Comments on: The Digital Filmmaking Handbook

By: Jon Devine

Jon Devine — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 03:51:21 +0000

An excellent start to get you aquainted with the wonderful world of DV. This book did well in covering selection of equipment and software by the features they offer rather than brands or models. It also was careful to emphasize audio, where many DV books can be lacking. The under-devoped web site supporting it was a small dissapointment. The demos included in the CD are neat but instructions for related projects were too brisk and general for me. All in all it is an excellent book that I would reccomend to anyone getting into DV.

Rating: 4 / 5

The Digital Filmmaking Handbook

By: Susan Thrasher

Susan Thrasher — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:20:44 +0000

I'm impressed with this excellent reference book. I'm not an absolute beginner with video, but there is a lot I don't know, and I am new to digital. Technology changes so fast that you have to learn all the time or you can't keep up. This book seems to cover it all, from choosing a camera and NLE software through basic lighting, filming, audio, and editing, and on to compositing special effects and transfer to film. It's aimed primarily at high-end videographers and no/low budget filmmakers, and it's packed with information that is clearly presented and easy to understand. The book is great for just browsing, or for when you want to find specific information. The CD-rom contains demo versions of a variety of editing and effects applications and support files for the book's tutorials. The associated website is a bit meagre compared with the book, but does have some updates. (And, with the speed of technological advance, this copyright 2000 book is already going out of date...eg, some reviewed camera models are already being replaced...) If you're serious about digital filmmaking, and aren't already an expert, this book deserves a place on your shelf.

Rating: 5 / 5

The Digital Filmmaking Handbook

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:19:03 +0000

I purchased this book as a reference in using my new Digital 8 camcorder. I was looking for something that would be an introduction to the theory of digital filmmaking and technical reference to make my home videos look good and maybe get me started in small MPEGs for use on the internet. The book has an engaging, easy to read style. It is a general overview of video/film production and editing. It makes clear that running the camera is a very small part of a very large and complex process. If you have a dream of writing and producing a screenplay, this book will lay out the reality of the situation. Additionally, the book offers other references that provide more in depth information on specific subjects. The website is a nice idea, but like most of the book/cd/website combinations, large parts are still under construction since 3-28-2001. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for information on how to make better quality home videos and/or anyone dreaming of writing a screenplay.

Rating: 4 / 5

The Digital Filmmaking Handbook

By: Tillman J. Ragan, Ph.D.

Tillman J. Ragan, Ph.D. — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:05:57 +0000

This is not a typical book in its field. Two qualities of Long & Schenk's Digital Filmmaking Handbook make it stand out.

First, it takes the topic further than any other I have seen, all the way from low-budget production such as a small training department might engage in to theatrical release feature films. This breadth is not achieved at the expense of quality or thoroughness, as the book has exceptionally helpful content on all the topics it covers.

Second, the organization and style of the book are exceptionally clear, readable, and delightful. The authors kept the goal of communicating key information clearly in mind during the writing of this book to an unusual extent and effect. Unlike some technical books which are deadly dull and others which use attempted humor in such broad strokes as to be distracting, Long and Schenk's carefully used, precise and delicate wit adds meaning as well as interest.

Rating: 5 / 5

The Digital Filmmaking Handbook

By: David Fanning

David Fanning — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:49:05 +0000

You know if those Blair Witch guys had read this book it may have helped avoid that horrible home-made look. But seriously this book takes you from the very beginning of filmmaking, those first shakey steps, and gives you all the info to make your own Blair Witch (only better). Although this book looks at the digital filmmaking process, there is tons of really useful info on all aspects of making a movie. The most useful bits have been the nitty gritty aspects of what formats to use for different jobs. NTSC, PAL and HDTV are all covered, along with the different types of tape formats. But the best thing about this book is that it has all the answers. You want to know how to present a script, pitch it, storyboard it, shoot it, edit it and release it, it is all here. It is a goldmine for any aspiring filmmaker, not just film-school hopefuls, but anybody.

Rating: 5 / 5

The Digital Filmmaking Handbook