Amateur Books

Don't buy this unless you are an absolute beginner to the subject. It lists what can be done, but there's not much detail on how to do it right. For example, the chroma key chapter doesn't mention how to get the lighting even across the background. You'll not be happy with just throwing up a green background and stepping through the Premiere tutorial.

For anyone looking for more than an overview, each chapter is fluff.

Independent filmmaker of 12 years' experience Michael Slone presents Special Effects: How to Create A Hollywood Film Look on a Home Studio Budget, a guide especially for small-time filmmakers on a tight budget. Chapters walk the reader through how to apply advances in technology, especially computer technology, to give life to one's dreams and dress up one's films with eye candy. Full-color photographs on high-quality paper illustrate what is possible, while assorted computer screenshots help underscore the nuts and bolts of the step-by-step instructions. Additional insider information from professional and Emmy Award-winning special effects artists round out this absolute "must-have" supplementary resource for aspiring, novice, and independent filmmakers.

This book is especially good for student film-makers, who will be inspired rather than intimidated by the art of special effects production; the book makes impressive illusion possible with little money necessary and with resources already available in many people's homes. If the reader is serious about film-making, they've met the only requirement needed to create worthwhile special effects.

I bought this book for my son, who is an attorney and wants to learn filmmaking as a hobby. I'm impressed by the photos and artwork, which take readers step-by-step through each phase of the projects. I ended up reading the book myself, and I can see it's all my son will need to get started. I recommend this book for all novice filmmakers.

Arguably the biggest revolution in filmmaking in the last decade has taken place in the field of special effects. CGI has irrevocably changed the way movie magic is created, and thanks to advances in computer technology many home users now have access to the same software used in Hollywood. So, in principle, professional-quality special effects are now within anyone's reach. The only question is: how does the budding SFX-enthusiast get started?
This is where Mike Slone's book comes in. Squarely aimed at the beginner, it details a number of the most common special effects used in filmmaking. Of course, not everything is done with computers, so the first part of the book concentrates on physical effects. These include creating fake blood and bullet hits, rain and snow, fake glass, disappearing tricks, the use of prop guns, smoke, dry ice, bullet and arrow hits and models and miniatures. Each of these techniques is explained in a clear and practical fashion, although if you intend to get into modelling, you'll obviously need to look for further detailed information.
The book then goes into digital effects, including green screen, gun flashes, and light sabres. There are extensive tutorials on each of these using Adobe Premiere Pro. The final chapters include interviews with a few SFX professionals and provide tips for starting your own FX company if you're so inclined.
Veteran SFX people probably won't find much that is new here, but anyone starting out in the field couldn't wish for a better introduction.

Glad I bought this one. I had a customer looking for a shed that didn't look 'prefab' and was rustic, but "cute" (her term). I showed her the cover of the book and, with a few modifications, she was sold.

I've never built a shed but I do have some framing knowledge The info on roofing is very helpful to me. I was also psyched the section for the shed on the cover had measured drawings for the trim boards and keystone pieces for the gable ends and over the windows. Should make life a little easier for me.

The shed on the cover is the best one. If you want that specific one buy it, but if your looking for ideas find another book.

This book has far exceeded my expectations! I feel confident that I can plan and build my own shed (suited to my needs and budget) and do it for far less money than a chintzy pre-fab one from a DIY store. This book has a great format and loads of helpful information, things only someone who builds sheds for a living would know. I can't wait for the ground to dry a bit so I can get started building!

Having ordered 3 books on sheds based on the on-line reviews, this book along with Barns, Sheds and Outbuildings: Plan, Design, Build (Ultimate Guide To... [Paperback] The Ultimate Guide to Yard and Garden Sheds: Plan, Design, Build.... this is the only book you will need. The other two, while they show up under, "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought..." pale in comparison to the information contained in this book. In addition, the two I listed above are almost identical in content, same photos, diagrams etc. I have reviewed a couple of other offerings while at Home Depot and Lowes and while they may be good for ideas on style this book is all you need for construction. Enjoy it.

