By Chris Kenworthy
First Edition
November 2005
Pages: 192
ISBN 10: 0-596-10031-0 |
ISBN 13: 9780596100315
(Average of 5 Customer Reviews)
With clear, full-color, step-by-step instructions laid out in a stunning, easy-to-follow format, Digital Video Production Cookbook shows independent and amateur filmmakers how to create sophisticated-looking visual effects, dramatic shots, and powerful sequences using low-cost techniques adapted from high-end professional practices. From shooting bluescreen effects and simulating weather conditions to choreographing fistfights and chase scenes, this is the ultimate, no-nonsense resource for every aspiring digital filmmaker.
Full Description
Digital Video Production Cookbook will show you how to create sophisticated-looking visual effects, dramatic shots, and powerful sequences using low-cost methods adapted from high-end professional techniques. Author and award-winning filmmaker Chris Kenworthy explains how you can use a digital video camera and basic editing software, to create high-end production values with household equipment and a little imagination.
The book includes easy-to-follow recipes for:
- Creating bluescreen effects
- Simulating rain, snow, and other natural phenomena
- Working with backlighting, simulated candlelight, and special lighting effects
- Shooting day for night
- Staging safe stunts, chase scenes, and fistfights
- Makeup techniques for aging, bruises, and serious injuries
- Shooting at night
- Working with camera movement
- Adding special effects such as laser bolts, holograms, and explosions
Packed with full-color, step-by-step instructions, inspirational examples, and authoritative information and advice, this book is the ultimate, no-nonsense cookbook for every aspiring digital filmmaker.
Cover | Table of Contents | Sample Excerpt
Featured customer reviews
Example files for download - update, March 21 2008
Submitted by Edie Freedman [Respond | View]
Our apologies for not having files available for download at an earlier date.
The good news is that we have managed to get a few files, which are now posted on the book's catalog page (http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/digvidprod/) . There are some still images from the book that you may find useful for producing certain effects, and there is a video showing the end result of the UFO technique (from pages 124-125). There is also a link to the author's website.
We know this doesn't resolve the issue, and we will continue to pursue getting video files to post. I'll post an update as soon as we have more info and/or additional files for you.
-Edie Freedman
Another month has passed... still no stock footage or examples, March 21 2008
Hey Chris! Are you out there man?! Would you PLEASE post some stock footage or photos or examples or something that would help all of us beginners/upstarts/troublemakers accomplish some of your great ideas? Thanks! Russ (again)
Also looking for examples for effects, March 02 2008
I purchased this book over a year ago. Have been waiting for examples to arrive on the OReilly website ever since.
For instance, the description for 'Passing Through A Wall' is so convoluted I can't grok it.
A 'video is worth a thousand words' in an apt metaphor in this case.
Re: So where's the downloads O'Reilly promised?, March 01 2008
Submitted by Sarah Kim [Respond | View]
Hi Russ,
I'm sorry the download files were not made available. We are following up with the editor and author of this book to try to find out what happened. I'll also see what we can do to improve our process around example files.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Regards,
Sarah
So where's the downloads O'Reilly promised?, February 18 2008
This is a great book and an excellent addition for your VFX library. But as with other O'Reilly books, O'Reilly did not follow through and supply any examples or support footage. I really feel ripped off when in the book O'Reilly states, "Downloadable image files of the examples in this book can be found online at..." and they give this book's website address. But there's nothing posted here! And as another reviewer stated, it would be very helpful to see actual "behind-the-scenes" footage of how you should shoot some of these ideas. Or even better, give us some free stock footage to work with, or some free photos or something! But don't promise "downloadables" and then give us nothing!
Would like a DVD, December 21 2006
I really anjoyed this book, especially the sections on camera movement and camera illusions. In most cases the illustrations get the point across, but some of the effects would benefit from a demo movie that could show the finished effect, as well as a stand off view showing how it was filmed. If someone has done any of these effects, perhaps you could post a link here to show how they turned out.
Wayne
Digital Video Production Cookbook, March 25 2006
My full review is available here: http://macmediablog.com/2006/03/25/book-review-oreillys-digital-video-production-cookbook/
Media reviews
"This is a richly produced book with plenty of photographs and visual illustrations showing how to produce effects that duplicate some of the great producers and directors from Hollywood."
-- John Suda, Amazon.com
"In clear color storyboards, Kenworthy lays out simple and direct solutions for everything from lighting effects...to sound and make-up. All you need is your zoom lens for the fake dolly shot, some glitter confetti for particles of light, or a flashlight to fire up those definitive laser bolts. These recipes are keepers."
-- Tony Reveaux, Film/Tape World
"Step-by-step instructions pair with real-world examples, color photos from sample digital video productions, and tips from professionals for amateur and independent filmmakers, with details ranging from focus and impact shots to off-camera, visual effects and editing cuts."
-- James Cox, Library Bookwatch
