the camera department Read the Book Review
	High Definition Cinematography. 3rd edition by Paul Wheeler Learn How to Shoot High Definition Video - for Broadcast Professionals If you are interested in shooting HD - for broadcast, for the film business, this is a very good introductory book to the technology and the current camera/camcorder options. * Unbiased discussion of a variety of popular HD cameras, not just one make or model- no other book on the market covers an array of cameras like this one * Packed with practical advice for tackling everyday situations and guidance on how to make solid production decisions, as well as explanations of the different HD formats and when to use them * Revised and updated: covers new camera types, contains improved illustrations, includes a new color insert with shots from HD films, and now also features a section on 3D More details and book review

	*IF YOU MAKE FILMS or VIDEO, YOU GOT TO HAVE THIS BOOK* *American Cinematographers Manual -* this is the bible, the ultimate guide for those who call themselves professional movie makers. Whether you shoot film or video, you need this. The 9th edition of the "ASC Film Manual." is THE authoritative source of technical information that is a widely used reference around the world. "Our purpose is to provide a single source of information that current and future cinematographers and other filmmakers can rely on," says ASC President Steven Poster. " ASC published its first film manual in 1930 (then called "The Cinematographic Annual"). This is the first new edition since 1993. It contains updated and new information about the art and craft of cinematography that was written and reviewed by the world's leading experts." There are 40 chapters and more than 100 tables and charts in the 929-page manual. Each chapter is authored by a renowned expert on the subject. The latest edition features new chapters covering such topics as high-definition telecine mastering and digital film post-production. Topics include: -Comparisons of film formats -Advice on choosing lenses and filters -Techniques for emulsion testing -Detailed description of lab procedures -Information about lighting -Camera stabilization and movement -Front projection -Motion control and other visual effects techniques -Computer graphics -Aerial and underwater cinematography -How to expose film in infrared and ultra-violet light -Digital film mastering
	There are many books on the technical aspects of film and video editing, e.g., how to use software packages like Final Cut Pro. Much rarer are books on how an editor thinks and makes decisions. Faced with hundreds of hours of raw footage, a film editor must craft the pieces into a coherent whole. Rhythm is a fundamental tool of the film editor; when a filmmaker adjusts the length of shots in relation to one another, he or she affects the entire pace, structure, and mood of the film. Until this book, rhythm was considered a matter of intuition; good editors should just "know" when to make a cut.
	Grammar of the Shot, 2^nd Edition, by Roy Thompson and Christopher J. Bowen. Grammar of the Shot covers the bare-bones, basic elements of how to shoot video. Hands-on, this manual for novice shooters (or anyone who simply needs a refresher), shows how to put together a basic film or video piece, shot by shot. This book describes, in no uncertain terms, what absolutely must be in every shot so that the filmmaker can build a smooth storyline in the video. Designed as an easy-to use reference, each topic is covered succinctly and is accompanied by clear illustrations. more info
	In film and other types of moving media, the “Lean Forward Moment” is that key moment in the story where audiences are affected most. Peachpit Releases The Lean Forward Moment: Create Compelling Stories for Film, TV, and the Web BERKELEY, CALIF. (Feb. 12, 2009) — In film and other types of moving media, the “Lean Forward Moment” is that key moment in the story where audiences are affected most. Film editing expert Norman Hollyn shows readers the secrets behind these in The Lean Forward Moment: Create Compelling Stories for Film, TV, and the Web, published by Peachpit. more
	So you want to edit? Editing is more than just cutting out the bad stuff and making your video or film short enough - Its all about telling a story - with rhythm. There is a new book that just came out that teaches all about the rhythm and music of the editing process. - Cutting Rhythms by Karen Pearlman. More Info
	Lloyd Kaufman - of Troma Films teaches you how to direct! Have you always wanted to direct a movie but didn’t know where to start? Want to know how to get your first directing job? What do directors do, anyway? In legendary director and filmmaker, Lloyd Kaufman’s new book, *Direct Your Own Damn Movie!* (Focal Press, $19.95, January 09), you’ll find answers to these questions as well as tons of others. In his hilarious and informative book, Lloyd shares his ten directing commandments as well as interviews with a host of luminaries on mistakes and disasters from their early film careers such as Stan Lee (co-writer Spider-Man, Fantastic Four) and James Gunn (Dawn of the Dead, Slither).