After reading through this book, I had the confidence to build my own 10 by 10 outdoor shed.

This book does not contain blueprints for building sheds form start to finish. However, it does have a lot of pictures and informative tips to get you started. Often times I was able to simply look at the pictures to see how they did things.

It contains good step-by-step instructions for setting up various types of bases, and the section on roofing really helped me out.

Overall, I would recommend it if you need some ideas or some tips on how to get started or what to watch out for.

I use this book all the time and it really helped me to fix things myself, so I didn`t have to wait half a year to get things done.

I picked this up a few years ago and I've used it several times to solve plumbing problems with our toilets - problems that I know would have cost us several hundred $$ each!

I know pretty much nothing about how anything works in our house, and my husband knows even less, and we found this book quite informative and very easy to use. Her step by step directions are straightforward and simple, and accompanied by excellent diagrams.

And yes, I agree with others that sometimes her humor fell short of the mark with me, like her tongue in cheek assumption that I can tell a Prada bag from 50 feet away (um, no), but I didn't hold this against her considering how useful her book has been to my wallet.

This is a MUST HAVE book!
Coming from a family of five sisters, no brothers, and a reluctant handyman father, I was always dependent on men for plumbing, electrical, general repairs and just presumed that EVERY job was SUPPOSED to be a NIGHTMARE! I mean, if the task wasn't so hard, what was all the huffing, puffing, and sighing about? Turns-out, it's a way to buy time and sympathy, nothing more.
Norma Vally breaks though the mystery of common household problems, and then, in clear, easy to read step-by-step instructions, builds it back to working order. Done deal-No sighs.
I've replaced all the tank parts in my toilet (it works!), reset my hot water heater temperature (aaahhh!), replaced my leaky kitchen sink faucet (yeah me!) and am going to tackle my sink stops soon (can't wait!)
My female friends are amazed by what I've been able to do, and they all want copies! I will be ordering this book for both men and women for many years to come.

This is the first home improvement book that I bought, and as a beginning book it's very good regardless of your gender. It was really a big help when I moved out of my apartment and then moved into a new one. I often helped my dad with home improvement and repair projects but I didn't learn much from that. This book provides a really solid foundation and good recommendations for starting your tool collection.

In reading the book you definitely see Norma's spunky New Yorker attitude. Sometimes it was funny. Sometimes it was annoying. That's why I only gave it four stars instead of five. However, I have communicated with her via e-mail and she is very good at promptly replying to your messages.

I bought this book before I purchased my first home. I'd rented previously and took advantage of the fact that the landlord was always at my beck and call when something was broke and needed to be fixed. I realized that owning my own home would negate that practice. I had to learn to do things on my own. Norma has shown me how to stop that annoying toilet from running as well as how to install doorknobs. My realtors husband doesn't even know how to do this! I keep this book in arms reach whenever something goes wrong. Those who are homeowners know that with ownership, there's always something...regardless of how big or small it is that needs attention in your home. Norma includes funny stories to introduce each chapter and includes plain instructions and clear step by step information for each project that you want to tackle. This book is definitely not just for women (eventhough the title suggests as much), but for anyone that is interested in fixing things in their home on their own. Also, you must watch her show on the discovery channel. She still uses clear step by step insructions, but also gives you an estimate of how much each project will cost. I'm so motivated that I think I'm going to put up a much needed fence in my backyard in the spring!

