Reviews (4)

Turthful?
First of all, I am one of many hundred of thousands who are wannabe screenwriters/writers. I do not live in L.A. and have no intention to. That being said, I am still learning the "industry".
To be brief, I liked it
Briefly -- I enjoyed this book immensely.Whether it's any good as advice to aspiring writers I couldn't say, but I hope its audience won't be limited just to them.It's made up of short punchy bits that didn't tax my attention span, and many of them were laugh out loud funny.It won't be appreciated by those who don't care for rough language, but, having read two of the author's previous works, I was pretty well prepared for that and found it actually rather milder than expected.It had little relevance to my own life & hard times, and it won't revolutionize my world.Nevertheless it was worth the time and money.

The new WGA guidelines.... (psych)
Okay, this book has been out long enough for there to be more than one review, so to show my support, I have to add one here since I missed his book tour in SF by a mere TWO days. I can't believe it. I just don't read newspapers at all anymore. Didn't the book come out in August? But they wouldn't tour him in August. It's like December: business shuts down like a Jewish girl after her wedding night. Just as well. What would I have done, anyway? Lurk? Smile? Try and say something unusual and charming? Not gonna happen. Book tours are exhausting so speed-dating an author with a series of blurts is too much. Best to read his blog on his site of his own name. I'll remove this review later on because I like to be private (I remove all my reviews), but this is a cockfight of a book, quick stabs, perfectly designed for actual writers with attention spans too short to actually READ real paragraphs anymore. It's got so much teeth-baring energy and the irreverence of someone who can handle running into anyone on the street. We're talking COURAGE, baby. No cowering here. [By the way, writer/artist friends, read Rollo May's THE COURAGE TO CREATE to see this all diagrammed out.]
Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. California    3. Cinema/Film: Book    4. Film & Video - General    5. Film & Video - Guides & Reviews    6. Los Angeles    7. Motion picture authorship    8. Motion picture industry    9. Performing Arts    10. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    11. Performing Arts / Film / General   

Reviews (1)

Nice
Was anyone ever described to you as "nice"?Scary isn't it.I am an ardent fan of Deadwood and a fan of David Milch.This book is a `nice' coffee-table addition that succeeds as a way of fondly recollecting the characters and singular moments of Deadwood.I was hoping for an extension and an amplification of Deadwood -more great Black Hill's tales from Milch's magic pen.In that respect, the book is disappointing.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Photo Techniques    2. Photography    3. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    4. Reference    5. Television - History & Criticism    6. Photography / General   

Reviews (2)

For Fans of Air America
Not a bad book, but it's really NOT for those of a conservative bent. If you enjoy Air America, you WILL enjoy this book. I was a bit disappointed that the book has so much non original material. A few too many transscripts from the Air America shows, but still, over all a good, though lite, read.

Air America, R.I.P.
Whenever I'm in L.A., I like to find Air America and listen for pure entertainment value (Air America didn't last in Phoenix and lost its station to yet another Spanish channel a couple of years ago).I would listen to Randi Rhodes' nightly meltdown over some vote in Congress and seriously wonder who on earth could listen to these people without wanting to slit their own wrists after a few shows.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Interviews    2. Liberalism    3. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    4. Political Science    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Radio - General    8. Radio Journalism    9. Right and left (Political science)    10. Topic - Political    11. United States    12. Humor / General   

Reviews (13)

Great book for filmmakers of all kinds
this book includes all kinds of useful information that is not necessarily specific to documentary, although that is it's focus.there's excercises in here to help develop ideas into a filmic narrative, ethics, how to tackle an interview as well as subject matter.i've read a lot of film books, and i have to say, this is not only well written with a sense of humor and wit, it deals with potential situations in a down to earth way. The information provided is not just technical, but also how to approach an emotional situation, gain the trust of your participants, and address multiple points of view.

Directing The Documentary
I am currently writing a documentary for a feature length film, and found Michael Rabiger's book informative, subtle, and well structured. Having received a documentary film class at University, I had already learned about the basic tools of the medium. This book provides a masterclass in documentary filmmaking, and prepares you for the demands of documentary filmmaking. I recommend it to students and professionals alike.