	Paul Martingell’s Better Location Shooting - Taking the job on the road gives skilled filmmakers a career boost - Book shows equipment, planning skills, and knowledge needed to film on location · Learn the basics of shooting properly on location - no matter what equipment you are using · Includes the latest camera information · Covers the gamut of types of location filming · Realistic/practical information more info
	*Reality Check* (Focal Press, $19.95, October 08), successful talk-show host, Michael Essany, takes you from idea…to reality! Loaded with practical, step-by-step advice on the art and business of producing reality TV, this helpful how-to features insights from Mark Burnett, Dick Clark, as well as other top producers in the industry.There are numerous books and sources of information on film producing, but until now, nothing on reality TV producing like this. This book will show you how.
	If you are thinking of getting into film special effects or are just curious about how it is done, "Steve Wright's "Compositing Visual Effects - Essentials for the Aspiring Artist" is a great book for someone just starting out in this space. It's well illustrated with hundreds of film shots, figures, illustrations and diagrams to help the visual reader gain a valuable vocabulary and understanding of the full range of visual effects, in which digital compositing plays a key role. It covers CGI, bluescreen and greenscreen, motion tracking, rotoscoping, etc - al the essentials and basis of modern day film and video special effects. more * An accessible introduction to a complex subject for novice compositors * Full color presentation illustrating the art and techniques of the practice
	This new book, by Steve Hullfish, "Art and Technique of Digital Color Correction", provides direct access to the skills, insights and techniques of some of the postproduction industry's most prominent digital video colorists, delivering practical skills to the postproduction pro seeking to improve their color grading craft. The author interviews and observes 8 professional colorists as they grade a series of real world video images, describing the methods and techniques each artist uses to reach their finalized image. These video images are included on a DVD that allows you to work lockstep with each artist as they grade their images. read the review
	Motion Picture and Video Lighting, Second Edition, is your indispensable guide to film and video lighting. Written by the author of the industry bible Cinematography, this book explores technical, aesthetic, and practical aspects of lighting for film and video. It will show you not only how to light, but why. Written by a professional in the field, this comprehensive book explores light and color theory; equipment; and techniques to make every scene look its best. more
	From the editors of Videomaker Magazine comes this new edition that you have been waiting for. The Videomaker Guide Digital Video, fourth edition, provides information on all of the latest cutting edge tools and techniques necessary to help you shoot and edit video like the pro's. Learn about equipment, lighting, editing, audio, high definition, and all aspects of video from the leading experts on videography! * Now packed with high definition articles! * Learn how to use your skills for vidcasting (video podcasts) * Advice from the experts with quick solutions for video production Some of these articles are a bit outdated and long in the tooth, while others spotlight new techniques and gear of interest to Internet Videomakers
	Title Design Essentials for Film and Video No more bad titles or credits. This book teaches and shows you how to create great looking titles that pop out of the screen and actually work. Whether you are designing for film, for TV, for DVDs, this is a great book for inspiration and guidance when it comes down to adding the graphics and info that are required for every professional looking production. Read the Press Release. It covers how to do animated and moving titles, how to cut titles to music and audio, and all the other techniques a pro editor needs to know.
	The Insiders Guide to Independent Film Distribution by Stacey Parks - If you want to make it in the indie film world, this is a great book to help you get started. Its not about how to make movies - its about how to make money making movies. The book combines real world practical knowledge, case studies and legal guidance as well as a through breakdown of how to prepare your film for distribution before you even start shooting, as well as how to get both domestic and international distribution, as well as how to deal with the various types of distributors and characters you will find in the business. This is a great book for those new to the business as well as interesting refresher for those who already have a taste of the industry. more
	Video Shooter by Barry Braverman is a guide to both the mechanics of the video camera and the craft of shooting. 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.
