offers a good introduction to the rudiments of film production. Steven D. Katz walks his readers through the various stages of moviemaking, advising them at every turn to visualize the films they wish to produce. Katz believes that one of the chief tasks of filmmaking is to negotiate between our three-dimensional reality and the two-dimensionality of the screen. He covers the number of technical options filmmakers can use to create a satisfying flow of shots, a continuity that will make sense to viewers and aptly tell the film's story. Katz provides in-depth coverage of production design, storyboarding, spatial connections, editing, scene staging, depth of frame, camera angles, point of view, and the various types of stable compositions and moving camera shots.
International best-seller filled with visual techniques for filmmakers and screenwriters.
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review
Confusing and too detailed, August 7, 2008
By
Nelson (Indiana)
The problem with this book is it's WAY too confusing and gets into far too much detail for noobs. AND, anyone with some experience is not going to need to re-learn technique. Also, I don't like the author's terminology and ad infinitum descriptions of (seemingly) EVERY possible blocking scheme in the universe.
Not good enough, April 6, 2008
By
Carlos (Spain)
This is a book about all the types os shots, but it has a serious problem. The writer doesn't explain the emotional meaning of all those shots. If you read this book, you will know the positions and angles that a cameraman uses; but you won't know nothing about when, and why, employ this angles. Katz doesn't talk about the art of direction and the connection between the script, the characters, and the camera shots.
If you want to learn the complicated art of the direction you must read other more interesting books, like "Film Directing Fundamentals" by Nicholas Proferes. Also you can analyze an Hitchcock's movie "shot by shot". Any movie of Hitch is a master class.
okay, but there are better out there, November 10, 2007
By
Scott Cummins (Clarkston, MI)
I think this book is for frappe latte mocha double half calf drinkers. Lots of flowery exposition. If it's the only book you've ever seen on the subject, it'll teach you something (in a very confusing way). But if you've ever shot anything, or read another book on camera setups, etc., this will not add much to your knowledge.
I even read it a 2nd time to see if I was just "overwhelmed" by info the first time--nope...there are other books that get to the nuts and bolts and practical info much better.
great!, October 22, 2007
By
G. alayunt (NY,USA)
its easy to read, lots of info and hints. especially very helpful for camera moves and shooting angels. pictures are great and makes real easy to understand.
Chicken scratches vs. Detailed Storyboards, August 19, 2007
By
M. M. Conti (Boulder, CO USA)
I have used this book numerous times for my teachings in which students go through the process of making a short film with certain limitations being imposed. It is part of a process that I call "fast filmmaking". I like the examples that Katz presents, specifically that it is not the quality of the drawing, but how the drawing communicates the director's vision to the rest of the crew. I will usually have a student "explain" their storyboard to the class, and it is amazing how a few chicken scratches can give as much details as a fully detailed storyboard. Kudos to Katz for explaining the creative aspect of directing, and Michael Weise Productions for publishing these types of books.
