Television Books

I thought this book was very well done. Detaild information and is explained as if you have no idea about the process and job of a radio producer, which I didn't. This is a great explanation for anyone working in radio in any aspect.

If you listen to the radio and ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes, this book is for you. The authors provide an often humorous description of the day to day activities that are done to bring the listener must-hear radio. Even the technical chapters were written in a way that somebody like me who has no connection to radio (other than listening) could understand and find interesting. Whether you are in the broadcasting field or just interested in radio, this book is well worth purchasing. The book was enjoyable to read and it gives the reader a new appreciation for what happens behind the scenes to bring the listener a good radio show.

I'm not really that familiar with radio production, but am more interested in the creative process in general, and I found this to be a worthwhile and engaging read. The writers are entertaining and personable, and make everything that they talk about exciting and interesting to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I worked with John Swanson at WTMX for almost 2 years, though not along side of him. I read this book and learned an large amount of what a producer does. It helped me out in a college radio show I do. Since it's a small station we don't have producers, so it's up for the DJ to do everything. This book made it easy to understand what I need to do for a successful show.

I have nothing to do with radio and I stumbled across this book to get a peek into the world of radio production. If you want to get into radio in any capacity, this book paints a great picture of how good shows are put together day in and day out.

If you don't want to get into radio or if you do but you just can't seem to escape those golden handcuffs at Fargenflam Inc., then this book is still a good read. As Rick and John bring you deeper and deeper into their radio producing world, they share many stories that add humor and depth to the subject matter.

It's a good read. I liked it but I am sticking to the much simpler world of TV.

Randall Cross
MTV Networks

An absolutely fascinating book detailing all that happened in front of and behind the CBS cameras of the ill-fated Judy Garland Show. Also, every episode of the show is examined in detail, and the author takes a straight-down-the-middle approach to the book's subject matter.

The Judy Garland Show consisted of twenty-six shows that aired in the CBS Sunday night line up in the 1963-1964 season. The network considered it an immediate and expensive failure and the series was canceled as soon as contractual obligation allowed. Isolated exceptions aside, the series was neither syndicated nor re-run and, with the exception of various "art" screenings it seemed to vanish completely.

Nonetheless, The Judy Garland remains one of the single most discussed and written-about series in broadcast history. Garland biographies aside, it is inevitably touched upon--and often focused upon--in histories of broadcast television, where it is usually held up as an example of how even the greatest talents, biggest budgets, and best intentions can be exploded by mismanagement, network politics, and in some instances pure spite.

Two major publications have focused on the series. The first was the 1970 OVER THE RAINBOW WITH JUDY GARLAND ON THE DAWN PATROL by Mel Torme, the respected singer-songwriter-composer, who contracted to write and arrange special musical material and make three guest appearances during the first season. Torme places blame for the series' failure squarely upon the shoulders of Garland herself, painting a frightening portrait of a greatly talented but extremely unstable and often vicious star self-destructing through booze and pills and determined to drag all those around her down with her. Although denounced as grossly inaccurate by many associated with the series, it was for many years generally accepted as authoritative.

The second was 1990's RAINBOW'S END by Coyne Steven Sanders. Amassed from meticulous research and seventy-five interviews with individuals directly involved in the series, it explodes DAWN PATROL with the force of an atomic bomb. Sanders freely acknowledges that Garland was a tempestuous individual with profound chemical dependencies--but his interview subjects note that, far from being difficult, she actually withstood a great deal more unpleasantness from others than she actually caused herself.

What ultimately emerges is a story of Garland's mismanagement, first at the hands of agents Begelman and Fields, then at the hands of such employees as Mel Torme, but ultimately and most destructively at the hands of CBS executives James Aubrey and Hunt Stromberg--each with their own self-serving agendas and all determined to drain The Judy Garland Show to further them. It is also a story of great talents and opportunities simply thrown away.

