Television Books

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.

It's very easy to read, very entertaining, and you have to wonder how this guy has managed to live so long and so much. I had never heard of Phil Kaufman until I saw the movie "Grand Theft Parsons." I am a Gram Parsons music fan, but never knew his body was "liberated" and burned in Joshua Tree, CA. Thinking this can't be true, I researched on the internet, found this book and decided to check it out.
The stories are funny and unique, and I'm a little less naive about some of these people and the times they lived in.

I love this book! It's the funny and heart-felt inside story of the life and times of a rock music insider.Heck,he was the manager for some of thee best darn musical acts in the history of rock and country music.Period.He was not just their bodyguard,he was their friend and mentor as well.He laments about not being there to protect Brian Jones from the druggy landscaper ,who beat him over the head with a shovel.Jones was then dumped into a swimming pool,to make it look accidental.Phil Kaufman was earlier fired by the Stones ,that crazy and care-free Summer of 1969.It's not his fault Brian later died.It's amazing their musical act is still top-notch after touring for fourty plus years. Later ,Phil helped Manson record an album called ,"LIE". Everyone in the music industry,did not want anything to do with Charles Manson.And even Terry Melchoir and Dennis Wilson gave up on Manson and his Family,when the sessions began to fall apart.(Manson sounded more like Bobby Darrin the Crooner than a psychodelic hipster.)Manson's music is awesome ,yet their sinister religious beliefs led to the terrible slayings that landed most of the Family ,on ice .Manson was very charasmatic and had impressive song writing and singing ability.Yet, his age played a strong barrier in an industry obsessed with beauty and youth.Phil blames himself for the LaBianca murders,because Phil was one of Manson's targets.Phil was not home ,at his bungaloo,so the Mansonites went next-door to the LaBianca's mansion.So,the urban myth goes.It turns out that Leno LaBianca owed large amounts of money ,in gambling loses .He was using money from his super-market empire to cover some of his loses.I think Manson's heroin supplier was aware of this.And directed the Mansons to go next-door,if Phil was not at his bungaloo.Of course,'someone' had called Phil away from the scene ,earlier that evening.It's no surprise and no one blames Phil for leaving the hippy-dippy L.A. scene for the real Music City of Nashville. -Ps-Gram(O'Kelley)Parsons died way to soon.Gram Parsons was like the real-life Keith(Cassidy)Partidge in many ways. -If you know the story, behind the music, it adds to the enjoyment of reading this excellent musical autobiography.Bright Blessings and God Speed to Phil Kaufman.Buy this book !

Incredible tale of an amazing guy. We have known each other for over 60 years and I can vouch for the accuracy of his story. Many men lead lives of quiet desperation - not Philip Kaufman. His every moment is an adventure filled with humor and exuberance.

Phil Kaufman has lived a life most of us can only dream of, and lived to write about it! Although it's hard to believe he was that close to "Sweet Connie" and didn't catch nothin'!

I first became interested in Phil Kaufman after watching the bonus footage section on the DVD "Grand Theft Parsons". After a little internet searching I came across this book. I am so glad that I did! What an amazing story. If there weren't photos & liner notes to back up this man's tale one might not believe it. Phil, known as "The Mangler", has gone from being a former inmate & friend to a pre-Helter Skelter Charlie Manson to the Executive Nanny of the Rolling Stones. He has been an inspiration to the likes of Frank Zappa & fulfilled the now infamous last wish of his friend & colleague Gram Parsons. He has traveled the world with such acts as Joe Cocker & long time friend Emmylou Harris. He has acted in Hollywood, riden across England by Harley & has Mangled his way through rock & roll. His body's tattoos seem to be as colorful as his vocabulary & memory. In the words of actress Elizabeth Ashley, the Mangler seems to truly be "terribly funny, mythological & charismatic". To read him is to love him. Even if you are not interested in the music industry, you have to read this man's story. It will keep you laughing & dazzled the whole way through. May Phil continue his Mangling ways for many years to come!

This is a great book to have if you are a fan of Wes Anderson or of the film.

My favorite thing about this screenplay is being able to read scenes that did not end up in the movie or the deleted scenes. I would recommend this for any Royal Tenebaums or Wes Anderson fan.

It is the screenplay of the movie, the same one that should have won the Oscar this year. For people who haven't seen the movie, reading the screenplay first may not be such a great idea. I know this movie went over a lot of people's heads, and I'm not positive one can fully appreciate the story from just reading it. However, I definately recommend reading it after seeing the movie, there is so much great dialogue that is easily missed and a lot of subtle humor that is more obvious written on the page. This was one of the best movies of 2001 and the screenplay is a great way to appreciate it again while waiting for the dvd.

