Digital Compositing for Film and Video
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • An Essential Guide and not just for compositors
  • Must have
  • Nice book
  • A must have for your VFX library
  • Excellent book
Digital Compositing for Film and Video
Steve Wright
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 024080760X

Book Description

Digital Compositing for Film and Video is a hands-on, how-to guide that addresses the problems and difficult choices faced by the professional compositor in real-life situations. This book presents you with tips, tricks and techniques for dealing with the badly shot elements, color artifacts, and mismatched lighting that bedevil compositors. Included in this book is: in-depth, practical methods for bluescreen matte extraction, despill operations, compositing operations, and color correction - the "meat and potatoes" of all digital effects. Written in a completely software independent style, it is totally applicable to any brand of compositing software.

The second edition contains many important additions:
* printed in full color with over 400 color photos and illustrations
* companion DVD with 3.7 gigabytes of test images, including hard to get HiDef video and feature film scans
* new section on working with HiDef video
* new section on digital intermediate, the feature film finishing process of today
* more Adobe Photoshop blending modes and procedures
* new material that reveals the add-mix composite, light wrap, slot gags, and how to defeat banding problems

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars An Essential Guide and not just for compositors.......2007-07-08

If you've ever been on set and heard the catchphrase "fix it in post" this book is for you.

Not only is the information detailed and thorough, but also extremely readable. Some ironic asides demonstrate Wright has the experience to back up his text. He covers all levels of compositing, from basic luminance keying to green-screen/blue-screen, to color corection and matching foreground and background elements, motion tracking, alpha-channels (to premultiply or not premultiply) and the differences between film and video.

The book is not software specific, and the enclosed exercises and demonstrations can be done on most software with compositing features -- including Photoshop!

Why four stars and not five? The extra money demanded for addional exercises seems to be an unfair gouge. But the book is definitely worth the cover price! Even if you have no immediate aspirations at all to composite something, you'll at least see just how tough it can be.

Producers, Directors and Camera departments (aspiring or experienced) can all learn something here -- and with any luck they'll learn it before they light their next green/blue screen.

Too bad the cover is so damn ugly.

5 out of 5 stars Must have.......2007-06-08

I bought it based on the first Edition and I wasn't wrong.
Its even better.

5 out of 5 stars Nice book.......2007-05-13

This is a very complete and engaging book.
It's generic enough so that you can learn a lot regardless of your software/manual tools;
But it focuses enough on certain programs, that it is still useful for those specific users as well.
It was a gift for a relative, but I spent a few hours reading before giving it away...

5 out of 5 stars A must have for your VFX library.......2007-01-05

If you're new to the effect industry or a seasoned pro this is still the bible for understanding what is happening under the hood of a compositing software. This is not software specific, but be it 'Shake' or 'an other' this will help you truly understand the what, when and why.

This book together with - Ron Brinkman's 'The Art and Science of Digital Compositing' - also available at Amazon, will hold you in good stead throughout your career.

It truly gives you the 'wow' factor.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent book.......2006-12-15

Even advanced compositors will glean juicy bits from Steve Wrights' effort. I've read all the standard texts and this one stands with the best. Clear, friendly prose makes this book a comfortable read; read it two or three times and you'll find that you get a little something out of it on each pass. Whether your work end up in print, video or film, this is a must-have book.
Nonlinear Editing: Storytelling, Aesthetics, & Craft
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A must read!
  • Very good advice for beginners
Nonlinear Editing: Storytelling, Aesthetics, & Craft
Bryce Button
Manufacturer: CMP Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1578200962

Book Description

The art of editing in a nonlinear mode cannot be gleaned from software application manuals. This book is designed to convey the artistic considerations and techniques that both new and experienced editors need to employ in editing digital stock. Readers learn the importance of timing, emotion, and art in assembling a cohesive project that tells a story with the appropriate flow and pace. Each chapter features interviews with professionals and exercises relevant to the subject matter under discussion.

Nonlinear Editing is chock full of provocative ideas, insights, resources, tools, and exercises that will inspire you to making better decisions in the edit bay and in your career. For editors, directors, producers, and screenwriters.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A must read!.......2003-06-10

I Bought this book as a reference for technical issues (formats, standards, procedures) but I got much more. Button gives you the whole layout of this art/craft of film editing. The topics covered range from editing equipment to film theory, color harmony&design basics to writing resumes. Light, sound - this book covers it all. Not all topics are discussed in great length, but there are excellent reference lists for further reading and websites.
Bryce Button seems to be an experienced editor and a film scholar and clearly enjoys teaching.
I have been a film editor for 10 years -I've still learned a lot. Some of the information will be redundant to the more experienced but still- very well written, packed with knowledge, insight - in short, a real inspiration. Well Done!