With the advent of DVD, The Judy Garland Show at last began to reach a wide audience, and the actual product bears out Sanders' contentions. At its best, it was extraordinary, offering not only Garland very near the peak of her vocal talents, but a host of great performers that read like a Who's Who of 1960s show business--June Allyson, Tony Bennett, Vic Damone, Bobbin Darrin, Lena Horne, Ethel Merman, Peggy Lee, Jane Powell, and Barbra Streisand, to name but the most obvious, most of whom Sanders interviews to great effect. But the program was "fiddled to death" by constant CBS reformatting, too often saddled with inept writing and insipid guest stars booked on studio demand, and ultimately unable to establish any consistent formula acceptable to both Garland and CBS.

According to Sanders, Garland did indeed spiral out of control toward the end of the series--but given the madhouse into which she was thrown it is amazing that she did not run screaming down the street at the very beginning. And, as Sanders so astutely points out, she has had the last laugh after all. Few series television programs of the early 1960s, including those that bested The Judy Garland show in ratings, have survived in the public memory. But The Judy Garland Show, for all its flaws and faults, seems to become more greatly respected with each passing year.

After reading Sander's meticulously documented assessment of The Judy Garland Show, you'll never again look at broadcast television with quite the same eye. Very strongly recommended, not only for Garland fans, but for any one with an interest in the medium.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Over the years I have read every book about JUDY and excluding the 'book' written by Mel Torme' many have been decent. But, not until this book has the talent, the class, the POWER that was JUDY GARLAND been properly conveyed!The book is informative about what went on in front of and behind the scenes of THE JUDY GARLAND SHOW. But also, it shows how at certain points JUDY wanted certain things done a certain way for a specific reason!!! Case in point, her singing 'THE BATTLE HYMM OF THE REPUBLIC'. She knew why it had to be done, she knew how it had to be done, and she knew that it had to be done!!!! AND SHE DID IT!!!! And what 'we' see on video during that performance is what JUDY was, is, and always will be!!! A performer who should have been left to do what she did-SING!And reading this book, you'll see why she is what she is, and how she got what will always be hers! LEGEND!!!!

This book, which accompanies the box set (Vol 1) of Judy's TV series, is an invaluable resource for any serious Judy Garland fan. The writing is clear and concise, the approach is objective (but with great empathy for Judy), and the research conducted by the author is impressive. Until this book was written, the only documented history of this landmark TV show was the book written by Mel Torme, which was mean-spirited and by no means a balanced account of what really went on. Congratulations and much gratitude to Mr. Sanders for a very memorable read.

Coyne Steven Sanders is, undeniably, _under_ the rainbow with this treatment of Ms. Judy Garland. In a good sense. First, one must respond to the treatment here of Micky Rooney, without whom we would still probably be responding to Ms. Garland in the same way. In the birth of the cliche, there is a moment when the idea itself is not a cliche but is instead an archetype. In this way cliches are to be honored as original ideas so fitting to such a large number of {events} that they become, through no fault of their own, a cliche. Sadly, this treatment of Micky Rooney in relation to Ms. Garland does not recognize the fact that Mr.Rooney was a cliche _from the beginning_. He personified the cliche by occupying one from the moment he embarked on his character--the same wide-eyed, over-eager, lifelessly hyperbolic grating dunce he dusted off every time the cameras were stupid enough to have him within their frame. If only Steven Sanders would have bitten into this none-too-tender tendril of the gas that was Micky Rooney! Instead, it is waived away like a bad odor that the reader imagined should have dissipated 5 minutes earlier. By failing to contextualize Ms. Garland within this necessary border, Coyne Steven Sanders renders a full quarter of this book into a wide pie of plums and pits; into a full line of outergarments best suited for intemperate climes. Three cheers for Coyne! Because, after all, this author is able to, in this book, show us why we should all, as I do, love Judy Garland with each breath we take. I love her. Yes. I love this book, and I love Judy Garland.

Buy this book right now. Even if you aren't interested in film. If you've ever walked by a poster advertising a film, buy this book. Why are you still reading this review? Why aren't you ordering this book? In fact, don't order it online here, run to your local Borders and pick it up right now. Hurry, it'll close soon! Well, okay, buy it online, but you'd better use overnight shipping! I'm warning you!!! Buy it.