"The Royal Tenenbaums" is really a great and clever film. Although it's not really classified as a solid comedy, it had me laughing aloud from start to finish. Then again, I like that weird kind of humor. To me, it was just a great film that took chances. It wasn't out to win a popularity contest. Wes Anderson makes films the way he envisions them and the way he wants them to be.

The thing that stands out the most in "The Royal Tenenbaums" is the brilliant script that was written by Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson. The dialogue witty and realistic, and each character stands out and leaves an impression on us.

The story is about Royal Tenenbaum and his dysfunctional family. Him and his wife separated many years ago, but the divorce was never final. His wife, Etheline, kept the house and raised the children by herself. They each reached to fame in some way or another, but not without problems lurking about. After many years have passed, Royal finds out that Etheline has been asked to take somebody's hand in marriage. Royal comes up with a scheme on how to get himself back into the picture, bringing forth a crazy and unexpected family reunion like you have never seen.

With only set directions and dialogue, this reads more like a play. There are no camera angels, which is why it reads like a script for a play. You'll appreciate it more if you've seen the movie, but reading it is just as enriching and enjoyable to me. You get to relive your favorite moments and exchanges through words.

"The Royal Tenenbaums" by Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson is a magnificent screenplay and can be enjoyed many times over. With great dialogue exchanges, characters, and out-of-control and unpredictable situations, this is a screenplay worth reading over and over again. A work of art, if you ask me.

Favorite line from the movie: "Anybody feel like grabbing a couple of burgers and hitting the cemetery?" - Royal Tenenbaum

I thought that the Royal Tenebaums was one of the best films I have seen this year, after what I thought had been a disasterous year of film making,it was a breath of fresh air, the only other two films I feel are on a level with it are Amelie and The Man who wasn't there!
From the very opening I wanted to go and see the film, with it's bright colours and quirky story line, the very advertisment had me drooling with delight.
I had mixed reviews from some of my friends, some thought it was boring, others hilarious, after going to see it with my brother and sister it was a unanimous decision, this film was AMAZING!
The plot itself was so simple, yet the characters made the film what it was, I absolutely loved Richie and I thought that Pagoda was brilliant, going to see this film has to be one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life.

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 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.

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.

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.

Now that Hollywood has finally given Scorsese his due with what amounted to a career-Oscar, the time is ripe to read the revised edition of this superb book. The questions asked of the director are intelligent, not fawning, and his answer's are lengthy and fascinating. The generous space devoted to his childhood and early years help one better understand why Scorsese has been so attracted to a particular genre and how he executes it so well. This director is, of course, immensely knowledgeable about the history of film, and his comments on other directors' work are fascinating. A readable mine of information about one of the most important popular artists of our time.

I bought this book out of respect and deep admiration for Martin Scorsese. What I got was keen insight into a creative genius. The numerous interviews reveal a side to Scorsese that not many people see outside the camera. It's a lot more personal than that. When he talks about his movies, he ultimately parallels them to what his life was like at that time. So it's a fine blend of his personal life mixed with his professional life. There's also the obvious vibe that this man always was and always will be a student of film; his passion is infinite. Perhaps that's what makes him as influential and well-respected as he is.
You're the best there is, Marty!!

There are few filmmakers more brilliant than Martin Scorsese, and this book provides wonderful insight into the sources of his obsessions. Almost any book on Scorsese is worth reading, but this volume gives equal time to his less-appreciated, (but no less wonderful), films like The King of Comedy and After Hours. By far, the most informative book on Scorsese yet.

This reader felt almost privileged to read these interviews, lectures, and conversations with Martin Scorsese. He simply shares everything, and indeed he is, if nothing else, a true fan of movies!

The insightful words of Scorsese, arranged to parallel his filmography up through New York Stories, are annotated by the redoubtable editors Thompson and Christie. Scorsese is arguably the greatest postmodern artist, (and I would have to say the only postmodernist I unhesitatingly adore -with possible exception of Matt Groening), and the reader really gets to see how Scorsese constructs a film. His inspirations are as predictable as directors Pasolini and Powell, yet as diverse as Mahatma Ghandi and Little Richard. He loves all with equanimity and enthusiasm.

That's the joy of this book... the guy loves movies, loves making them, and all that energy just shines through.

Extremely valuable resource for the student of film, but good fun for the humble film buff, too. Bonus: interesting black and white photos you won't find elsewhere. Excellent (though naturally out-of-date) filmography appendix.

I absolutely devoured this book, essentially reading in two sittings a day apart. A rare and privledged look into the mind of Scorsese in his own words, followers of his work will be thrilled with the insights and anecdotes. Anyone half-aware of the man's work can recognize the thought that goes into it, but these interviews reveal the incredible depth and passion for film and its history that underlies his craft.

An essential read for anyone that considers her- or himself a film buff.

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.
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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.