4 out of 5 stars Very good advice for beginners.......2003-05-24

The book contains tons of very good advice for novice editors. The tips on planning will save a lot of time when the real work begins. The suggestions on the practical and aesthetic (including sound) aspects of editing will speed up the process and improve the quality of the finished work, perhaps by the equivalent of at least a few month's apprenticeship. The chapters on dealing with stress and team members, clients and the business, give an idea of the work environment to be expected. After reading the whole book, chapter 13 summarizes the most important tips as "cheat sheets" - very useful.

The only thing I didn't like was a number of typos, and what I thought was an occasional lapse in a couple of explanations.
Final Cut Pro 4 for Dummies
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Don't bother
  • Perfect For Newbies
Final Cut Pro 4 for Dummies
Helmut Kobler , and Chad Fahs
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0764537539

Book Description

* Covers rendering, compositing, transitions, adding titles, audio and video filters, and advanced effects, as well as basic digital video editing information.
* Includes instructions on outputting the final product to videotape, DVD, CD-ROM, or even onto the Web.
* Provides practical, real-world solutions to managing media and incorporating various special effects into unique video/film productions.
* Includes a DVD packed with first hand commentary and project examples from the personal files of author Helmut Kobler, an independent filmmaker.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Don't bother.......2005-08-28

Don't bother getting a DUMMIES book for Final Cut Pro. There are better books that achieve the same thing and can take you from ground zero to a point of understanding and knowledge that cost nearly the same. For instance, "Final Cut Pro 4 for MAC OSX is a great book". Even if you've never editing anything before don't waste money on DUMMIES. It's a good series for many things of course but not in this area.

5 out of 5 stars Perfect For Newbies.......2003-10-25

This is a great reference for anyone who has never edited video before. I don't have any experience with Final Cut Pro or any other editing program, but this book covers everything I need to know to create my own videos. It begins with basic editing tips and moves on to things like high-tech transition effects. The CD that comes with it also has several different plug-ins you can use to spice up your movies.
Make Your Own Hollywood Movie: A Step-by-Step Guide to Scripting, Storyboarding, Casting, Shooting, Editing, and Publishing Your Own Blockbuster Movie
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Glossy paper
  • Quiet on the Set!
Make Your Own Hollywood Movie: A Step-by-Step Guide to Scripting, Storyboarding, Casting, Shooting, Editing, and Publishing Your Own Blockbuster Movie
Ed J Gaskell Cooper
Manufacturer: Sybex
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0782143261

Book Description

A Step-By-Step Guide to Scripting, Storyboarding, Casting, Shooting, Editing, and Publishing Your Very Own Blockbuster Movie

It's time to use your camcorder for more than capturing family moments. The popularity of DVD and broadband Internet has given us all a means of making and sharing movies with people all over the world. In the digital age, you don't have to be Steven Spielberg to make a movie that leaves viewers wanting more. All it takes is a digital camcorder, a standard home computer, and a little imagination of your own.

This book is a complete course in digital flimmaking. It tells you how to write , plan, and cast your movie, then how to shoot, edit, and distribute it. Learn how to tell stories the Hollywood way, how to bring those stories to life, and how to deal with lighting and sound. Discover the secrets of the digital cutting room and DIY special effects. Providing a solid grounding in moviemaking theory together with step-by-step tutorials full of cool ideas and great techniques, Make Your Own Hollywood Movie will unleash the Hollywood director in you.

Seven comprehensive chapters cover:
* The digital movie studio
* Writing and preproduction
* Getting the shots and sounds you need
* Editing, transitions, and titles
* Working with audio and sound effects
* Disctibuting movies on DVD and the Web
* Matching big-budget Hollywood effects with no-budget tricks

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Glossy paper.......2005-10-27

I was kind of disappointed reading this book.
Very little practical advise can be found inside.
Honestly, I found more information on the web and feel kind of cheated. Good quality of paper and color photographs inside thought.
Thanks, Vlad

5 out of 5 stars Quiet on the Set!.......2004-12-03

Tired of making the same old home movie? Everyone with a video camera has made one. You know, they are usually titled "The Johnsons Family Vacation", "Christmas 2003" or "Johnny's 2004 Soccer Season Highlights." If you're ready to take the next step and create a movie that won't have the audience falling asleep in their seat, I suggest that you run to your local bookstore and purchase a copy of "Make Your Own Hollywood Movie."

