Welcome to your Digital Film Production: Drama reading list. Here you will find resources selected by your course team to support you throughout this module.
In the Blink of an Eye by Murch, W.In the Blink of an Eye is celebrated film editor Walter Murch's vivid, multifaceted, thought -- provoking essay on film editing. Starting with what might be the most basic editing question -- Why do cuts work? -- Murch treats the reader to a wonderful ride through the aesthetics and practical concerns of cutting film. Along the way, he offers his unique insights on such subjects as continuity and discontinuity in editing, dreaming, and reality; criteria for a good cut; the blink of the eye as an emotional cue; digital editing; and much more. In this second edition, Murch reconsiders and completely revises his popular first edition's lengthy meditation on digital editing (which accounts for a third of the book's pages) in light of the technological changes that have taken place in the six years since its publication.
Call Number: 778.535 MUR
ISBN: 1879505622
Publication Date: 2001
Producing and Directing the Short Film and Video by Rea, P.W. ; Irving, D.K.Producing and Directing the Short Film and Videois the definitive book on the subject for beginning filmmakers and students. The book clearly illustrates all of the steps involved in preproduction, production, postproduction, and distribution. Its unique two-fold approach looks at filmmaking from the perspectives of both producer and director, and explains how their separate energies must combine to create a successful short film or video, from script to final product. This guide offers extensive examples from award-winning shorts and includes insightful quotes from the filmmakers themselves describing the problems they encountered and how they solved them. The companion website contains useful forms and information on grants and financing sources, distributors, film and video festivals, film schools, internet sources for short works, and professional associations.
Call Number: 791.43023 REA
ISBN: 9780240811741
Publication Date: 2010
Module Journals
Consult your subject guide for recommended journals.
Module Websites
Consult your subject guide for recommended websites.
Lighting Design: Principles, Implementation, Case Studies by Augustesen, C. ; Dietrich, U.Assembled by experienced authors and experts from the worlds of practice and teaching, this volume provides an introduction to the most important aspects of natural and artificial lighting design. In addition to straightforward planning rules it also introduces and explains current natural and artificial lighting systems.
Call Number: 729.28 AUG
ISBN: 3764374934
Publication Date: 2006
If It's Purple, Someone's Gonna Die by Bellantoni, P.If It's Purple, Someone's Gonna Dieis a must-read book for all film students, film professionals, and others interested in filmmaking. This enlightening book guides filmmakers toward making the right color selections for their films, and helps movie buffs understand why they feel the way they do while watching movies that incorporate certain colors.
Guided by her twenty-five years of research on the effects of color on behavior, Bellantoni has grouped more than 60 films under the spheres of influence of six major colors, each of which triggers very specific emotional states. For example, the author explains that films with a dominant red influence have themes and characters that are powerful, lusty, defiant, anxious, angry, or romantic and discusses specific films as examples. She explores each film, describing how, why, and where a color influences emotions, both in the characters on screen and in the audience. Each color section begins with an illustrated Home Page that includes examples, anecdotes, and tips for using or avoiding that particular color.
Call Number: 791.4301 BEL + eBooks
ISBN: 0240806883
Publication Date: 2005
Figures Traced in Light by Bordwell, D.A film tells its story not only through dialogue and actors' performances but also through the director's control of movement and shot design. Figures Traced in Light is a detailed consideration of how cinematic staging carries the story, expresses emotion, and beguiles the audience through pictorial composition. Ranging over the entire history of cinema, David Bordwell focuses on four filmmakers' unique contributions to the technique. In-depth chapters examine Louis Feuillade, master of the 1910s serial; Kenji Mizoguchi, the great Japanese director who worked from the 1920s to the 1950s; Theo Angelopoulos, who began his career as a political modernist in the late 1960s; and Hou Hsiao-hsien, the Taiwanese filmmaker who in the 1980s became the preeminent Asian director. For comparison, Bordwell draws on films by Howard Hawks, Michelangelo Antonioni, Yasujiro Ozu, Takeshi Kitano, and many other directors. Superbly illustrated with more than 500 frame enlargements and 16 color illustrations, Figures Traced in Light situates its close analysis of model sequences in the context of the technological, industrial, and cultural trends that shaped the directors' approaches to staging.
