Documentary Film A Very Short Introduction A Very Short Introduction

Documentary Film A Very Short Introduction A Very Short Introduction

“Before you start an Oedipal quest for the identity of your documentary, take a look at Patricia Aufderheide’s Documentary Film: A Very Short Introduction published by Oxford University Press. Aufderheide tackles almost everything you need to know about the different genres and styles of documentaries, with a range of both historical and contemporary examples.” –Film Arts: The Magazine of the Independent Filmmaker
“This is probably the best general and most concise introduction to documentary that has been written to date…scholarship at its best.”–Dr. Cahal McLaughlin, Senior Lecturer in Media Studies, School of Media, Film & Journalism, University of Ulster
“A provocative book… [Aufderheide] manages to bring together an expansive and exciting variety of works to illustrate the complex nature of documentary’s representation of reality. This book is not superficial.”–Cineaste
“This is the first book about documentary I’ve encountered that tackles its identity, history, evolution, and major controversies enjoyably and in brief. I marvel at how much ground Pat Aufderheide covers and the clarity she brings to documentary’s many functions, paradoxes, and contradictions. Maybe religion alone has more.” – Michael Rabiger
“A vivid survey, Aufderheide’s book reminds us how crucial content and purpose are to the power and appeal of documentaries. When other films help us escape the world, these films return us to it with clarity and passion. This book lets us see how that is so.”– Bill Nichols, author of Introduction to Documentary, Professor of Cinema and Director of the Graduate Program, San Francisco State University

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Special Makeup Effects for Stage and Screen Making and Applying Prosthetics

Special Makeup Effects for Stage and Screen Making and Applying Prosthetics

“I’m now insanely jealous of all the people who will learn from this book because this is the book I would have killed to have had when I was starting out… IT’S NOT FAIR!!!” -Neill Gorton, BAFTA winner for Best Makeup and Hair Design Help (2005), nominee for Best Makeup and Hair Design The Catherine Tate Show (2007), Royal Television Society (UK) winner for Best Makeup Design Help (2005), and nominee for Best Makeup Design Doctor Who (2005, 2006) “Among the most exhaustive and thorough tomes on the subject of special effects makeup there is, written with a likable and easy-to-understand style that is accessible to all ages.” -Jordu Schell, Creature and Character Designer “The techniques and education in this book are inspiring. Creating believable character make-ups on human faces is a challenging, rewarding art form.” -Matthew W. Mungle, Oscar winner & BAFTA nominee for Best Makeup Dracula (1992), Oscar nominee for Best Makeup Ghosts of Mississippi (1996), and Oscar & BAFTA nominee for Best Makeup Schindler’s List (1993) “Crammed with cutting edge information on materials and techniques, formulas, suppliers, how-to’s, and more, this is a book I wish I had when I first started!” – Christopher Tucker, BAFTA winner for Best Makeup Artist Quest for Fire [La Guerre du feu] (1981), BAFTA nominee for Best Special Visual Effects & Best Makeup Artist The Company of Wolves (1984), and Emmy nominee for Outstanding Achievement in Makeup for a Miniseries or Special War and Remembrance (1988). –”

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Fantastic!
A book like this is long-overdue. It is a particularly comprehensive guide to making and applying prosthetic makeup, and although much of the information exists elsewhere, as Todd says, it is often fragmentary and not always adequately explained. That said, he has persuaded many of the top artists in the field to contribute here, and the wealth of expertise contained within its covers is fantastic. For anyone who is starting out in the field, has some experience but is curious about the latest materials, or even those who hope to learn this one day, you couldn’t find a better resource.

5 Stars Novice or Pro – you NEED this book!
I have been doing special makeup effects for many, many years and have probably read most of the books on the subject. My first “book” was Dick Smith’s Monster Makeup Handbook. I read it until the pages were tattered and torn and the staples finally fell out.

When I decided to order this book, I expected to get another run-of-the-mill makeup handbook that might have a tidbit of information I could use. Boy, was I wrong! The information contained in this book would take the average makeup artist many YEARS to learn! This is the kind of information that most makeup artists only get if they’re lucky enough to work in a top notch special effects shop – and that’s pretty much impossible nowadays.