The Encyclopedia of Underground Movies (written by Phil Hall) is beyond a doubt - one of a kind. It is an exceptional take on the genre of underground films. From a filmmaker's stance, it is a realistic approach to the world of independent movies - where lines can get blurred between what actually IS an underground film and what is a Hollywood production parading as "underground".
Mr. Hall doesn't waste anytime as he defines the genre right from the get-go in his introduction. For anyone wanting to know where the lines exist between Hollywood or art house productions and the underground cinema look no further than here.
From there, the door is opened into the world of underground cinema for us. Using hundreds of movie descriptions and interviews with filmmakers who can't even afford the film they shoot on, Mr. Hall gives us a first-class look into the TRUE independent films of today. We are taken for a ride through various topics that cover the genre: from documentaries and experimental films to the low budget horror films that seem to dominate the underground universe. Aside from the filmmaking aspect, light is also cast on the distribution of these films, from theatrical, to DVD, to even internet broadcasts - no stone is left unturned.
Throughout this book, we a given a taste of underground cinema and then pointed in all the right directions as to where we can feast on the movies covered and then some. Extensive lists of top underground films and film festivals are given. And for the militant film fanatic in all of us, website links are printed throughout - giving anyone with the internet complete access to the genre. Mr. Hall takes us so in-depth, that he even highlights the collectors (not just filmmakers and distributors) of underground movies.
As I read this book, I couldn't help but smile. As a true independent filmmaker myself, I know very well, how much effort it takes to make a film and how those efforts are soon forgotten when the next multi-million blockbuster opens at the local Cineplex. What we have here is so truly special - a document that guarantees a place for the underground cinema on book shelves for years to come. The films, filmmakers, distributors, and collectors that Mr. Hall opens our eyes to would normally have disappeared into oblivion, but this book gives them all a voice and an identity.
The book wraps up with closing advice for up-and-coming underground filmmakers. This is greatly appreciated and needed in a world where inspiration usually takes a back seat to profit. I smile in the thought of how many new gems will be brought into this world after some high-school student with a camera gets inspired by Mr. Hall's words and takes that scary first step into the process of no-budget filmmaking. From that vantage point, The Encyclopedia of Underground Movies proves to be a special and welcomed addition to the world of cinema.

In a time when a great many books on so-called underground cinema exist merely to flaunt the author's ability to namedrop and ensure their place as glorified indie hacks, The Encyclopedia of Underground Movies is nothing less than revelatory. Phil Hall explores the fringes of cinema culture so thoroughly that this book is one worth returning to over and over. My life would have been much different had I not been exposed to some of the ambitious and talented filmmakers Hall mentions throughout the book (Shanti Guy, Jimmy Traynor, the unstoppable Antero Alli). Prepare to be awed.

Phil Hall's great new book on the "FRINGE PEOPLE"!  All the facts and fictions behind the true independent movie makers;  the ones that aren't financed by fat wallet investors or rich relatives.   These are the loose cannons with a camera who aren't making movies for the mainstream beehives,  but pursuing their own vision,  albeit often warped.   More eye opening than the first shot of  "Un Chein Andelou."

I'm shocked this book has gotten reviews as good as these (although at least one of the people below, josh k, appears to be interviewed in the book, so...) It's terribly written and poorly researched. After reading several chapters, I still didn't get any sense of what 'underground cinema' was supposed to be, except basically using as a word for independent cinema, as that word used to be used.

Would you like to know more about movies than what's playing this week at the multiplex? Then take an incredible journey through the world of Underground Cinema with film critic Phil Hall as your guide. Hall's first book, "The Encyclopedia of Underground Movies" will blow your mind about thousands of films "which rarely find their way to audience, media or industry recognition" - including horror films, documentaries, comedies and gay-themed films. Because you'll want to find many of the movies Hall mentions, he has included websites for the films, if available. When a website is not available, Hall provides a link to a review of the film or to the Internet Movie Database's title listing. Do you want to make an underground movie of your own? If so, Hall also gives you some helpful tips. As if all this weren't enough, Hall's groundbreaking book is as entertaining to read as it is enlightening. His "Encyclopedia" is a must-read for film buffs!

I'll tell you right now, I haven't read many books on independent filmmaking. As a matter of fact... this is the only one. Yet I still found it very useful and jam-packed with information. Merritt tells it like it is (rather quickly, of course), and doesn't try to hide the fact that filmmaking is not all show and glory. If you're anywhere near interested in producing movies, check this book out. It tells you EVERYTHING you need to know about being a producer. And if you're actually getting into movie-making already, I'd take this along as kind of a "second Bible" as a reference guide. From initial casting to distribution, it covers every aspect of the film business. My only real complaint -- and I hope it doesn't come across as much of one -- is that Merritt doesn't go into detail about techniques. This is a book on HOW TO make a movie, not on WHAT makes a movie. Does that make sense?

