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 Customer Reviews
Very useful book, 05 Jun 2008
This is an excellent and invaluable book, and is equally suited to those learning either FCP or the Express (consumer) version. It's also really handy to have around as a quick reference tool. My only criticism is that the supplied video content is somewhat cheasy - but then it originates in the US after all! No problems with the DVD itself for me.
New DVD works, 06 May 2008
To add to my original Review - I have had a replacement from Amazon and the corrupted files are now all working. I can only assume that as between myself and my colleague getting through 3 faulty DVD's that the first run must have been faulty.
It seems I cannot change my original star rating within the amazon review system - so I would now give it 4 as this DVD now works.
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Digital Film Making
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*Amazon: £3.20
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Customer Reviews
Very useful book, 05 Jun 2008
This is an excellent and invaluable book, and is equally suited to those learning either FCP or the Express (consumer) version. It's also really handy to have around as a quick reference tool. My only criticism is that the supplied video content is somewhat cheasy - but then it originates in the US after all! No problems with the DVD itself for me.
New DVD works, 06 May 2008
To add to my original Review - I have had a replacement from Amazon and the corrupted files are now all working. I can only assume that as between myself and my colleague getting through 3 faulty DVD's that the first run must have been faulty.
It seems I cannot change my original star rating within the amazon review system - so I would now give it 4 as this DVD now works.
At last, the book that tells you what you really want to know, 16 Sep 2008
What a great book. Concise with well thought-out chapters. Figgis writes in his own voice without self-promotion. This is really essential reading for anyone embarking on independant film making with a digital camcorder. He covers all aspects including your relationship with actors. This is not a technical how-to textbook, it's about the kind of experiences you would only get from working along side an experienced director.
Don't be without it., 16 Aug 2008
This book made me realise how easy it can be to make your own films and get involved with other peoples. It gave me the confidence to just go out and get my own first camera without panicking over whether it was 'the right one'. It has great tips for when you are working on a budget and is a great encouragement to just go out and give it a go.
It gives practical tips, interesting and inspirational advice and is a quick and easy read that can be carried around with you wherever you go. I loved it and often use it as a point of reference.
very useful book, 12 May 2008
I really liked this book. It was very personal and most useful. There are loads of books out there about how to do this and that. What I wanted was some great advice. For starters know your equipment inside out, get a book and write notes about how your settings work, try different combinations. I thought that might be obvious to some but it was inspirational to me. Another great tip was treasure your equipment. Keep it immaculate, really clean especially the lens, otherwise big blobs appear on the big screen! Its got a lot of really good points which I found most useful.
I like the fact that he talks about his work, his passion, his attention to every detail. It's important and very useful. Without passion nothing get done to the highest levels.
Anyone can make a film, 15 Apr 2008
This is a truly inspiring book for any aspiring film-maker. Though it is by no means a "how to" manual it nonetheless equips the reader with a sense that there really is no barrier to creating a film with next to no budget and minimal equipment. Figgis points out that ideas, ingenuity and vision are the essential tools of the film director rather than expensive equipment and a professional crew. The style of the book is conversational and full of anecdotes (some useful and illuminating others simply reminiscences) from Figgis' own film-making experiences. For me the book is most useful on lighting, on which subject Figgis gives some really practical and surprising tips, and working with actors, where his insights into the motivations and insecurities of that profession could save the novice director a lot of grief! Altogether a useful and highly readable addition to the aspiring film-makers bookshelf.
Lacking in Detail, 23 Oct 2007
Hmmm. . . This is a good book, I certainly found it inspiring and it's full of illuminating little hints. However, it's also very short and lacking in detail. Not a 'how to', more of an 'I did'.
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Customer Reviews
Very useful book, 05 Jun 2008
This is an excellent and invaluable book, and is equally suited to those learning either FCP or the Express (consumer) version. It's also really handy to have around as a quick reference tool. My only criticism is that the supplied video content is somewhat cheasy - but then it originates in the US after all! No problems with the DVD itself for me.
New DVD works, 06 May 2008
To add to my original Review - I have had a replacement from Amazon and the corrupted files are now all working. I can only assume that as between myself and my colleague getting through 3 faulty DVD's that the first run must have been faulty.
It seems I cannot change my original star rating within the amazon review system - so I would now give it 4 as this DVD now works.
At last, the book that tells you what you really want to know, 16 Sep 2008
What a great book. Concise with well thought-out chapters. Figgis writes in his own voice without self-promotion. This is really essential reading for anyone embarking on independant film making with a digital camcorder. He covers all aspects including your relationship with actors. This is not a technical how-to textbook, it's about the kind of experiences you would only get from working along side an experienced director.
Don't be without it., 16 Aug 2008
This book made me realise how easy it can be to make your own films and get involved with other peoples. It gave me the confidence to just go out and get my own first camera without panicking over whether it was 'the right one'. It has great tips for when you are working on a budget and is a great encouragement to just go out and give it a go.
It gives practical tips, interesting and inspirational advice and is a quick and easy read that can be carried around with you wherever you go. I loved it and often use it as a point of reference.
very useful book, 12 May 2008
I really liked this book. It was very personal and most useful. There are loads of books out there about how to do this and that. What I wanted was some great advice. For starters know your equipment inside out, get a book and write notes about how your settings work, try different combinations. I thought that might be obvious to some but it was inspirational to me. Another great tip was treasure your equipment. Keep it immaculate, really clean especially the lens, otherwise big blobs appear on the big screen! Its got a lot of really good points which I found most useful.
I like the fact that he talks about his work, his passion, his attention to every detail. It's important and very useful. Without passion nothing get done to the highest levels.
Anyone can make a film, 15 Apr 2008
This is a truly inspiring book for any aspiring film-maker. Though it is by no means a "how to" manual it nonetheless equips the reader with a sense that there really is no barrier to creating a film with next to no budget and minimal equipment. Figgis points out that ideas, ingenuity and vision are the essential tools of the film director rather than expensive equipment and a professional crew. The style of the book is conversational and full of anecdotes (some useful and illuminating others simply reminiscences) from Figgis' own film-making experiences. For me the book is most useful on lighting, on which subject Figgis gives some really practical and surprising tips, and working with actors, where his insights into the motivations and insecurities of that profession could save the novice director a lot of grief! Altogether a useful and highly readable addition to the aspiring film-makers bookshelf.
Lacking in Detail, 23 Oct 2007
Hmmm. . . This is a good book, I certainly found it inspiring and it's full of illuminating little hints. However, it's also very short and lacking in detail. Not a 'how to', more of an 'I did'.
Excellent Training, 31 Aug 2008
I have been using this book to reinforce the lessons I have been taking via Apples One to One training. The book is clearly laid out, and the sample media and project files are execllent for getting used to the various editing options. I agree that it is not great as a reference. The extra lessons in PDF format on the DVD cover the more advanced editing features of Final Cut Express. All in all a great resource for anyone wanting to do more adavnced editing than iMovie allows.