Now!!!!!

"Saying that Jerry Ziesmer probably has delivered the greatest assistant director book ever written doesn't do it justice. His tales from the Kleig was in "Ready When You Are, Mr. Coppola, Mr. Spielberg, Mr. Crowe" are not only an insider-insider's look into what actually happens in the making of movies--from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" to "Apocalypse Now" to "Jerry Maguire"--but also a compendium of perceptive glimpses at the personalities and decision making by great filmmakers and actors across four decades. This book relates the biz and its lore with color, intimacy, candor and horse sense..."

An amazing inside story of filming with Frances Coppola, Steven Spielberg, and Cameron Crowe told by their assistant director. The author relates the tales of filming "Apocalypse Now", "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", "Jerry Maguire", "Scarface" and so many others. A truly enjoyable book for the film professional or for those who just enjoy films.

Jerry Ziesmer tells the kind of inside stories you usually only hear (if you're lucky) over beers after shooting's wrapped for the day. Without ever whitewashing or pulling punches, he offers a thoughtful, compassionate perspective on the trials and tribulations that led to some of the greatest films of our day. This is simply one of the best books ever written on the nuts and bolts, the passions and personalities of filmmaking, period. Thanks Jerry.

Disclaimer--I know Jerry from working with him on the Director's Guild Council, and I have utmost respect for him as a professional filmmaker. But I never knew his talents extended to such cogent, fun-to-read, full-of-insight writing until reading this wonderful book. It combines the best of both worlds--the "inside baseball" stuff that pro's with years of experience will still find new and fresh and helpful to their work AND the "Hollywood" anecdotage that any fan of great movies and moviemakers will read with a chuckle and a tear and a lot of smiles. If you really want to go "Behind the scenes"--save the trip to Universal's tour and get this book instead. You'll learn a lot, and have a great, great time!

Sabrina the teenage witch competes in a witch's spelling bee(a spell-casting contest)and her prize is a reality check(a cheque she can cash in to change any event of her choice)Only problem is that EVERYTHING is going wrong so how is a girl to decide what to change?!!!!!!!!!!Life's hard!

This is a pretty good book.On this book Sabrina competes in the Other Realm spelling bee,wins and gets a Reality Check!But Aunt Hilda and Zelda are under a 24 hour time-release spell witch is causing a disruption in their lives!To learn more just read the book!

Reality Check (Sabrina The Teenage Witch)is a great book. I could read it over and over again. It's fun reading about all the trouble that she gets herself into, and how she gets herself out of it. It's fun and easy to read. Everybody should read it.

Sabrina wins the first prize in the spelling bee contest -- and it is a reality check.her spelling bee prize has her world abuzz.she can change only one incident. but which one? she has no idea.Aunt hilda and zelda are in a 24 hour time release spell which is causing many complicated problems in their lives,HARVEY Needs money after his motor cycle accident,Val resigns as school news paper editor and libby twists her ankle just before her cheerleading stuff.

in the end she used it wisely though. it was a great read. the ending of this book was mind boggling. it was too good a read. She finally uses the check to save - nah fooled you. I am not 1 bit interested in spoiling your read. so i suggest you to buy this book which is another great book added in this great series.lllooooovveeeeellllyyyy.Got to read it

This book was completely a breath taking addition to this sereis.Tooooooooo coooooooool. Sabrina wins the national spelling bee and the first prize is a REALITY CHECK. but she doesn't have a single idea on where to use it. because her spelling bee prize has her world abuzz. Finally, she uses it in the right way - by using it to save - no no no i don't want to spoil your read . The ending was a little dissapointing though. anyway the style of writing was great . Diana.G.Gallagher is by far one of my favourite Sabrina authors.Keep up the good work!

