Producing and Directing the Short Film and Video, Third Edition [Paperback]

David K. Irving (Author), Peter W. Rea (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240807359 | ISBN-13: 978-0240807355 | Publication Date: March 17, 2006 | Edition: 3

Producing and Directing the Short Film and Video is the definitive book on the subject for beginning filmmakers and students. The book clearly illustrates all of the steps involved in preproduction, production, postproduction, and distribution. Its unique two-fold approach looks at filmmaking from the perspectives of both producer and director, and explains how their separate energies must combine to create a successful short film or video, from script to final product. This guide offers extensive examples from award-winning shorts and includes insightful quotes from the filmmakers themselves describing the problems they encountered and how they solved them. The companion website contains useful forms and information on grants and financing sources, distributors, film and video festivals, film schools, internet sources for short works, and professional associations.

* Unique approach which looks at the process from the director's and producer's point of view
* Third edition includes information on new HD formats, postproduction, and a new animation example
* A companion website contains useful forms, information on grants and financing sources, distributors, film and video festivals, film schools, internet sources for short works, and professional associations

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This how-to book provides you with beneficial information, even if you aren't looking to make professional films or videos. The book breaks down the entire process. The authors have created an indispensable tool for any producer, regardless of experience level." -Videomaker Magazine, May 2001

"A thoughtful and comprehensive guide to all aspects of making a short film. I wish a practical, nuts-and-bolts guide like this had existed when I was a film student." -Susan Seidelman, director, Desperately Seeking Susan, Smithereens, and Sex in The City

"A veritable bible, valuable for both the short and feature filmmaker. It's as good as a year in most film schools." -Joan Davison, producer: Airplane, Robocop, and Starship Troopers.

"Without question, the definitive book on the film production. A long-awaited, necessary map to the young filmmaker in his journey though the mine fields of movie making. I would keep it next to the viewfinder." -Michael Pressman, film director, producer of The Practice, Chicago Hope, and Picket Fences

*This volume will easily become an indispensable source book for both students and practicing filmmakers. The wealth of information on all aspects of film production is truly impressive. The quoted filmmakers' notes and the practical examples of their production problems illustrate very well the ideas and recommendations of this book." -Kris Malkiewicz, film professor, California Institute of the Arts, author of Cinematography

"If you've been perusing bookstores for the ultimate comprehensive guide to making short films, look no further. Although Producing and Directing the Short Film and Video was obviously written as a textbook, it's an easy, enjoyable read...Without getting hopelessly bogged in minutiae, the book hits on nitty-gritty details likely to vex most short-film makers, and it's packed with practical information, including a bulleted list of key points at the end of each chapter...The concise information in this book is relevant to anyone of any experience or budget level making a film or video of any length." - Back Stage, Sept. 14 ,2006

"This is the definitive book on the subject for beginning filmmakers and students. It clearly illustrates all of the steps involved in preproduction, production, post-production and distribution. Its unique two-fold approach looks at filmmaking from the perspectives of both producer and director..." - SMPTE Motion Imaging Journal, July/August 2006

"With such a full palette of information, we weren't surprised that the authors also painted a pathway to making a successful product. From financing and budgeting, to hiring a crew, looking for locations and working with others, this book expands beyond the nuts and bolts of picking up a camera and shooting, although there are plenty of technical tips as well." -Camcorder and Computer Video

Book Description

The definitive guide to short filmmaking

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 440 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 3 edition (March 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240807359
• ISBN-13: 978-0240807355
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #375,128 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource, January 6, 2009

By 

D. Keen (Auckland, New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Producing and Directing the Short Film and Video, Third Edition (Paperback)

I've read a lot of these books lately, and this is far and away the best of them. It has just the right amount of detail as well as being an easy read. It is extraordinarily practical and runs over many of the details that the other books I've read have skipped over. If you're making your first short film, this is the book to get, hands down!

5.0 out of 5 stars Totally useful book, October 26, 2009

By 

Sergio Flores Torres "IHG Studios" (Mexico) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Producing and Directing the Short Film and Video, Third Edition (Paperback)

This book is a very detailed checklist of all aspects to keep in mind when creating a short film, pointing out common pitfalls and generally serving as a map of the whole process. I'll keep it at hand during my next project.