Motion Picture and Video Lighting, Second Edition [Paperback]

Blain Brown (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240807634 | ISBN-13: 978-0240807638 | Publication Date: September 19, 2007 | Edition: 2

Motion Picture and Video Lighting, Second Edition, is the indispensable guide to film and video lighting. Written by the author of the industry bible Cinematography, this book explores technical, aesthetic, and practical aspects of lighting for film and video. It will show you not only how to light, but why. Written by an experienced professional, this comprehensive book explores light and color theory, equipment, and techniques to make every scene look its best.

Now in full color, Motion Picture and Video Lighting is heavily illustrated with photos and diagrams throughout.

This new edition also includes the ultimate 'behind the scenes' DVD that takes you directly on a professional shoot and demonstrates technical procedures and equipment. In addition, 20 video clips include lighting demonstrations, technical tests, fundamentals of lighting demos, and short scenes illustrating different styles of lighting.

* The definitive book on film and video lighting
* Now in full color, with hundreds of illustrations and diagrams
* NEW ultimate DVD including "behind-the-scenes" video, lighting demonstrations, technical tests, fundamentals of lighting demos and so much more

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Blain Brown was educated at C.W. Post College; M.I.T. and Harvard Graduate School of Design. He began in New York as a commercial still photographer before starting in the film business. After working as a gaffer, be became a cinematographer doing primarily commercials and music videos.After completing his first feature film, he moved to Los Angeles where he has been Director of Photography on 14 feature films as well as national commercials, promotional films, industrials, music videos and documentaries. He has worked in many states in the U.S. as well as Mexico, Canada, India, Italy, France, the Philippines and Jordan.His experience includes 35mm and 16mm projects, as well as 24P High Def, DigiBeta, BetaSP and DV. He has completed projects as a director, editor and screenwriter; with three screenplays produced. He has also taught courses in storytelling and visual communication. As a Director of Photography specializing in features and commercials, he is now based in Los Angeles.His books include A Sense of Place; Motion Picture and Video Lighting and The Filmmaker's Pocket Reference. His work can be seen at www.BlainBrown.com.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 2 edition (September 19, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240807634
• ISBN-13: 978-0240807638
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,661 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Theater
  • #80 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Movies

More About the Author

Blain Brown is a cinematographer, director, writer and teacher. He currently runs the cinematography program at Los Angeles Film School.

As a Director of Photography specializing in features and commercials, he is now based in LA. His books include A Sense of Place; Motion Picture and Video Lighting, Cinematography: Theory and Practice and The Filmmaker's Pocket Reference. His work can be seen at www.BlainBrown.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book for DP students, December 27, 2007

By 

Rick Wise (Oakland, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Motion Picture and Video Lighting, Second Edition (Paperback)

After a long lifetime as a practicing director of photography, I now also teach graduate film and video lighting at the San Francisco Academy of Art University. In a quest for the best book for my students, one that provides background and needed information to the hands-on work we do, I searched through most of the available texts and found Blain Brown's to be by far the best book out there for aspiring directors of photography. Until this semester, I used his previous edition. I am delighted by this new edition, which brings many out-of-date issues up to date.

For a purely technical book, a gaffer's "bible," see Harry Box's Set Lighting Technician's Handbook, Third Edition: Film Lighting Equipment, Practice, and Electrical Distribution

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Thorough!, August 11, 2009

By 

C. Vetter - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Motion Picture and Video Lighting, Second Edition (Paperback)

I don't read a lot of books, but this one is definitely worth the time. It's extremely detailed and in-depth. If you're a beginner, this book will give you the complete knowledge you're looking for without going over your head. If you're a seasoned pro, you'll find this helpful as a reference, or to fill in the gaps of things you might have missed.

At any rate, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great book. Covers lots. but not much practical help for indie or amatuer filmaker, July 20, 2011

By 

cine-flexer - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Motion Picture and Video Lighting, Second Edition (Paperback)

its a good book, handles lotsa topics well. but seemed slightly outta date for the newer digital cinema and DSLR cinema.
But repeated readings can give you strong lighting knowledge + included DVD is helpful. Only wish it would have included more scenario lighting situations and more situation for the indie filmmaker or the amateur who only had very basic lighting to work with.