Great Tips From An Expert
It was an enlightment for me to have this book, i always like how Rabiger tried to dig in our passion of filmmaking, with his previous books also. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary films    2. Film & Video - Direction & Production    3. Film - Direction & Production    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts/Dance    6. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    7. Production and direction    8. Television - Direction & Production    9. Film theory & criticism    10. Performing Arts / Film / Direction & Production   

Reviews (2)

Rosetta Stone of Hypertext
This huge tome is a must have for anyone who wants to deeply understand hypertext and its precursors. From William Burroughs to Doug Englebart and Augosto Boal to Ted Nelson this book presents a huge range of articles (and discursive commentary) of interest to computer scientists, writers, new media workers, artists and everyone in between. This is one stop shopping for new media literacy with over 800 pages of good stuff, much of it very hard to find outside of this volume.

Well done!
Fascinating, thorough in its analysis, beautifully designed reader/player.Good, well-rounded selection of texts and new media objects with no attempt to be exhaustive (to the editors' credit).I plan to use it as one of the texts in an upcoming university course. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books And Software    2. Computers and civilization    3. Internet    4. Mass Communication Media And Society    5. Mass media    6. Media Studies    7. Methodology    8. Technology    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Telecommunication    11. Telecommunication (Engineering)    12. Telecommunications    13. Social Science / Methodology   

Reviews (4)

Great starter book for AC's
Of the two major "textbooks" on ACing, this is the best one to start with. It gives enough information to initiate you into what is expected of all members of the camera crew, but is not overwhelming with technical info (not that you are not going to want that info someday, but if you are new, it can be confusing and even discouraging.) After this book, get David Elkin's Camera Assistant's Manual, which goes into much further detail. As you work with different cameras, download the manuals from the panavision/arri/aaton/etc websites so you can feel comfortable with the differences in individual cameras. Lastly, get a used copy of the very expensive American Cinematographer Manual for all the technical bits in one handy portable reference book. This, and tons of set experience, is probably all you need (and keep in mind some of the greatest cinematographers who ever lived worked without any of these aids). Rely on your eye!

The Camera Assistant - A Complete Pro Handbook(Hart)
This is probably the best handbook for this discipline I've ever seen.I bought a copy when I was in the States three years ago - and it was swiped!I plan to prescribe this book for my students from 2001 onwards.Well done ! The bible for operating camera personnel!
This book is a complete and highly insightful manual for motion picture camera assistants and operators. It covers the disciplines, techniques, skills and even the politics of the craft. For anyone involved or wanting afabulous look into the workings of the film industry, buy this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cinematography    2. Film & Video - Amateur Production    3. Film & Video - Cinematography    4. General    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Performing Arts    7. Performing Arts/Dance    8. Photography    9. Television - General    10. Cinematography, television camerawork    11. Performing Arts / Television / Direction & Production   

Reviews (5)

Pleased but not overwhelmed
I am not sure what I had expected for a teaching format but my initial reactionto the book was that it was too cartoony for the structure I was looking for in the human body and expression.
Amazingly helpful!
I had to do a full costume presentation with renderings for 6 characters for my class and I was so lost! I am not an artist at all, so I got this book and it helped me so much. It explained everything in detail and my renderings came out great! I would definitely recommend this book for beginners and experienced alike!

Everything You Need to Know
I bought this book because I had a project to do on costume rendering, and I know very little about it.Now, thanks to Tan Huaixiang, I know so much.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Costume    2. Costume design    3. Drawing    4. Film & Video - General    5. Performing Arts    6. Performing Arts/Dance    7. Technique    8. Theater - Direction & Production    9. Theater - Stagecraft    10. Art techniques & principles    11. Drawing & drawings    12. Performing Arts / Video / General    13. Theatre, drama   

Reviews (11)

This thing's a beast
This is 600 pages packed with deep analysis.It will take a while to read, but you will probably know more than many Hollywood directors by the time you finish it.
Just what I wanted
This book helped me to understand the inner philosophy of cinema and its techniques. I'm a Director in film and tv industry. I tried to find resources about the art of my specialty. This book is what I wanted it's writing about Low budget film making but in a totally profecional way. I was so bored of these books writing about the "HOLLYWOOD" filmmaking standards. I appreciate that this book brings the art of Cinema in the hands of ordinary people, with no money to make the "extraordinary production" films but in people which trying to find the real essence of Cinema.