	This is a nice little guide and intro to how to use blue screen and green screen to create video composites and layering. Targeted to beginners to intermediate users, "Bluescreen Compositing" will introduce you to the techniques of special effects compositing with clear explanations of the mechanics of the technology and the craft of creating a visual that "works" convincingly. Learn how the different types of keying techniques work and get a practical understanding of the processes for: * Motion and non-motion compositing solutions * Setting up a chroma key studio * Lighting techniques * Costuming and art design for color-based compositing * Reconciling different video color sample schemes * Creating background plates and mattes * Fixing it in post * Live keying with a production switcher (SEG) Detailed tutorials demonstrate the techniques for using each of the major software keyers. Software applications profiled include After Effects and Apple's Shake and other software that operate on Windows or Max OSX.
	How Video Works - from analog to high definition. If you are new to video or are interested in getting into the field, this is a comprehensive textbook guide to the technology, products and general concepts. The new version includes: * Complete explanation of the new ATSC digital and HDTV video and audio standards * New sections on optical media and fiber optics, updated MPEG material * In-depth coverage of the new Broadband and cell phone standards * Extensive explanation of new digital test signals and measurements * A hands-on approach to learning about video recording, transmission, and playback. * Complete glossary of terms covering both analog and digital video
	In Title Design Essentials for Film and Video, industry expert and best-selling author Mary Plummer shares her savvy and speaks to a diverse audience including seasoned video editors, indie filmmakers, and even > dedicated amateurs. Plummer takes almost two decades of personal film and video editing experience and teaches her audience how to create professional titles for projects, no matter what the genre, subject matter, or software tool. Her “elements of style” guide explains the essential design principles such as size, color, placement, and font choice. In addition, the book’s companion DVD offers QuickTime movies showing examples that can be constructed using After Effects, Motion, LiveType, Photoshop, or any professional video editing software.
	Portable Video: ENG and EFP, Fifth Edition focuses on the techniques and technology of 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 video maker or amateur and to the professional seeking information on the newest advances in technique and equipment. * Includes special focus on TV news production and field production * Suitable for complete beginners If you are considering a career in the television industry or want to become a news producer, this textbook is great place to start. The Fifth edition of this venerable book covers all aspects of remote and portable video production, primarily from a broadcast industry perspective.
	*The Cinema 4D 10 Handbook* teaches how to harness this power and flexibility through a project-based approach that allows users to create impressive projects as they learn C4D's array of tools and functions. This is a completely updated edition of this popular guide to the ins-and-outs of C4D that provides new C4D users with a complete introduction to the powerful and affordable C4D program, while teaching the fundamental principles of 3D.
	Have you ever tried to watch a video with poor or distracting production values – clumsy camerawork, fuzzy focus, funky framing, lousy lighting, awful audio? It’s hard to pay attention to, let alone, understand the content. When you find yourself responsible for making a video without being in a position to hire professionals, you will want your videos to connect and communicate rather than annoy and aggravate. Some people prefer books for dummies or guides for idiots. For those who might appreciate learning video through video, however, consider this DVD, “How to Keep Your DO-IT-YOURSELF VIDEO From Looking Like You Did It Yourself.” more
	Do you want to know the down and dirty details of what it takes to get an indie film made? TALES FROM THE FRONTLINE OF INDIE FILMMAKING & OTHER ASSORTED TIPS FOR THE ASPIRING MOVIEMAKER, that has a bunch of articles and also stories of Peter John Ross's adventures as a filmmaker. From how he met his girlfriend through to how Horrors of War got started. It’s his E! TRUE NOT-HOLLYWOOD STORY “tell–all” book. self published, 212 page book for only $10 - http://www.lulu.com/content/426325 HORRORS OF WAR, a feature film - www.horrorsofwarmovie.com SONNYBOO PRODUCTIONS -- www.sonnyboo.com

Books and DVDs about Making Movies and Films -

Independent Film and Video Production and Distribution, Writing, Cinematography and Editing

Video & Filmmaking