Recommended reading - The books you think everyone should read.

Mark W · #1 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007, 05:17 AM

Got any recomendations for good useful reads?
Pass them on here.

Mark W · #2 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007, 05:31 AM

The Five C's of Cinematography: Motion Picture Filming Techniques
Joseph V. Mascelli

This is one of the first books about film that I got hold of. I am no book critic or indeed cinemaphotographer but i thought this was a great book and is one I often loan to people.

It was published in 1965 and is still going strong. It seems to me that this book is almost a Hollywood bible, the title is very apt. It is full of excellent practical information that may well save you from confusing your audience - or indeed teach you how to.

The book is written to be very accesible and is a strightforward and entertaining read for a text book. All techniques are well explained with diagrams and examples in popular films.

It can only really be criticised for it's narrow scope but so long as you remember this is the Five C's according the hollywood big studio style this has to be a book every film maker should read - at least twice.

The Guru · #3 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007, 10:55 AM

Avril Rowland - The Continuity Handbook

flicker123 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-17-2008, 06:54 PM

I second that suggestion

Mark W · #5 (**permalink**) 11-18-2008, 04:07 PM

Single Camera Video Production.

Robert B Musburger.

ISBN 0-240-80476-7

This is one of the first books I read and i still use it. ( and they didnt pay me to say that )

It's a solid introduction to all things video and filmy. Chapters on many diverse fimly things - how cameras work, sotroyboearind, camera supports, connectors, lighting, shooting techniques and blagging.

A quick romp through the complete process with some very useful dos and donts.

Peraphs a bit pricey at £20 for 200 soft pages but it does contain great info.

optheatre · #6 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 08:28 PM

The Guerilla Film Makers Handbook by Chris Jones & Genevieve Jolliffe

Not so much a blueprint (although I believe they've written that too) it packed with interviews with people from all aspects of film making and practical tips on legalities, raising finance etc... Not much focus on the creative side but it's a good book to dip in to every now and again.

Melvyn · #7 (**permalink**) 01-23-2009, 12:20 AM

High Definition Cinematography by Paul Wheeler

What i should really do on set in Hollywood also worth a look

Mark W · #8 (**permalink**) 01-23-2009, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by optheatre

The Guerilla Film Makers Handbook by Chris Jones & Genevieve Jolliffe

Not so much a blueprint (although I believe they've written that too) it packed with interviews with people from all aspects of film making and practical tips on legalities, raising finance etc... Not much focus on the creative side but it's a good book to dip in to every now and again.

I have read that - it saddens me that there isnt more on the creative side - many activist and community films fail cos thay are sooo badly made.

Fingercuff · #9 (**permalink**) 01-27-2009, 10:00 AM

[quote=optheatre;104346]The Guerilla Film Makers Handbook by Chris Jones & Genevieve Jolliffe [quote]

This book was a massive inspiration for me. The blue print follow up is also good but not a patch on the original.

Alan Mills · #10 (**permalink**) 01-27-2009, 06:05 PM

Best book I ever read!

Asterix in Britain: Amazon.co.uk: René...
Asterix in Britain: Amazon.co.uk: René...