Video Production Books

as film student, this text is very inspirational and i keep going back to it for motivation. i read the whole book through the moment i turned the first page. this is a great inspirational book for anyone who is interested in studying or working in film.

This is, hands down, the best collection of advice -from the world's best directors- that I've ever laid my hands on. I came away from each of the interviews feeling illuminated and motivated to tackle my next directing job.

If you want to read something that is actually helpful, rather than some long-winded, boring 'how-to' book (which, let's face it, are almost always terrible) then this is the book to pick up. It is loaded with practical advice, articulated by very intelligent and respected individuals.

Want to know how Woody Allen shoots his films? He sums it up in about two paragraphs! Want to know what lenses Cronenberg shoots with? Well, he tells you! Whether you agree with the techniques of each of these directors, it is fascinating to hear them describe their unique approach.

I will always reference this book before tackling a film project...

Great stuff. Gives a lot of info on each director. For example; Sidney Pollack was an acting coach before he became a director.
This book is filled with insight, knowledge and terrific stories all from the top directors of our time.

This book is great and has a wealth of insightful conversation with some amazing directors but my one complaint is that the bulk of the book is framed too similarly. While the directors all have their unique take and insights, Tirard essentially asks them all the same questions which leads to repetition over the bulk of the book. In no way am I saying not to purchase this book but I'm simply criticizing it's redundancy.

This is exactly what a moviemakers master class should be. It asks technical and artistic questions to some of the greatest directors of all time.

If you want to hear why Tim Burton likes wide lenses, which contemporary directors Scorsese admires and why, Jean Pierre Jeunet's theory of camera movement, David Lynch's "secret dolly move", John Woo's method of shooting and cutting scenes to music, The Coen brothers writing process, Lars Von Trier's take on the rules of Dogme 95, Jean-Luc Goddard's theory of filmmaking out of desire vs. need, then this book is your ticket.

This is a goldmine of knowledge. There are no fluff interviews here; only the best filmmakers in the world relating solid technical advice and tried and true shooting strategies developed from years of experience.

This book on how to sell your story has an interesting perspective and will make you think of important facets of marketing your story you probably would not have thought about. Worthwhile.

Writers are lucky to have this book available - it provides them with much specific & essential guidance on their quest for perfection and success. And it makes things easier for us - film company executives - as well, because dealing with writers who have been enlightened by this book saves us time, compared to dealing with those who choose the shaky road of "trial & error". Thus this book is invaluable to both Writers and Executives. [...]

As an aspiring screenwriter, Mr. Hauge's title offered me a "guaranteed way" to get my screenplay read. Needless to say, this title sold me immediately. I finished reading it in one evening, and highlighter in hand, I went back and reread it again. It now closely resembles one of my college textbooks. I can't wait to implement Mr. Hauge's tips and suggestions as I enter the world of pitch fests, contests, and (hopefully) pitch meetings. When that time comes, I know I'll be well prepared and ready-to-go.

Don't even think about pitching your script without reading this book!

Michael Hauge has been to more pitch fests and conferences than just about any screenwriting teacher/consultant out there -- and he knows exactly what it takes to break through that glazed look in the Producer's eyes and make them take notice of your story.

As a professional screenwriter, I, too, have been to a lot of pitches (And as a professional script consultant, I've heard even more). And I thought I had my formula down. But I found Michael's specific techniques in this book to be really insightful and inspiring -- and I've already changed my approach because of it!

In his honest, witty, and authoritative style, Michael walks you through every step of the process, from clarifying your story's major turning points, knowing what to put in (and more importantly what to leave out) of the pitch, to how to create an instant connection with the one you're pitching to...and leave them wanting more.

Before you pitch your next story, whether over the phone or in person, read this book -- twice -- and let it guide you to creating the pitch-perfect plan for pitching your next script.

In the meantime, Stay Inspired -- and Keep Writing!

Derek Rydall
Founder, [...]

