Grammar of the Shot, Second Edition [Paperback]

Roy Thompson (Author), Christopher J. Bowen (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240521218 | ISBN-13: 978-0240521213 | Publication Date: March 3, 2009 | Edition: 2

Learn how to use the basic "grammar" of making films and videos in Grammar of the Shot! This book shows you in no uncertain terms what you absolutely need to know to put together your own film or video, shot by shot. Whether you are just learning how to frame a shot or if you just need a refresher, this book gives you a basic toolkit of how to build a successful visual story that flows smoothly. Grammar of the Shot begins with an explanation of the essential visual language of filmmaking-the book takes you from the basic shape of a shot, to different types to shots, to composition of visual elements within each frame. You will be given the basic building blocks essential for successful shot lighting, screen direction, 3D elements, camera movement, and many general practices that make for a richer, multi-layered visual presentation. Most importantly, you will be given crucial background information to expand your visual vocabulary and help jumpstart your career in film and video. Designed as an easy-to-use reference, each topic is covered succinctly and is accompanied by clear photographs and diagrams that illustrate the key concepts presented in the book. Simple, elegant, and easy to use, Grammar of the Shot is a staple of any filmmaker's library.

Don't miss the companion volume, Grammar of the Edit! (9780240521206)

* A simple and clear overview of the principles of shooting...timeless information that will improve your work
* Designed as a quick reference: each topic covered in an illustrated two-page spread
* Together with its companion volume Grammar of the Edit, these little books are all the beginning filmmaker needs

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Roy Thompson and Christopher Bowen provides a clear and concise explanation of motion picture visual language. This universal language (or grammar) is an essential foundation for filmmakers to produce a film or video....I highly recommend Grammar of the Shot for film and video production classes. In addition, it would be useful for emerging filmmakers and for those who need a refresher." --Amazon reviewer of the second edition.

From the Back Cover

Learn how to use the basic grammar of making films and videos inGrammar of the Shot! This book shows you in no uncertain terms what you absolutely need to know to put together your own film or video, shot by shot. Whether you are just learning how to frame a shot or if you just need a refresher, this book gives you a basic toolkit of how to build a successful visual story that flows smoothly.

Grammar of the Shotbegins with an explanation of the essential visual language of filmmaking the book takes you from the basic shape of a shot, to different types to shots, to composition of visual elements within each frame. You will be given the basic building blocks essential for successful shot lighting, screen direction, 3D elements, camera movement, and many general practices that make for a richer, multi-layered visual presentation. Most importantly, you will be given crucial background information to expand your visual vocabulary and help jumpstart your career in film and video.

Designed as an easy-to-use reference, each topic is covered succinctly and is accompanied by clear photographs and diagrams that illustrate the key concepts presented in the book. Simple, elegant, and easy to use,Grammar of the Shotis a staple of any filmmaker's library.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 392 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 2 edition (March 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240521218
• ISBN-13: 978-0240521213
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #218,222 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great text for production classes, March 23, 2009

By 

Tania Kamal-Eldin (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Grammar of the Shot, Second Edition (Paperback)

Having plodded through many film and video production books, it is refreshing to come across a more compact and succinct publication. Grammar of the Shot (2nd Edition) by Roy Thompson and Christopher Bowen provides a clear and concise explanation of motion picture visual language. This universal language (or grammar) is an essential foundation for filmmakers to produce a film or video. "As a filmmaker, when you "speak" the common film language, you will be able to communicate your story to a global audience."
Grammar of the Shot elucidates the basic techniques and concepts of visual grammar --framing shots, camera angles and movement, focal lengths, lighting, and 3D elements; And it tackles more complex concepts such as manipulating depth of field, aesthetics of lighting, and how to cross the 180 degree line safely.
Practical shooting advice is given as well as recommendations on achieving more compelling shots. Although little attention is given to post production (devoted to companion text, Grammar of the Edit), this book emphasizes how to shoot with editing in mind. Topics concerned with the editing process include coverage, continuity issues, the180 degree rule, reciprocating imagery, and eye-line matches.
Peppered throughout the text are photographs, illustrations, and diagrams to illustrate key concepts and techniques. There are useful reviews at the end of each chapter and a glossary and index. I highly recommend Grammar of the Shot for film and video production classes. In addition, it would be useful for emerging filmmakers and for those who need a refresher.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grammar of the Shot, November 29, 2009

By 

PV (Adelaide, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grammar of the Shot, Second Edition (Paperback)

GRAMMAR OF THE SHOT - have no doubt about it, this is a practitioner's handbook!

There's something very excellent and uncluttered about this text. Although it's a "grammar book", it doesn't come across stuffily. It's founded on practical know-how and it's derived from working with some important basic knowledge - how to communicate properly using moving visual images. The rules and applications of them are clear.

This is a requisite first step, for any filmmaker learning their trade, or teacher needing to refer students on.

And it's modularized - "chunky", in today's jargon. Compiled of logical, easy to digest pieces, which can be re-combined in various orders, to apply and make sense!

If you shoot to edit, you might consider this and GRAMMAR OF THE EDIT as a necessary pigeon-pair.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good book for the medium level student or hard-core amateur, March 27, 2009

By 

J. Ellis - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Grammar of the Shot, Second Edition (Paperback)

This book bridges the gap between "filmmaking for dummies" and The American Cinematographer Manual. While I feel that it would be a wonderful book if taking a course in composition and general camera techniques, I think it may be a bit over the heads of most novices. At the same time, those looking to delve deeper into the magics of film and video processes and imagery may feel that this book is a bit lacking. If you already have some filmmaking knowledge, but would love to have a refresher in all things motion picture camera related, this would be a good book to own.