"Make Your Own Hollywood Movie" is a great reference book. By just cruising through the index you can see it covers everything from creating a story board to lighting, special effects, and stunts. Anything and everything you want to know how to do is there. Considering that purchasing a new camera and computer will cost you any ware from $1000 to $5000 dollars spending $29.95 on a great "how to" book is cheap.

I found the book very easy and fun to read. Each chapter was thoroughly laid out and with many great pictures and diagrams. The Author claims the book is a "step-by-step guide" to digital movie creation. I would agree.

The majority of the information can be used by anyone with basic editing software like Apple's iMovie. Many of the high-tech editing and special effects will require using professional software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere. But that shouldn't let stop you from buying the book. Learning how the process works will only make you a better videoographer and editor.

The "Hollywood Tricks" chapter was my favorite. The author explained in great detail how to build lunar landscapes out of clay and flour and then create outer space, stars and then add a space craft to the prop. And if that wasn't enough you can make explosions to create drama. I could easily waste a whole weekend recreating my favorite Star Wars scene.

I would recommend this book to anyone with a video camera. Those days of filming "Susie's Cello Recital" are over. Turn that Cello recital into an award winning concert. "Make Your Own Hollywood Movie" will show you how.


Digital Filmmaking for Teens (For Teens)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent Book! Worth Buying!
  • Starting Line
  • Good- For Beginners
  • Aimed at Teens just Beginning to do Movies
Digital Filmmaking for Teens (For Teens)
Pete Shaner , and Gerald Everett Jones
Manufacturer: Course Technology PTR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1592006035

Book Description

You don't have to invest a small fortune, own expensive gear, and employ an army of technicians to create a movie. Today's high-tech tools will fit in your backpack and don't require the financial backing of a major movie studio, making this the first generation in the history of moviemaking that doesn't have to beg for big bucks to put its stories on the screen. "Digital Filmmaking for Teens" emphasizes Hollywood-style moviemaking, the way the pros do it. You'll learn how to tell your story on a budget, using tips from industry veterans. Not sure where to start? No problem. You'll cover each step-from developing your idea and writing a script to planning for production, shooting, and editing. "Digital Filmmaking for Teens" includes an amazing DVD packed with advice, instructional videos, and examples.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Book! Worth Buying!.......2007-03-14

This book is worth every penny! Also the DVD it comes with is very helpful! It shows you how to do Hollywood-style tricks on a budget! I would highly recommend this book!

5 out of 5 stars Starting Line.......2005-09-13

I found the information in this book useful to me as an amateur filmmaker, but I believe that it would be just as useful to a starter. It's has both basic information as well as detailed explanations for the (amateur) teen filmmaker.

4 out of 5 stars Good- For Beginners.......2005-07-25

This book was useful to me, as a teen filmmaker. I marked many pages with information that I could use, ranging from proper script format, to very useful advice on how to keep your project low budget, which is always a challenge. Unfortunately, having already read books and articles on the subject of filmmaking, as well as having made a few of my own short films, I felt that this book was slightly more geared at the amateur with little to no experience, rather than someone who is more familiar with the art of filmmaking. If however, you have found yourself with an excellent idea for a short film, and have no idea how to realize it, then this book is a highly useful resource that can help anyone deliver a low-budget, high-quality masterpiece.

5 out of 5 stars Aimed at Teens just Beginning to do Movies.......2005-02-25

The technology has changed so that producing a movie is not (quite) the daunting task that it once was. Modern cameras and video editing software make the production of a movie far different than it was in the days of film. In fact, the authors recommend that you start with a quite basic camers. They are much easier to use, while the professional level cameras have so many controls and adjustments that using them becomes a task in itself.

The video editing software package that the authors use is based on the Apple computer (don't tell me you're surprised at this), but they also list several packages that run on Windows and which do a perfectly acceptable job of editing.