Useful Introduction to FCE4, 21 Jun 2008
This training guide which includes a DVD with the material used in the lessons is generally well written. For anyone completely new to Apple and/or video editing in Final Cut Express 4, it is essential as an introduction, covering all the non linear editing basics of this application.
A word of warning, however - this book is not a manual and cannot be readily used for reference. Some of the lessons take about 90 minutes to complete. In this format, it would have been better to split the longer lessons into two. On the other hand, the lesson on capturing video is somewhat brief relative to other lessons, and more explanation on capture settings and preferences might have been useful. This said, the level of detail on each topic is adequate, and for basic training, the book is indispensable.
Final Cut Express 4 by Diana Weynand, 21 May 2008
This is probably a great book if you have time to run through the exercises, but it does not work as a reference guide.
Movie Making Made Easy , 18 Mar 2008
If like me, you are new to movie making, this book must be top of your list. It takes you step by step from importing your movie into Final Cut Express 4 right through to the finished product including adding your own sound. The beauty of the book is that the included CD contains movie clips, sequences and sound tracks which you will use throughout the lessons. This has to be the ultimate in hands on training, everything is so well explained!
At the end of each chapter there is "Lessons Review" by way of questions and answers plus a list of Keyboard Shortcuts. I have copied these and find them a very useful reference set.
To detail everything in the book would mean writing another book. Suffice to say it is without doubt the best AppleTraining Series Book I have read so far. As an absolute beginner before I read this book I can now put together a good movie.
Buy it! I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
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Customer Reviews
Very useful book, 05 Jun 2008
This is an excellent and invaluable book, and is equally suited to those learning either FCP or the Express (consumer) version. It's also really handy to have around as a quick reference tool. My only criticism is that the supplied video content is somewhat cheasy - but then it originates in the US after all! No problems with the DVD itself for me.
New DVD works, 06 May 2008
To add to my original Review - I have had a replacement from Amazon and the corrupted files are now all working. I can only assume that as between myself and my colleague getting through 3 faulty DVD's that the first run must have been faulty.
It seems I cannot change my original star rating within the amazon review system - so I would now give it 4 as this DVD now works.
At last, the book that tells you what you really want to know, 16 Sep 2008
What a great book. Concise with well thought-out chapters. Figgis writes in his own voice without self-promotion. This is really essential reading for anyone embarking on independant film making with a digital camcorder. He covers all aspects including your relationship with actors. This is not a technical how-to textbook, it's about the kind of experiences you would only get from working along side an experienced director.
Don't be without it., 16 Aug 2008
This book made me realise how easy it can be to make your own films and get involved with other peoples. It gave me the confidence to just go out and get my own first camera without panicking over whether it was 'the right one'. It has great tips for when you are working on a budget and is a great encouragement to just go out and give it a go.
It gives practical tips, interesting and inspirational advice and is a quick and easy read that can be carried around with you wherever you go. I loved it and often use it as a point of reference.
very useful book, 12 May 2008
I really liked this book. It was very personal and most useful. There are loads of books out there about how to do this and that. What I wanted was some great advice. For starters know your equipment inside out, get a book and write notes about how your settings work, try different combinations. I thought that might be obvious to some but it was inspirational to me. Another great tip was treasure your equipment. Keep it immaculate, really clean especially the lens, otherwise big blobs appear on the big screen! Its got a lot of really good points which I found most useful.
I like the fact that he talks about his work, his passion, his attention to every detail. It's important and very useful. Without passion nothing get done to the highest levels.
Anyone can make a film, 15 Apr 2008
This is a truly inspiring book for any aspiring film-maker. Though it is by no means a "how to" manual it nonetheless equips the reader with a sense that there really is no barrier to creating a film with next to no budget and minimal equipment. Figgis points out that ideas, ingenuity and vision are the essential tools of the film director rather than expensive equipment and a professional crew. The style of the book is conversational and full of anecdotes (some useful and illuminating others simply reminiscences) from Figgis' own film-making experiences. For me the book is most useful on lighting, on which subject Figgis gives some really practical and surprising tips, and working with actors, where his insights into the motivations and insecurities of that profession could save the novice director a lot of grief! Altogether a useful and highly readable addition to the aspiring film-makers bookshelf.
Lacking in Detail, 23 Oct 2007
Hmmm. . . This is a good book, I certainly found it inspiring and it's full of illuminating little hints. However, it's also very short and lacking in detail. Not a 'how to', more of an 'I did'.
Excellent Training, 31 Aug 2008
I have been using this book to reinforce the lessons I have been taking via Apples One to One training. The book is clearly laid out, and the sample media and project files are execllent for getting used to the various editing options. I agree that it is not great as a reference. The extra lessons in PDF format on the DVD cover the more advanced editing features of Final Cut Express. All in all a great resource for anyone wanting to do more adavnced editing than iMovie allows.
Useful Introduction to FCE4, 21 Jun 2008
This training guide which includes a DVD with the material used in the lessons is generally well written. For anyone completely new to Apple and/or video editing in Final Cut Express 4, it is essential as an introduction, covering all the non linear editing basics of this application.
A word of warning, however - this book is not a manual and cannot be readily used for reference. Some of the lessons take about 90 minutes to complete. In this format, it would have been better to split the longer lessons into two. On the other hand, the lesson on capturing video is somewhat brief relative to other lessons, and more explanation on capture settings and preferences might have been useful. This said, the level of detail on each topic is adequate, and for basic training, the book is indispensable.
Final Cut Express 4 by Diana Weynand, 21 May 2008
This is probably a great book if you have time to run through the exercises, but it does not work as a reference guide.
Movie Making Made Easy , 18 Mar 2008
If like me, you are new to movie making, this book must be top of your list. It takes you step by step from importing your movie into Final Cut Express 4 right through to the finished product including adding your own sound. The beauty of the book is that the included CD contains movie clips, sequences and sound tracks which you will use throughout the lessons. This has to be the ultimate in hands on training, everything is so well explained!
At the end of each chapter there is "Lessons Review" by way of questions and answers plus a list of Keyboard Shortcuts. I have copied these and find them a very useful reference set.
To detail everything in the book would mean writing another book. Suffice to say it is without doubt the best AppleTraining Series Book I have read so far. As an absolute beginner before I read this book I can now put together a good movie.
Buy it! I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Can be used as an introduction to programming for anyone, 13 Sep 2008
I've been using Processing (and the systems based on Processing such as Mobile Processing and Arduino) for some time now, and find them a great introduction to programming in general.
This book is beautifully presented and very well written. The introductory chapters are a great way of starting to learn programming and I'm proposing to use the ideas in them as an introduction to programming for my students.
Together with Ben Fry's Visualizing Data these are brilliant way to get people programming (with Processing).
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Customer Reviews
Very useful book, 05 Jun 2008
This is an excellent and invaluable book, and is equally suited to those learning either FCP or the Express (consumer) version. It's also really handy to have around as a quick reference tool. My only criticism is that the supplied video content is somewhat cheasy - but then it originates in the US after all! No problems with the DVD itself for me.
