Digital Filmmaking [Paperback]

Mike Figgis (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0571226256 | ISBN-13: 978-0571226252 | Publication Date: April 17, 2007 | Edition: First American Edition

Now there is no reason to prevent anybody from making a film. The technology exists, the equipment is much cheaper than it was, the post-production facilities are on a laptop computer, the entire equipment to make a film can go in a couple of cases and be carried as hand luggage on a plane. --Mike Figgis

In this indispensable guide, Academy Award nominee Mike Figgis offers the reader a step-by-step tutorial in how to use digital filmmaking technology so as to get the very best from it. He outlines the equipment and its uses, and provides an authoritative guide to the shooting process--from working with actors to lighting, framing, and camera movement. He dispenses further wisdom on the editing process and the use of sound and music, all while establishing a sound aesthetic basis for the digital format.

Offering everything that you could wish to know on the subject, this is a handbook that will become an essential backpocket eference for the digital film enthusiast--whether your goal is to make no-budget movies or simply to put your video camera to more use than just holidays and weddings.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Now there is no reason to prevent anybody from making a film. The technology exists, the equipment is much cheaper than it was, the post-production facilities are on a laptop computer, the entire equipment to make a film can go in a couple of cases and be carried as hand luggage on a plane.' Mike Figgis"

About the Author

Mike Figgis's films include Internal Affairs, Miss Julie, Time Code, and Hotel. He received an Oscar nomination for Best Director and Best Screenplay for Leaving Las Vegas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Faber & Faber; First American Edition edition (April 17, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0571226256
• ISBN-13: 978-0571226252
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #295,494 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A D.P. DISAVOWS LIGHT, August 3, 2007

By 

Anthony Torres "anthonytorres .com" (Orlando, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Digital Filmmaking (Paperback)

In regards to an early criticism of Figgis's advice on lighting, one has to understand that Figgis is NOT unique in his suggestion of using "practical," available lighting. Figgis has served as D.P. on his movies, pre-digital. He shot Leaving Los Vegas, which had a national release. Many D.P.s adhere to starting from no kit lights first, which is possible thanks to Kodak coming out with faster and lower grain celluloid stock. So you can hate the ideas of Figgis, but the guy has made studio and independent films, and prefers independent. You can't marginalize him- he directed Internal Affairs, Richard Gere and Andy Garcia's better film.

If you want a job in the industry, this is NOT a book for you. People fail to understand that the film industry is a business of self employment. You want to write and direct? Well, write and direct- make your movie. Someone else won't make the movie for you. If you DO want to make your own movie, Figgis does well to give you the lay of the land, as well as the pitfalls due to the politics of "real" 35mm movies. This is a fast read that'll get you going enough to make your movie. Some pointers may not make much sense until you've had the experience (specifically the scripting flexibility pointers. Simplify and distill the IDEA of the movie, and scenes, and at the very least your movie will carry through. It's easy to spend 10 takes on a dolly move and forget the scene is about one line.) Alright. Gotta get going on my movie. A good read to get you going. Not the end all be all, but a building block to start from. And don't dismiss him. He's worked his way up the filmmaking ladder, and made this CHOICE to remain digital. Why? Freedom.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful manifesto for a new breed of filmmaker, May 22, 2007

By 

Nathan Andersen "film lover, philosophy profe... (Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Digital Filmmaking (Paperback)

Mike Figgis's little guide is both inspirational and handy, full of insights into and practical information regarding the nature of the new digital cinema. It can be compared to Sidney Lumet's "Making Movies" for its simple and authoritative reflections, with the difference that Sidney Lumet is a fine spokesperson for the directorial task of injecting personal vision into the old studio system of making movies, while Figgis shows how the realities of the new digital technologies make it possible to bypass some of the well worn traditions and develop new and liberating approaches to making films. What is nice, though, is that Figgis is not interested in novelty for its own sake. Rather than get the latest gear, he advocates finding a camera and tools that work for you and then getting to know them well and customizing them for your own needs. He has excellent advice about lighting, and encourages an approach that explores and takes advantage of the visual potential of digital video rather than attempting to imitate the look of film. He discusses all of the aspects of filmmaking: lighting, sound, directing actors, developing stories, postproduction and editing, distribution, and shows how each of these has changed or ought to change under the influence of digital filmmaking technology. While you can find much of the same advice elsewhere, what makes Figgis's book worth having is the way he ties such insights to his own personal experience and story. It would be hard to come away from the book without capturing his enthusiasm for the potentials of digital cinema. In fact, I find it hard to believe that anyone could read this book without wanting immediately to pick up their own cameras and make something. I know that I will read this book several times, not only to remind myself of his excellent information, but also to recapture his enthusiasm and excitement. This is not one for the bookshelf, but one to be carried around in the backpack or camera bag. A very fine manual and manifesto for a new breed of filmmaker.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, quick read, November 29, 2009

By 

T. H. Dicke "THD" (Los Angeles CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Digital Filmmaking (Paperback)

I was impressed with this book, a teacher in my low-budget filmmaking class at UCLA listed it as required reading. It reads quickly and the author has some good ideas. Technology is constantly improving so some aspects of it were outdated, but the concepts were still strong. Good book, overall.