Plain speak on directing
I have read many books on directing, and recently been directed my first project with a real budget, real crew. This book is the best for learning the production process, and covers it all in a plain-speak nuts & bolts fashion. A great resource ro prepare a director who wants to work at the professional level. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aesthetics    2. Film & Video - Direction & Production    3. Motion pictures    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts/Dance    6. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    7. Production and direction    8. Films, cinema    9. Performing Arts / Film / Direction & Production    10. Special kinds of photography   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    3. Radio    4. Radio - Reference    5. Reference   

Reviews (7)

good book. too much information in one book.
I bought it 1 month ago and I haven't finished it yet. it's more of a reference book. I refer to it quite a bit. her writing has flow and easy to understand. I personally don't like "dummies" series but this one is good.
A lot of academic theory but nothing practical.
First, I would like to make clear, or to put it more aptly, this book was written by an academic and not someone who is in the actual business. In other words, lots of theory but nothing practical to back it up. If I'm not mistaken, the author has never, ever actually written a screenplay and have it produced.
A great resource!
This book is a great resource for anybody who's ever wanted to write in film. It gives you a great method for writing with a structure, good examples, and information on how to get your script looked at. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that it gives a lot of outside links to publishing newspapers and Hollywood industry insider reports online and there were two table of contents instead of one, that was a little confusing when I was referring back to it, later. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film & Video - Screenwriting    2. Motion picture authorship    3. Motion picture plays    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts/Dance    6. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    7. Screenwriting    8. Technique    9. Television - General    10. Television authorship    11. Creative writing guides    12. Film & television screenplays    13. Performing Arts / Television / General    14. Rhetoric   

Features

• Audiobook

Reviews (6)

Do not drive and listen. . .
Made the mistake of listening to this on a drive to New Orleans.Usually takes two hours.However, when you have to pull the car over and laugh, it can take about three or four hours.Taking out the CD and arriving quicker was not an option - as long as there is a drive-through fast food joint close to the highway.The news from Lake Wobegon has become a letter from home over the past years, and, it will erase any damage you have had from your own family!!
Full of Hearty Laughs and Poignant Moments
If you're not familliar with Garrison Keillor's stories of small-town, Midwestern life, check to see when his program is aired on your local NPR station. His radio program (called A Prarie Home Companion) is full of esoteric music, old fashioned comic sketches, and amusing interviews, but the real treats are his delightfull and insightfull Lake Wobegon yarns, which is what these tapes are full of. If I could give this 4 tape set 6 stars I would, but 5 will have to do. Included is a story about a Sunday school teacher's husband, who gets roped into managing the Christmas pagent at the last minute and must deal with debates over allowing live animals into the church, children with stage fright, and conspiracies to keep local Lutherans from getting into the Catholic church to watch the spectacle. Another favorite is The Six Labors of Father Wilmer, in which a battle between a priest and a parishoner leads to a cleric, in his pajamas, on a 20 foot ladder, at 3 am, trying to rid the church of the evil" of mecury lighting. Of course there's Sweet Corn, in which we learn about the secret aphrodisiac of the Midwest. Another good story is Blue Devils, in which we witness the progress of an overly competitive, all-girl's basketball team through the eyes of anxious parents, who try to make sense of sweet, blonde, little girls--who kiss mothers before joining the game, but are soon seen elbowing enemies to the floor and uttering words that have never been allowed in the house. All in all, there are 17 monologues and some music between stories...making about 5 hours of good, old-fashioned-but-liberal-minded entertainment. If you're looking for another good (probably better!) Keillor set, go for Life These Days. I guarentee you'll crack up.

Woe is Right
An old, tired theme. That is what this compilation delivers, and delivers and delivers.Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Other    2. Radio - General    3. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    4. Science / Astronomy   

Reviews (15)

Must Have Every Year!
There is nothing like the Passport to World Band Radio.If you are interested in shortwave radio, you should get every edition as soon as it is available.

Excelent Shortwave Radio Guide
This publication is the best shortwave radio guide that I have come across. Super reports on various shortwave radios that are on the market, giving you information which helps in selecting your next radio. Much information about different countries and their shortwave transmissions. This is a got-to-have guide.