New DVD works, 06 May 2008
To add to my original Review - I have had a replacement from Amazon and the corrupted files are now all working. I can only assume that as between myself and my colleague getting through 3 faulty DVD's that the first run must have been faulty.
It seems I cannot change my original star rating within the amazon review system - so I would now give it 4 as this DVD now works.
At last, the book that tells you what you really want to know, 16 Sep 2008
What a great book. Concise with well thought-out chapters. Figgis writes in his own voice without self-promotion. This is really essential reading for anyone embarking on independant film making with a digital camcorder. He covers all aspects including your relationship with actors. This is not a technical how-to textbook, it's about the kind of experiences you would only get from working along side an experienced director.
Don't be without it., 16 Aug 2008
This book made me realise how easy it can be to make your own films and get involved with other peoples. It gave me the confidence to just go out and get my own first camera without panicking over whether it was 'the right one'. It has great tips for when you are working on a budget and is a great encouragement to just go out and give it a go.
It gives practical tips, interesting and inspirational advice and is a quick and easy read that can be carried around with you wherever you go. I loved it and often use it as a point of reference.
very useful book, 12 May 2008
I really liked this book. It was very personal and most useful. There are loads of books out there about how to do this and that. What I wanted was some great advice. For starters know your equipment inside out, get a book and write notes about how your settings work, try different combinations. I thought that might be obvious to some but it was inspirational to me. Another great tip was treasure your equipment. Keep it immaculate, really clean especially the lens, otherwise big blobs appear on the big screen! Its got a lot of really good points which I found most useful.
I like the fact that he talks about his work, his passion, his attention to every detail. It's important and very useful. Without passion nothing get done to the highest levels.
Anyone can make a film, 15 Apr 2008
This is a truly inspiring book for any aspiring film-maker. Though it is by no means a "how to" manual it nonetheless equips the reader with a sense that there really is no barrier to creating a film with next to no budget and minimal equipment. Figgis points out that ideas, ingenuity and vision are the essential tools of the film director rather than expensive equipment and a professional crew. The style of the book is conversational and full of anecdotes (some useful and illuminating others simply reminiscences) from Figgis' own film-making experiences. For me the book is most useful on lighting, on which subject Figgis gives some really practical and surprising tips, and working with actors, where his insights into the motivations and insecurities of that profession could save the novice director a lot of grief! Altogether a useful and highly readable addition to the aspiring film-makers bookshelf.
Lacking in Detail, 23 Oct 2007
Hmmm. . . This is a good book, I certainly found it inspiring and it's full of illuminating little hints. However, it's also very short and lacking in detail. Not a 'how to', more of an 'I did'.
Excellent Training, 31 Aug 2008
I have been using this book to reinforce the lessons I have been taking via Apples One to One training. The book is clearly laid out, and the sample media and project files are execllent for getting used to the various editing options. I agree that it is not great as a reference. The extra lessons in PDF format on the DVD cover the more advanced editing features of Final Cut Express. All in all a great resource for anyone wanting to do more adavnced editing than iMovie allows.
Useful Introduction to FCE4, 21 Jun 2008
This training guide which includes a DVD with the material used in the lessons is generally well written. For anyone completely new to Apple and/or video editing in Final Cut Express 4, it is essential as an introduction, covering all the non linear editing basics of this application.
A word of warning, however - this book is not a manual and cannot be readily used for reference. Some of the lessons take about 90 minutes to complete. In this format, it would have been better to split the longer lessons into two. On the other hand, the lesson on capturing video is somewhat brief relative to other lessons, and more explanation on capture settings and preferences might have been useful. This said, the level of detail on each topic is adequate, and for basic training, the book is indispensable.
Final Cut Express 4 by Diana Weynand, 21 May 2008
This is probably a great book if you have time to run through the exercises, but it does not work as a reference guide.
Movie Making Made Easy , 18 Mar 2008
If like me, you are new to movie making, this book must be top of your list. It takes you step by step from importing your movie into Final Cut Express 4 right through to the finished product including adding your own sound. The beauty of the book is that the included CD contains movie clips, sequences and sound tracks which you will use throughout the lessons. This has to be the ultimate in hands on training, everything is so well explained!
At the end of each chapter there is "Lessons Review" by way of questions and answers plus a list of Keyboard Shortcuts. I have copied these and find them a very useful reference set.
To detail everything in the book would mean writing another book. Suffice to say it is without doubt the best AppleTraining Series Book I have read so far. As an absolute beginner before I read this book I can now put together a good movie.
Buy it! I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Can be used as an introduction to programming for anyone, 13 Sep 2008
I've been using Processing (and the systems based on Processing such as Mobile Processing and Arduino) for some time now, and find them a great introduction to programming in general.
This book is beautifully presented and very well written. The introductory chapters are a great way of starting to learn programming and I'm proposing to use the ideas in them as an introduction to programming for my students.
Together with Ben Fry's Visualizing Data these are brilliant way to get people programming (with Processing).
great stuff, 16 Aug 2008
I've read it completely, and must say it is a great read, it has excellent examples. I've got a lot of filmmaking books, but this one is on top of my list (on actually making lowbudget movies). The included dvd is also a great example to see what he's talking about...
I must say toward the end of the book it gets a bit tedious, but that's mostly because of using the computer..
I recommend this book to anyone, especially in combination with the book 100 Great Home Movie Techniques: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Professional Secrets of Movie Making
The best indie film-making book I've ever read, 10 Feb 2008
Stu Maschwitz is a tech-head film-maker who quit ILM to start his own production house, The Orphanage. You can see their work in Robert Rodriguez' Sin City.
The DV Rebel is Stu passing on a decade of wringing the ultimate results from consumer digital video equipment in order to make exciting and ambitious action movies on a micro-budget. It covers all aspects of the film making process in an accessible, entertaining way, but also contains the technical asides to make you understand WHY you need things like a true 24p or 25p mode on your camera.
If you are attempting any sort of Indie film-making on a small budget, I'd throughly recommend it, even if you are shooting a slow historical romance on 16mm film. If you are trying to make an action movie with a digitial video you just HAVE to read it! Maschwitz' hard won tips will save you many hours of work and improve the end quality of your film in pretty much every aspect.
I wish I'd had the book when I shot my first short film a few years ago. I'd independently reached many of the same conculsions as Stu, but there was still a great idea, a cool insight or a funny anecdote on almost every page. It is a little heavy on After Effects in places but the principles are so well explained that you can easily apply it to any film-making workflow.
If you only buy one book on low-budget film-making, this should be it.
5 stars, hands down, 03 Jan 2008
I just bought this book, and, what can I say that others haven't... It's absolutely fantastic.
It has more than 300 pages covering all that involves making a movie- doesn't have to be an action one- at home, by using DV cameras and PC.
It has lots of key ideas, hundreds of tips and tricks... everything is covered. Although maybe for completely starters, it might be confusing as it doesn't explain the obvious basics of filmmaking (and I mean just obvious things, such as how to capture your video on PC, or how to turn on your camera :P ). Anyone who's owned a home camera can easily get on with the book.