I attended 2 of Michael's seminars at Screenwriting Expo '06 and this book contains the same "special" quality of Michael's in-person class: He wants you to succeed. The book is an Instruction Manual for understanding, crafting and marketing your story. The material is digestible for beginners, valuable for all levels of writing, simple and thorough. There is a nice balance of "Do" and "Don't" advice. The "Executives on Pitching" Section provides confirmation and flavor to the meaty material that precedes it. This book is not simply a compilation of quotes and buzzwords. Michael has command of his craft and endeavors with the heart of a mentor to infuse it in his readers. 2 thumbs up :)

It is a great book for any actor who wants to do stage and film acting. Ever since I've read the book I've booked two films in a matter of weeks. My acting has improved dramatically! I'm not kidding. I learned to come out of myself and see what's around me. It sounds simple and it is simple! Comey gives us techniques to observe what's around us, hence we're less nervous, and we perform better. His technique makes acting more fun, less mind work, though I do feel you still need to do the homework, but then when you're there you just have to let it go and respond what's in front of you. Trust me, it works. I checked this book from the public library and now I'm going to have to buy it myself. Good luck and hope the best in every actor!

When something arouses passion in us, we are sometimes lucky enough to sleep with it. That is exactly what I have done with Jeremiah Comey's "The Art of Film Acting". The book rests on my nightstand, and I frequently turn to it for inspiration and knowledge. I have never found a more direct, simple and understandable explanation for this very complicated art known as acting. And if teaching art is so difficult, how does Mr. Comey make it seem so easy? I have a bachelor's degree in acting and more than 30 years in the business. It took me this long to find my "bible". This amazing book could also be titled "The Art of Teaching". Thank you, Maestro!

As an actor who is very comfortable on stage, I've always been surprised by my difficulties in front of the camera. This book not only identified what I was doing wrong but has given me very helpful and practical ideas about how to work in the medium of film. What a great find!

Loved this book! The author's writing style is easy to understand. A lot of the book is an actual script of what happened in his class - the students dialog and his (the teacher). The students read scripts with each other and he instructs/helps them improve their acting. Highly recommended for the beginning actor!

Jeremiah's ability to convey such a clean and concise approach to film acting is endlessly refreshing, especially to the working actor overhwhelmed by the endless masses of techniques and methods out there. He strips acting down to its very essence and truth through his emphasis on being in the moment and on developing ones skills of observation and listening. His simple wisdom reminds us of what we already know-- what we knew as children and chose to forget-- the endless wonder of a human face, the natural expression of unjudged emotion, how to live openly in the present without expectation, to trust unwaveringly in the given circumstances. Truly a great work and one every actor, director, artist or film enthusiast should have. I will read this book again and again and I do not doubt that one day it will be a staple in any serious actor's collection. Excellent.

I bought this as a gift for my wife who being a costumer and a Star Wars fan both, it seemed like a no-brainer. I have never seen her so excited before. The included materials are impressive, the presentation is impeccable. I was flabbergasted by the amount of material swatches included. Although it's her book, I'm just glad I get access to it whenever I want... mostly... What an awesome book.

I was so excited when my package arrived and couldn't wait to open it.
What i got is an unbelievable box that holds a mass of little treasures, beginning with the little piece of Darth Vaders Cape and continuing with the book itself, the fabric samples or the also included DVD.
Everything is done with so much care for the details and you also get a certificate plus a little card with your book's collectors number. I don't regret my purchase at all. Even though it was a lot of money, it's totally worth it for every fan of the Saga who doesn't just like the ships, battles or lightsaber-fights. Also i have a little suggestion - be careful carrying it around - it is really heavy :)

Ever since I saw Episode One I have been fascinated by the costume designs of the Star Wars universe and finally here is the book that shows just how special these costumes are. With large photographs of the costumes and detailed close ups that show the attention to detail.

Finally my time in a galaxy far, far away has an end?

This book is above and beyond excellent. From the way that the book is packaged, presented and written, not to mention the tangible supplements that are exclusive to this edition - such as the cloth swatch from Darth Vader's cape - what a thrill it is to actually own something that has literally been a part of the Star Wars universe!

This book is highly informative, insightful and entertaining.
Packed full of sumptuous photographs, illustrations, fold-outs, cloth swatches and an exclusive DVD - ANYTHING a Star Wars fan or those with only a passing interest in film costuming could ever want.

This publication is a must. It is simply an absolute joy to behold and a treasure trove for one and all who read it. I'm sure it is destined to become a crown jewel in many a Star Wars fan book collection!

I cannot recommend Dressing a Galaxy enough - go buy it, and May The Force Be With You!

You can buy whatever book you want on the Star Wars films, but not having this one is a crime. Photography is amazingly clear and detailed, the inserts are awesome, and the swatches...forget about it...they are priceless.

This is, by far THE package of the Star Wars empire. Destined to be a classic and one "to die for" in the Star Wars ranks. Don't, let it pass you by.

