Video Books

This book is very in depth and easy to read. I have done lots of lighting for theater and concert, but not film or video. This book taught me a lot. It is specific to lighting for film and video so if you are looking for more information on theater lighting or automated lights for concerts, this book only has a few pages on that. But for film and video it Rocks! I would even recommend this book to anyone interested in lighting.

I gleaned a lot of information from this book. There is not a ligting, electrical connection that is not explained to my satisfaction. Take the time to read all then keep this book handy as a reference. Just showing that you have the book, proves that you know what you are talking about.

Great book, lots of detail for any working Lighting tech, or aspiring tech. Great for a indi-film makers library.

A MUST HAVE for the inside scoop into the Industry.

If your planing a career in the motion picture or television business than this book will greatly advance your technical knowledge of the business. If your an old pro at the business the book is great for a quick reference to prepare you for a shoot.

There are SO many different posters in this book. There are so many different styles too! Abstract, paintings, puppets, photo manipulation, product ads, world-movie posters; it has everything! I love it. Oh. There's also little descriptions of each poster, however they're a little vague at times... that's the only issue I have with the book. Other than that. Great!

Ok great book with some great poster art in it. Wonderful one sheets and other images. There is very little on spotting bootlegs, however that is a saving grace because the internet has turned things upside down with claims of bootlegs that are just ridiculous! The style A hair on Luke's belt is one of those examples. Apparently alot of people seem to believe that even though there were thousands of these printed off in the late 70's, that none of them would have slight printing differences. Count me in as one of the few who believes this version to be an original one sheet and NOT a bootleg; thats right I said it!! I believe it to simply have come from a different print run during its original printing run. If any of you are confused by now about this let me explain that this one sheet has a small hair line that appears on the poster on Luke's belt. Seriously, if you werent lookin for it, you wouldnt even notice it. These posters were originally meant for advertising and to be unused after use; not as pristine collectors items. On a final note about this particular bootleg claim for this poster. This version, with the hair, was sanctioned by Lucasfilm themselves for their official reprint. I think it highly unlikely that Lucasfilm would hand out a bootleg as a template for their official reprints. Anyway, great book, but never believe all that ya hear.

At the price I got this for and the shape it was in, it was a definate steal!

The artwork in this amazing book speaks for itself! - incredible reference and resource to all the movie posters for this groundbreaking, earthshaking blockbuster that keeps on going into hyper-space year after year.... any collector or artist would LOVE to have this in their collection!

While this book has a ton of Star Wars Posters listed, it's a book for the reader who is not familiar with poster collecting, or the highest level of Star Wars poster collecting. There is no inbetween. The book is basically a giant list with illustrations. But the list includes posters that are so obscure that it's almost not worth putting them in this book (Coca Cola and Burger King advertising posters come to mind.) There is also a few places where they just went overboard; there is one page where they have pictures of about 20 different posters, all from Episode I, all the same poster, just printed in different languages. I would have liked to have seen a little more detail on the things that matter more to collectors like how to spot a bootleg from an original, what the 77/21 means on the bottom right of the Star Wars 1 sheet, details on different poster printers and their posters (Kilian Enterprises for one), etc. I would also like to have seen more information on where to get posters other than "try the internet." Overall an OK book, it just lacks in certain areas of information.

This book is brilliant - the layout, execution and even the sentence crafting make it easy for anyone to believe "I can do this!" I'll have to acknowledge the author when I'm accepting the Oscar - LOL.

This was both informative and useful. Cynthia's use of examples are few, but powerful and relevant. I have read both this book and Michael Chase Walker's Power Screenwriting: The 12 Stages of Story Development, and if you have to choose one, buy this one.

I'd like to say more, but I'd be repeating myself. Highly recommended.

This book is practical, easy, and very encouraging. Cynthia knows you can do it, and she wants you to try. She gives really solid advice, along with some insightful anecdotes. I've read a lot of screenwriting books and I highly recommend this one. It'll get you going!

I'm writing my first screenplay and found this book to be invaluable. Worth its weight in gold.