Call Number: 791.430233 BOR
ISBN: 0520241975
Publication Date: 2005
Motion Picture and Video Lighting by Brown, B.Motion Picture and Video Lighting, Second Edition, is the indispensable guide to film and video lighting. Written by the author of the industry bible Cinematography, this book explores technical, aesthetic, and practical aspects of lighting for film and video. It will show you not only how to light, but why. Written by an experienced professional, this comprehensive book explores light and color theory, equipment, and techniques to make every scene look its best.
Now in full color, Motion Picture and Video Lightingis heavily illustrated with photos and diagrams throughout.
This new edition also includes the ultimate 'behind the scenes' DVD that takes you directly on a professional shoot and demonstrates technical procedures and equipment. In addition, 20 video clips include lighting demonstrations, technical tests, fundamentals of lighting demos, and short scenes illustrating different styles of lighting. demos, and short scenes illustrating different styles of lighting.
Call Number: 778.5343 BRO
ISBN: 9780240807638
Publication Date: 2007
Cinematography: Theory and Practice by Brown, B.There's more to being a DP than holding a light meter! With this book as your guide, you are on your way to learning not only about the equipment and technology, but also about the concepts and thought processes that will enable you to shoot professionally, efficiently, and with artistic mastery. A leading book in the field, Cinematography has been translated into many languages and is a staple at the world's top film schools. Lavishly produced and illustrated, it covers the entire range of the profession. The book is not just a comprehensive guide to current professional practice; it goes beyond to explain the theory behind the practice, so you understand how the rules came about and when it's appropriate to break them. In addition, directors will benefit from the book's focus on the body of knowledge they should share with their Director of Photography.
Cinematographypresents the basics and beyond, employing clear explanations of standard practice together with substantial illustrations and diagrams to reveal the real world of film production.
Recognizing that professionals know when to break the rules and when to abide by them, this book discusses many examples of fresh ideas and experiments in cinematography. Covering the most up-to-date information on the film/digital interface, new formats, the latest cranes and camera support and other equipment, it also illustrates the classic tried and true methods.
New! A DVD and website includes video footage, offering key instruction in topics such as camera basics and essentials, lighting, shooting methods, and much more.
Call Number: 778.538 BRO + eBooks
ISBN: 9780240812090
Publication Date: 2011
Acting in Film: an actor's take on movie making by Caine, M.Mr. Caine gives you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rob him blind! The man who's hypnotized the camera lenses for a quarter of a century reveals the most closely guarded secrets on script preparation. working with the director, forming a character, voice, sound, and movement. Pearl by pearl he lays out the Caine wisdom on everything from set politics to set decorum, the film bureaucracy and more!
Call Number: 791.43028 CAI
ISBN: 1557830347
Publication Date: 1997
Acting for Film by Churcher, M.The author uses her wide experience as an acting and voice coach an major movies to offer insights into the film acting process. She provides tasks, techniques and tips that are designed specifically for film- there's advice to make the first-time film actor feel at home on set, tips on the casting process, how to cope with auditions, on-camera techniques, schedules and shooting order, as well as specific advice from film crews to help an actor's performance. This practical workbook combines exercises and anecdotes in an informal and accessible style, making it the indispensable guide for anyone wishing to light up the silver screen.
Call Number: 792.028 CHU
ISBN: 0753507234
Publication Date: 2003
Placing Shadows by Gloman, C. ; LeTourneau, T.A mix of theory and practical applications, Placing Shadows covers the physical properties of light and the selection of proper instruments for the best possible effect. For the student, advanced amateur, and pros trying to enhance the look of their productions, this book examines the fundamentals and is also a solid reference for tips on better performance.
Call Number: 778.592 GLO
ISBN: 0240806611
Publication Date: 2005
Film Directing: Cinematic Motion by Katz, S.D.The book uses extensive illustrations to explain how to create extended sequence shots, elaborate moving camera choreography, and tracking shots with multiple story points.