This book is not only fascinating (what could possibly be more riveting than evil?) but is also an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the creative side of the video game business. The ultimate test of a game is that it contains exciting gameplay - gripping challenges for the player to overcome. These challenges are almost always in the form of physical obstacles or living creatures of some sort - human, animal, supernatural or alien life forms. Unfortunately, the physical challenges offered in most games are unimaginative and predictable; and as for the bad guys, they are usually stereotypes we've seen a hundred times before... all too often, anonymous figures firing weapons at us. Pamela Jaye Smith's book is a refreshing antidote to all that -- full of excellent ideas on how to create dramatic obstacles and unique, powerful, fully dimensional antagonists.

Carolyn Handler Miller

Writer and consultant for video games and other forms of interactive media; author of Digital Storytelling: A Creator's Guide to Interactive Entertainment, Second EditionDigital Storytelling, Second Edition: A creator's guide to interactive entertainment (Focal Press)

With insight, clarity and a wealth of great examples, Pamela Jaye Smith gives storytellers both a deep understanding of the power of conflict - particularly inner conflict - to elicit emotion, and an abundance of techniques for harnessing that power to create original, compelling stories, characters and themes.

- Michael Hauge, story and script consultant, author of: Writing Screenplays That Sell; Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds: The Guaranteed Way to Get Your Screenplay or Novel Read; and The Hero's 2 Journeys with Christopher Vogler

A world where everything goes according to plan isn't terribly interesting at all; a good antagonist is essential to a great story. "The Power of the Darkside" is a guide for screenwriters who want to craft a truly memorable and believable villain, someone viewers will talk about as much as they talk about the hero. And a good hero, of course, needs an excellent villain. Sound and wise in its advice on the shadier side of the script, "The Power of the Darkside" is a must for aspiring writers and for community library collections.

As a video game designer, writer and sometimes-actor, I found Inner Drives to be incredibly useful in outlining stories and breathing life into complex protagonists -- and now Ms. Smith has outdone herself. Though stories in general can come in many different forms, for video games almost invariably require an element of darkness, and we must push the boundaries of story-telling to hold the attentions of our audience in an increasingly competitive landscape.

My copy of "The Power of the Dark Side" is now dog-eared, underlined, and scribbled with notes in the margin. I assure you I will be turning back to it time and time again, whenever I need a fresh take on the darker side of humanity. And Ms. Smith's gift of comedic insight makes the learning process exceedingly enjoyable!

I loved Pamela Jaye Smith's first book, "Inner Drives." Now she thrills us once again with her latest. "The Power of the Dark Side" goes deep into the archetypes of the antagonist, who is barely touched upon in most writing books. This thorough investigation of evil is portrayed in simple to understand concepts that trigger the imagination in countless ways. Each type of villain is analyzed by characteristics, in action and through media portrayals. As if that wasn't enough to jog a writer's creative juices, Ms. Smith then gives detailed ideas on how to explore your own characters, with vivid concepts. This should be a part of every writer's library, with backup copies to share with friends.

THIS BOOK IS ABOUT LEGENDARY FILM MAKER ROGER CORMAN. HE IS KNOWN FOR MAKING FILMS AS QUICK AND CHEAP AS HE COULD. MANY OF THESE ARE CULT FAVORITES SUCH AS LITTLE SHOP, GIANT LEECHES AND MANY MORE. I HAVE SPENT MANY A FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY AFTERNOON WATCHING THESE "CLASSICS". ROGER CORMAN IS KNOWN FOR MAKING CHEAP BUT INTERESTING AND SOMETIMES HILARIOUS B MOVIES. THE BOOK GOES BEHIND THE SCENES AS THE AUTHOR INTERVIEWS MANY FORMER EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE WORKED FOR CORMAN AND HAVE INTERJECTED THEIR VIEWS AND OPINIONS ON CORMAN. ROGER IS ALSO KNOWN FOR GIVING MANY STARS THEIR START. CORMAN IS ALSO A COMPLEX GUY WHO CAN BE VERY GENEROUS AND CAN ALSO BE AS CHEAP AS THEY COME. SOMETIMES MOOD BUT ALWAYS LOOKING TO MAKE ANOTHER MOVIE. I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK AND I RECOMMEND IT FOR ALL FANS OF KING OF THE B'S AND WHO APPRECIATE BRILLIANCE ON A BUDGET.