Top of the line. Easy to read and pleasant-toned in layman's terms. Organized and simple. Demonstrates the usefulness of 3x5 index cards for story-plotting. Tells you how to make good characters, scenes, dialogue, plot, etc. by demonstrating good and bad examples in movies that we are very familiar with. Simplifies the Three Act Movie formula by telling you how many minutes in the movie you should be starting your act and the significance of each act.

Additionally, the book demonstrates correct formatting for a screenplay, explains screenwriting terminology, explains the "& vs and" in writing credits. Explains certain dos and dont's with your script when presenting to a agent/producer. Whitcomb also tells how she started off as a preacher's daughter who was not allowed to watch TV and ended up becoming a successful screenwriter. She's a prime example of starting from square zero and proves you don't need to know someone in hollywood in order to make it big.

For all beginners--read this book first!

This is not an anti-Hollywood Fundamentalist rag. It's a thoughtful compilation of essays by Christians in the film industry, each answering the question "What does Hollywood need?" In each case, the essayists insightfully turn the question back at their Christian audience and ask, "What does Hollywood need from you?" In lieu of culture wars, picket lines, and boycotts, this group of producers and screenwriters advocates engaging with the world of film on every level, from watching more good movies and TV shows, to making high quality movies of our own. As an aspiring screenwriter, I found three chapters in particular to be helpful. One titled, "So Wanna Come to Hollywood?", deals realistically with the expectations, motives and qualifications of would-be film makers. Chapters titled, "What would Jesus Write?" and "An Open Letter to Beginning Screenwriters" were both highly helpful as well.

For decades devout Christians have hunkered in their religious bunkers trying to hold off the "world" -- and occasionally tossing a flaming sanctimonious protest out of their hole, hoping to change the world so it would be "safe" for their kind. If only, while they were down there, they would read the Gospels and discover that their hero (Christ) was rarely more than an arm's reach from the kind of people Christians try to separate themselves from... and telling stories in the process. For 30 years I've encouraged Christians to "Pray for the Christians attempting to influence our society with Biblical values and ideas through their vocations in Television, Film, Art, Entertainment, Literature, Journalism, Education, Academe, Professional Sports and Politics. God has called these individuals and gifted them like Bezalel (Exodus 31, 35, 36) to be Salt and Light to our culture." And if you're so led, "Consider a career as a cultural influencer. As a Christian you can light some candles in the darkness of our society. Prepare for a career in secular media or entertainment. Then, as you excel and gain recognition, use your influence to impart Biblical Christian values to the world." I know many of the writers in this volume, and I continue to pray for them. They are doing what the rest of us should be doing en masse.

"Behind the Screen" is interesting and practical. The book offers a mix of history, theology, and advice that is particularly helpful to those wanting to enter the industry or who are just curious about the spiritual possibilities today. They know what's going on in the industry today and have experience to back up their claims.

I also highly recommend a great book Hollywood Faith: Holiness, Prosperity, and Ambition in a Los Angeles Church. From experience attending a Hollywood church, this well-written book is from a sociologist who is also a pastor. Lots of great insight on Christianity in Hollywood right up to today.

This a must-read for any Christian who is thinking of writing for the screen or TV. Each essay is a "gem of insight" both into the art and thematic substance of movie-making, especially when Christianity is concerned.

In addition to witty and thought-provoking arguments, none of the writers take a "high and mighty" posture. In fact, you don't have to "read between the lines" to find actual humililty - from successful directors, producers and writers yet! - as well as fine-tuned critical thinking.

If you're not Christian but still interested in writing for the screen, then you might want to better understand the tensions that exist between Hollywood and so much of the American Church. This book will provide many worthy angles. It's well worth your time.

This is excellent resource material for those discerning a vocation within the Hollywood entertainment industry. This book affords a clear perspective into the myths and realites of living out one's faith while working in Hollywood.

This is a good book, that covers a lot of info. It also holds up as a book, and not just a how-to. All the info in this book is good info, but it is better suited for large markets. Don't expect to be able to read this book and be able run a business right of the gates, but at the same time this will help get you on the right track. Get this book, it is a good look into how someone got into the business and was able to make it work for a long time.

A great book that gives you the important information you need to run your own production company! I don't know of another title that actually tells you how to get the work that will support your financial needs. After all, you have to have work coming in the door or else...

