The Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound [Paperback]

David Lewis Yewdall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 7, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0240808657 | ISBN-13: 978-0240808659 | Edition: 3

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, this book provides numerous real-life examples and relevant technical data. It also is firmly grounded in practical techniques and it will show you an appreciation of all the processes involved in creating motion picture sound, from how to achieve great sound despite a small budget and less-than-perfect recording conditions to steps you will need to take to create an artful audio experience.
This edition is completely revised and expanded, and the most popular sound editing systems, Pro Tools and Final Cut Pro, are covered in-depth. The accompanying NEW DVD 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.
Among other topics, Practical Art of Motion Picture Sound, Third Edition includes:
. Preproduction planning
. Production tips
. Sound design
. Sound editing
. ADR and looping
. Using Pro Tools
. Using Nagra's analog and digital systems
. Custom recording sound effects

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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

Product Details

• Paperback: 592 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 3 edition (May 7, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240808657
• ISBN-13: 978-0240808659
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 1.1 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #869,142 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Tough to get to the point October 15, 2008

By I. Noh Jack

Format:Paperback

I am a college level instructor and was looking for a book to use as a text for my Sound Design Class. I was excited to see that David Yewdall had written a book on the subject. He is well known and respected in our Hollywood Sound Community.
My first impression was that the book was full of great real life information but was a bit cluttered with anecdotes. As the class has progressed I have found that the students have not responded well to the text. I can understand why. The points and specifics are introduced and surrounded by drawn out reminiscing. It takes effort to get students to read anyway and this book does not help. It reads like a biography lined with details.

There is a significant amount of text dedicated to film specific procedures. Although there may be instances where a student may encounter mag film, it seems to be too much.

The included DVD seems a bit amateurish. It gives some added value by giving a few audible examples, but the narration is monotone. It caused some laughter in the class and it loses their attention.

The details are great and hit the nail on the head for anyone wanting to enter the industry, or better understand how to work with a sound professional. But it is heavy sledding to mush through. It could be edited down to a more readable text and be better to use for a class.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Ego gets in the way April 30, 2008

By LA Dial Editor

Format:Paperback

NOTE: This is more of a review of the 2nd edition, but because the 3rd edition is out now, I feel this information is important and I'm sure it is still relevant.

I have to begin by saying I have the upmost respect for Mr. Yewdall and his credits are impressive to say the least. I then have to immediately follow that statement by saying his book editor should be fired.

There is a ton of information in this book, unfortunately you have to wade through personal stories, name dropping, and ego stroking tales that really weigh the book down. I would love to read a biography about Yewdall, just not while I'm looking for real, informative substance about the facts of Motion Picture audio.

This would probably be THE definitive book because of the substance is attempts to cover, but ends up very inefficient and distracting. You don't have to look any farther than the dedication page (the third page in) to see an example of the distractions that follow it.

Now, as far as the 3rd edition goes, it was printed 15 years later, so read a few passages in a bookstore before buying it. If you don't see any personal stories or name dropping, he probably found a good book editor.

Cheers

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Overview of Sound for Film September 18, 2007

By Brad Semenoff

Format:Paperback

This is my favorite book for film sound. David writes an excellent book that covers everything for film sound. He explains everything from before pre-production to print-mastering. My only problem with this book is that the chapter on Pro Tools is extremely dated and almost irrelevant. Having said that, there are a number of excellent Pro Tools books out there, but this is the only book that covers film sound in such detail. The accompanying DVD is a nice addition. This, along with Dialogue Editing for Motion Pictures by John Purcell, is a must read for film sound editors. Directors and producers would also benefit from reading this book.