Wow! Talk about switching personalities! This amazing biographer can emit the style of the person she is writing about to really give you a flavor of the personality. And of course, she spent time working for him, so you are privy to more of a view. Written somewhat bruskly like Roger's personality, you really gain insight into his life and what made him the person he is. Contrast this book with Beverly's biography of Ron Howard and you see some of the exceptional talent of this lady. A great read!

(...)

Gray's biography--fun as it is-- is more than a story about a man who is arguably one of Hollywood's most idiosyncratic moguls. It is a chronicle that parallels that of The Great Depression, World War II, the growth of the film industry and Los Angeles itself. We meet again celebrities we haven't thought about in years like the adorable dimpled Jon Davison, the memorable Vincent Price and even run across pop culture icons like Frank Gorshin.

Occasionally this book is burdened with glitz-town detail that only a dedicated film buff might adore but these moments are rare. Like a super hero, Corman--now 75 and still going--is resilient because he is multi-faceted. The same can be said for screenwriter cum UCLA instructor and journalist Beverly Gray. The two seem admirably paired in that way. Gray uses her many experiences and talents to tell the story of a man of many parts.
(...)

This fascinating "biography" is really a savvy "how to" book that belongs on the shelf of every screenwriter, aspiring producer, director, and development executive -- and everyone else who loves films and craves to know the secrets of Hollywood's most colorful mogul.

I found it fun to read as a realistic "behind the scenes" glimpse of what it takes to be a profitable mogul, such as the way Corman hired young cheap "promising" talent instead of going for experience. Directors fresh out of film school reading this book, for example, can get a good feel for the mindset and financial situation of producers they interview with. Screenwriters will learn how Corman and team (Gray had been his development executive) managed to write and produce so many successful films quickly.

Few books reveal the inner machinations of a successful producer so intimately. Gray, a screenwriting teacher at UCLA, has done a spectacular job of showcasing the life story of an intruiging man through more than eighty interviews and via her own experience.

I have to agree with the other five-star reviews. "Roger Corman: Blood-Sucking Vampires, Flesh-Eating Cockroaches, and Driller Killers" is the best book on the subject, the subject being the most unique American studio head in film history.

Beverly Gray really paints a nuanced picture of Corman and never panders to the fans, the haters, or her old boss Corman himself. Though it's impossible to pull back the curtains entirely and see into a man's soul, Gray seems to have at least pulled back one side, giving us as much a glimpse as is possible without telepathy.

Storywise, Corman is, as always, fascinating, and Gray's perfectly detailed retelling of his story is the best yet written.

After reading several chapters, and struggling to assemble my own one-minute documentary for a class project, I'm paying closer attention to how a documentary is put together from an artistic, expressive point of view. We used this book in a short, informal class for older adults. We started by writing a one-minute description of an important moment in our lives. We recorded the narration, then added photos, videos, and recordings. I found that with each additional step I could pare back excess verbiage and let the images convey the ideas. There are plenty of technical books about how to operate a digital camcorder. Thank goodness, this isn't one of them.

The Art of the Documentary
By Mary Cunningham
Review by Pi Ware

Mary Cunningham's "The Art of the Documentary" is an attractive full-color compilation of interviews with some of the world's foremost documentarians. It's an intimate and insightful glimpse into both the art and craft of docs and a must-read for filmmakers serious about creating non-fiction work. You'll learn how Errol Morris creates "first-person cinema" using The Interrotron; why Ken Burns locks music before script, how D A Pennebaker futhered art via technology, and how cinema-verité documentarians like Haskell Wexler are able to "inspire" scenarios within their films.

Notably missing are the king of the personal documentary, Ross McElwee, and the masterful doc team of Bruce Sinofsky and Joe Berlinger. But Cunningham fills the spaces with interviews of the behind-the-scenes players--editors, executives and cinematographers. And in doing so she gives you a broader picture of the doc world and deeper insights into what it will take for you to make a successful non-fiction film.

Ever wanted Ken Burns or others in the pantheon of documentary greats as your personal film making mentor? This book gives you that and more. This versatile book is as perfect for someone just starting out in documentary films as it is for a veteran who wants in on a few secrets of the masters. Our film production company read from it aloud on location and everyone, from the producer to the cinematographer to the researchers, all gleaned practical tips from it. The interviews are substantive, insightful and most importantly, very useful. A real keeper for those interested in learning nuances and techniques from a wide range of documentary styles.