Todd offers easy to understand, step by step instructions along with pictures of the processes. Did I mention it comes with a DVD? That alone is worth the price of the book.

Other things I think you should know is that Todd explains what you SHOULDN’T do, and describes why some things you expect to work – won’t. There are simple tips and tricks described that I didn’t know – even after well over 25 years of being a special makeup effects artist. Incredible.

If you are a novice – this should be your #1 makeup bible. If you’re a pro – this should be the “go-to” book in your library.

I can’t promote this book enough. You just have to buy it. The information in it is worth double or triple the price.

Did I mention it comes with a DVD?

In closing, let me give you an idea of how well this book is put together: my 4-year old granddaughter will sit for hours looking at the pictures! She will even take it to bed and have me explain the makeup process. When I’m in my studio making prosthetics, she will ask me if did this or did that, to make sure I haven’t missed something. I have to laugh, but I also have to admit that Todd’s book is so easy to read that a 4-year old can understand and remember!

Buy the book. I promise, you won’t regret it! It contains the latest materials and procedures used in the industry.

I’m sure in a few years the pages of my book will also be tattered and torn and the binding beginning come apart from so much use.

Did I mention it comes with a DVD?

5 Stars Excellent treatise
Having been at this craft for nearly 50 years now, I find this treatise one of the best, most complete, progressively structured treatises that now grace my library of books, videos and DVD’s. As an amateur makeup artist you won’t be disappointed in this book – especially for the amount of information contained for the cost. As a professional craftsman, you might know most of what’s contained in the book but STILL won’t be disappointed at the quality of the efforts Todd has expended to create this. I love the way it PROGRESSES through from simple techniques to more and more advanced things – and leaves nothing out, nothing to question. Even knowing how to do this work, I have found many, many cool and interesting “other” approaches to doing some of what Todd describes in here. There are tips and techniques that are presented in such a way as to NOT be like many other works that expect that you should believe there is only one way to do anything….THEIR way. NOT so with this book. If anything, I am reminded of Dick Smith’s Advanced Professional Makeup Techniques Course, in that Todd defines here and there that there are many ways to accomplish an effect these days and that his is one among those – but one which is well thought out, well presented and of the highest quality. The DVD is a plus but the book alone would have been well worth the price. Inspirational, educational, and top notch all the way. For $45 bucks it’s an investement but a better investment than many things it would be easy to waste money on in the craft from other books, videos or DVD’s. This reaches well beyond it’s selling price. Buy the book. You won’t regret it.

5 Stars Stop looking! This is the one you want!
This is the book you want if you are looking to learn the materials and techniques of modern movie prosthetic creation and application. This is the perfect reference source for this subject. It is like a college textbook, but a lot better! Unlike those large tomes that require a professor to interpret for you; the ones that collect dust on the dorm room desk never getting cracked open, this book is straightforward with excellent examples of the processes being discussed. The author shows enthusiasm and passion for the subject that translates into a book that will galvanize your attention if you too have a passion for this type fx work.

There are an excellent amount of photos and illustrations that take you from the structures of the human face, to life casting, to sculpting, to mold making, to the production of various types of appliances and their application.

If I were to teach a class on the subject THIS WOULD BE MY BOOK. It covers all the basics for the beginner, and makes the perfect reference for the old hands.

The only draw back to this book is that the binding prevents you from laying it flat on a table so you can reference it while you work in the shop. However, the author does suggest you take his book to Kinko’s to have them rebind it in a ring binder so you can lay it flat. Perfect!

5 Stars An Absolute MUST HAVE!!!
A very positive and encouraging teacher, Todd Debreceni has created the new “go to guide” on this art.

Good books on the art of special FX are few and far between. Its great to have a resource that is straight-forward, easy to follow, and as in depth as this. Even if you have been a professional FX artists for years I would recommend having it handy. It’s always nice to have a thorough reference at your fingertips. I can’t praise it enough, its truly a wonder book to have in your library!!