Although Stephen's writing style may make it difficult for the scholar to take him seriously (he sounds more like an Info-Age
geek than a academic), he presents some extrordinary ideas that shouldn't be ignored or overlooked. For example, his list of the new elements and principles of design spawned by Info-Age art
forms is revolutionary. A must read for the Info-Age artist,
art critic, social-critic, or art educator!

I read Stephen's last summer and I'm now rereading parts of it in preparation for using video in my classroom next Fall. There's no doubt what Stephen says is true. The role of the image can often be even more powerful than the word. For example, Henry Hampton's documentary, Eyes on the Prize, conveys much more emotionally and intellectually than any book on the Civil Rights Movement. Even the most prolific readers out there are moved by powerful motion pictures and documentaries. So far me Stephen's work is only a start in terms of examining what we can be done with visual communication, especially the video.

I teach a graduate design class, and this book is a great way to let students think about their role in the fast changing world of visual communications. Stephens has a great way of putting things in perspective, and notes that each fundamental change in communication has met with resistance, i.e. we still think of TV as the Boob Tube. When I read it a few years ago, it seemed so new--it's fun to see how his theories are quickly melding into our culture seamlessly. It's been an optional read for my students--now it's time to make it mandatory!

His take that nobody has really fully taken advantage of "the language" of video because it is still in its infancy was very interesting and supported pretty well in the book. However, I felt there has to be more to developing video than the fast cuts of Pellington who he so often refers to. Also, I felt he undervalued the contribution new media will have, choosing to encapsulate aspects of interactivity and other digital technologies under the umbrella term of "video." It seems if video is going to fulfill a new function in terms of its ability to change how we get information and even think, it will do so within the framework of digital media, in which video, still images and words can each co-exist seamlessly and utilize their particular strengths.

His ideas are intriguing and challenging and his clear writing style makes the book a very good read. Even with what I felt were the weaknesses mentioned above, his challenge to video to rise above what it is now is needed and will hopefully encourage even more people to experiment with what video can do.

With TV viewing increasing, it is no wonder more people depend on television than books or newspapers. Mr. Stephens states that the image has not conquered the word yet, it may not happen at all, but he fears it will. Eloquently written and researched, with an excellent chapter 'thinking "above the stream"' that includes director Mark Pellington (Arlington Road). This book is especially useful for journalism students.

S Club 7 In Miami's Official Scrapbook is definitely a gem. I was expecting to recieve the book and see pictures and information about the show that I already knew. However, this book has tons and tons of pictures that I've never seen before! There's at least four pages simply devoted to pictures of the show in a really cute scrapbook style. Also, there are two pages devoted to each S Club 7 member telling a little bit about them. There's a couple of other pages that talk about the show's episodes and their summaries, what songs are performed on what episode, etc. All in all, this was an excellent buy and I only wish S Club's three other TV series were scrapbooked like this! I recommend this to anyone who loves S Club or their series Miami 7.

This is a really good book. It has 2 giant posters or S Club, behind the scenes of Miami 7 pictures, a guide to each member containing facts and a full biography page. In each 'Beginners Guide' there is a picture or a S Clubber. It also includes the story guide of the Miami series, along with many other posters it has quotes from the series, the S Club 7 lingo, it also has a whole other page of 25 facts, and a page of 'Classic Moments'. This book is loaded with information and pictures! Go and buy it.

Although this book doesn't really have that much info on the band, it has billions of pictures. There are several fold-out posters, losts of collages, and an episode guide, too.

Even though it's a bit old, every S Club fan should own this!

The S Club 7 has millions of pictures, good info about the band, and 2 great posters that I put on my locker @ school. The pictures are great, and for their birthday!! Happy reading!

This book is all about the show. It has lots of pictures. Even summeries of all the episodes with what songs were sung. This book is perfect for anyone who loved the series. Even comes with posters!

Bought this as a present for my husband though i had a look in it and it covers a-z of Sci-Fi flicks. Would recommend to any fan.

This really has to be recognised as a monumental reference work. The sheer breadth of material found and reviewed by Hardy is extraordinary. I will be using this book for years to come.