Call Number: 791.420233 KAT
ISBN: 0941188906
Publication Date: 2004
Master Shots by Kenworthy, C.Master Shots gives filmmakers the techniques they need to execute complex, original shots on any budget. By using powerful master shots and well-executed moves, directors can develop a strong style and stand out from the crowd. Most low-budget movies look low-budget, because the director is forced to compromise at the last minute. Master Shots gives you so many powerful techniques that you'll be able to respond, even under pressure, and create knock-out shots. Even when the clock is ticking and the light is fading, the techniques in this book can rescue your film, and make every shot look like it cost a fortune. Each technique is illustrated with samples from great feature films and computer-generated diagrams for absolute clarity.
Call Number: 777 KEN
ISBN: 1615930876
Publication Date: 2012
Master Shots: 100 ways to shoot great dialogue scenes by Kenworthy, C.Talking heads are boring! Master Shots, Vol. 2 changes all that and gives you 100 inspiring ways to shoot dialogue. Each technique is taken from a popular movie, showing how to set up your camera and move your actors to give each scene the drama, clarity, and energy it deserves. Be boring no more! Master Shots, Vol. 2 gives you everything you need to make your talking scenes look good, whatever your budget.
Call Number: 777 KEN
ISBN: 1615930558
Publication Date: 2011
Master Shots - The Director's Vision Vol 3 by Kenworthy, C.A highly visual exploration of the best shots, moves, and set-ups in the industry. This books reveals the secrets behind each shot's success, so it can be adapted to the director's individual scenes.
Call Number: 777 KEN
ISBN: 1615931546
Publication Date: 2013
On Directing Film by Mamet, D.Calling on his unique perspective as playwright, screenwriter, and director of his own critically acclaimed movies, House of Games and Things Change, David Mamet illuminates how a film comes to be. He looks at every aspect of directing--from script to cutting room--to show the many tasks directors undertake in reaching their prime objective: presenting a story that will be understood by the audience and has the power to be both surprising and inevitable at the same time. Based on a series of classes Mamet taught at Columbia University's film school, On Directing Film will be enjoyed not only by students but by anyone interested in an overview of the craft of filmmaking.
Call Number: 791.430233 MAM
ISBN: 0140127224
Publication Date: 1992
What's the Story? the Director Meets Their Screenplay by Markham, P.A structured perspective on the crucial interface of Director and Screenplay, this book encompasses twenty-two seminal aspects of the approach to story and script that a Director needs to understand before embarking on all other facets of the Director's craft. Drawing on 17 years of teaching Filmmaking at a graduate level, on his prior career as a director, and in production at the BBC, Markham shows how the Filmmaker can apply rigorous analysis of the elements of dramatic narrative in a screenplay to their creative vision, whether of a short or feature, TV episode or season. Combining examination of such fundamental topics as Story, Genre, Premise, Tone, Structure, World and Setting, and Key Images with the introduction of less familiar concepts such as "Cultural, Social, and Moral Canvas", Narrative Point of View, and "The Journey of the Audience", What's The Story? The Director Meets Their Screenplayapplies the insights of each chapter to a case study -- the screenplay of the short film Contrapelo, nominated for the Jury Award at Tribeca in 2014. This book is an essential resource for any aspiring director who wants to understand exactly how to approach a screenplay in order to get the very best from it, and an invaluable resource for any filmmaker who wants to understand the important creative interplay between the director and screenplay in bringing a story to life.
Call Number: 791.4302 MAR
ISBN: 9780367415877
Publication Date: 2020
After Effects Apprentice by Meyer, C. and Meyer, T.If you're new to After Effects and want to get up to speed quickly, After Effects Apprentice was created just for you. With 11 core lessons plus a hip final project that pulls it all together, you'll learn how to tap this program's vast potential -whether you want to create motion graphics for network television, corporate communications, or your own work.
Fully updated to cover After Effects CS4, this book presents a professional perspective on the most important features a motion graphics artist needs to learn in order to use this program effectively. You'll learn to creatively combine layers, animate eye-catching titles, manipulate 3D space, key and stabilize a shot to place it in a new environment, and use effects to generate excitement or enhance the realism of a scene.