Megan Cunningham's Art Of The Documentary offers ten conversations with some of the best documentary directors, editors and producers in the industry. Nonfiction documentaries reveal the methods and focus their directors, which is captured in chapters which begin with project concept and move through the entire production process. Plenty of color photos illustrate each director's works.

Consider this book a master class in documentary filmmaking.

Megan Cunningham's interviews are incredibly engaging - she manages to at once explore each documentarians' creative process, AND discuss how these various filmmakers achieved their success, AND to discuss specific films in-depth AND to elicit the filmmakers' fascinating views on theoretical issues such as what constitutes "cinema verite" or whether documentaries can be considered art.

Furthermore, Cunningham's book is wonderfully readable and well organized (and full of photos!). I especially enjoyed how Cunningham devoted equal space to such luminaries as Errol Morris and lesser known but equally powerful documentarians such as Lauren Lazin. The book manages to seamlessly cover more than 50 years of American filmmaking and it's wonderful to have the thoughts of multiple generations of directors, editors, and cinematographers compiled in one volume.

Whether you're a fan of documentaries, an aspiring documentary filmmaker, or unfamiliar with the entire field and would like to learn more, "The Art of the Documentary" is the book for you.

I was familiar with editing, but had never used Avid software before. When I installed Avid Express Pro software on my home computer I immediately started a new project. I thought that since I knew editing I would easily figure out the Avid software. Wrong. I muddled through it and finished the project, but it took longer than forever, and I seriously simplified the project because I couldn't figure out many of the functions. This book does a great job of explaining the Avid interface in easy to understand language. The book also included a CD-ROM with practice projects.

There are a lot of reference books out there but this is one that you can tell has been written not by a sales person but by a user of Avid who knows what to say and how to say it in a language that is easy to understand and with examples that can be followed simply.

When I purchased my Avid Express DV software I had zero video editing experience. I knew the software was fairly complex, had a lot of capabilities, and the learning curve would be steep, so I also purchased the Avid turorial DVDs. However, with no editing background, after viewing these DVDs I just wasn't "getting it."

Kauffmann's book was perfect for me. It starts with the fundamentals (video formats, hooking up the hardware and turning the system on, etc.) and goes on from there to cover everything though fine tuning audio and doing color correction.

By reading the book (mostly) though once then using it as a "cookbook" while editing, in just a few days I was up and running and capturing, editing, and fine tuning my videos. Admittedly, Kauffmann does not go into great depth in some areas (which he acknowledges) but for someone who's just getting started this is an excellent book and will get you well on the road. I would highly recommend it to anyone just getting started and trying to learn Avid.

While this book is an excellent guide to what you can do with Avid, it also takes the time to explain in an understandable way editing techniques. The new chapters on HD and 24p filmaking are excellent! It gives a good base to understand these new additions to the independent movie making world. The only knock I would give it is it's lack of explanation on effects editing and the marquee title tool is completely ignored.

Avid Editing has been a useful tool for me both as a student and as a professional. As a film student, I first picked up Sam Kauffmann's second edition in a production class. Most of us had never touched an Avid before, and yet by the end of the semester, using Kauffmann's text as a go-to guide, my classmates and I were producing dynamic and adeptly edited pieces. Not only does the book provide simple exercises for the reader to try, it also includes a DVD with actual footage to work with. Avid Editing is carefully organized for the beginning editor, but I also use it as a reference now that I am out of college, working as an assistant editor. This new third edition not only expounds upon all the steps, shortcuts and settings covered in the previous editions, but also dedicates entire chapters to editing with 24p and HD footage, making this book invaluable to editors entering the professional world. I strongly recommend this guide for anyone who seeks to teach, learn, or refresh his or her memory.

It's fairly well written and the author you can tell has done a lot of research and field work. What throws you off at first is her dying love to Michael Moore to my opinion which is a fact that he doesn't make documentaries. The guy makes blockbuster films. I don't know, anyway, good for the entry level documentary filmaker.

In short, this book is a profoundly useful tool to help you develop your film's narrative structure (even if you don't think you need help in that department, you might be surprised by the useful tips and strategies offered here); it is worth it for that alone. The fact that it also offers in-depth advice on writing effective scripts, proposals, treatments, etc. make it impossible to resist. Clear, concise, and intelligent writing offering real-world examples from wildly diverse filmmaking approaches.

In response to the reader who says the author loves Michael Moore - I disagree. Moore is used a few times as an example but I'm guessing that's because she's guessing most people are familiar with his work. She uses him as a negative example, as well, describing how Roger & Me manipulated the chronology of events it "documented" in a way that was misleading and disingenuous.

