If film has a language, The Filmmaker's Handbook is your translation guide, dictionary, and phrase book. In over 600 pages, 18 chapters, and nine appendices, the authors detail virtually everything you need to know about filmmaking.

There is probably more information here than anyone needs to know, from which lens to choose all the way through final editing and sound mixing. But too much information is not a bad thing. This is the kind of book that a blossoming filmmaker will surely grow into.

Much of the book focuses on gear and hardware, and rightly so since making a film or video is both dependent on and influenced by the gear that is used. This handbook describes the differences between the tools--film stock, lenses, lighting setups--and the impact of each on the look of the finished product.

This new edition has been updated to include information on digital cameras, the digital video format, nonlinear editing systems, and other contemporary tools. It's odd to see a picture of the Canon XL-1--a very popular and state-of-the-art digital video camera--in a book whose first edition came out in 1983.

The Filmmaker's Handbook is an indispensable guide for any filmmaker, or for anyone who wants a better understanding of the language of film. --Mike Caputo


Book Description
For the first time since its publication in 1984, The Filmmaker's Handbook--the classic volume highlighting the techniques and technologies needed for the creation and production of movies--has been completely revised and updated. Written by filmmakers for filmmakers, this essential text now includes the latest information on digital age filmmaking, where the shifting boundaries between film, video, and computer systems have introduced a wide range of methods and equipment every filmmaker must master to be competitive. This comprehensive reference guide addresses the techniques necessary to make feature, documentary, industrial, and experimental films while detailing the possibilities and limitations of various formats. New chapters spotlight video camera and video editing, essential information for modern film students and makers who focus on video production exclusively. The Filmmaker's Handbook is the perfect primer to guide novices and professionals alike into the twenty-first century of motion picture production.


Card catalog description
Whether it's indoors or outdoors, big budgets or small, 35mm or hand-held video...whether you're behind the camera or in the lab...no matter how much time you have, how much money you want to spend...what style you want to use...whatever equipment, skills, and terminology you want to master... You'll find the most current, cutting-edge information in clear, accessible language in The Filmmaker's Handbook, the definitive guide that gives every aspiring professional and beginning filmmaker the guidance and tools needed to master the fine art of making movies.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Whether it's indoors or outdoors, big budgets or small, 35mm or hand-held video...whether you're behind the camera or in the lab...no matter how much time you have, how much money you want to spend...what style you want to use...whatever equipment, skills, and terminology you want to master... You'll find the most current, cutting-edge information in clear, accessible language in The Filmmaker's Handbook, the definitive guide that gives every aspiring professional and beginning filmmaker the guidance and tools needed to master the fine art of making movies.

SYNOPSIS

For the first time since its publication in 1984, The Filmmaker's Handbook -- the classic volume highlighting the techniques and technologies needed for the creation and production of movies -- has been completely revised and updated. Written by filmmakers for filmmakers, this essential text now includes the latest information on digital age filmmaking, where the shifting boundaries between film, video, and computer systems have introduced a wide range of methods and equipment every filmmaker must master to be competitive. This comprehensive reference guide addresses the techniques necessary to make feature, documentary, industrial, and experimental films while detailing the possibilities and limitations of various formats. New chapters spotlight video camera and video editing, essential information for modern film students and makers who focus on video production exclusively. The Filmmaker's Handbook is the perfect primer to guide novices and professionals alike into the twenty-first century of motion picture production.

FROM THE CRITICS

The Independent

THE BIBLE, UPDATED. The Filmmaker's Handbook was first published in 1984 and has been a production bible ever since... Starting with the most fundamental functions of the camera, The Filmmaker's Handbook outlines the processes that create both film and video images and guides the reader through every stage of production—from assembling a crew to delivering a print or broadcast master. Encyclopedic in scope, the book breaks every subject down to its component elements, resulting in a reference work for students and working filmmakers alike.... Provides an invaluable course in both technology and technique.... As independent filmmakers often wear many hats (say, producing, shooting, and editing their own project), The Filmmaker's Handbook is a valuable tool that can prepare them for the problems and challenges unique to every stage of production-digital or analog.

Booknews

A comprehensive guide for commercial and independent filmmakers, students, and teachers of film and video, updated from the 1984 edition to include recent technology, methods, and examples. Explains such aspects as shooting with film and video cameras, editing with computer-based nonlinear systems, digital and analog recording, and business aspects of producing and distributing movies. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

From the Author:

A book for people working in video, in film or both.