The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production [Paperback]

John S. Douglass (Author), Glenn P. Harnden (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0205142486 | ISBN-13: 978-0205142484 | Publication Date: December 30, 1995 | Edition: 1

This book provides readers with a teaching tool not currently available. It fills a gap in the literature by going beyond simple discussions of hardware usage, basic technical knowledge, and descriptions of technique to in-depth discussions of how this knowledge can be applied in a coherent approach to production.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This book provides readers with a teaching tool not currently available. It fills a gap in the literature by going beyond simple discussions of hardware usage, basic technical knowledge, and descriptions of technique to in-depth discussions of how this knowledge can be applied in a coherent approach to production.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon; 1 edition (December 30, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0205142486
• ISBN-13: 978-0205142484
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #377,513 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Art of Technique takes students beyond technical skills, December 29, 1998

By 

John Douglass ([e-mail]) (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production (Paperback)

In film, video and television production, we recognize the difference between technical proficiency and technique. Technical proficiency is the body of skills that provide the foundation for effective film and video production. We achieve technical competence in the same way a painter discovers how to handle the brush and palette knife, or learns the basics of color, composition, and perspective.

Technique is the application of these technical skills and methodologies for coherent, expressive purposes. Although technical proficiency with film video and television equipment cannot be underestimated, when we apply technical methods without plan or purpose, our productions become cliched contrivances and we lose their potential as means of expression.

The Art of Technique is a text that encourages students to go beyond technical proficiency toward the thoughtful application of technique as they articulate and interpret content. This approach deals with formulating and interpreting subject and theme, and realizing the intentions of the script through the production process. It takes up such concerns as finding and developing ideas for the screen, creating portraiture, building narrative structure, and using symbols. My students have benefited from this approach and have learned how to coordinate these decisions to produce the kinds of works that engage us, arouse our feelings, and transport us into the worlds portrayed on the screen.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best introduction to filmmaking I've found, February 15, 2000

By 

Dick Oliver (New Hampshire, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production (Paperback)

I teach filmmaking, and needed a book that covers all the basics in a few meaty and meaningful pages. This is it. Most books on filmmaking technique either wax philosophical on the author's pet theories or get lost in gee-wiz-you-can-do-this-neat-trick-with-the-camera mania. There's little of either here; instead, you'll find a focused, highly readable series of lessons on what really matters most--how to communicate a meaningful message on film or video. Unlike some VERY annoying books that give examples of lighting and other techniques via badly drawn line-art, this book shows every technique with actual stills from video shoots so you can see how lighting, framing, lens use, etc. actually change the appearance and impact of a scene.

There are also numerous references to excellent classic and modern films with quite specific suggestions for examining the techniques that make those films work so well. Perhaps most important of all, the authors never lose sight of the fact that filmmaking is about interpreting and creating a reality that evokes a meaningful and powerful experience for the audience.

So if you want a book listing all the oh-so-tacky transitions and effects that your new NLE will do, or a thousand-page treatise on the history of film, THIS AIN'T IT. But if you want a book that will help you quickly learn to put cameras, lighting, and editing in the service of your creativity--buy this one first.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars good intro for the novice filmmaker, April 20, 2000

By 

Dennis Sebastian "des_s" (Philippines) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production (Paperback)

this book works very well as an introduction to the creative use of techniques for filmmaking. it is quite clear and concise and is not bogged down by too much technical details or dicussions on film theory. a good starting point.