This is one of the best introductions I've ever read on making an independent feature film. It covers everything from writing the script to distribution in foreign markets and does so clearly, concisely, entertainingly and within 238 pages. As a film editor, I can say the chapter on editing basics is right on. The sections on money (both raising it and receiving it once your movie is distributed) are both eye-openers. It's a very realistic, honest source of information about making an independent feature.

As for criticism: Written in 1997, the book gives a pretty short shrift to DV, but it does admit that things will change. Also, it focuses primarily on features and not shorts. And at 230 pages, it's still just an introduction, but honestly, I can't think of a better introduction to give to a first time filmmaker -- who's either starting her first short or making that first feature.

Highest recommendation.

For me, this book was too general to be of any help.
The best I've read so far is FROM REEL TO DEAL.

this book covers all topics of movie productions. a must have to serious filmmakers!

After "The Blair Witch Project" and similar success stories, I was looking for a good general book on film production that included all the real dope on how the best known people have made successful low-budget movies. I was amazed by how much clear, precise info "Film Production: The Complete Uncensored Guide to Independent Filmmaking" has, such as precise budgets, deal-negotiating tips, crew member roles, distribution company reviews, and on and on. I also liked the way the book is organized. It takes you from the script and raising the money all the way through all the details of pre-production, production, and editing to selling the movie, promoting, and beyond. It answered all my questions (from stupid to tough) along the way.

Hey..just wanted to know if anyone have read the Film Makers BluePrint? I hear its really really detailed as far as the process of filmmaking at a low budget...is it better that this book? Let me know...thanks...

Don't be fooled by the title. There is precious little in this book that will be of use for the no budget independent filmmaker. If you want a truly useful and comprehensive guide on low budget independent moviemaking then I recommend "Digital Filmmaking 101" by Dale Newton and John Gaspard. The Guerilla Film Makers Handbook will be worthless to you unless you have a budget of a million dollars or more. Skip it.

first,let me mention that the book takes a great approach in giving you the facts. this is the book i've been searching for.
THIS IS NOT A GUERILLA FILM BOOK WHERE IT TEACHES YOU HOW TO SHOOT A FILM FOR $50 AND AvOIDING GETTING ARRESTED. if u want to shoot a film that way than obviously u r not prepared to shoot a good film and your script probably stinks.

If you want to get advice from people who were recently in your shoes and are now working in the industry as professionals than BUY THIS. a lot of very important things are brought up.

DEVELOPMENT, FINANCING, PRODUCTION, POST, AND DISTRIBUTION are all well explained. especially the legal aspects of things.

You want investors, well you first need to know who to handle the whole PPM manner so that you dont get sued. These types of books are all i read.

If you want to produce than read: this book+"from reel to deal"

Directing: "Directing actors"+ buy the 6 dvd set of HOLLYWOOD
CAMERA WORK which is $480 but worth every penny trust me.

If you want to write then you must buy "STORY" by robert mckee and learn how to format form any other book.

I did my homework so listem to me and stay away from film schools. they are thieves and you will come out dissapointed. read my other reviews. ONLY LISTEN TO THE INDUSTRY PROS and POSITIVE PEOPLE. EVERYONE ELSE IS FULL OF CRAP AND FILM SCHOOLS LOVE TO DISCOURAGE STUDENTS CAUse they know all 500,000 students they get every year arent going to make it. COLLEGE TEACHERS ARE MOSTLY PEOPLE WHO ARE TOO WEAK MINDED TO MAKE IT SO THEY TEACH. HAPPY FILMING AND GOD BLESS YOU.

