Lights, Camera, Action!: Making Movies and TV from the Inside Out [Paperback]

Lisa O'Brien (Author), Stephen MacEachern (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1998 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

Lisa O'Brien has been the creator, writer and producer for many kids' TV shows, including a science series called Wonder Why?. She has taught highly regarded acting classes for young people, and she brings a wealth of experience to her lively and informative writing for kids. Lisa currently works for Disney in Los Angeles.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8-A breezy look at the filmmaking process using the conceit of a fictional motion picture and two teens who audition for and are cast in the production. The book focuses primarily on the acting end of the business: how to get an agent, preparing for an audition, creating a character once you've been cast, and what to expect during the shooting phase. In between, there is information about screenplay writing, special effects, and how a film is marketed. However, the story focuses on the actors, and descriptions are given in the context of telling the performers what to expect. A brief final section gives information on television and voice-over work. The author's straightforward presentation is obviously from the point of view of an insider. The book is designed for casual browsers, and there is enough variety in the page layout to keep reluctant readers interested. Serviceable cartoon drawings appear on every page. The text is broken up with "Director's Notes" and suggestions and practical activities for aspiring actors. Brief boxed interviews with actual people involved in filmmaking and "popcorn quiz" trivia questions are scattered throughout. "Screen Speak" glossaries of unfamiliar movie jargon, a note for stage parents, a list of resources, and a short index are included. This book would be most helpful for aspiring actors who want to be in pictures.
Tim Wadham, Dallas Public Library, TX
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Enjoy the pictures, read valuable tips, learn ‘screen speak,’ answer trick questions and have a blast. The process of film-making can be so much fun with this book’s guidance. Lights, Camera, Action! is a valuable resource for actors and parents who may have a star on their hands. But most importantly, kids will enjoy the step-by-step process and tips and tools of the trade in these colorful pages. (Bookloons )

The Business of show business can be tricky, filled with pitfalls — especially for young actors. Lights, Camera, Action! gives kids and their families very practical and professional advice to help them understand how the industry works. (Catherine Winder, LucasFilm Animation )

The numerous interviews, examples and fast facts in the Popcorn Quizzes provide a lot of interesting and relevant information for students who are fascinated with the media. Recommended. (CM Magazine: Canadian Review of Materials )

I wish I would have had a book like this when I was younger! It is so helpful to be savvy to the realities of Film/TV Production: from learning what 'sides' are to meeting the crew, to even editing and special effects. (Eric Covert, Vice-President Creative Content and Production, Disney ABC Cable Networks Group ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Maple Tree Press (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1895688760
• ISBN-13: 978-1895688764
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #886,291 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book for kids, November 14, 2007

By 

H. Bowen (US) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lights, Camera, Action!: Making Movies and TV from the Inside Out (Hardcover)

While this book has a large section geared towards actors and that aspect of the industry, it also has other sections that talk about various aspects of producing a movie including script and sound effects. I was generally pleased to purchase this for my ten yr old to get a grip on what was involved in actually making a movie. It is fun and easy to follow.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, March 15, 2006

By 

R. Martijena (Princeton, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lights, Camera, Action!: Making Movies and TV from the Inside Out (Paperback)

My 5 year old son is a model and has begun auditioning for commercials. This book has been great to read together to learn terminology that is used in the business and to understand the entire process and how everything fits together and relates in the business. It's a great book for anyone new to the acting business.

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Love This Book, March 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Lights, Camera, Action!: Making Movies and TV from the Inside Out (Hardcover)

This book tells you how movies are made. It is a great book to read if you are a beginning actor/actress. It is very interesting. I highly recomend this book for kids.