Quick and Easy Shortwave Programming Guide
Passport to World Band Radio, New 2006 Edition (Passport to World Band Radio)by Lawrence Magne is laid out in kind of a TV Guide format.This lends itself to finding the station or type of shortwave programming you seek quickly.Like past editions there are articles on shortwave and equipment reviews.While not as thorough as its European counterpart, the WRTH (World Radio TV Handbook) it is easier to use.I find myself referring to Passport to World Band Radio, New 2006 Edition (Passport to World Band Radio)by Lawrence Magne and WRTH on an equal basis.Both compliment each other and should be in the libraries of any Shortwave Listener. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateur Radio Techniques    2. Amateurs' manuals    3. Directories    4. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    5. Radio    6. Radio - General    7. Radio - Reference    8. Radio Broadcasting    9. Radio stations, Short wave    10. Radio, Short wave    11. Science/Mathematics    12. Technology    13. Radio technology   

Reviews (2)

For video?
First of all I kind of expect a touch of sense in graphics and layout when the book treats the subject Photoshop. The interface reminds me of a Spanish course book I had in 8th grade wich also made me puke.
Don't bother
With the tons of Photoshop books out there is one should be at the bottom of the list or not on the list at all.Being a veteran photoshop user and having bought quite a few PS books in the past this one is the worst I've come across.I bought this thinking it would cover information for using PS for video that other books hadn't covered.Not only was the information in this book incredibly basic it was also very hard to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Computer Graphics - Design    3. Computer Graphics - Photoshop    4. Computers - Desktop Publishing    5. Digital & Video    6. Digital video    7. Film & Video - Direction & Production    8. Performing Arts / Video / Direction & Production    9. Photoshop   

Reviews (5)

Filmmaking for Dummies
The book is very helpful. It brings a lot of good information for new filmmakers.You can find tricks, terminologies, tips, techniques, and more to start your career as a new filmaker. There are many good material to learn. The author uses recent movies as examples. It covers many aspects of the filmmaking industry and how to make a low budget film. Beside, the book brings a lot of links to interesting web pages related with the filmaking industry.

Well written, but content is misguided
I read this book, as well as others, because I'm taking a stab at filming a screenplay with some other people.I have enjoyed some of the other dummies books, but I thought this one was off target.It is very high level.For example, in the first or second chapter, he goes over what the job roles are for the production assistant, and ten other job titles you might see at the end of a Hollywood movie, and I'm thinking to myself, am I really going to have a full-time grip on my movie?I was hoping this book would focus on the nuts and bolts of making a small-budget / zero-budget film, but it talked about numbers that apply to people who aren't going to be reading a dummies book. On the whole, I thought it was a real surface look at independent filmmaking, and would be appropriate for someone who wanted to learn about it, but not do it. You would be better off buying IFILM Filmmakers Handbook and some individual books on lighting and sound if you really want information about how to make your own film.A lot of the information in this book can be found on the web, also.

Perty Good Book
Hey.Well, I got lade off at the plant, so I got this book.Its a reall good book.Now Im going make a movie about how I used to work at the plant, get me one of them oscars.Next thing, Im moving to hollywood.Or maybe even california!Read more

Subjects:  1. Cinematography    2. Film & Video - Amateur Production    3. Film & Video - General    4. Film & Video - Reference    5. Motion pictures    6. Performing Arts    7. Performing Arts/Dance    8. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    9. Production and direction    10. Television - General    11. Cinematography, television camerawork    12. Films, cinema    13. Performing Arts / Television / General   

Features

• Compilation
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (6)

A great glimpse of pre-TV entertainment
From spooky to absolutely hokey, this collection of radio mysteries from the 1940s is a wonderful glimpse into entertainment before the advent of the tube. Almost as interesting as the mysteries themselves are the commercials and public service announcements (such as the one for War Bonds by Orson Welles).
Not what I expected
I thought that this collection of stories were going to be "mysteries," something more along the lines of detectives, crimes, and sleuthing. What it turned out to be was a collection of good radio dramas that were more accounts of "strange happenings" and "thrillers." The audio quality was good and the stories were well done, I just think that the CD's were a bit misleading in their titles.

Fantastic!
If you're a lover of old time radio, this collection of mysteries is fantastic.Commercials are even included which adds to the fun.Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Radio    2. Mystery & Detective - General    3. Radio - General    4. Nostalgia    5. Nostalgia Collections    6. Radio Shows    7. Spoken Word Recordings   

Features

• Audiobook

Reviews (19)

Great on A Saturday Afternoon
My 7 year old (and of course mee too) loves all three of these.He'll actually sit still for hours and listen to them, and race to the CD player waiting for me to change discs. It was dissapointong to see these broadcasts get progressivly smaller with each movie. From 7 in the first, to 5 in the second, and the Return only three CD's long.The last is almost nothing but the movie, with very little additional material.It's still good, but after lstening to A New Hope, The Return of The Jedi feels very short.I would highly reccommend these.They're great for those cold or raining Saturday acfternoons.