This book is AWESOME! It covers everything you need to know to start out making a movie. The interviews are with working professionals, the majority of whom started out on guerilla films and who talk about the differences between the low budget guerilla movies and the big Hollywood blockbusters that many work on today. And peppered within the interviews are these helpful hints that give the low budget/guerilla tips on how to save money and play with the big boys when you have no money. I found this invaluable as I know I'm getting my advice and tips from the experts who have made it and not unknown filmmakers who can't move on from the doldrums of guerilla films. After having read this book I feel like I've sat down and had meetings with all of these experts and boy! do I feel informed! I'm a filmmaker who has to start out guerilla style but hope to move out of the guerilla world and into the professional world. This book gives me a guide and the inspiration. Sure it might not be easy but at least now I'm armed with everything I should know! As with all serious filmmakers, you have to actually go out there and make a movie which is obviously what the book can't do for you but it can certainly lead you in the right direction and tell you what you're up against. None of the other books out there seem to compare with this one. Thank you!!!!

i read the other reveiws on this book and bought it. then returned it. it is packed full of all kinds of great information from industry experts, which is great, but i was looking for a book on filmaking for rebel independent film makers. It seems to be written for people with LOTS of money. which i don't have. in their defense the title does not say anything about independent, which is what i assumed. when i think of guerilla i think of rebels. this book is a bit out of my league.

Pretty basic book, most of this stuff could be easily figured out if you were truly in a bind.

Biggest take away is there is usually some way to get around the lock or obstruction in your way. When you don't have keys, you need to be creative and every situation is going to be different.

The book just gives some "what-if" scenarios, but the likely hood of using their techniques exactly is somewhat unlikely. Rather just shows you how to think creatively to find the solution that might work for you.

Very elementary information on lock picking. Drawings are not detailed nor professional. I wasted twenty dollars on this book.

Well written. A good cover-all book. Some of the improvised tools shown will require items not readily found on your workbench. Good explanations of lock function. Some good drawings, some not-so-good drawings; a particular issue I have with the book is that measurements of tools and the items to make entry tools are lacking...(trial and error will be required for success). Author should have used better illustrations with measurements when describing the improvised tools.

hi i bought this book expecting a lot but when i was reading this book i found that it had more than i thought. so to any one who is thinking about buying this book you will not be dissapointed it is unbelievable

Helped me understand various lock systems better. I appreciated the innovative ideas the author presented, many of which actually may have a hope of working in the real world. Definitely has a MacGyver-esque quality to it, without being hokey and completely unfeasible.

As I've said in other reviews, I've been inspired to take my photography to a new level by Nick Kelsh. These are things I wish I'd known all along but have finally given me something to go on with how to pose my family and when not to pose them. A quick, enjoyable read with ideas to put into practice immediately with great results.

I really like this book. After I bought it, I became a first-time father (of twin girls). I take lots of pictures with a good digital camera. This book's lessons are very useful.

What I value about this book is its practical, insightful suggestions (and examples) for what kinds of activities one ought to be shooting (e.g., shoot candids, not just posed shots), and how photos ought to be composed (e.g., shoot tight-in on the subject, not overly wide shots). The book has been very helpful for me.

This is the second Nick Kelsh book I have read -- the first being: "How to Photograph your Life" which I also gave a 5 star rating.

This book is bound in the same fun spiral bound hardcover.

Nick Kelsh devotes only a page to technique in order to achieve beautiful pictures. I suggests 3 basic rules:

1. get in close to your subject
2. shoot lots of frames
3. turn off the flash

His example photos are stunning. And to be honest in order to achieve similar results simply following the 3 basic rules is clearly not enough. Knowledge in choosing the appropriate film type and lens as well as carefully setting the suitable aperature is a clearly an important part in making his many of his pictures so breathtaking. Nick Kelsh does not cover the specific nitty gritty of technique since it is well documented in numerous photography books so readily available.

He instead focuses on training yourself to recognize photographic moments when with friends and families that are often overlooked by the amateur or layperson photographer

There is absolutely NO discussions about equipment -- so for all you hardwaare junkies your outta luck here. Instead he approaches the teaching of photography through inspiration, sentimentality, nostalgia and story telling.

There are some overlaps in material between his other book (How to photograph your Life).

I've taken pictures as an amature for over 30 years, but my people-pictures have never been successful--all the family photographs on our shelves were taken by others. In the first chapter, the author explained what I was doing wrong in simple, non-technical terms. Sounded good, so I took my digital camera, sought out my youngest child and shot several pictures. My wife and son were so delighted with the result they decided have an 8-1/2 x 11 print of one shot framed on his wall!