I am an instructor at advanced multimedia classes at a Business School close to Copenhagen, Denmark. I've been around for a while and have been working with 3D, animation, database programing and webdesign and I have also read parts of this book with great excitement and can't wait to finish it. This is a book that has been a demand for on the Danish market for several years...and now it is here. Wonderful. I particularly like the very direct and bold way it describes how the future entrepreneurs should behave on the market in order to survive. Conclusion: the absolute BEST step-by-step book ever written on the topic and a must for anyone going into the media business.

As a reader just finishing the final pages of 'Desktop Video Studio Bible', I must say I totally enjoyed it. This is an excellent guideline to starting and maintaining a business. I'll keep this as a reference for years.

My wife and I have recently started a media production business on the side as presently we both work for a large computer company. I have been in the engineering related field for over 20 years. We got started in this media business at home doing simple home movies and transferring video tape. Slowly the word spread at work and among friends and before too long we saw a nucleus for a potential business. This spring we presented a surprise 40th birthday video produced by our company at a party hosting about 80 people. It was a great success and was a rush and now we are hooked. Maybe this was a peripheral effect of the "Really Big Thing"? Read this book to find out about the "Really Big Thing".

Even though I have over 16 years experience in the video industry, this book has given me the tools, advice and motivation that I'll need to finally realize my dream of owning my own media creation business.

Not only is the book extremely informative, it has a very readable and enjoyable writing style that made me feel as if the author were speaking directly to me. If you have even the slightest interest in getting involved in digital video production and/or web production, you need this book!

As an MFA student and beginning screenwriter, I've found Hot Property invaluable for so many reasons. First, Keane's accessible explanations of structure are key in terms of establishing instant confict and moving the story along. In addition, Keane's breakdown of genre has been very helpful in terms of conceptualizing marketing, the pitch, and how to sell a screenplay. Of all the screenwriting books I've read, Hot Property is the most straightforward and has the greatest clarity--and in a business where you only get five minutes to pitch your idea, I think that's crucial. Get this BEFORE you start your screenplay--it'll save you a lot of time and ultimately, your story will be stronger as a result.

As an Emerson College student I found this book to be the most comprehensive text on the subject of screenwriting that I have ever encountered. Keane describes the form and function of screenwriting in a way that is easily accessible to any reader and improves the writing process of a new writer or seasoned professional. I would also recommend his book, How to Write a Selling Screenplay.

I just began the book, but I already feel angered by how poorly written, and uninformative it is so far. I have read the first few chapters, and a good chuck of Keane's included original screenplay. This screenplay is utterly awful on so many levels. The formmating it outdated. Action descriptions are often written in ways you cannot show. A total no-no. The characters are shallow. The dialogue is banal, and does not flow. Most of the time, I do not even get the sense the characters are talking to each other. As for the first few chapters, lines like "Celluloid snakes through you body." Um. What? That doesn't make sense, and mixes metaphors. Cellulod and snakes? Whoah. Followed by "Your blood runs at frames per second." Silly, just silly. Finally, "Your eyeballs are projectors." Even as a metaphor, it doesn't work. Eyeballs take in information, not project out. You get the point. Don't waste your time on this drivel. Read some other books like Blake Snyder's Save the Cat!, or How NOT to Write a Screenplay.

I've found both of Chris Keane's screenwriting books (Hot Property and How to Write a Selling Screenplay) to be invaluably helpful to me. They take the reader through the entire process of starting, completing, and selling a script. It's a very encouraging and optimistic source and does a lot to motivate and educate the reader. Of the dozens of screenwriting books that I've read, these have been the most helpful for me and the most inclusive.

Being a working screenwriter, I can tell you that Chris's insights into the workings of today's movie Biz are 150% on the money! Readable, clear, and very helpful! A definite Keeper for anyone who wants to write for the movies, and for those who already do so.

Only a small section of this book - a "FAQ" - is devoted to "how to agent your agent. Most of this book is a very well written insider's look at what an agent does, with lots of anecdotes from Rainford's work as an agent. Great if you don't know what agents do, but if you're a professional looking for that edge - I'm working, how to I get more out of my agent - there isn't that much you won't have figured out already.