The CD that comes with the book contains a movie, the script and directors comments on that movie and video clips that you can use for practice editing. There are also several sound files suitable for editing. The demo software included on the disk is mostly Apple oriented.
The Little Digital Video Book
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent disourse on the basics of home movie shooting and editing
  • Good Starter
  • Great start for digitial video
  • Excellent guide for making great amateur home videos
  • Its a Beginning
The Little Digital Video Book
Michael Rubin
Manufacturer: Peachpit Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0201758482

Book Description

Untitled

Congratulations! You've got a brand-new digital camcorder. Now what do you do with it? Before you shoot a single frame of tape, pick up The Little Digital Video Book. This friendly guide to the basics of digital video will teach you how to shoot well, organize easily, and quickly edit your own footage. For new camcorder owners, it's the ideal--and affordable--introduction to the exciting world of quality digital filmmaking.

The Little Digital Video Book is not some dense, jargon-filled reference tome. Instead, it focuses on practical shooting and editing techniques, and shows you how to start (and actually finish) that video project you have in mind--in less than a day. You get a thorough grounding in the basics of digital video, from how to get a good close-up shot and how to add a sound track to your video to how to organize your videotapes. The Little Digital Video Book is platform- and software-neutral, truly making it the guide for the moviemaking masses.

Pancho Villa: Mexican Revolutionary Hero (Proud Heritage: the Hispanic Library)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The man behind the legend of the "bandit" Pancho Villa
Pancho Villa: Mexican Revolutionary Hero (Proud Heritage: the Hispanic Library)
R. Conrad Stein
Manufacturer: Child's World
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Hispanic & LatinoHispanic & Latino | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1592961711

Book Description

The story and legend of Pancho Villa electrified Mexico with the wild tales of his outlaw life that people told about him. Now students can learn the truth of Pancho Villa, a larger than life character of Mexico's past.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The man behind the legend of the "bandit" Pancho Villa.......2004-06-28

The cover photograph for "Pancho Villa: Mexican Revolutionary Hero" will undoubtedly challenge the expectations of any young writers who have heard of the legendary figure. But one of the points of R. Conrad Stein's volume for this series, A Proud Heritage: The Hispanic Library, is to talk about the man behind the legend. Within these pages you will find more traditional photographs of Villa, wearing a sombrero and bandoliers of ammunition, but you will also find a solid juvenile biography of the man who should be remembered for his military leadership and the role he played in the Mexican Revolution.

Stein confronts the legends and stories that have grown up around the life of Pancho Villa in the book's first chapter, such as the story of why he became a bandit; a sidebar considers the question of whether this story if "Fact or Fiction?" Stein also explains that in Mexico a "bandit" has a touch of Robin Hood in him. The second chapter covers the beginning of the Mexican Revolution and how Villa led the people of northern Mexico during that time, including the Battle of Ciudad Juarez. The next chapter looks at Mexican at War with Itself and how Villa was portrayed in the American press. Death of a Hero, the final chapter, tells of Villa's assassination in 1923, and a sidebar points out that between 1 and 2 million Mexicans died as a direct result of the war, versus 500,000 Americans killed during the Civil War.

Given all that usually appears in American history textbooks about Pancho Villa is how General John J. Pershing pursued him into Mexico during the Wilson administration (although he might be referred to as the "George Washington of Mexico"), Stein provides a very informative book. I was surprised to learn that I knew so little about the real Pancho Villa. This volume is illustrated mostly with historic photographs of Villa and his contemporaries. The back of the book includes a Time Line of not only Villa's life but the history of the nation of Mexico, a Glossary of terms from "assassination" to "tortillas," and a list of books and web sites that provide Further Information.

The first eight volumes in The Hispanic Library were published last year and this one on Villa is one this year's eight new volumes. The others are devoted to "Christopher Columbus: Opening the Americas to European Exploration," "Emiliano Zapata: Revolutionary and Champion of Poor Farmers," "Frida Kahlo: An Artist Celebrates Life," "Hernando Cortés: Conquistador and Empire Builder," and "Mario Molina: Chemist and Nobel Prize Winner," as well as volumes on "The Changing Face of America: Hispanic Roots, Hispanic Pride" and "The Conquistadores: Building a Spanish Empire in the Americas." Since Hispanics are now officially the second largest ethnic group in the country this series should be a source of pride for some young Americans and a font of information for the rest.

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