And it also includes a DVD with his own example movies, and with many very useful and professional projects, presets and scripts for After FX, which will make you're life easier (especially adding VFX and color correcting). And also 50 or 100 pages in pdf documents, expanding the books' own ideas.
One point, though. As the book says, it is almost impossible to make a film with 0 budget. You should almost obligatorily buy After FX (7 or greater will be better) and a DV camera (200 euro at least, mayeb Canon MVX 460 will be the minimum). If you're not willing to spend that money (500-600 euro) then, my friend, many things in this book won't serve you.
When you read it, you'll understand why you need a minimum money to spend.
Jump in and become a DV Rebel.
Excellent, 01 Dec 2007
I expected a book like so many others, full of theory with very little actual useful, practical information. It was the opposite, with many tips, tricks and terminology for the aspiring director.
It has a focus on After Effects for post production work but is good as a general guide to filming action movies too. It would also be pretty useful for film making in general, with sections on grading, camera work and editing
Highly recommended
Inspirational!!!, 22 Jun 2007
This incredibly readable book is written in a straightforward, conversational, occasionally irreverant way but is always offering ideas and inspiration with a very "can do" approach to filmaking and effects. There is a DVD included with the book which contains additional chapters which you really should read when prompted and Stu Maschwitz has created a forum dedicated to the book where you get the opportunity to ask questions or swap experiences.
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Customer Reviews
Very useful book, 05 Jun 2008
This is an excellent and invaluable book, and is equally suited to those learning either FCP or the Express (consumer) version. It's also really handy to have around as a quick reference tool. My only criticism is that the supplied video content is somewhat cheasy - but then it originates in the US after all! No problems with the DVD itself for me.
New DVD works, 06 May 2008
To add to my original Review - I have had a replacement from Amazon and the corrupted files are now all working. I can only assume that as between myself and my colleague getting through 3 faulty DVD's that the first run must have been faulty.
It seems I cannot change my original star rating within the amazon review system - so I would now give it 4 as this DVD now works.
At last, the book that tells you what you really want to know, 16 Sep 2008
What a great book. Concise with well thought-out chapters. Figgis writes in his own voice without self-promotion. This is really essential reading for anyone embarking on independant film making with a digital camcorder. He covers all aspects including your relationship with actors. This is not a technical how-to textbook, it's about the kind of experiences you would only get from working along side an experienced director.
Don't be without it., 16 Aug 2008
This book made me realise how easy it can be to make your own films and get involved with other peoples. It gave me the confidence to just go out and get my own first camera without panicking over whether it was 'the right one'. It has great tips for when you are working on a budget and is a great encouragement to just go out and give it a go.
It gives practical tips, interesting and inspirational advice and is a quick and easy read that can be carried around with you wherever you go. I loved it and often use it as a point of reference.
very useful book, 12 May 2008
I really liked this book. It was very personal and most useful. There are loads of books out there about how to do this and that. What I wanted was some great advice. For starters know your equipment inside out, get a book and write notes about how your settings work, try different combinations. I thought that might be obvious to some but it was inspirational to me. Another great tip was treasure your equipment. Keep it immaculate, really clean especially the lens, otherwise big blobs appear on the big screen! Its got a lot of really good points which I found most useful.
I like the fact that he talks about his work, his passion, his attention to every detail. It's important and very useful. Without passion nothing get done to the highest levels.
Anyone can make a film, 15 Apr 2008
This is a truly inspiring book for any aspiring film-maker. Though it is by no means a "how to" manual it nonetheless equips the reader with a sense that there really is no barrier to creating a film with next to no budget and minimal equipment. Figgis points out that ideas, ingenuity and vision are the essential tools of the film director rather than expensive equipment and a professional crew. The style of the book is conversational and full of anecdotes (some useful and illuminating others simply reminiscences) from Figgis' own film-making experiences. For me the book is most useful on lighting, on which subject Figgis gives some really practical and surprising tips, and working with actors, where his insights into the motivations and insecurities of that profession could save the novice director a lot of grief! Altogether a useful and highly readable addition to the aspiring film-makers bookshelf.
Lacking in Detail, 23 Oct 2007
Hmmm. . . This is a good book, I certainly found it inspiring and it's full of illuminating little hints. However, it's also very short and lacking in detail. Not a 'how to', more of an 'I did'.
Excellent Training, 31 Aug 2008
I have been using this book to reinforce the lessons I have been taking via Apples One to One training. The book is clearly laid out, and the sample media and project files are execllent for getting used to the various editing options. I agree that it is not great as a reference. The extra lessons in PDF format on the DVD cover the more advanced editing features of Final Cut Express. All in all a great resource for anyone wanting to do more adavnced editing than iMovie allows.
Useful Introduction to FCE4, 21 Jun 2008
This training guide which includes a DVD with the material used in the lessons is generally well written. For anyone completely new to Apple and/or video editing in Final Cut Express 4, it is essential as an introduction, covering all the non linear editing basics of this application.
A word of warning, however - this book is not a manual and cannot be readily used for reference. Some of the lessons take about 90 minutes to complete. In this format, it would have been better to split the longer lessons into two. On the other hand, the lesson on capturing video is somewhat brief relative to other lessons, and more explanation on capture settings and preferences might have been useful. This said, the level of detail on each topic is adequate, and for basic training, the book is indispensable.
Final Cut Express 4 by Diana Weynand, 21 May 2008
This is probably a great book if you have time to run through the exercises, but it does not work as a reference guide.
Movie Making Made Easy , 18 Mar 2008
If like me, you are new to movie making, this book must be top of your list. It takes you step by step from importing your movie into Final Cut Express 4 right through to the finished product including adding your own sound. The beauty of the book is that the included CD contains movie clips, sequences and sound tracks which you will use throughout the lessons. This has to be the ultimate in hands on training, everything is so well explained!
At the end of each chapter there is "Lessons Review" by way of questions and answers plus a list of Keyboard Shortcuts. I have copied these and find them a very useful reference set.
To detail everything in the book would mean writing another book. Suffice to say it is without doubt the best AppleTraining Series Book I have read so far. As an absolute beginner before I read this book I can now put together a good movie.
Buy it! I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Can be used as an introduction to programming for anyone, 13 Sep 2008
I've been using Processing (and the systems based on Processing such as Mobile Processing and Arduino) for some time now, and find them a great introduction to programming in general.
This book is beautifully presented and very well written. The introductory chapters are a great way of starting to learn programming and I'm proposing to use the ideas in them as an introduction to programming for my students.
Together with Ben Fry's Visualizing Data these are brilliant way to get people programming (with Processing).
great stuff, 16 Aug 2008
I've read it completely, and must say it is a great read, it has excellent examples. I've got a lot of filmmaking books, but this one is on top of my list (on actually making lowbudget movies). The included dvd is also a great example to see what he's talking about...
I must say toward the end of the book it gets a bit tedious, but that's mostly because of using the computer..