As an agent, I have a love/hate relationship with this book. On the one hand, I hate it for exposing so many of my secrets. But on the other hand, I love that it's so direct and honest. Nancy ran her own successful talent agency for many years and she obviously knows what she's talking about. So if you're my client, please don't buy this book. But if you're not, I suggest you pick this one up right away.

This book is wonderful. Humorous and informative; my favorite combination. I am not an aspiring actress, and have only delt with Two Literary Agents in the sale of my first 4 books; however, I found Ms. Rainfords book an excellent resource. I would recomend this book to anyone who has an Agent; is thinking of getting an Agent; wants to become an Agent; or is thinking of leaving her Agent. Or anyone who is going to HOLLYWOOD to PITCH anything.

It's hard to believe Nancy Rainford hasn't written more books. Perhaps a humorous novel about her business? The book flows with the ease of a best selling novel!

5 stars to this one!

Marsha Marks

Could also be the name of Nancy Rainford's insightful and energetic book. How to Agent Your Agent is at once a fun breezy read and the advice every actor needs to set up for themselves a realistic philosophy and strategy creating their success in the wild business of show. To all but brandname actors the interior life of the creature called agent is a mystery. Ms. Rainford dismantles so many myths there's little choice but to draw clean slate on what you think you know about agents. Comparable to "The Art of War," the hunter must understand the nature, habits, and motivations of game sought. If you believe in the value of your craft and take your business seriously read this book not once but over and over. Take a walk in the agents shoes so the agent can walk with you.

This is a great book, I couldn't put it down. My husband and I are both actors, and we actually fought over who got to read it first (we alternated). I have already recommended this book to all of my friends who are actors. It is that valuable and should be required reading for every actor in Hollywood.

The book is not just a primer on the Hollywood protocol and pecking order, but "How to Agent Your Agent" goes into such wonderful detail so as to demystify how an actor should handle his/her agent. So many actors are constantly in a quandry of how to handle a situation with their agents, or they are downright dissatisfied with their agents. This book helps an actor to define what you have control over and what you can change. Years of experience are in this book to help keep actors from making mistakes when it comes representation.

Thank you, Ms. Rainford, for telling it like it is (and being such a great storyteller).

Given Mr. Badham's career, the stories he has to tell, the experiences he can draw from, are varied and plentiful. The book is a terrific guide for any aspiring or established director who needs information about working with actors. Mr. Badham provides numerous entertaining anecdotes to illustrate his points, making the book a thoroughly enjoyable read. He also includes quotes from a variety of actors, directors and producers. The book is insightful, informative and easy reading.

It's been a while since I read the book, so let me endorse it by sharing with you the comment I remember telling others: I learned more about directing in a few weeks (by reading this book) than I did in 2 1/2 years at my film school! (And I'm keeping my school a secret. Not ashamed at all, just don't want to partake in any "liable".) As it turns out, the author teaches at my school but I never had him for an instructor.
This book not only teaches principles, but uses real-life situations and examples as experienced by the author. In fact, there are several contributions by actual actors/directors - submitting their personal point of view on various directing techniques that they have found either work or don't work on them when they are on set.
As I recall, the principles are not nearly as detailed as in the book "Directing Actors" by Watson (which would normally diminish the number of stars the book would receive), but this one holds its own as a compliment to such books; Badham doesn't give step-by-step "how-to" direction on directing (pardon the pun) so much as he gives advice and pointers obtained from experience - which can be invaluable. That's why in its own right it received 5 stars.

I've worked in the film business for 30 years and enjoyed reading stories and tips from these film makers. Everything they say is true!! Most Thespians ARE neurotic and if you're going to work with them, you had better be prepared.

No matter what the filmmaker's experience may be, John Badham's book is a necessary tool in becoming a greater director. Through stories, quotes, and excellent instruction, this book illustrates top notch methods of working with actors as the creative partners they are. It bridges the gap between crew and talent, and combines the efforts of both for a greater end result that flows easily and successfully conveys the natural emotions and feelings of a directed scene.

As a film student, I have constantly gone back and referenced the book, as well as reading and re-reading particular chapters that are easily outlined and provide excellent advice on everything from holding rehearsals to working with potentially "difficult" actors on the set. Reading this book has changed my methods of directing for the better and given me a greater understanding of how to work with actors for the greatest result of acting. Since I began practicing the techniques found within it, I have seen improvements in my directing, leading to greater performances and all-around better end results. With a fun reading style combined with priceless advice and entertaining stories, I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to become a greater filmmaker.

