Customer Reviews
Buy this book - By: , 06 Mar 2006 
This book is one of many I have read on film making. I am a self taught independent professional film maker & I wish I had bought this book first. It's title says it all. It is very well written, well researched, worth the money. Get 'Grammer of the Shot' while you are at it.
Comprehensive guide - By: , 14 Jun 2005 This book is an essential guide for those beginning workin the film industry, particularly those who want to understand the basics of directing, editing, camera work & storyboarding.
Solid training in film visualisation - By: J. L. Gerretsen, 26 Apr 2004 If you are a casual reader looking for a glossy book with colour photo'sof film sets, lighting, SFX & cameras etc, this is not for you. Ifhowever, you are a serious film student (or practitioner) & you want adetailed insight into how a motion picture idea is conceived & developedinto a workable project, then you need to make this part of your readinglist.
This is a thorough overview of the visualisation processes needed to takeyour project from an idea to a solid plan for production. As well ashelping you to develop your visualisation skills, it also has a goodtechnical overview of important techniques such as establishing lines,continuity, pacing etc.
There are examples (with original storyboard art) taken from someprominent films & directors to help you understand the reasoning behindthe way certain scenes were designed & executed.
The intangible or emotive aspects of creating a film are well covered...i.e. using camera angles & different focal lengths & POV's for helpingto describe the relationships between characters & what they are feelingor experiencing.
This is not a technical manual for lighting or how to use certain types ofcameras etc. These subjects are best coveredin detailin seperatepublications.
A Brilliant Book - By: S. HAYWARD, 16 Feb 2004 This catologue of filmmaking terms has become one of the best books I own. When I recieved it as a gift at Christmas, I thought I'd read a chapter before I went to bed but ended up reading for hours into the morning. An excellent guide for arranging camera angles, storyboards & shot sequences alike.
Brilliant.
Very useful but to what extent - By: Anon Starter, 25 Jul 2001 
This book is very usefulin bringing out the visualisationin you. I think it's really only for prospective film directors, but it alone isn't going to get you anywhere.
This book does touch on every topicin the filmmaking subject, except the business side to it. But for all it does, it is an excellent guide.
