Operating Cinematography for Film and Video: A Professional and Practical Guide [Paperback]

William E. Hines, SOC (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Ed-Venture Films/Books (July 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0935873015
• ISBN-13: 978-0935873016
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,868,884 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Bible for the Social Skills of Cinematography, January 23, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Hollywood USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Operating Cinematography for Film and Video: A Professional and Practical Guide (Paperback)

Bill Hines, SOC is the only Charter member of the Society of Operating Cameramen to receive a "Lifetime Membership." His Professional and Practical Guide to operating cinematography comes from his lifetime achievements as one of Hollywood's most respected operators.

Submitted by Stan McClain, President, SOC

Here are some actual quotes from some of Hollywood's most accomplished cinematographers:

"The camera operator is a critical instrument in the collaborative process of cinematography and as an extension of the cinematographer, can be a helpful moderator between the director, the cinematographer and performers. Bill Hines OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY illistrates the importance of this relationship." -Haskell Wexler, ASC

"OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY is a comprehensive 'how to' handbook for success, not only in the camera, but in the industry as well. When you finish reading the book, you will know what camera operating and operating cinematography is all about." - George Spiro Dibie ASC, President-Local 600 Cinematographers Guild

"OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY is a valuable, well written, one-of-a-kind book on camera operating." -Vilmos Zsigmond ASC

"OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY includes a wide diversity of essential information relating to camera operating, such as on-set protocol, working effectively with other crafts and shot management." -Dean Cundey ASC

"I wish I had this information when I was preparing to be a camera operator." Jack Green ASC

"...a wonderful guide. In it you'll find everything you need to do my favorite job, the best job in cinematography- camera operating." -Conrad Hall ASC

10 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leading cinematographers agree it's an authoritative source., July 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Operating Cinematography for Film and Video: A Professional and Practical Guide (Paperback)

*"The camera operator is a critical instrument in the collaborative process of cinematography and, as an extension of the cinematographer, can be a helpful moderator between the director, the cinematographer and performers. Bill Hines' OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY illustrates the importance of this relationship."-Haskell Wexler, ASC. *"OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY is a wonderful guide. In it you'll find everything you need to know to do my favorite job, the best job in cinematography-camera operating."-Conrad Hall, ASC. *"OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY is a comprehensive `how to' handbook for success, not only in camera, but in the industry as well. When you finish reading this book, you will know what camera operating and operating cinematography are all about."-George Spiro Dibie, ASC. *"In camera operating as in filmmaking, always concentrate on the purpose rather than the method. OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY is an excellent guide to that end."-Gordon Willis, ASC. *"Camera operating-1) as a contributor, 2) as an influence, 3) as a team player, 4) AS AN ART FORM-from A to Z, it's all there in OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY. Must reading if you want to expand your visual capabilities."-William Fraker, ASC. *"OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY is a valuable, well-written, one-of-a-kind book on camera operating."-Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC. *"OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY includes a wide diversity of essential information relating to camera operating, such as, on-set protocol, working effectively with other crafts and shot management."-Dean Cundey, ASC. *"In addition to the technical and aesthetic considerations in OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY, Bill Hines emphasizes two important areas often neglected by others writing about our industry-these are set etiquette and communication. Good manners and good communication guarantee the best use of everyone's energy during motion picture production."-Allen Daviau, ASC. *"I like to see a camera operator who is able to instinctually follow and frame the action without my having to specify every compositional moment. Bill Hines' book focuses on that importance."-John Alonzo, ASC. *"Nothing is more important than operating a camera because it is the final distillation of everybody's work. Since it's the essence of the scene that counts, a good operator has to know when that essence has been properly captured in frame. Following the guidance offered in OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY will help the reader achieve that goal"-David Quaid, ASC. *"I wish I'd had the information contained in OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY when I was preparing to be a camera operator. All those years of learning by trial-and-error could have been a lot less traumatic."-Jack Green, ASC. *"In OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY, the essentials of camera operating are listed and codified in a way that is clear, comprehensive and concise, and will help anyone performing, or interested in, the craft do a better job."-Stephen Burum, ASC. *"I have read the `Operating Tips' column since its inception and have never failed to get good and useful information from each article."-Steven Poster, ASC. *"OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY is essential for those interested or working in camera-related activities. Learning or working without this handbook, puts one at a distinct disadvantage."-Robert Primes, ASC. *"OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY is extraordinary information essential in understanding the techniques of operating a film or video camera and in working cooperatively with other crafts."-Sol Negrin, ASC. *"A camera operator who is intuitive-able to go with the flow of the action-and who has a sense of editing-how the takes will cut together as they are being shot-is invaluable to my style of cinematography. OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY covers these aspects very well."-Brian Reynolds. *"OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY will enable the reader to achieve excellence in the best craft the industry has to offer-camera operating."-Nick McLean. *"William `Bill' Hines is one of todays's premier operating cinematographers. OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY is required reading not only for all working cameramen and camerawomen, but for anyone who intends to make his or her living in the established motion picture business of today. This book tells not only about camera, but set etiquette and protocol, terminology, and many other pertinent subjects as well."-Michael A Jones.

*What prominent Camea Operators have to say* *"Much of what the camera operator does depends on feeling. Whether the feeling comes from the heart or gut, without it a person could never be a good operator. Bill Hines' book, OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY for FILM and VIDEO, captures those nuances. It's a must read no matter what your classification."-Bill Clark, SOC. *"In his book, OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY, the author, Bill Hines, has given us a fabulous primer for youngsters entering our profession and a comprehensive reference guide for old-timers as well. I strongly recommend it."-Howard Block, SOC. *"Each of Bill Hines' `Operating Tips' provides a unique perspective that only a working camera operator could give. His extensive experience comes through in each of his monthly columns-an now, in his book."-Norm Langley, SOC. *"OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY is the complete guide to professional camera operating. An essential tool."-Georgia Tornai Packard, SOC. *"There is something in Bill Hines' OPERATING CINEMATOGRPAHY for FILM and VIDEO for just about anyone, professional or novice, that is of use on the job. The film and video realms have their own set of realities, some overlap, some are unique. The book covers a great deal of both worlds. I found it especially interesting to see his take on the historical nature of our profession and where all the `traditions' started and why."-Paul Basta, SOC (Video Cam Op). *"OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY is the definitive manual on all aspects of becoming and being a camera operator as it is the first publication of its kind to cover both the social and technical skills of operating. There's a lot more to operating a camera than just panning and tilting."-Stan McClain, SOC *"In OPERATING CINEMATOGRAPHY, the status of the camera operator is brought into focus for the uninitiated, and defined for the professional. It will endure as a well-researched and timely guide."-Michael Frediani, SOC

6 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, June 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Operating Cinematography for Film and Video: A Professional and Practical Guide (Paperback)

If you want practical guide then steer clear of this one. Much of the book is spent detailing how the industry isn't like it used to be with particular attention to disapproving of those insolent young'uns that now populate it. The author may know how to light a scene but he lacks any ability to write a professional and practical guide. Very disappointing.