The skill-level required to use the book is probably "you can read" The ONLY technical term the author uses in the book is in the sentence in the introduction in which he says he won't use any.

The book is relatively short: I probably took about two hours total to read it, and I'm a fairly slow reader. There are, however, a large number of photos brilliantly illustrating the author's ideas, and the tips are so good that the book was well-worth the price. After a few months I will probably have reached the limits of the data in the book and will want to read something more in-depth, but I never would have gotten there without this great jump-start.

Not one of the most profound books I've ever read, but for darn sure one of the most effective.

This book has some wonderful ideas. However, it is pricey for the amount of information you receive. More detail would have been very useful. I bought 2 of his books - families and babies. One would have done.

I'm not new to stamping, but with all the new products that have come out since I demo'd stamps in craft stores, I may as well be a newbie.

I've recently begun crossing over into paper and stamping arts from polymer clay and this is the book I should have bought, first, because I could have saved myself some trouble and wasted materials if I'd had all this information in front of me. :)

It's a BIG book, chock-full of beautiful pictures and easy to follow instructions and fabulous ideas, many of which are news to me and many of which are not new, but were forgotten. It's good to be reminded that sometimes the simplest things can provide effective and beautiful results. The techniques for any given project can be migrated to other projects with maybe just a change of ink type or the addition of embossing powder.

Very good basic information and lots of more advanced techniques and ideas.

Well worth the purchase price and sure to stay in my workroom for quite a while before I exhaust the ideas in it that I want to pursue.

This is the best paper arts book I own. :)

Zig

Based on some of the reviews I read I borrowed this book from the library so that I could determine if I wanted to purchase it. Well, the book has great pictures, but the instructions are terrible and there is one project that refers to a template that does not exist! I like Sharilyn Miller's other book, "Stamp Art: 15 Original Rubber Stamp Projects for Cards, Books, Boxes, and More" much better.

I must admit, while I am vegetarian, I had never thought to use vegetables or fruits as stamps. I haven't tried this yet but that's one of the first projects in the book and the next time I have leftovers from a salad I'll certainly try this out. This is a really neat book. Other ideas for things to use as stamps include packing noodles, and those pop-up sponges that expand when you add water. There are some really great projects in here that can be made for gifts - like using rubber stamps to decorate candles, stamping on fabric for table cloths, or decorating clay pots and candle holders. The projects are all quite pretty but none are intimidating. I've tried a bunch of them - like stamping on ribbons as well as paper crafts like making post cards and gift bags. A great collection with really easy to follow instructions and tips. The photos are great too.

experienced stamper...this book has it all...lots of techniques, basic info, and everything in between. If you're VERY experienced, you've probably seen it all, but if you're like me, somewhat in the beginning but past the start enuf to be intrigued by more interesting looks and techniques, this book is definitely for you. The projects are great, and can easily be translated to other projects/stamps/media...

I ordered this book cause it was recomended with another one that I really wanted and I like this one even more!!! The projects are very tasteful and unique! I love it...

Really am enjoying the book. A great wealth of info!

This book is a must for anyone getting into video production. Full of basic information that is conveyed in an intuitive and concise way, plus there is plenty of advanced knowledge to keep you referring back for years to come. Definitely a staple for all video people.

My boss told me to buy this book, and it is one of the best available book.

It is a useful book but it is unneccesary if you are taking a course along with it. If you really need a book to refrence to remember what trucking, panning, and medium shots are then go ahead and get it anyway. But really, any good college intro to film class should surpass this to the point you don't need it.

i am an electronic media communications major and this book has been used for a number of years in my school's communications program. video basics 3 has everything you need to know and everything is explained in much detail, yet not too complicated. there are great illustrations throughout the book that are very helpful as well.
i bought this book used from my campus bookstore and i gotta wonder, why would someone return this book at the end of the semester? i still have mine and have re-read it through quite a few times, most definately something worth holding on to!