The Digital Filmmaking Handbook (Digital Filmmaking Series)

Film and video production are in transition. Film and analog videotape rapidly are approaching the end of their technological lives, being replaced by digital videotape and digital cameras. You can buy computers that connect to DV cameras and edit DV tape almost anywhere, and they cost only slightly more than an entry-level computer. The Digital Filmmaking Handbook, then, is for anyone buying into the DV revolution who wants to do more than shoot home movies of the kids. It's for filmmakers young and old, professional and hobbyist, who want to learn to shoot, edit, and make great movies.

Unlike traditional filmmaking books, in which only the camera and some audio and editing equipment are addressed, part of this book approaches the medium from a computer hardware and software perspective. Numerous hardware issues like choosing the components for an editing workstation (chapter 5), the kind of digital video camera to use (chapter 6), selecting editing and audio software (chapter 7), and various output formats (chapter 18) are discussed. Also, there are chapters on effects, making video look like film (chapter 17), and digital titling (chapter 16).

The book never strays from speaking to moviemakers instead of moviemaking-gear buyers. Everything from preproduction tasks (such as scripting, storyboarding, and budgeting) to production tasks (like set preparation, lighting, filming (sans film), and sound recording) through final editing, color correction, titles, and output is explained. Filmmaking is heavily dependent on technology, and each of these subjects is well covered. Chapters on audio, for example, include selection of microphone types; differences between mic types; how to connect mics to a DV camera or synchronize audio in postproduction; how to control sound levels; and so on.

The chapter on editing reflects the experience of the authors. Films are understood through their own language, and how scenes are edited determines the dialect of that language. Such techniques as matching screen position, matching emotion and tone, matching action, when to use pauses and overlapping edits, and the effect of pauses and pull-ups (shortening a scene) are defined and justified.

If you can't get into NYU's film school--or even if you can--The Digital Filmmaking Handbook is a worthy reference to keep at your fingertips. --Mike Caputo

Product Description
With the advent of digital video and desktop editing software, scores of independent producers have found themselves equipped to make their own movies. Because filmmaking involves much more than just buying a camera and a computer, theres The Digital Filmmaking Handbook. This one-stop digital filmmaking resource guides aspiring filmmakers from initial conception to getting a finished project "in the can." From writing and preproduction planning to shooting and post-production editing and effects, this book will serve as the single-volume film school. Completely updated and revised, this third edition includes thorough information on a number of important new DV technologies including HDV, a very affordable new standard that lets even low-budget producers work in high-definition video. The expanded lighting and shooting chapters include new technical information as well as a wealth of new theory. New exercises offer help with everything from writing to special effects, while all of the chapters have been revised to cover the very latest hardware, software, and production workflows. This book will help filmmakers understand the questions to ask so that they can better prepare for and solve the myriad problems throughout the production process. The companion DVD includes project files, film clips, support material for tutorials in the book, and additional video tutorials and essays.

FEATURES * Provides completely updated coverage of digital technology, software, and techniques * Teaches digital filmmaking from start to finishstoryboarding and budgeting, to casting, shooting, and finishing * Details the best hardware and software tools to use * Details new output methods, including coverage of DVD authoring * Includes a companion DVD with project files, film clips, and all support material for tutorials in the book. Also includes additional video tutorials and essays