Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound, Second Edition [Paperback]

David Lewis Yewdall MPSE (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 21, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0240805259 | ISBN-13: 978-0240805252 | Edition: 2

Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound embraces the subject of sound for films. Based on the experience of the author and other top sound craftspeople and firmly grounded in practical techniques, this book provides numerous real-life examples and relevant technical data, as well as an appreciation of all the processes involved in creating motion picture sound.

This edition is completely revised, with all-new chapters on 5.1, the Nagra IV-S, and the Nagra V. The ProTools content is expanded, and there are new sections on how to record Foley in Pro Tools and the concept of ADR/looping. The accompanying audio CD presents demonstration material as well as a large library of sound effects, while numerous charts, illustrations, and photographs help to demonstrate techniques and common industry practices.

Learn about best practices and pitfalls from a Hollywood veteran
Audio CD with demos and sound effects
Experience-based advice on a wide range of topics

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for the first edition:

"If you're looking for the best source of knowledge and inspiration between two covers, you have only one choice: David Yewdall's 'Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound. Yewdall goes back and forth between step-by-step explanation of every part of the craft and reminisces on his career, all the while never forgetting the end product--the art."
- Larry Blake, Mix Magazine

"Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound" is a must-read for all students of sound, whether in film school, recording school or already working in the craft. More than that, it's a must-read for all students of film, and no doubt, a few directors and producers out there would benefit from a read." - Mix Magazine

"I wish this book had been available when I was starting to make movies: there is probably no producer or director who will not benefit from David Yewdall's lucid and thoroughly practical explanation of creativity with sound, and the technical disciplines necessary to use sound as an art form."
- Roger Corman, Concorde/New Horizons

"The DGA should make this book required reading before their members could go out and work in the industry! This is the first time I have ever seen the subject presented in such a realistic and practical way that is written in a style that everyone can understand."
- Jim Webb, Academy Award-winning Production Mixer and multi-channel expert

"This is a book for ALL filmmakers, whether a budding 'in-the-trenches' sound editor or a producer/director who deigns to touch actual film. This book reveals HOW to achieve the creative soundtrack that the director reams of while actually saving money for the producer--and best of all, it's told in a witty, anecdotal style...A must read for both student filmmakers and the seasoned professional."
- Richard Anderson, M.P.S.E.

"The best book on the subject to date, hands down. Thanks Mr. Yewdall!"
-Ken Trevenna, Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology

From the Publisher

This book covers motion picture sound from the point of view of the key figures in the sound department on a set and describes the practices common in the industry today. The accompanying audio CD presents demonstration material, as well as a large library of sound effects, while numerous charts, illustrations, and photographs help to demonstrate techniques and industry practices. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 424 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 2 edition (April 21, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240805259
• ISBN-13: 978-0240805252
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,661,455 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:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good overview of sound for films, April 27, 2001

By 

Jason White (London, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound (Book & CD-ROM) (Paperback)

I found the book very entertaining to read, Yewdall tells many personal stories which he uses to illustrate points. In fact, I read it more like a novel. He passes his knowledge, and experience to the reader through stories of things he's done, and has seen in his many years recording, producing and creating sound for motion pictures. Some is fact, some is opinion, but his opinions are clear and are backed-up with his own unique style of logic.

There are also more technical areas of the book that cover topics like mic placement, how to record cars/explosions/dialogue, how to catalogue your own sound effects libary, etc. This book would also be useful to directors and producers who want better sound in their films. There's definately lots to learn about sound, and the author has done a good job giving the reader an idea about what motion picture sound is all about.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars State-of-the-Art Info on Movie Sound Design, July 2, 2000

By 

Marc Wielage (Northridge, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound (Book & CD-ROM) (Paperback)

Author/recordist David Yewdall does a terrific job explaining the highly-technical goings-on behind the scenes in the world of film sound. Recording, mixing, dubbing, and digital audio techniques are all covered in a way that never talks over the reader's head.

The content is absolutely state-of-the-art (as of mid-2000), and is the first thorough book I've ever seen on the subject. Anybody who's interested in recording sound for TV or films -- high budget, low budget, or inbetween -- will get something positive out of this book. Highly recommended!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars David Yewdall knows his stuff, January 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound (Book & CD-ROM) (Paperback)

David is one of my teachers at North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking and his class is incredibly indepth. Of course, this is the book he uses in class. It is so easy to read and understand. I recommend this book to everyone, even if you know nothing about sound as this book will get up and going quickly and give you everything you need to be successful.