Cinematography (Screencraft Series) [Paperback]

Peter Ettedgui (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0240803825 | ISBN-13: 978-0240803821

Cinematography is the first title in the Screencraft Series, a unique venture which aims to unravel for the first time the multi-layered language of film-making, by exploring the fusion of crafts which combine to create the most important art form of the 20th century. Although the cinematographer or director of photography rarely receives the kind of attention reserved for directors and actors, there is little doubt that this is the key technical role in the process of revealing a story through images. The cinematographers featured in this book encompass three generations of filmmaking and represent a diversity of film cultures. What they have in common is the contribution they have made to a universal cinema heritage and the fact that their work has helped to expand -- if not revolutionize -- the language of film. This book, featuring the world's finest cinematographers, will inspire practicing professionals, students, and movie buffs alike. This beautifully designed and illustrated book speaks in the voices of these cinematographers and through the powerful images they have created for the screen.


The cinematographers featured in this book encompass three generations of filmmaking and represent a diversity of film cultures, from "African Queen" to "Delicatessen."
Highly illustrated -- over 500 color pictures and 300 black and white photos -- and written entirely based on each cinematographer's own words from interviews
This book, featuring the world's finest cinematographers, will inspire practicing professionals, students, and movie buffs alike.

Features three generations of cinematographers representing many diverse film cultures
Highly illustrated with over 500 color pictures and 300 black and white photos
Written entirely based on each cinematographer's own words from interviews

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Here is a must-have book for anyone with an interest in cinematography. The roster of cinematographers included in the book is stellar, and the text compromises interview material structured so that each cinematographer speaks in his own words, directly to the reader, in a very intimate and engaging fashion. Their personal insights are both invaluable and inspiring." - American Cinematographer, January 2000

"The 17 featured cinematographers represent a broad diversity of styles but share a common bond in having contributed significantly to the art and science of cinematography." - Film & Video Magazine, December 1999

"Cinematography Screencraft is a gorgeous book composed of glossy photos and smooth writing. Cinematography is filled with facts that will interest video producers. If you are an aspiring videographer, or just have a passion for beautifully created movies this book promises to inspire." - Videomaker Magazine, January 2000

"Ettedgui has carefully and effectively edited interviews with 17 world-class cinematographers into coherent narratives, rather than following the usual question and answer format. The result is a fascinating exploration of the complexities of cinematography...from which one emerges with a far greater understanding of the contribution directors of photography make to the filmmaking process." - Choice Magazine, April 2000

"The first two in the Screencraft Series written by Peter Ettedgui - Cinematography and Production Design & Art Direction are beautifully produced large-format books. Both contain interviews with the top practitioners in their respective fields accompanied by exquisitely reproduced photographs, storyboards, and production stills." - Robert Goodman, Videography, July 2000

"highly desirable book, the first of a series spotlighting film technicians. The volume is densely illustrated and, elegantly designed, and the interviews with a wide range of cinematographers reveal how creative choices are shaped by personal histories. A glossary of technical terms and a comprehensive index reflect the scrupulous attention to detail throughout.: - Sheila Johnston, Sight Sound

From the Publisher

This beautifully designed and illustrated book speaks in the voices of these cinematographers and through the powerful images they have created for the screen.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press (August 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240803825
• ISBN-13: 978-0240803821
• Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 9.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,419,230 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully designed and inspirational, April 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Cinematography (Screencraft Series) (Paperback)

I checked this book out because I'm currently an art student unsure of which direction to pursue as far as career, but leaning towards film. This book features background and interviews with several influential cinematographers and proved extremely helpful to me. The film stills featured (from movies like The Godfather, Taxi Driver, The Piano,etc) stand alone as works of art and work exquisitely when combined with the text and other illustrations from the film making process (storyboards and angle sketches) to show how a good movie should be put together. This book would probably be enjoyed by most interested in film or storytelling.

4.0 out of 5 stars pricey, for the content, June 1, 2009

By 

Alexander - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cinematography (Screencraft) (Paperback)

I managed to get it for 150$, which is a bit of money for the book. It's clearly way too much for today price, but I guess the reason for such a price was color print at that time (1998) and the quality of paper and perhaps the limited edition (as the audience is pretty small). I would say, its real price now should be 50$ tops. Still...
...The content is a collection of interviews with 20 best cameramen of the past century, divided into 2 parts: firstly some biography, how the person got into cinema, and secondly describing working on movies. It's a chronological list, so it starts with the most early movies and trends and moves to quite modern ones.
The text is supplied with good illustrations, which are admirable: some of them cover the whole page, which are pretty big.. I got a feeling of having something unique and being an insider into the world of cinematography. Also it opened my eyes to many movies I've not seen, as it has lists of the most striking movies made by each person. Masterpieces. Only for this the book was worth of buying.
It is both inspirational book and contains a number of good advices from seasoned experts. A quaint thing, not for everybody. Only for those who are crazy enough to pay the price.

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent material, January 2, 2003

By 

F. Heymans "Fred Himself" (London) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cinematography (Screencraft Series) (Paperback)

I picked this book up in manila, i found it very well written and informative. It is made up of interviews with some of todays most talented and succesful DOPs, they talk about their experiences in film, their own innovative techniques and styles and also what launched them into this career. The book also includes production notes, storyboards and other interesting technical camera issues. Well worth reading, once youve read it youll find your self picking it up all the time to have another read.