Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Knowledgeably written by Hollywood-based gaffer and director of photography Harry C. Box, this newly revised and expanded third edition of Set Lighting Technician's Handbook authoritatively covers the equipment, electrical distribution, and techniques of film lighting. From a basic overview of who does what job on the lighting crew; to descriptions of how to use a wide variety of light fixtures ranging from tungsten to HMI to fluorescent lights; to safely handling electric power sources, Set Lighting Technician's Handbook is an excellent reference tool, instructional refresher course, and quick-lookup resource for set lighting technicians of all skill and experience levels.

If you are an aspiring electrician and want to work in movies and commercials this is a must-have for your shelf. Even a seasoned pro can learn a thing or two and the attention (and clear explanation) given to electrics is superior to any trade manual on the market. I've been reading, Mr. Box's articles in Film Crew Magazine for the past few years and it is even more valuable to be able to have some of this knowlege bound in a book.

If you're even looking at this page and thinking about whether or not you should get it, YOU NEED IT! So much to know, so much to learn, this is a mega-stepping stone.

This book is great for those people already involved in the industry who want to really refine their skills and get to know in DETAIL all of the different lights and their uses on the day of shooting. I don't think this a really good book for beginner's because a lot of information is thrown at you at once. Box, goes in-depth with his explanantions and I found myself getting bored when reading about all the different lights and such. Even in the language that Box uses to explain certain terms, I found other terms within those explanations that needed explaining as well. It's not really a production style book, more a gaffer's book, hence SET LIGHTING TECHNICIAN'S guide...

But, all in all this guy knows his stuff and can definitely be trusted when it comes to his knowledge of lighting.

This is by far one of the greatest books on the subject I have ever read. If you are new to film or have been doing it for years, you WILL love this book. The author presents the information in such a way that it is easily understood by rookies and will not bore seasoned cinematographers. Not to mention that it serves as a great refference source. Do yourself a favor, buy this book.

A great book for any film electrician, whether you're starting out or need a handy reference for wiring anything. It gives overviews for every aspect of lighting, starting out with the types of lights and cables and going into electrical theory later on. This book has basically become a must in the IA local here (Pgh 489!). Wanna do film, get this book.

This wonderful book, covering all the major areas in lighting, in enough detail to give a solid grounding. w

While it may appear a little too technical for the absolute beginner, it does offer a solid base in knowledge for those with a little experiance wanting to expand their knowledge, and take away plenty of ideas with which they can put to trial on future set's.

If your looking to become a cinematographer; but feel there are gaps in your knowledge, get this book. I believe it to be a must have.