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Filmmakers and Financing Fifth Edition Business Plans for Independents

Filmmakers and Financing Fifth Edition Business Plans for Independents

This book presents the information in a concise, informative and unique format – with this book, the class section on financing films practically teaches itself. I find the advantages/disadvantages sections very helpful. — Review

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Filmmakers and Financing Covers the Bases
When settling down with my attorney about creating a business structure and investment documents for my first indie feature film he asked me if I had a business plan. My answer was, “I haven’t even thought about it.” Movie production is a business and should be treated as such. A business plan is a roadmap for how you plan to create a movie that can return a profit to the investors. I’ve written several business plans for businesses outside of the entertainment industry, but show business has it’s own set of performance metrics that Louise covers well in her book. Investors look for and expect a business plan, especially those who have not invested in films before. The CD is a bit disappointing in content. It would be nice to have several premade templates to get the ball rolling.

5 Stars Informative
Good approach to direct questions Indie filmmakers have about financing. Enjoyed reading it thoroughly and tagged several sections for constant review.

5 Stars Great book for people who want to know
I am very happy to get this book in my hands. I am from SouthEastern Europe, so production here is still something that isn’t taken so seriously. I’ve learned so much from this book, and i think that it could be said that every producer should have one copy of this book on desk.

5 Stars useful
I’m very happy with that book, which is specialized but quite acessible for people with a genuine interst in the matter and who want to understand the how and why. It is concise and complete, and raises your interest.

4 Stars Business Plan…
I have been working on a business plan for well over a year. I was so frustrated. My business partner suggested we buy this book. We ended up finishing the plan in a few weeks… Her book is amazingly helpful. I look forward to updating this review once we receive the funds!! Thanks for writing it and helping fellow filmmakers…

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The Race for a New Game Machine Creating the Chips Inside the XBox 360 and the Playstation 3

The Race for a New Game Machine Creating the Chips Inside the XBox 360 and the Playstation 3

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star It was too limited in scope
The author spoke of the situation like it was truly grand in scope and size and yet, you only get a single persons point of view. I only got about 2/3 of the way through the book before giving up on it. Truly disappointing. A very interesting subject that basically boiled down to one person flaunting their accomplishments and talking about parties.

1 Star Worst-written book I’ve read in Years
The subject matter of this book is fascinating. Having followed the development of the Power PC chips for years, I was looking forward to some insight into the world behind IBM’s microprocessor development.

This book is poor on so many levels, yet I will focus on one. The writing. Written in first-person as if it were a dime-store detective novel (not a compliment), I had to suffer through puerile descriptions of how the “author” (he had a writer “help” him): “growled through gritted teeth”, and “slapped my hand on the table”. Do people really talk like this? No, they don’t. And they really shouldn’t write like this either.

My best guess is that the book was only about 50 pages after the first draft, and they were faced with a choice:

1. Beef up the book with fascinating technical details or interviews with industry folks.

2. Pad this sloppy prose with fluff.

They went with option 2. It really reads like they were getting paid by the word. Shame on the editor. Stuff like this should never make it to print.

Shame is, there are several *really* good books on technology and video games: “Game Over”, “The Last Quarter”, “The Cuckoo’s Egg”, etc. The author even mentions “The Soul of a New Machine” in the preface. You’d think having read that book they would be ashamed to publish the tripe they produced.

2 Stars Disappointing!
“The Race for a New Game Machine” was mainly a tale of lunches and other minor details. It failed to provide either a useful business or engineering overview for readers interested in those perspectives. It did, however, reveal both an appalling lack of business ethics within IBM and very poor human resource management.

The project began in 2001 as a partnership between IBM (lead designer), Sony (customer, and major supplier of video management hardware), and Toshiba (intended large-scale manufacturer) with the intent of creating a new chip for Sony’s PlayStation 3 that would be faster and provide more realistic games. About two years into the $400 million project, however, IBM agreed to let Microsoft (Sony’s main competitor) also use the chip, with modifications. Microsoft ended up bringing its new XBox 360 to market ahead of Sony, partly due to IBM’s bungling the early fabrication testing and development, and partly due to Microsoft’s having a backup hardware source and being willing to gamble on introduction without thorough testing.

Shippy easily convinces readers that the hardware design team worked quite hard, including an extended stretch of 80+ hour weeks, but provides no real sense of how difficult their tasks were. Their motivation to meet the deadlines and performance goals was a mix of professional pride and personal reward – but Shippy never tells readers what (if any) those ultimate rewards were.