This is an outstanding book. Great reference and all that implies. I like Science Fiction and this book is indispensable. Seems to be little known but it is an outstanding reference work.

I've had this excellent book for several years, and I still go back to it at least once a month to look something up. There is simply no more complete reference guide to science fiction films available. Think you know science fiction cinema? Prepare to be humbled by the sheer volume of this book. I especially appreciate the reviews of the early, silent films, many of which we will probably never get to see.

Some of the reviews are better thought-out than others. And you may occasionally marvel at how a film you were sure was an all-time classic only gets a mediocre review. But these are minor quibbles for an otherwise excellent volume.

If you're a fan of sci-fi films, you absolutely MUST own this book. Yes, it's pricey, but it also might be the last film reference book you will ever need.

You can spend hours browsing trough this encyclopedia. Of course you will recognize many of the classic. Yet you may be surprised at the multitude of great films that you missed. There are better descriptions and stills than you find in most of the genre magazines.

Contents:

THE EARLY YEARS: Innocent Beginnings (1895-1919)
THE TWENTIES: Dark Visions and Brash Adventure
THE THIRTIES: Mad Scientists and Comic Book Heroes
THE FORTIES: Science Fiction Eclipsed

THE FIFTIES: Science Fiction Reborn
THE SISTIES: Science Fiction Respectable
THE SEVENTIES: Big Budgets and Big Bucks
THE EIGHTIES: Science Fiction Triumphant

I am not going to bore you with the list of my favorites but I challenge you not to fine one of yours.

The best book I have read in years.

Truly this author must be a sensual and extremely strong willed human being. Her unique style of writing makes the reader feel a personal involvement in her truly amazing life. This remarkable tale takes you back in time as you relive with her a life that is filled with drugs, sex, extortion, gambling, kidnapping, stalking, mental and physical abuse, and even more! Her strong will and love of life are all the tools she has to keep her alive. The book compels one to keep reading and is very difficult to put down. She blames no one for her misfortunes. She shows us that life is a learning experience. Her ability to convey her erotic experiences (with many famous rock stars and sport superstars) is done with a flare that brings the reader into her soul. Although she is the first to admit the mistakes she has made, she stands proud. She tells us, "If we cease to learn from experience, we might as well be dead".

Buy and read this book. It will make you cry, laugh, and experience remarkable feelings. I learned much as the writer helped me to understand my own views. She gives us a jolt of reality. In essence this woman shows us not to judge others without all the facts and even then to understand that there is always the unknown. I hope she writes another book (or has already done so). I would buy it in a flash!

This book takes you on an incedible journey in the author's life. You travel through time and witness the intoxicating events that keep you uncontrollably turning the pages. She brings you through the world of gambling, extortion, drugs, murder, stalking, mental and physical abuse. Even after she has been through what most of us could not live through, there is more. She becomes a stripper to survive and winds up having affairs with some very famous sports celebrities. This book is definately adult material.
...
This book is a must read for those who think that the light is difficult to see at the end of the tunnel. If miss Kert could have made it to the other side she gives insperation to all of us. BRAVO

thx to those who have reviewed my book and to those who may purchase it...this is my story....it is the story of a woman who had to keep fighting ...just to stay alive...i was kiddnapped, stalked, physically and mentally abused and that list goes on...the mountains that i climbed to get out of my situations are amazing to say the least... that as well as the complexity of my life story....and my reasons for writing this heart wrenching account of this captivating story....

if u have bought the book...or are contemplating buying it...please visit my wesite
http://www.cybertpi.com/daveda/

Speaking from personal experience, I was aghast at the review
from Lilgurl. She is in fact a little girl who could not understand the obstacles and malicious men her mother faced.
She turned her life around to become a dedicated mother to her 2 children.
This book is a life experience and those that are to young should not be permitted to read it, until they can fully comprehend, and not condemn their mother, but praise her for turning her life around.

For those who have a copy of Volume 1, Ships of the Star Fleet, covering most Star Fleet's capital ships (Cruisers & Frigates), Volume 2, this volume will be largely familiar in format and execution.

