Grammar of the Shot (Media Manuals) [Paperback]

Roy Thompson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 22, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0240513983 | ISBN-13: 978-0240513980 | Edition: 1

Grammar of the Shot is a manual for those who are about to embark on a career in shooting pictures. It is aimed at the novice, concentrating purely on the principles of shooting - still the best way to tell a visual story.

Written in simple, easy-to-follow language and illustrated with clear uncomplicated line drawings, the book sets down the fundamental knowledge needed to achieve acceptable results.

The book:
· is a sister volume to Grammar of the Edit
· has been extensively tested in Europe, Asia and Africa
· lists, examines and explains the conventions and working practices of taking pictures.

*Jargon-free and easy to read
*Explains the fundamental principles of shooting
*A foundation on which the novice can apply practical experience

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An accessible and methodical guide to the creative prerequisites of picture editing ... the author writes mainly for the beginner but with a clarity which will be refreshing for the experienced practitioner."

About the Author

Freelance trainer at Berlin Television Training Center

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 1 edition (June 22, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240513983
• ISBN-13: 978-0240513980
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,154,839 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent work, December 6, 2000

By 

Paul "dragon2eden" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grammar of the Shot (Media Manuals) (Paperback)

This book, shall we say, 'cuts to the chase scene' of what to look for in a good shot.

Rather than contain lots of useless trivia look so many other books on filmaking and editing ["here's what a movieola looks like...it was invented in 1272 by Sir Random Dingleberry...", etc.], this book describes in no uncertain terms what ABSOLUTELY MUST BE IN EACH AND EVERY SHOT -- so that the successful film-maker can build a story that flows smoothly. This book will help you to be artistic, but will also help you to avoid confusing your audience. A small book that is easily read in the space of an hour, the student or novice film-maker will find himself using it as a quick reference many times over. Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Get Down with the Lingo, October 5, 2008

By 

Marco P. Sanchez (Williamstown, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Grammar of the Shot (Media Manuals) (Paperback)

As an amateur photographer, this book has definitely helped me in learning how to frame my shots and what the overall effect of my choices are. Definitely something to pick up if you're interested in photography, film or directing.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEST BOOK FOR THE LANGUAGE OF THE FILM, July 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Grammar of the Shot (Media Manuals) (Paperback)

This book is AMAZING.I'm a film student and i have to say i learned more from this book than the past three years in school.