One very real tragedy is that a number of key players left soon afterward completion (or before), so I’m guessing there were no motivating stock option awards given. Stories of occasional inexcusable IBM management outbursts also left me shaking my head.

The second tragedy is the damage done to IBM’s credibility – allowing Microsoft to jump on-board a half-finished project initiated and funded by its primary competitor in that market, and even beat Sony to market.

Bottom Line: I recommend Shippy’s book, but only to top IBM management – they could learn a lot from it.

2 Stars Could have been so much better
I bought this book because it reminded me of a book I loved called “The Soul of a New Machine” by Tracy Kidder. RFANGM actually cites this book as an inspiration. But they are very different.

The problem with this book is that Shippy seems to not know which audience he is writing to. At one point he’s writing to MBA candidates about management techniques. At another point he’s writing to the the average computer beginner. Lastly he ever slightly tries to appeal to the geeky computer/electrical/software engineer type like me that I feel should be his target audience (since that was the audience in Kidders book).

But, he kept teasing me with tiny technical tidbits enough to keep reading past the boring management stories and explanations of simple things like what a game machine is. But I ended up just giving up about 1/2 way thorough the book because it just wasn’t worth my time.

He was an insider and could have told a really cool story about chip design in the 21st century but instead he bored me to tears.. Bummer.

5 Stars Beautiful insight
Well… I wanted to know people behind the PS3 and XBox 360 for quite some time. But I was surprised to find (by virtue of this book) that the same set of people created the microprocessors for both the consoles.

The book is a good read.

I recommend it to anyone who is interested in this stuff.

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Flash CS3 Professional for Windows and Macintosh

Flash CS3 Professional for Windows and Macintosh

This is the eBook version of the printed book. With Adobe’s acquisition of Macromedia, millions of Photoshop users may be installing Flash for the first time and Flash CS3 Professional for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide is there to show them what to do. From basic first steps, such as exploring the drawing tools, including Flash CS3′s new Pen tool, to frame-by-frame animation, motion tweening, and shape tweening, this book serves as the beginner’s guide to Flash. But it doesn’t stop there: sections on interactivity, sound, and video have been fully updated to demonstrate best practices in ActionScript 3.0, as well as the latest in Flash’s video technology.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great Book!
This book has taught me sooo much already! If you want to learn how to use flash, this is the book for you!

1 Star Buyer Beware!
I have never received such poor service from a seller on Amazon. I ordered this book for a class I am taking and it never came! A month goes by and I ask where is my book the sellers comment was that they have been busy but the book has been sent… that is interesting because I never received it. Another slap in the face was the sellers comment on another inquiry of mine… “if you have any more questions feel free to contact our AMPLE customer service.” Ample? How about incompetent, rude, and lazy.

I was impressed by Amazon’s quick turnaround from when I sent my claim and from when I received my refund. Unfortunately, this seller gives Amazon a bad name.

5 Stars Great guide on Adobe Flash
This is a great guide that will give you step by step instructions on how to use Adobe Flash CS3 professional. You’ll learn how to make Flash animations to add great multimedia to your websites or just games for local use.

4 Stars Great for starters. Don’t let the name fool you.
I love the Visual QuickStart Guides. This book has easy to follow lessons which are great for beginners. Professional refers to the more robust version of Flash not the skill level of the reader. I have combined this book with some video tutorials which is ideal for learning actionscript fast.

4 Stars Tried another
Programming/scripting is not natural for me! It is hard work. This is the third book on AS 3.0 I’ve tried. The other books did not work for me. I need a book that will tell me what to do in a very elementary manner. I can then put it in context. For example:

1. This is how you script interactivity in a button (code)

2. This is what it is doing

3. This is what the various segments of code mean

etc.

This is the way I learned HTML. I looked up the code to do a given item. Over time if morphed into a thorough understanding of what HTML is and how to do it. This book enables me to do something similar. It takes basic AS 3.0, shows you how to do it then gives the information so you can put it in context. I’m relieved and grateful to find a book that allows me to construct the learning in a way that best fits me. THANK YOU!

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