I recommend this book to anyone, especially in combination with the book 100 Great Home Movie Techniques: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Professional Secrets of Movie Making
The best indie film-making book I've ever read, 10 Feb 2008
Stu Maschwitz is a tech-head film-maker who quit ILM to start his own production house, The Orphanage. You can see their work in Robert Rodriguez' Sin City.
The DV Rebel is Stu passing on a decade of wringing the ultimate results from consumer digital video equipment in order to make exciting and ambitious action movies on a micro-budget. It covers all aspects of the film making process in an accessible, entertaining way, but also contains the technical asides to make you understand WHY you need things like a true 24p or 25p mode on your camera.
If you are attempting any sort of Indie film-making on a small budget, I'd throughly recommend it, even if you are shooting a slow historical romance on 16mm film. If you are trying to make an action movie with a digitial video you just HAVE to read it! Maschwitz' hard won tips will save you many hours of work and improve the end quality of your film in pretty much every aspect.
I wish I'd had the book when I shot my first short film a few years ago. I'd independently reached many of the same conculsions as Stu, but there was still a great idea, a cool insight or a funny anecdote on almost every page. It is a little heavy on After Effects in places but the principles are so well explained that you can easily apply it to any film-making workflow.
If you only buy one book on low-budget film-making, this should be it.
5 stars, hands down, 03 Jan 2008
I just bought this book, and, what can I say that others haven't... It's absolutely fantastic.
It has more than 300 pages covering all that involves making a movie- doesn't have to be an action one- at home, by using DV cameras and PC.
It has lots of key ideas, hundreds of tips and tricks... everything is covered. Although maybe for completely starters, it might be confusing as it doesn't explain the obvious basics of filmmaking (and I mean just obvious things, such as how to capture your video on PC, or how to turn on your camera :P ). Anyone who's owned a home camera can easily get on with the book.
And it also includes a DVD with his own example movies, and with many very useful and professional projects, presets and scripts for After FX, which will make you're life easier (especially adding VFX and color correcting). And also 50 or 100 pages in pdf documents, expanding the books' own ideas.
One point, though. As the book says, it is almost impossible to make a film with 0 budget. You should almost obligatorily buy After FX (7 or greater will be better) and a DV camera (200 euro at least, mayeb Canon MVX 460 will be the minimum). If you're not willing to spend that money (500-600 euro) then, my friend, many things in this book won't serve you.
When you read it, you'll understand why you need a minimum money to spend.
Jump in and become a DV Rebel.
Excellent, 01 Dec 2007
I expected a book like so many others, full of theory with very little actual useful, practical information. It was the opposite, with many tips, tricks and terminology for the aspiring director.
It has a focus on After Effects for post production work but is good as a general guide to filming action movies too. It would also be pretty useful for film making in general, with sections on grading, camera work and editing
Highly recommended
Inspirational!!!, 22 Jun 2007
This incredibly readable book is written in a straightforward, conversational, occasionally irreverant way but is always offering ideas and inspiration with a very "can do" approach to filmaking and effects. There is a DVD included with the book which contains additional chapters which you really should read when prompted and Stu Maschwitz has created a forum dedicated to the book where you get the opportunity to ask questions or swap experiences.
Loads of inspiration in a beautifully designed book , 24 Apr 2008
I bought this book yesterday, and I've already finished it today. This book is just such a pleasure to read & to look at. You get interviews with several illustrators & examples of their work, you get "workthroughs" & lots of tips. This isn't your average how-to-book, this book is designed to learn you more about the lifes of illustrators, they way they work and the way they feel about it.
The interviews give you a warm, familiar feeling & the wonderful pictures provide you with tons of inspiration.
At the back there's a list of all the illustrators included in this book, their e-mailaddress and their website which will prove handy when you're interested in more work from an artist.
A great read, but even more great inspiration. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the more 'human' side of digital illustration, but if you're looking for a book that will learn you in detail how to make digital pictures, you better move on to something else.
Very Inspiring., 15 Mar 2008
I have two of Zeegen's other books and liked them so much, that I decided to buy this one as well. Its great! Its a feast to look at visually, with lots of different illustrators' work, the layout is gorgeous also. You will learn alot about current fashions in the industry, with interviews with prolific image makers such as Jon Burgerman, Jeremyville,Mr Bingo etc. This is my new favourite book, its stunning to browse through/to dip into, to see other illustrators creative process. Buy it for inspiration alone.
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Customer Reviews
Very useful book, 05 Jun 2008
This is an excellent and invaluable book, and is equally suited to those learning either FCP or the Express (consumer) version. It's also really handy to have around as a quick reference tool. My only criticism is that the supplied video content is somewhat cheasy - but then it originates in the US after all! No problems with the DVD itself for me.
New DVD works, 06 May 2008
To add to my original Review - I have had a replacement from Amazon and the corrupted files are now all working. I can only assume that as between myself and my colleague getting through 3 faulty DVD's that the first run must have been faulty.
It seems I cannot change my original star rating within the amazon review system - so I would now give it 4 as this DVD now works.
At last, the book that tells you what you really want to know, 16 Sep 2008
What a great book. Concise with well thought-out chapters. Figgis writes in his own voice without self-promotion. This is really essential reading for anyone embarking on independant film making with a digital camcorder. He covers all aspects including your relationship with actors. This is not a technical how-to textbook, it's about the kind of experiences you would only get from working along side an experienced director.
Don't be without it., 16 Aug 2008
This book made me realise how easy it can be to make your own films and get involved with other peoples. It gave me the confidence to just go out and get my own first camera without panicking over whether it was 'the right one'. It has great tips for when you are working on a budget and is a great encouragement to just go out and give it a go.
It gives practical tips, interesting and inspirational advice and is a quick and easy read that can be carried around with you wherever you go. I loved it and often use it as a point of reference.
very useful book, 12 May 2008
I really liked this book. It was very personal and most useful. There are loads of books out there about how to do this and that. What I wanted was some great advice. For starters know your equipment inside out, get a book and write notes about how your settings work, try different combinations. I thought that might be obvious to some but it was inspirational to me. Another great tip was treasure your equipment. Keep it immaculate, really clean especially the lens, otherwise big blobs appear on the big screen! Its got a lot of really good points which I found most useful.
I like the fact that he talks about his work, his passion, his attention to every detail. It's important and very useful. Without passion nothing get done to the highest levels.
Anyone can make a film, 15 Apr 2008
This is a truly inspiring book for any aspiring film-maker. Though it is by no means a "how to" manual it nonetheless equips the reader with a sense that there really is no barrier to creating a film with next to no budget and minimal equipment. Figgis points out that ideas, ingenuity and vision are the essential tools of the film director rather than expensive equipment and a professional crew. The style of the book is conversational and full of anecdotes (some useful and illuminating others simply reminiscences) from Figgis' own film-making experiences. For me the book is most useful on lighting, on which subject Figgis gives some really practical and surprising tips, and working with actors, where his insights into the motivations and insecurities of that profession could save the novice director a lot of grief! Altogether a useful and highly readable addition to the aspiring film-makers bookshelf.