It is a well-executed work loosely following the format of works such as "Jane's Fighting Ships" with extensive additions regarding the rationals and political processes involved in the development, construction, histories and records of the classes and individual vessels of the classes of Perimeter Action Ships (circa 2290-91) covered by the volume.

I have both Volumes (1 & 2), and they have provided me with quite literally hundreds, if not thousands of hours of rapt enjoyment. I dearly wish that more volumes were available. As it is, I want dearly to buy a second copy of this one as well as Volume 1 (to replace my now somewhat dog-eared and damaged from years of being poured overe for hours at a time), if I can find another copy of Vol. 1.

I unhesitantly, heartily recommend this work for the library of any Star Trek (emphasis on the Kirk, Spock & company-era movies) enthusiast, especially if you (or they) are interested in the type & quality of information that allow you to absorb what's offered in the books and, at your heart's desire, extrapolate from what's already there into your own overview of what would be happening in the Star Trek: The Movies universe including such things as "how would I employ these assets in how I choose to intrepret the social, political and military environment in this era?"

What else can I say? It's a great book for those interested in this kind of information, including, of course (but not limited to) those who have Volume 1.

Bravo!

Craig A. Bassett

I wish that there were more of these books out there. I was suprised to discover a whole new starship class I've never before heard of. A must have for Star Trek fans all over!

The books in this series really go into the nuts and bolts, almost reading like current military texts. It non-canonical for those who care what Paramount thinks. I highly reccomend it. Also, please be advised that they have their own timeline, similar to, but not identical to Paramounts. It also ties in w/ the original Tech Manual. If anyone has a web address for the publisher, Mastercom Data Center, please post it or email me.

Since checking this page, I now learn this book is a stand alone issue. How sad. If similar publications had been produced, I would have puchased the entire series. A brilliant idea, and extremely well presented. A serious must for anyone interested in Star Trek.

The website for Mastercom is:
http://www.mastercomdata.com/

I was an Army broadcaster for nearly thirty years, commanding major audio-visual activities and the largest radio-television network in the Defense Department, located in central Europe. In these assignments, all of Dr. Zettl's texts were used as our training gold standard. When I managed the Army "audiovisual school", the Soldiers Manual and other texts for television production were written with his principles, theories, and practices in mind. As an educator pioneering a film and TV school in a large college, all my TV courses in production were Zettl-based. I found that many leading industry executives (who's who among top networks) began their early education - as I did - in colleges that used the Zettl TV Production Handbook. In TV hands-on assignments, I continue to use his lighting templates and theories. I admonished my students to never cash-in his texts at the end of the course, but to keep them as references.

I have the essential text series: Video Basics, TV Production Handbook, and most especially, Sight, Sound & Motion. The best DVD on the subject ever produced is his own Zettl TV Lab 3.0.

I can't imagine any professional without the "Bibles" of visual information and TV production. All are well worth the price if you are career-minded, or a current industry member but learned your trade "on-the-job". The texts will not only provide context, but with details and information to help you throughout your career.

I love that you offer these books so inexpensively. If I went to my universtiy bookstore I would have paid three times as much. I can use my own money without having to use loan money to pay for books!

The book is totally new and under very good condition, and the dilievery time is much earlier than i expected.

This text thoroughly explains the intricacies of applied media asthetics in a concise and completely accessible way. It is a well organizied text that ehances its presentation through the use of many illustrations. I believe that this is the best text on the subject and that it has been since its first edtion.

"Sight, Sound, Motion: Applied Media Aesthetics explains the WHY of film and video production. If you're looking for HOW then turn to another book."

I would disagree with the above review. Only by learning WHY first, can we learn HOW later. This book is more than a cookie cutter approach to film and video. If you want to "click and drag" your way through an editing program, then true, this book is not for you. Add this to your collection if you want a book that teaches how to see and create film. Sight, Sound, Motion: Applied Media Aesthetics has staying power.