DVD contains: All exercise source material and projects, guided video tours, and movies of the finished projects.
Call Number: 794.8166 MEY
ISBN: 9780240811369
Publication Date: 2009
Film Editing: the art of the expressive by Orpen, V.Film Editing provides an introduction to the craft of editing in the non-silent film. In clear and accessible language, Valerie Orpen considers editing as an expressive strategy rather than a mere technique. She reveals that editing can be approached and studied in a similar way to other aspects of film. Traditionally, studies on editing or montage tend to focus on silent cinema, yet this book claims that an examination of editing should also consider the role of the soundtrack. The aim of Film Editing is to examine the way in which editing can make meaning. The book addresses editing as part of a wider context and as a crucial element of the overarching design and vision of a film. Consequently, this book incorporates other parameters, such as mise-en-scène, framing, sound, genre, history, and performance. By examining a number of mainstream and art films, such as Godard's A bout de souffle, Hitchcock's Rear Window, and Scorsese's Raging Bull, Film Editing seeks to dispel the notion that editing is necessarily polarized as continuity versus discontinuity.
Call Number: 778.535 ORP
ISBN: 1903364531
Publication Date: 2003
Digital Video Camerawork by Ward, P.This manual introduces digital camerawork techniques used in television and video production. Written as a practical guide, the author's step-by-step instructions take you through everything you need to know, from camera controls, to editing, lighting and sound.
This text provides a solid foundation to build upon in the area of digital video production. In a period of transition between analogue and digital acquisition/recording formats Digital Video Camerawork provides up-to-date information familiarizing you with the different production styles and requirements.
Diagrams are used to illustrate the technology and techniques explained.
Digital Video Camerawork combines clear, technical explanations with practical advice. It is ideal for the less experienced broadcast camera operator and for students on media and television production courses.
Call Number: 778.59 WAR
ISBN: 0240516052
Publication Date: 2000
Directing Actors by Weston, J.Internationally-renowned directing coach Weston demonstrates what constitutes a good performance, what actors want from a director, what directors do wrong, script analysis and preparation, how actors work, and shares insights into the director/actor relationship.
Call Number: 791.430233 WES
ISBN: 0941188248
Publication Date: 1996
The Film Director's Intuition by Weston, J.Acclaimed director Judith Weston offers a deeply creative exploration on how to access and stimulate the filmmaker's most precious assets: instincts, imagination, and intuition.
Call Number: 791.430233 WES
ISBN: 0941188787
Publication Date: 2003
Digital Cinematography by Wheeler, P.High end digital cinematography can truly challenge the film camera in many of the technical, artistic and emotional aspects of what we think of as 'cinematography'. This book is a guide for practising and aspiring cinematographers and DOPs to digital cinematography essentials - from how to use the cameras to the rapidly emerging world of High Definition cinematography and 24p technology.
This book covers the `on-the-set' knowledge you need to know - its emphasis lies in practical application, rather than descriptions of technologies, so that in this book you will find usable `tools' and information to help you get the job done. From `getting the look' to lighting styles and ratios, what is needed for different types of shoots and the technical preparation required, this is a complete reference to the knowledge and skills required to shoot high end digital films. The book also features a guide to the Sony DVW in-camera menus - showing how to set them up and how they work - a
device to save you time and frustration on set.
Paul Wheeler is a renowned cinematographer/director of photography and trainer, he runs courses on Digital Cinematography at the National Film & Television School and has lectured on the Royal College of Art's MA course and at The London International Film School. He has been twice nominated by BAFTA for a Best Cinematography award and also twice been the winner of the INDIE award for Best Digital Cinematography.
up and how they work - a
device to save you time and frustration on set.
Paul Wheeler is a renowned cinematographer/director of photography and trainer, he runs courses on Digital Cinematography at the National Film & Television School and has lectured on the Royal College of Art's MA course and at The London International Film School. He has been twice nominated by BAFTA for a Best Cinematography award and also twice been the winner of the INDIE award for Best Digital Cinematography.