This book was great for me as I am very new to documentary filmmaking. It was methodical but without being boring and Ms. Bernard has a very clear and deep understanding of what makes documentaries work and not work. Her experience shows throughout and having actual documentaries as reference points was tremendously helpful. I recommend this book.

This book should be in every screenwriting curriculum in America. Sheila Curran Bernard knows what she's talking about, and, unlike others in this field, she is eminently capable of conveying that knowledge in a clear, unassuming, generous manner. Five BIG stars for this excellent guidebook.

Bernard's professional expertise shines through in this unique book. The book is balanced, insightful, and thorough. Bernard examines a wide range of filmmakers, bringing a critical and perceptive eye to their work. A must read for anyone interested in learning more about storytelling, structure and other essential aspects of documentary filmmaking. A practical and readable guide that is also the perfect text for upper-level college courses. Highly recommended!

As a working Hollywood director and published author (The Power Filmmaking Kit), I usually take many filmmaking books with a grain of salt. They are either overly simplistic, revealing the inexperience of the author or serving as blatant self-promotion. "Filming the Fantastic" is neither. Mark Sawicki's take on visual effects cinematography whipped me back to my childhood when I dreamed of creating the same in-camera special effects I grew up with in movies like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. The one book I wish existed years ago, "Filming the Fantastic" is chock full of techniques, tips and advice to both novice and experienced filmmakers alike, focusing on the art of using lenses, practical set pieces, miniatures, forced perspective, and a variety of non-CGI approaches to making incredible effects. If you are interested in making movies or the filmmaking process, I highly recommend "Filming the Fantastic." It is a fascinating read, and a fresh look at an extraordinary art form.

If you are a filmmaker Mark Sawicki's book is a must for your arsenal. The book will give you much needed fundamentals of how visual effects shots are done. Dont try to "fix it in post". Do it right the first time in your camera.

Finally a book which analyzes FX effects non only in CG but in old fantastic and "Handy" method!!!

Mark Sawicki's book, is a wonderful resource for those interested or involved with the history and creation of visual effects for film and TV. This book would be a great addition to a visual art students library - teachers will also find the practical exercises excellent, while film industry professionals will find the advice and commonsense approach to making visual effects invaluable. I should stress that this beautifully illustrated book is different to the glossy (and all too common) "how we made the effects for such-and-such blockbuster", Filming the Fantastic is much more real and practical, always encouraging the reader to learn by trying things for themselves.

Filming the Fantastic is about creating visual effects - not just those made by computers. The use of miniatures, matte painting and clever planning demonstrate how time and money can be saved while producing outstanding results. Marks professional effects experience provides the framework for the book, backed up with interesting anecdotes and exercises for the reader make their own special effect shots. A really unique feature of this book is showing how to deal with the inevitable situations where there has been little or no planning prior to filming.

This substantial book is crammed with photographs and diagrams, illustrating the text and clearly explaining concepts for the reader. There is considerable depth to the theory sections on colour, perspective and lighting, making the book a fine reference work for any filmmaker. The exciting thing I found about this book was sections such as "So you don't have a million dollars" - which go into making effects with a low budget or if you are challenged for time. Effects are created using home video equipment with simple props - ideas on how to create you own blue screens, superimposed backgrounds, stop motion animation, people falling out of buildings, crowd replication and even a pan across an airplane crash scene, can all be created with a few dollars and a few hours. This may make the book sound too simplistic for a professional, however "in camera effects" (as they are called) are becoming more rather than less common in feature film production. These "tricks" are recognised as time savers in the professional industry.

In summary this well written book is very easy to read with clear thought out examples for students, teachers and professionals. Great illustrations and photos explain the key concepts thoroughly while the broad topic range make the book relevant for many people and situations.

A great gift for yourself or anyone interested in the magic of movie making. My advice is to dust off the camera and try the effects for yourself!

Mark's book is so much more than another cg text on doing effects. He has endeavored to share many traditional methods which are at the source of how a very experienced professional translates them into cg. But the beauty of Mark's book is that he doesn't just mention some vague concept. He gets in there with very specific details and examples of traditional work, as well as cg work. There is so much specific info that you will learn a great deal of practical application in your own work...traditional or cg. But more importantly, you will see and appreciate concepts and methods that can be (and are) applied in the cg world, which have grown out of traditional hands-on, real-world effects work. This is a book that students and the industry both need.