Shot by Shot: A Practical Guide to Filmmaking

From back cover: "'Shot by Shot: A Practical Guide to Filmmaking is a clear, easy-to-read introductory text designed for the beginning filmmaker working in either 16mm or the super-8 format. The book is divided into 9 chapters, each of which deals with the basic language, processes and techniques of filmmaking: Camera and Lens; Film Stock; Composition; Continuity; Film Editing; Digital Editing; Pre-production; Lighting; and Sound. It includes a comprehensive glossary of film terms and an index for quick reference."

Consider this book the idiot's guide to moviemaking, which is why it's used in many beginner production classes. It's a thorough technical basics manual that no filmmaker should be without. (The 3rd edition focuses an entire chapter on digital editing.) Not only does it outline the proper way to film your Oscar-winner, it also explains why and how your equipment or shots function. There are chapters devoted to camera and lens, film stock, lighting, and sound and another five chapters regarding production and editing. (I'm still trying to figure out, however, why the pre-production, lighting, and sound chapters are relegated to the end of the book while the two editing chapters are sandwiched in the middle.) Drawings and photos illustrate the proper and improper ways to film, and an index and handy glossary are also included.After using this book as my classroom companion, I came away with much more confidence in my elementary filmmaking skills. As a beginner, I appreciated the writing, which was concise without being overly technical. Each subject is segmented into digestible, reader-friendly chunks. If you want a solid foundation in filmmaking basics, this is the book to buy.

This book covers the very basics of motion picture photography: lenses, framing, some blocking, lighting, cameras and more. Neat diagrams, pictures (demonstrations) and easy to read text. This book is also good for the professional who just needs to get back to basics!