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: 11.1 x 8.6 x 1.7 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: #2,638,320 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Richard W. Kroon shot his first film more than 25 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, and producer along with the various production crafts ranging from set construction to rigging grip. Mr. Kroon has spent the last 15 years focused on the business side of the media and entertainment industry, including senior positions with the Motion Picture Association of America and Technicolor Digital Content Distribution. 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, and post-graduate certificates in Film, Television, Video, and Multimedia from UCLA Extension's Entertainment Studies program.