Lacking in Detail, 23 Oct 2007
Hmmm. . . This is a good book, I certainly found it inspiring and it's full of illuminating little hints. However, it's also very short and lacking in detail. Not a 'how to', more of an 'I did'.
Excellent Training, 31 Aug 2008
I have been using this book to reinforce the lessons I have been taking via Apples One to One training. The book is clearly laid out, and the sample media and project files are execllent for getting used to the various editing options. I agree that it is not great as a reference. The extra lessons in PDF format on the DVD cover the more advanced editing features of Final Cut Express. All in all a great resource for anyone wanting to do more adavnced editing than iMovie allows.
Useful Introduction to FCE4, 21 Jun 2008
This training guide which includes a DVD with the material used in the lessons is generally well written. For anyone completely new to Apple and/or video editing in Final Cut Express 4, it is essential as an introduction, covering all the non linear editing basics of this application.
A word of warning, however - this book is not a manual and cannot be readily used for reference. Some of the lessons take about 90 minutes to complete. In this format, it would have been better to split the longer lessons into two. On the other hand, the lesson on capturing video is somewhat brief relative to other lessons, and more explanation on capture settings and preferences might have been useful. This said, the level of detail on each topic is adequate, and for basic training, the book is indispensable.
Final Cut Express 4 by Diana Weynand, 21 May 2008
This is probably a great book if you have time to run through the exercises, but it does not work as a reference guide.
Movie Making Made Easy , 18 Mar 2008
If like me, you are new to movie making, this book must be top of your list. It takes you step by step from importing your movie into Final Cut Express 4 right through to the finished product including adding your own sound. The beauty of the book is that the included CD contains movie clips, sequences and sound tracks which you will use throughout the lessons. This has to be the ultimate in hands on training, everything is so well explained!
At the end of each chapter there is "Lessons Review" by way of questions and answers plus a list of Keyboard Shortcuts. I have copied these and find them a very useful reference set.
To detail everything in the book would mean writing another book. Suffice to say it is without doubt the best AppleTraining Series Book I have read so far. As an absolute beginner before I read this book I can now put together a good movie.
Buy it! I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Can be used as an introduction to programming for anyone, 13 Sep 2008
I've been using Processing (and the systems based on Processing such as Mobile Processing and Arduino) for some time now, and find them a great introduction to programming in general.
This book is beautifully presented and very well written. The introductory chapters are a great way of starting to learn programming and I'm proposing to use the ideas in them as an introduction to programming for my students.
Together with Ben Fry's Visualizing Data these are brilliant way to get people programming (with Processing).
great stuff, 16 Aug 2008
I've read it completely, and must say it is a great read, it has excellent examples. I've got a lot of filmmaking books, but this one is on top of my list (on actually making lowbudget movies). The included dvd is also a great example to see what he's talking about...
I must say toward the end of the book it gets a bit tedious, but that's mostly because of using the computer..
I recommend this book to anyone, especially in combination with the book 100 Great Home Movie Techniques: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Professional Secrets of Movie Making
The best indie film-making book I've ever read, 10 Feb 2008
Stu Maschwitz is a tech-head film-maker who quit ILM to start his own production house, The Orphanage. You can see their work in Robert Rodriguez' Sin City.
The DV Rebel is Stu passing on a decade of wringing the ultimate results from consumer digital video equipment in order to make exciting and ambitious action movies on a micro-budget. It covers all aspects of the film making process in an accessible, entertaining way, but also contains the technical asides to make you understand WHY you need things like a true 24p or 25p mode on your camera.
If you are attempting any sort of Indie film-making on a small budget, I'd throughly recommend it, even if you are shooting a slow historical romance on 16mm film. If you are trying to make an action movie with a digitial video you just HAVE to read it! Maschwitz' hard won tips will save you many hours of work and improve the end quality of your film in pretty much every aspect.
I wish I'd had the book when I shot my first short film a few years ago. I'd independently reached many of the same conculsions as Stu, but there was still a great idea, a cool insight or a funny anecdote on almost every page. It is a little heavy on After Effects in places but the principles are so well explained that you can easily apply it to any film-making workflow.
If you only buy one book on low-budget film-making, this should be it.
5 stars, hands down, 03 Jan 2008
I just bought this book, and, what can I say that others haven't... It's absolutely fantastic.
It has more than 300 pages covering all that involves making a movie- doesn't have to be an action one- at home, by using DV cameras and PC.
It has lots of key ideas, hundreds of tips and tricks... everything is covered. Although maybe for completely starters, it might be confusing as it doesn't explain the obvious basics of filmmaking (and I mean just obvious things, such as how to capture your video on PC, or how to turn on your camera :P ). Anyone who's owned a home camera can easily get on with the book.
And it also includes a DVD with his own example movies, and with many very useful and professional projects, presets and scripts for After FX, which will make you're life easier (especially adding VFX and color correcting). And also 50 or 100 pages in pdf documents, expanding the books' own ideas.
One point, though. As the book says, it is almost impossible to make a film with 0 budget. You should almost obligatorily buy After FX (7 or greater will be better) and a DV camera (200 euro at least, mayeb Canon MVX 460 will be the minimum). If you're not willing to spend that money (500-600 euro) then, my friend, many things in this book won't serve you.
When you read it, you'll understand why you need a minimum money to spend.
Jump in and become a DV Rebel.
Excellent, 01 Dec 2007
I expected a book like so many others, full of theory with very little actual useful, practical information. It was the opposite, with many tips, tricks and terminology for the aspiring director.
It has a focus on After Effects for post production work but is good as a general guide to filming action movies too. It would also be pretty useful for film making in general, with sections on grading, camera work and editing
Highly recommended
Inspirational!!!, 22 Jun 2007
This incredibly readable book is written in a straightforward, conversational, occasionally irreverant way but is always offering ideas and inspiration with a very "can do" approach to filmaking and effects. There is a DVD included with the book which contains additional chapters which you really should read when prompted and Stu Maschwitz has created a forum dedicated to the book where you get the opportunity to ask questions or swap experiences.
Loads of inspiration in a beautifully designed book , 24 Apr 2008
I bought this book yesterday, and I've already finished it today. This book is just such a pleasure to read & to look at. You get interviews with several illustrators & examples of their work, you get "workthroughs" & lots of tips. This isn't your average how-to-book, this book is designed to learn you more about the lifes of illustrators, they way they work and the way they feel about it.
The interviews give you a warm, familiar feeling & the wonderful pictures provide you with tons of inspiration.
At the back there's a list of all the illustrators included in this book, their e-mailaddress and their website which will prove handy when you're interested in more work from an artist.
A great read, but even more great inspiration. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the more 'human' side of digital illustration, but if you're looking for a book that will learn you in detail how to make digital pictures, you better move on to something else.
Very Inspiring., 15 Mar 2008
I have two of Zeegen's other books and liked them so much, that I decided to buy this one as well. Its great! Its a feast to look at visually, with lots of different illustrators' work, the layout is gorgeous also. You will learn alot about current fashions in the industry, with interviews with prolific image makers such as Jon Burgerman, Jeremyville,Mr Bingo etc. This is my new favourite book, its stunning to browse through/to dip into, to see other illustrators creative process. Buy it for inspiration alone.