John Badham has had an amazing career in film and television. He has had great success in every genre, including directing SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER which is, possibly the greatest 'coming of age' film ever made. It is certainly one of the best films of the amazing decade of the 70's which featured so many great films about the Mean Streets of New York. Any aspiring or seasoned director would do themselves a big favor by buying and STUDYING his wonderful book, I'LL BE IN MY TRAILER. Calling upon nearly 40 years of directing, Mr. Badham fills this book with a myriad of object lessons. Mr. Badham focuses, with great insight and humanity, on the relationship between the director and actor. In addition, he incorporates dozens of interviews and quotes from great directors, actors, cinematographers, etc., to give his reader a rich and broad picture of the movie-making process from casting to post-production. It is a rare book that can encapsulate such a range and depth of experiences about the art of filmmaking into all of 200 pages. Mr. Badham's tone is friendly and conversational. Reading this book is like having lunch with a legend and casually discussing the work of directing actors. A rare opportunity indeed; and one that should not be passed up.

as a fan of lou costello all my life i never really new much about the real lou till i read this book by his daughter chris.This is a must read for any of lou"s fans as it will make you feel all his highs and lows.

Like every kid in America, afternoons after school meant watching television and who better to watch than Abbott and Costello?

This book took me by surprise. For years I heard stories about the tragic events that happened in Lou Costello's personal life but somehow images of him in HOLD THAT GHOST or bothering the Andrews Sisters didn't jive with those images.

Lou's daughter, Chris, wrote a loving tribute to her father that is accurate, on point but never gets syrupy sweet. Nor is it a "Daddy Dearest" where she portrays anyone as a monster.

Although she was not born at the time, Chris traces her father's roots from New Jersey all the way through vaudeveille and finally Hollywood. In a sesntive way, she recounts the tragic loss of Lou's son, Butch and with just as much delicacy she handles the problems of her mother's drinking.

Although I would have liked to have had a better insight into what went on as the team created some memorable movie scenes, Chris concentrates solely on the man. You put down the book and wonder how Lou Costello - plaqued with IRS problems as well as health issues - could be so funny and so giving all the time.

Even if you are not an A&C fan, this book will show you the side of a professional comedian who gave the gift of laughter to others despite his own problems.

I found out from a local bookstore that this particular edition of Lou Costello's life was out of print and that their supplier unable to procure. The bookstore reminded me to check with Amazon and there it was. You had one copy which I quickly scooped up. Delivery was even a day earlier than stated. Very pleased as always with Amazon website, products and delivery

Starts with his early years.
The beginning of Abbott & Costello.
21 years later , the break-up of Abbott & Costello.
They were two opposites.
One didn't drink, one drank heavily.
Offstage: one loud jokster, one quiet & reserved.
Both gambled heavily.
Lou's long illness.
Death of Lou's son. Plus More.

It seems as though a lot of bios written by the children of famous parents run to the two extremes of villifying the parent or sugarcoating the parent. This book does neither, and fits nicely in between. Though Ms. Costello was only eleven years old when her dad passed on, and therefore didn't know or remember him in the same way as if he had passed on when she was an adult, she does still manage to be both loving and honest in her treatment of him. The Lou Costello who comes to life in these pages is largely a really nice generous guy, who was absolutely devoted to his parents, children, siblings, wife (even if he didn't show much physical affection around others, since that wasn't part of his upbringing), and friends, and who was also very generous and kind to the other performers he worked with, particularly the ones who were just getting started in the business and needed someone to look out for them and show them the ropes. And while it is true that some people really are so uniformly good, Ms. Costello does not paint her father as an utter saint either. There's not a lot of dirt to dig up, but not everything about him was perfect. Among the character/personal flaws she discusses are his habit of stealing stuff from Universal's movie sets, how he was quite the McCarthyist, and his bad gambling habits.

