Making Short Films [Paperback]

Jim Piper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2006

• Accompanying DVD of thirty short films offers an instructive mini film festival

• Shows beginners how to make meaningful films without fancy equipment

• Great for film students and independent filmmakers



Want to make an art film, a documentary, a video biography? Here’s how to create real movies using consumer digital video format—without spending a lot of money or time. Author Jim Piper has taught filmmaking for more than thirty years—and along with his technical expertise, he brings entertaining anecdotes and great examples. His descriptions of more than one hundred student films, illustrated with three hundred stills, offer inspiration for beginners, and the accompanying DVD showcases thirty examples that comprise an intriguing and instructive mini film festival. From equipment to exercises to effects, from planning the story to casting, shooting, and editing the movie, everything a budding filmmaker needs to know and understand is here.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jim Piper has taught filmmaking for more than thirty years. The author of seven books, including Making Short Films, he lives in Fresno, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press; 1st edition (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581154445
• ISBN-13: 978-1581154443
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,985,635 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than most, August 11, 2008

By 

J. Washburn "jamesd" (southeast where it all began) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Making Short Films (Paperback)

i read the comments of those that bought this book...after i bought my copy an i am glad i did . after reading the reviews i wouldn't have bought this book, i am very glad i didnt listen to the poor reviews Having directed several movies, i am always on the lookout for different ways of doing films .Perhaps its not slick enough like some that tell a great story but nothing about film making. Dont worry you will be spending your money wisely. Believe me i own many books and this one is near the top,but for those that like to make this harder than it needs to be buy (Rebel without a Crew) nice story or 30 dollar film school) use it as a door stop. film making is all about the K.I.S.S. method.

5.0 out of 5 stars Better Than Taking a Class, April 25, 2011

By 

ampm247 "AnnMarie" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Making Short Films (Paperback)

i found this book at the local library but it didnt have the dvd so i came here and boght this copy as i am starting to do short films now and wanted a guide to keep on hand. this is a SUPERB book on every level for me i know i will keep it at my side for reference as well as inspiration. GREAT FIND!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Surveying the purpose and problems involved, November 5, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Making Short Films (Paperback)

Plenty of books give all the basics of how to make a film of any size - but MAKING SHORT FILMS goes a step further in also surveying the purpose and problems involved. From whether or not to write a script and how to develop it to composing shots, using editing programs on computers, and creating special effects, there are plenty of tips paired with hands-on application projects perfect for newcomers. The DVD in back offers thirty completed short films by students and beginners, for further inspiration and example.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch