Set Lighting Technician's Handbook, Third Edition: Film Lighting Equipment, Practice, and Electrical Distribution [Paperback]

Harry Box (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 2003

Comprehensive. Detailed. Practical. Set Lighting Technician's Handbook, Third Edition is a friendly, hands-on manual covering the day-to-day practices, equipment, and tricks of the trade essential to anyone doing motion picture lighting. This handbook offers a wealth of practical technical information, useful techniques, as well as aesthetic discussions.

The Set Lighting Technician's Handbook focuses on what is important when working on-set: trouble-shooting, teamwork, set protocol, and safety. It describes tricks and techniques for operating a vast array of lighting equipment including xenons, camera synchronous strobes, black lights, underwater units, lighting effects units, and many others. Since its first edition, this handy on-set reference continues to be widely adopted as a training and reference manual by union training programs as well as top university film production programs. New in the third edition is an expanded resource section, new illustrations and tables, and coverage of new lighting products and techniques for how to use them.

Expanded resources section: websites, unions, chat groups, bulletin boards, etc, plus new illustrations and tables
More advanced, concise, and comprehensive than ever
Coverage of new lighting products and techniques to help you use them

Editorial Reviews

Review

"There are charts and lists galore. In fact, the book's great virtues are its clarity and its comprehensiveness." - W.A. Vincent for Choice

"Box's book is a romp in the playground of everyday movie magic...the gadgets, their monikers, and the puzzle masters that bring meaning to vanity and career success are explored within the Set Lighting Technician's Handbook." - Mike Dilley, Take 1

"In plain language, Box discusses day-to-day practice on the set, current equipment in use and extensive tricks of teh trade useful to everybody from the director of photography to the gaffer, rigging crew, best boy and lamp operator....Box thoroughly demystifies the world of film lighting."
- Ray Zone, American Cinematographer Magazine

"Having worked in motion picture lighting since 1978 and a Gaffer for 10 years, I can appreciate that [Box] took an approach which can be understood by anyone in the industry...As far as I know, this is the most comprehensive book written about motion picture set lighting, ...covering over 90% of what a set lighting technician actually does when he goes to work."--Russ Caldwell, gaffer

"The language of the book is clear and utilizes a style that assists the reader to assimilate the information into work practices. The appendices are an excellent compilation and I know they are unique to the SLTH. One would have to go to several other lighting and camera books, the National Electric Code Guidebook, and manufacturers' data sheets to look up the same information that has been included by this author"--Michael Gallart, gaffer, rigging gaffer, and best boy

"Anyone looking to learn the art of film and TV could do a lot worse than read this book." - Lighting & Sound

From the Publisher

The Set Lighting Technician's Handbook focuses on what is important when working on-set: trouble-shooting, teamwork, set protocol, and safety. It describes tricks and techniques for operating a vast array of lighting equipment including xenons, camera synchronous strobes, black lights, underwater units, lighting effects units, and many others. This handy on-set reference has also been widely adopted as a training and reference manual by union training programs and top university film production programs. New in the second edition: Revised and updated throughout; 12 new appendices of handy reference tables; Over 180 illustrations and photographs; Lots of new topics and gadgets. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 556 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 3 edition (March 31, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240804953
• ISBN-13: 978-0240804958
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #537,421 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The finest book on the subject I've read., May 13, 1999

By 

Steve([e-mail]) (Sierra Madre, Calif. USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Set Lighting Technician's Handbook, Second Edition: Film Lighting Equipment, Practice, and Electrical Distribution (Paperback)

After 22 years in the Hollywood motion picture lighting business, I can attest to the value and accuracy of this book. A magnificent work of hard-won knowledge and vital information for the old pro or beginner. I refer to it often. Well done, Harry.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for the experienced, invaluable for the novice., January 21, 2004

By 

Tom Howard (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Set Lighting Technician's Handbook, Second Edition: Film Lighting Equipment, Practice, and Electrical Distribution (Paperback)

If you have any interest in motion picture equipment and lighting, or if you are in the industry already, then this book is a definite must-have. It has become a standard for many crew members in the movie business and is often referred to on set.

This book not only covers many different lights and their practical applications, but also deals with power distribution, electrical wiring, and even set etiquette. It is perfect for learning all there is to know about film lighting, and also makes a fabulous reference book if the subject matter is already familiar to you.

Even if you don't plan on being an electrician, this book provides a wealth of information that everyone should know while on set.

Perfect for the experienced, invaluable for the novice.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, will recomend it to our crews., February 22, 1999

By 

Rick ([e-mail]) (South Bend, Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Set Lighting Technician's Handbook, Second Edition: Film Lighting Equipment, Practice, and Electrical Distribution (Paperback)

As a long time theatrical technician I found the book to be very insightfull as to the practices of film lighting world. I wish a book this good was written for stage hands. It is a practical guide to the film lighting business with not just basic information but tips to make you feel like on old pro. After reading it I would feel comfortable taking a work call on a film set any time.