Desktop Cinema: Feature Filmmaking On a Home Computer (Aspiring Filmmaker's Library) [Paperback]

Graham Robertson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1592009557 | ISBN-13: 978-1592009558 | Publication Date: October 5, 2005 | Edition: 1

Although the number of budding filmmakers and the availability of digital video technology are growing, there are currently no books that encapsulate the process of creating a feature-length film using only a video camera and a home computer. "Desktop Cinema: Feature Filmmaking on a Home Computer" shows amateur filmmakers and computer enthusiasts alike how to create a feature or short film from start to finish using only home computer technology. Using his own film, "Able Edwards," as a model, the author illustrates step-by-step each stage of the filmmaking process, covering story, pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution. This book shows readers how to explore and use the readily available software and other technology tools effectively. The author's use of his own film makes the processes involved seem realistic and attainable and allows the reader to really see what works and what doesn't. An accompanying CD/DVD that features both the "Able Edwards" trailer and green screen reveals make "Desktop Cinema: Feature Filmmaking on a Home Computer" a comprehensive guide to digital filmmaking.

Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: Course Technology PTR; 1 edition (October 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592009557
• ISBN-13: 978-1592009558
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,033,660 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:

5.0 out of 5 stars MovieMaker Magazine - Issue No. 63, Volume 13, 2006, July 25, 2006

By 

Lee Houseman "Lee" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Desktop Cinema: Feature Filmmaking On a Home Computer (Aspiring Filmmaker's Library) (Paperback)

Serving as proof that even the most inauspicious of beginnings, i.e. the dreaded "viral video," can lead to great success (author Graham Robertson co-wrote and directed the hugely popular online spoof Superfriends Wassup!), Robertson's Desktop Cinema: Feature Filmmaking on a Home Computer is exactly the kind of user-friendly moviemaking guide that most directors strive to write (and read), yet rarely do.
The book is a pleasure to read and packed with all sorts of useful information (you never notice just how much you've actually learned until you've moved on to the next chapter).
Written from the perspective of someone who knows what it's like to struggle as an independent moviemaker, it's therefore chock-full of do-it-yourself tips and a handy CD-ROM that includes the first 17 minutes of Robertson's all-digital, sci-fi feature, Able Edwards, as well as storyboard templates and other forms that will definitely come in handy in your own moviemaking endeavors.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book delivers on its promise, February 4, 2011

By 

keith oelschlager - See all my reviews

This review is from: Desktop Cinema: Feature Filmmaking On a Home Computer (Aspiring Filmmaker's Library) (Paperback)

There are many "how to" books that claim to have found a short cut to subject mastery. What's amazing is that this book delivers on its promise. If you have the time and wherewithal, this book will actually teach you how to make a full length feature film using only your home computer and commerically available software. The fact that this book is a few years old only means that your home computer will likely have an even easier time handling digital film footage. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would otherwise be too intimidated to try their hand and making their own movies. In the old days, you would need a super 8 camera, a pair of scissors, and scotch tape. Now you can do it all digitally, and much eaier than you would think!