Excellent, no-nonsense introduction, 14 Apr 2008
This is for anyone who prefers simple and straightforward explanation. It's clearly written and illustrated by someone who has enough practical experience to keep you focused on what matters. Although there's a place for the chatty 'for dummies' kind of book, it's refreshing to come across something like this which gets the job done with no fuss.
Cheap too.
Excellent stepping stone, 13 Aug 2007
This is a clear and concise book telling you everything you need to know to step up from an amateur camera operator to a good semi professional standard. If you want to become a professional, I would start here, follow Peter's guidelines and then go out and shoot.
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Customer Reviews
Very useful book, 05 Jun 2008
This is an excellent and invaluable book, and is equally suited to those learning either FCP or the Express (consumer) version. It's also really handy to have around as a quick reference tool. My only criticism is that the supplied video content is somewhat cheasy - but then it originates in the US after all! No problems with the DVD itself for me.
New DVD works, 06 May 2008
To add to my original Review - I have had a replacement from Amazon and the corrupted files are now all working. I can only assume that as between myself and my colleague getting through 3 faulty DVD's that the first run must have been faulty.
It seems I cannot change my original star rating within the amazon review system - so I would now give it 4 as this DVD now works.
At last, the book that tells you what you really want to know, 16 Sep 2008
What a great book. Concise with well thought-out chapters. Figgis writes in his own voice without self-promotion. This is really essential reading for anyone embarking on independant film making with a digital camcorder. He covers all aspects including your relationship with actors. This is not a technical how-to textbook, it's about the kind of experiences you would only get from working along side an experienced director.
Don't be without it., 16 Aug 2008
This book made me realise how easy it can be to make your own films and get involved with other peoples. It gave me the confidence to just go out and get my own first camera without panicking over whether it was 'the right one'. It has great tips for when you are working on a budget and is a great encouragement to just go out and give it a go.
It gives practical tips, interesting and inspirational advice and is a quick and easy read that can be carried around with you wherever you go. I loved it and often use it as a point of reference.
very useful book, 12 May 2008
I really liked this book. It was very personal and most useful. There are loads of books out there about how to do this and that. What I wanted was some great advice. For starters know your equipment inside out, get a book and write notes about how your settings work, try different combinations. I thought that might be obvious to some but it was inspirational to me. Another great tip was treasure your equipment. Keep it immaculate, really clean especially the lens, otherwise big blobs appear on the big screen! Its got a lot of really good points which I found most useful.
I like the fact that he talks about his work, his passion, his attention to every detail. It's important and very useful. Without passion nothing get done to the highest levels.
Anyone can make a film, 15 Apr 2008
This is a truly inspiring book for any aspiring film-maker. Though it is by no means a "how to" manual it nonetheless equips the reader with a sense that there really is no barrier to creating a film with next to no budget and minimal equipment. Figgis points out that ideas, ingenuity and vision are the essential tools of the film director rather than expensive equipment and a professional crew. The style of the book is conversational and full of anecdotes (some useful and illuminating others simply reminiscences) from Figgis' own film-making experiences. For me the book is most useful on lighting, on which subject Figgis gives some really practical and surprising tips, and working with actors, where his insights into the motivations and insecurities of that profession could save the novice director a lot of grief! Altogether a useful and highly readable addition to the aspiring film-makers bookshelf.
Lacking in Detail, 23 Oct 2007
Hmmm. . . This is a good book, I certainly found it inspiring and it's full of illuminating little hints. However, it's also very short and lacking in detail. Not a 'how to', more of an 'I did'.
Excellent Training, 31 Aug 2008
I have been using this book to reinforce the lessons I have been taking via Apples One to One training. The book is clearly laid out, and the sample media and project files are execllent for getting used to the various editing options. I agree that it is not great as a reference. The extra lessons in PDF format on the DVD cover the more advanced editing features of Final Cut Express. All in all a great resource for anyone wanting to do more adavnced editing than iMovie allows.
Useful Introduction to FCE4, 21 Jun 2008
This training guide which includes a DVD with the material used in the lessons is generally well written. For anyone completely new to Apple and/or video editing in Final Cut Express 4, it is essential as an introduction, covering all the non linear editing basics of this application.
A word of warning, however - this book is not a manual and cannot be readily used for reference. Some of the lessons take about 90 minutes to complete. In this format, it would have been better to split the longer lessons into two. On the other hand, the lesson on capturing video is somewhat brief relative to other lessons, and more explanation on capture settings and preferences might have been useful. This said, the level of detail on each topic is adequate, and for basic training, the book is indispensable.
Final Cut Express 4 by Diana Weynand, 21 May 2008
This is probably a great book if you have time to run through the exercises, but it does not work as a reference guide.
Movie Making Made Easy , 18 Mar 2008
If like me, you are new to movie making, this book must be top of your list. It takes you step by step from importing your movie into Final Cut Express 4 right through to the finished product including adding your own sound. The beauty of the book is that the included CD contains movie clips, sequences and sound tracks which you will use throughout the lessons. This has to be the ultimate in hands on training, everything is so well explained!
At the end of each chapter there is "Lessons Review" by way of questions and answers plus a list of Keyboard Shortcuts. I have copied these and find them a very useful reference set.
To detail everything in the book would mean writing another book. Suffice to say it is without doubt the best AppleTraining Series Book I have read so far. As an absolute beginner before I read this book I can now put together a good movie.
Buy it! I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Can be used as an introduction to programming for anyone, 13 Sep 2008
I've been using Processing (and the systems based on Processing such as Mobile Processing and Arduino) for some time now, and find them a great introduction to programming in general.
This book is beautifully presented and very well written. The introductory chapters are a great way of starting to learn programming and I'm proposing to use the ideas in them as an introduction to programming for my students.
Together with Ben Fry's Visualizing Data these are brilliant way to get people programming (with Processing).
great stuff, 16 Aug 2008
I've read it completely, and must say it is a great read, it has excellent examples. I've got a lot of filmmaking books, but this one is on top of my list (on actually making lowbudget movies). The included dvd is also a great example to see what he's talking about...
I must say toward the end of the book it gets a bit tedious, but that's mostly because of using the computer..
I recommend this book to anyone, especially in combination with the book 100 Great Home Movie Techniques: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Professional Secrets of Movie Making
The best indie film-making book I've ever read, 10 Feb 2008
Stu Maschwitz is a tech-head film-maker who quit ILM to start his own production house, The Orphanage. You can see their work in Robert Rodriguez' Sin City.
The DV Rebel is Stu passing on a decade of wringing the ultimate results from consumer digital video equipment in order to make exciting and ambitious action movies on a micro-budget. It covers all aspects of the film making process in an accessible, entertaining way, but also contains the technical asides to make you understand WHY you need things like a true 24p or 25p mode on your camera.
