3-D Filmmakers: Conversations with Creators of Stereoscopic Motion Pictures (The Scarecrow Filmmakers Series) [Paperback]

Ray Zone (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 25, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0810854376 | ISBN-13: 978-0810854376 | Edition: First Edition

Although numerous books about conventional filmmaking exist, none has solely addressed the challenges and production requirements of making stereoscopic motion pictures. Until now. Stereographer and film historian, Ray Zone, presents the insights of twenty-one professionals who have worked in this specialized field.

In this unique collection of interviews, Zone explores the art and craft of 3-D filmmaking with producers, screenwriters, directors, and cinematographers. The interviews range from a discussion with Arch Oboler - producer of Bwana Devil, the 1952 feature that triggered the "boom" of 3-D films - to producers and cinematographers who have worked with single-strip 3-D film production in the 1970s and '80s, 3-D films in theme parks, current IMAX films, and the new and still evolving format of digital 3-D cinema.

These interviews provide an unprecedented look at the unique challenges of producing stereoscopic motion pictures. Over five decades of this unique medium are covered, and will interest aspiring filmmakers, stereo photography enthusiasts, cinema buffs, devotees of popular culture, and film historians.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the evolving developments of this exciting cinema niche. Especially recommended for fans of 3-D. (Wisconsin Bookwatch )

...an extremely informative book... (Optische Fenomenen )

A collection of 21 interviews with cinematographers, producers, camera technicians, writers, and directors who have worked with twin-strip, anaglyphic, 15/70 IMAX 3-D, and digital cinema production and exhibition. While the other 20 interviews appear to be current, the opening conversation with director Arch Oboler took place in 1983. (Reference & Research Book News )

About the Author

Ray Zone is a widely published author and speaker whose articles have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, American Cinematographer, and The Hollywood Reporter. A 3-D film producer and an award-winning 3-D artist and photographer, Zone has produced or published over 130 3-D comic books and created stereoscopic images for more than two decades.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press; First Edition edition (February 25, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810854376
• ISBN-13: 978-0810854376
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,354,240 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 50 years of 3D cinema knowledge in their own words, May 18, 2009

By 

David Crowe (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: 3-D Filmmakers: Conversations with Creators of Stereoscopic Motion Pictures (The Scarecrow Filmmakers Series) (Paperback)

As this book consists of a collection of conversations of noted people in the field of 3D Cinema with the author, I began reading with a fear that I was about to read slap-on-the-back style accolades to and from some of the past directors of notorious 3D "B" movies from the 1950s. I was quickly wrong and as they say in the classics, I couldn't put it down.
Having seen some recent IMAX 3D films that were very impressive, and with the promise of new autostereoscopic screens on the horizon (televisions that don't require any eyewear for the 3D experience), I wanted to learn more about this field of filmmaking. There are few good publications on this subject currently so this purchase was a punt.
Ray Zone has put together insightful discussions covering fifty years of directors, cinematographers, and techs, from directors of the cheesy red and green glasses 3D horror flicks of the 50s/60s, to the producers of some of the better of the IMAX 3D productions. These interviews show a clear sense of the limitations and the potential of the 3D medium through each individual's experience - even James Cameron shows an impressive knowledge and enthusiasm for 3D from his 3D work (although his interview here appears to have been made prior to his much anticipated 3D drama "Avatar", due for release late 2009).
The "level" of the knowledge expected of the reader is of someone who has a good understanding of the filmmaking process, especially photography, so is not really for the hobbyist, although the chatty nature of the conversations makes this an easy read.
The tacky front cover image of this book belies the knowledge within, I guess giving an understandable nod to the cheese factor of the 50s era 3D films. Pity this book doesn't come with a DVD in the back and some red/green glasses so I could combine the discussions with the examples cited. As a sign of the infectious nature of it's contents, after reading this book I immediately bought three 3D movies on Blu-ray from Amazon so I could put some of the espoused theories of 3D from these filmmakers to test (without actually trying to shoot a 3D movie myself yet). My learning curve is steep and I can't wait to see what comes next.
Any filmmaker who is thinking of entering the brave new (old) world of 3D cinema should read this book. It is great for insights into the technical, historical, cinematographical, and business side of 3D Cinema, and is a good primer for the future creators of 3D.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting read for 3D Enthusiasts, June 30, 2009

By 

B. Franki "film maker" (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: 3-D Filmmakers: Conversations with Creators of Stereoscopic Motion Pictures (The Scarecrow Filmmakers Series) (Paperback)

The interviews are informative and cover many of the stages in the history of 3D development from the horses mouths.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best seat in the 3D directing room, May 4, 2009

By 

Bernard Mendiburu (Los Angeles, Paris, Portsmouth) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: 3-D Filmmakers: Conversations with Creators of Stereoscopic Motion Pictures (The Scarecrow Filmmakers Series) (Paperback)

Ray Zone shares with us the numerous interviews he made of all the world's most prominent 3D directors, DPs and Producers. Get a first-hand description of what making a 3D movie feels like. Real Movies, Real Persons, Real Stories. And see the 3D Directing craft repeat itself as well as evolve from the historical 50's to the most recent digital age. If you are into enjoying 3D movies, and want to understand the experience of their makers, you need this book. If you are into making 3D movies, and you prefers to ride on giant shoulders' rather than being the guy that embarrasses himself by repeating history as a farce, you NEED this book.