cinematography

I bought this book thinking I could learn some traditional effects stuff that I could use in my own ultra-low budget movies - like how to light a blue screen, do those water cloud fx, pyro stuff, etc... - but there is almost nothing I could use. I could find more useful stuff briefly surfing the net.

A lot of the traditional compositing stuff is outdated because of digital, which wasn't really addressed. A lot of it is too equipment specific, not bothering to clearly explain stuff.

Maybe it's good if you just want to marvel at how complicated fx can get, but if you're looking for stuff you can apply, look elsewhere.

Visual effects industry has been exposed to many young people due to the easy access to computer graphics software. However, When people start to realize the scope of industry, they often get frustrated through one's limitation. This is the book that can answer your technical questions in clear manner. Before you start to buy specific books on CG software, check out this book and find out what you are most interested in visual effects area. This book covers the most valuable techniques. Disney style effects, moton control camera and so on. Unless you build strong foundation, your CG compositing skills are just remake-up of what others have done. To be creative, we should master the ABC of technical issues. Other good books are 'CG 101' and 'Art and science of digital compositing'. These are wonderful books in visual effects study.