The book seems like much more of a personal bio than a career bio. It focuses on Lou and his family and friends, instead of rehashing a lot of stories most fans have heard already. Most of his movies aren't discussed in any detail at all, many of them just mentioned in passing, and while this might frustrate people who are looking for more in-depth information on that rather important side of his life, you can always find more thorough discussions of the movies in another book. This book is to tell the personal side of his life, as remembered and researched through the eyes of a daughter who loved him. I really enjoyed reading about things such as his early family life, the beautiful lavish mansion he had in Sherman Oaks, his family's life on the ranch they moved to after his problems with the IRS, his relationship with his parents, siblings, wife, and children, and his solo acting at the end of his career. With obvious notable exceptions such as the tragic loss of his only son days before his first birthday, the start of his movie career, and the version of "Who's on First" that he and Bud Abbott used on their debut radio performance of it, most of the stories and anecdotes in this book aren't to be found anywhere else. It goes beyond and doesn't dwell on oft-repeated statements such as "He was never the same after the loss of his son" and "He and Bud Abbott didn't get along off-camera." The truth is so much more interesting. Overall, it's the complete and personal picture of a very talented, funny, giving, sweet man, delving beyond simplistic stereotypes and myths.

Austen Andrews is the master of dialogue. Really. He writes some really fantastic dialogue. His character are also extremely likeable. This was another page turner book for me. I finished it in a couple days as well.

If any of you are familiar with the Ultima games or Ultima Online then you'd know where this book comes from. This book is actually a novelization of what Ultima Online 2 was supposed to be before it was canceled. Even though I hate MMORPGs reading this book makes me wish that UO2 had seen the light of day.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. Very nice dialogue, fantastic characters, engaging storyline.

I have just the distinct pleasure of finishing this masterfully written novel. I have been an Ultima fan for over 15 years; ever since I could understand the words on the computer screen, I could never get enough. Richard Garriott (Ultima's founder) is a true inspiration for me. Now I have found another...Austen Andrews. Like other Ultima fans, I was disappointed to hear about the disbanding of the "Ultima: Origin" design team and the cancellation of the game, but here we have the first in a trilogy of books that will turn both fans and newcomers toward the love for Ultima and keep the torch ablaze after two decades.

I cannot express through words how immersing and thought provoking this book was. Andrews has mastered the use of descriptive language and lavish descriptions to bring alive a "pre-Avatar" Sosaria. Although I could easily pick up on some of his minor errors, (Britannia Bay instead of Brittany Bay and the geographical location of the dun-geon Despise) his writing brought back a great feeling of nostalgia that "Ultima Online" simply does not bring.

When reading this tale, readers will become particularly enraptured in the char-acter development. Some of the most remarkable characters I will never forget and look forward to learning more about are the endearing, but elegant Way Master Thulann, the gruff but lovable Gabriel Montenegro, and the mysterious "Techo-Prophet," Lord Blackthorn, who in this tale seems to have made his way out of the Ethereal Void after being banished by Lord British.

This is a story of political strife, manipulation of cultural diversity, and divisive team players that turn out to be anything but. I cannot express how I loved this work. I rank Andrews among some of the classic sci-fi and fantasy writers including Heinlein, Tolkien, and Lewis. I look forward to the next installment with utter anticipation and commend Andrews for keeping the Ultima torch lit even after the authorities at Origin have faltered!

It might not be fair to review a book I haven't even finished. But I can't help but share what I think already. Andrews creates a very real world with very real characters who each in turn want something. This is cleverly weaved into a plot driven by greed, political warfare and power.

The language is beautiful. And Andrews shows great skill in presenting the story very clearly, yet, without patronizing the readers.

Though his attempts (to make references to what Ultima gamers would be familiar with) hardly qualifies it as "based on the bestselling computer game", The Technocrat War already has me looking forward to a compelling trilogy which I will read over and over again.

This book is exciting, entertaining, and suprisingly well written. I have been a science fiction/fantasy fan since I was a kid and try to support new authors. Austen Andrews was a name that I was not familiar with, so I picked up the book. What a delightful suprise: Great characters and a solid story line packed with excitement. I have placed Andrews on my list of "must read" authors, and look forward to his next offering.

Incredible read .. well written and will come to life again when the new release of Ultima online comes out in 2002 (blackthornes Revenge) . Gripping story and for those of us that played UO online was a very realistic look at what the Role playing and style of game is to feel. Well Done! look forward to more.