arts and photography

I wish I had this book when I was in 6th form. If I had, the last 5 years of my life could have been very different. Unfortunately, I only got hold of this book 6 months ago, and quickly read it cover to cover.

I'm not going towrite an in depth review, but I will tell you the 2 most important things that this book deals with...

1) Shot composition/storyboards
2) Blocking

It tells you everything they don't have time for when you take media studies in your senior high school years. It quickly gets past the basic information about shot types etc, and then takes you WAY BEYOND into a far more in depth and professional level, the kind of stuff you pay tens of thousands for in a film school.

The book is that...good.

If you only ever buy 1 book on filmmaking/directing, this is the one to get. I'm not kidding.

If you're expecting, that you will learn how to direct actors or get dramatic an unique performances with this book you're wrong, this book it's about visualizing, how to move the camera, why, continuity styles, storyboarding, etc,

It is an excellent tool for the film & videomaker, you can use it for quick reference, if you're shooting a conversation, it explains, how you can do it without breaking the axis..

If you're starting to study film, let Steven Katz, be your teacher, and make your first shorts knowing how to doing them right

This reference is worth the money. I learned everything I needed to know about setting up shots for my first two films from this book. Diagrams, pictures, instructions. Wonderful!