Complete Star Wars Trilogy Radio Dramas, WONDERFUL SHOWS!!!
How did Luke come to know Biggs? How did Leia get the Death Star plans? What happened to her in her cell after Darth Vader came in with the interrogation droid? How did Luke become a Commander? These questions, which have been asked by many fans, are answered in the original radio dramatizations of the Star Wars Trilogy. Since some readers may be considering the purchase of one of the dramas or possibly the whole set, I will endeavor to give details of all the dramas. Please note that this is an in-depth review of all three dramas and is therefore somewhat more lengthy than many reviews you will encounter. If you would prefer a shorter review please feel free to scroll to the next review. I will start with the original Star Wars drama from 1981...
Terrible
I am a huge audio book fan.I love almost every Star Wars audio put out to date.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Fiction    3. Radio - General    4. Science Fiction - General    5. Science Fiction - Star Wars    6. Unabridged Audio - Fiction/Science Fiction & Fantasy    7. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (2)

A completely professional approach
The thing about this book is that it is written from a completely professional point of view.It deals with lighting as it is really practiced on professional movie sets - not like most books on cinematography which seem to be written by people who haven't actually done it all that much in the real world. I've bought about every book there is on movie lighting and most of them are a waste of money. A good lighting manual for a beginning cameraperson.
Blaine Brown's book provides a decent explanation of set lighting, it'sinstruments and protocol. The text, though, seems to speak more to thecameraperson or AC who is curious about lighting. There is a lack ofattention given to the juicers and hammers who are actually creating andshaping the light. There is a considerable amount of text granted toelectrics and the distribution of power, but much more thorough and muchmore practically explained definitions are readily available in Harry Box's"Set Lighting Technician's Handbook." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cinematography    2. Film & Video - Cinematography    3. Lighting    4. Photo Techniques    5. Photography    6. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    7. Techniques - Lighting    8. Television - Direction & Production    9. Video recording    10. Performing Arts / Television / Direction & Production    11. Special kinds of photography   

Reviews (7)

it rocks
I am a huge gunsmoke fan, since it first was shown in 1955.i thought it was interesting on how they auditioned and chose the main charcters,I enjoyed this more than the 50th year, due to the fact that Miss Kitty, was alive and others that were guest star were also.It was not a boring book and the layout was very good.They also had an interview of Roger Ewing (Thad) Which was informative.I highly recommned paying the price for it to all Gunsmoke fans.)

Worthwhile Reading!
This was a very good, very well written and very informative book to buy and read.
A Valuable Reference for Gunsmoke Fans
I never thought I'd ever pay $85 for a book, but this book is worth every penny to anyone who is interested in the Gunsmoke radio and TV show characters and stories. The 836 page book is divided into sections about Gunsmoke history, photos of the cast and supporting crew, episode descriptions, and several appendices. The TV series ran from 1955 to 1975. Reruns are still shown on TVland.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Gunsmoke (Radio program)    2. Gunsmoke (Television program)    3. Performing Arts    4. Performing Arts/Dance    5. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    6. Radio - History & Criticism    7. Television - General    8. Television - History & Criticism    9. Television Plays And Programs    10. Television   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (8)

stop reading now and buy it....
There's nothing else like this, except Moon Over Morocco, the more or less sequel to 4th Tower. If you want to be swept away into another world, put on good headphones, turn off your phone, cellphone, computer, etc., and enter another reality. Everything reviewers have said is true, but nothing can express how good this is. Buy it and listen over and over..... owoooooo, return to those thrilling days of yesteryear, to Inverness Mansion, the house with doors hinged on time, windows like a thousand eyes turned inwards....

Excellent fun and philosophy
I first heard this over public radio years ago when I was just a kid. I was so delighted to find it on Amazon last week. Hearing it both took me back to childhood and, even better, now I get a lot more out of it. My whole family is huddled around the CD player at night. Not quite the same as radio, but at least my children are getting a taste of radio drama.

Fire up the inscense, turn down the lights, enjoy!
An auditory feast of action, adventure, humor, and a piano piece that is totally haunting...(When the Madonna Vampira first attempts to drain Jacks energy)("Would you build a fire?" "Sure") Could someone please tell me what that piece is????? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Science Fiction / Fantasy    2. Radio plays, American    3. Science fiction    4. Science fiction plays, America    5. Science fiction, Americn