If you are attempting any sort of Indie film-making on a small budget, I'd throughly recommend it, even if you are shooting a slow historical romance on 16mm film. If you are trying to make an action movie with a digitial video you just HAVE to read it! Maschwitz' hard won tips will save you many hours of work and improve the end quality of your film in pretty much every aspect.
I wish I'd had the book when I shot my first short film a few years ago. I'd independently reached many of the same conculsions as Stu, but there was still a great idea, a cool insight or a funny anecdote on almost every page. It is a little heavy on After Effects in places but the principles are so well explained that you can easily apply it to any film-making workflow.
If you only buy one book on low-budget film-making, this should be it.
5 stars, hands down, 03 Jan 2008
I just bought this book, and, what can I say that others haven't... It's absolutely fantastic.
It has more than 300 pages covering all that involves making a movie- doesn't have to be an action one- at home, by using DV cameras and PC.
It has lots of key ideas, hundreds of tips and tricks... everything is covered. Although maybe for completely starters, it might be confusing as it doesn't explain the obvious basics of filmmaking (and I mean just obvious things, such as how to capture your video on PC, or how to turn on your camera :P ). Anyone who's owned a home camera can easily get on with the book.
And it also includes a DVD with his own example movies, and with many very useful and professional projects, presets and scripts for After FX, which will make you're life easier (especially adding VFX and color correcting). And also 50 or 100 pages in pdf documents, expanding the books' own ideas.
One point, though. As the book says, it is almost impossible to make a film with 0 budget. You should almost obligatorily buy After FX (7 or greater will be better) and a DV camera (200 euro at least, mayeb Canon MVX 460 will be the minimum). If you're not willing to spend that money (500-600 euro) then, my friend, many things in this book won't serve you.
When you read it, you'll understand why you need a minimum money to spend.
Jump in and become a DV Rebel.
Excellent, 01 Dec 2007
I expected a book like so many others, full of theory with very little actual useful, practical information. It was the opposite, with many tips, tricks and terminology for the aspiring director.
It has a focus on After Effects for post production work but is good as a general guide to filming action movies too. It would also be pretty useful for film making in general, with sections on grading, camera work and editing
Highly recommended
Inspirational!!!, 22 Jun 2007
This incredibly readable book is written in a straightforward, conversational, occasionally irreverant way but is always offering ideas and inspiration with a very "can do" approach to filmaking and effects. There is a DVD included with the book which contains additional chapters which you really should read when prompted and Stu Maschwitz has created a forum dedicated to the book where you get the opportunity to ask questions or swap experiences.
Loads of inspiration in a beautifully designed book , 24 Apr 2008
I bought this book yesterday, and I've already finished it today. This book is just such a pleasure to read & to look at. You get interviews with several illustrators & examples of their work, you get "workthroughs" & lots of tips. This isn't your average how-to-book, this book is designed to learn you more about the lifes of illustrators, they way they work and the way they feel about it.
The interviews give you a warm, familiar feeling & the wonderful pictures provide you with tons of inspiration.
At the back there's a list of all the illustrators included in this book, their e-mailaddress and their website which will prove handy when you're interested in more work from an artist.
A great read, but even more great inspiration. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the more 'human' side of digital illustration, but if you're looking for a book that will learn you in detail how to make digital pictures, you better move on to something else.
Very Inspiring., 15 Mar 2008
I have two of Zeegen's other books and liked them so much, that I decided to buy this one as well. Its great! Its a feast to look at visually, with lots of different illustrators' work, the layout is gorgeous also. You will learn alot about current fashions in the industry, with interviews with prolific image makers such as Jon Burgerman, Jeremyville,Mr Bingo etc. This is my new favourite book, its stunning to browse through/to dip into, to see other illustrators creative process. Buy it for inspiration alone.
Excellent, no-nonsense introduction, 14 Apr 2008
This is for anyone who prefers simple and straightforward explanation. It's clearly written and illustrated by someone who has enough practical experience to keep you focused on what matters. Although there's a place for the chatty 'for dummies' kind of book, it's refreshing to come across something like this which gets the job done with no fuss.
Cheap too.
Excellent stepping stone, 13 Aug 2007
This is a clear and concise book telling you everything you need to know to step up from an amateur camera operator to a good semi professional standard. If you want to become a professional, I would start here, follow Peter's guidelines and then go out and shoot.
Even better than previous editions, 18 Apr 2008
I read the first copy of this book when it was in it's first edition. The gap between Media Composer and Avid Xpress has narrowed since then and the present (third) edition is much more accurate if you're an Xpress user.
The level at which this book is pitched is from introductory to intermediate and the author does an excellent job of finding the right balance. An advanced user will be using both experience and Avid's own documentation to reach those dizzying heights. But this book does an excellent job of teaching you everything you need to know from scratch.
Particularly noteworthy are the chapters on Finishing (chapter 18), Finishing on Film (chapter 19), HD and HDV (chapter 16) and using the Script Integration tool (chapter 17). Chapter 16 really helps to clear up the mess of information that abounds about HD and HDV.
At all times, the author is both frank (no shortage of opinions in this edition), informative and well-balanced in his remarks, giving a realistic picture of the job to hand. He's both independent and yet obviously biased towards the Avid software (as opposed to Final Cut Pro) - but he explains his reasons why and they seem good to me.
For PAL countries, the book occasionally slips up and fails to inform the user of the correct options or choices - lazily assuming NTSC. This means that PAL users need to work a bit harder researching the correct settings (e.g. page 325 mentions 29.97 frames per second but not 25 fps; page 273 only discusses NTSC television and not PAL).
The menu options sometimes differ from what the book says - but searching the menus does help (e.g on page 358, the Decompose tool in found in the Bin menu on Avid Xpress Pro HD and not in the Clip menu). When this happens, there's a tendency to think Xpress is a cut-down version of Media Composer. In practice I found Xpress supported everything that's in the book.
The author never fails to tell you what you really need to know to do the job properly and get started. So, in short - a fantastic book with a great CD containing clips from a well made movie for you to edit whilst training to a professional industry standard.
Intermediate? Perhaps not..., 17 Feb 2008
As an expereinced video editor (from the days of the CMX3600 to Premiere Pro) I bought this to get a handle on Avid. While the basics are spelled out in detail, and Mr. Kauffman goes into editing theory, this book is not that much help with working out the quirkier aspects of Avid. As it moves into discussion on the more advanced aspects of editing it assumes that we have perfect recall of previous chapters, and leaves out full descriptions or information on what keys activate what comands. Subsequently using the book as a learning tool means much fliping back and forth, and a reliance on a none-too-full index. All in all, fine for the beginner, but once you have finished your first project you'll be looking around for a further, more detailed learning guide.
Amazing - A must buy, 17 May 2006
I came across this book when I looked up Avid and bought it immediately. I had read all of the previous edition reviews before I purchased this book and bought it without reservation.I really felt like I grasped the concepts for each chapter before moving on. Mr. Kauffmann not only shows you the tools in the AVID system, but with every tool gives you the reason and purpose behind it.
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