A/V A to Z: An Encyclopedic Dictionary of Media, Entertainment and Other Audiovisual Terms [Hardcover]

Richard W. Kroon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2, 2010 | ISBN-10: 0786444053 | ISBN-13: 978-0786444052

Defining more than 10,000 words and phrases from everyday slang to technical terms and concepts, this dictionary of the audiovisual language embraces more than 50 subject areas within film, television, and home entertainment. It includes terms from the complete lifecycle of an audiovisual work from initial concept through commercial presentation in all the major distribution channels including theatrical exhibition, television broadcast, home entertainment, and mobile media. The dictionary definitions are augmented by more than 600 illustrations, 1,600 etymologies, and nearly 2,000 encyclopedic entries that provide illuminating anecdotes, historical perspective, and clarifying details that might be missed by a more traditional dictionary. Usage notes provide further guidance where terms might be confused or are commonly misused.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

As the subtitle of this work makes clear, A/V encompasses a broad range of topics. With definitions of more than 10,000 words used in film, television, home entertainment, and mobile media, “from initial concept through commercial presentation,” the coverage is extensive. The detailed definitions include alternate forms, parts of speech, usage notes, examples, etymologies, and more. In addition to see references, compare references (similar to see also) send readers to related entries. For example, the definition of dropout compensator contains a compare reference to error concealment, and horror references monster movie and slasher film. The detailed entries include the term and its alternative, a definition, and other usage. Photos from movies, illustrations, and cartoon drawings illustrate terms, for example, false reverse. The Dictionary of Media and Communication Studies (7th ed., Oxford, 2006) is more scholarly in its approach and does not have the same depth of coverage. A/V A to Z is similar to Dictionary of Media and Communications (Sharpe, 2008) but has greater detail and depth of entries as well as beneficial illustrations. This dictionary will be useful for communication studies programs and for libraries with media-savvy clientele. --Jack O'Gorman

About the Author

An award-winning videographer, Richard W. Kroon is senior project manager for Technicolor Digital Content Delivery. He lives in Lake Balboa, California.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 772 pages
• Publisher: McFarland (April 2, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786444053
• ISBN-13: 978-0786444052
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 1.8 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,249,268 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Richard W. Kroon shot his first film more than 30 years ago. Since then, he has worked on numerous independent film and video projects in front of and behind the camera, gaining experience as a writer, director, stereographer, and producer along with the various production crafts ranging from set construction to rigging grip. Mr. Kroon's experience on the business and technical side of the media and entertainment industry includes senior positions with the Motion Picture Association of America, Technicolor, MovieLabs, EIDR, and UNIO3. In addition to being an award-winning videographer, Mr. Kroon is a member of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers and holds a BS from the University of Southern California, an MBA from Auburn University, an MA from Touro University Worldwide, and post-graduate certificates in Film, Television, Video, and Multimedia from UCLA Extension's Entertainment Studies program.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliantly entertaining dictionary...yes, dictionary April 10, 2010

By Daniel Coverdale

Format:Hardcover

This dictionary about everything Hollywood is a great read. For me, it will be a terrific coffee table book, but it's a serious reference work as well, with fascinating stories of Hollywood history and clear explanations of not just Hollywood words but the world in which they used. It has a conscientious, balanced tone that gives it a very credible feel. Make sure to check out the Yiddish terms - they alone make it worth reading. And the whole thing is infused with a droll, between-the-lines erudite humor (I always wondered what a C-light was). Five stars. I'd give it 10 if I could.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Dinky dolly and Needle Drops May 4, 2010

By L. Ruch

Format:Hardcover

Kroon's encyclopedic dictionary "A/V A to Z" is a tremendous tool for film enthusiasts of all stripes. If you're an aspiring filmmaker, a student, or a well seasoned pro in the business, this reference text with a sense of humor is crucial for your collection. Comprehensive definitions from the "dinky dolly" and "needle drop" to explanations of more technical types of equipment "RS170A; EIA" (it sounds like a Star Wars robot, but you may not have an idea on how it impacts daily life) are packed into the pages and peppered with terms that are essential to film culture such as "schmuck" or "schvitz." It's a delight to thumb through on a lark or rely on as you would any reference material when researching for a comprehensive explanation.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Dictionary with Style April 26, 2010

By R. Feldstein

Format:Hardcover

All industries have their own vocabulary, and the entertainment industry is particularly rife with idiom, slang and acronym. A/V A to Z is a straightforward, comprehensive and useful dictionary, covering everything from "gorno" and the "Wilhelm Scream" to "weight map" and "Gevacolor" clearly and concisely. In addition, though, the book provides so much context in its derivations and short histories that it doubles as an entertaining glimpse into the history of film and television. It is a reference book with style, essential for anyone required to learn the nuts and bolts, the lingo, slang and shibboleths of the film industry. It's also a fun read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive and Fun, Perfect for any film student. July 12, 2010

By Ron L

Format:Hardcover

This Encyclopedic Dictionary is a real page turner. According to the author, the seven years compiling the original 1 million word manuscript was trimmed down to fit into a single 840K word volume.

The photos are classic, nostalgic, and fun in their own right, and the definitions are written with a certain wit and humor (i.e. find the knock-knock joke).

Five stars!

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just for Film Students. June 2, 2010

By Kelster

Format:Hardcover

I am not of the film industry, but I have always wondered what a "best boy" was. I looked up the term, then started looking up other terms I have wondered about. Eventually, I wound up just thumbing through the pages and stopping to read definitions.

The book is not exactly a dictionary, not exactly an encyclopedia, but a hybrid that is packed with information, but interesting to read. The language of the definitions is clear so that I dont have to jump around looking up terms from the definition to know what the original term means.

I would recommend this book for everyone. I am amazed that no one has taken on this project since it seems to obvious that the world needed one of these. But then, I guess that is what happens when someone comes up with a great idea. Everyone does a forehead slap and wonders why they didnt think of it.