Learn to Speak Film: A Guide to Creating, Promoting, and Screening Your Movies - Hardcover

Glassbourg, Michael

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1926973844 ISBN 13: 9781926973845

Publisher: Owlkids, 2013

Synopsis

"Seen any good movies lately?" is a question almost as commonly asked as "How are you?" We all love watching movies, as much today as when film began. But with all the information and technology that's readily available, today's filmgoers know that making a movie isn't an act of magic!

By starting with the most basic formula (images + motion = film), Learn to Speak Film does away with the special effects and gets to the heart of what makes movies so much more than just something to watch on a Friday night. The lessons within these pages range from choosing a camera to writing dialogue, from handling criticism to preparing a press kit. Whether young readers just love Oscar Night or want to pursue a career as a screenwriter, set designer, or director, Learn to Speak Film will appeal to the inner film buff in all of us.

About this title

About the Author

Michael Glassbourg has been writing, directing, and producing for over 30 years. He has been teaching film and television production at Humber College in Toronto for over 20 years. He lives in Toronto. Jeff Kulak is an Edmonton-born, Montreal-based designer/illustrator. From his studio, a converted room in a former nunnery, he creates art for books, magazines, album covers, and event posters.

Reviews

Gr 5-8–Anyone who has access to a camera can be an amateur filmmaker. Luckily, smartphones have made video cameras small, portable, and accessible to young people. Those who are already experimenting with the medium or just curious about how their favorite movies are made will soak up the valuable information and advice in this delightful soup-to-nuts guide. Although Kulak's playful design and illustrations are visually appealing for young readers, the content is sophisticated and practical for older readers as well. They are addressed not as children but as auteurs in training. The book covers all aspects of the movie industry, beginning with why film is a unique and powerful art form. Each chapter focuses on one part of the creative process and is further subdivided into specific topics such as camera framing, running rehearsals, or editing, making it easy to return to the text for reference. Sidebars contain tidbits of advice from industry professionals as well as age-appropriate films that exemplify a particular concept or style. Technical terminology is clearly defined in context, but the most important information Glassbourg presents focuses not on the practical elements of filmmaking but on the philosophical: organization, cooperation, and how to accept and use criticism. These are useful lessons for any young artist but particularly for those interested in filmmaking, which is an intricate medium requiring hard work and collaboration. A valuable addition for creative and curious readers.–Joy Piedmont, LREI, New York Cityα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Budding filmmakers who want to learn a little more about their craft will appreciate this pleasingly designed guide, which is part how-to, part inspirational pep talk, and part behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Short chapters provide an overview about filmmaking and supply introductory advice on the various aspects: photography, screenplays, production, postproduction, and the perfect audience. Readers are encouraged to plan carefully, establish a budget, call in as many favors from friends and relatives as possible, and have fun. Brief tips from the author, as well as words of wisdom from film-industry professionals, are placed in colored sidebars throughout. Film Fest sections list films to view that demonstrate particular points made in the text. The plentiful retro-cool illustrations complement the text for the most part, though many points would have been better served with photographs. This is not an in-depth look at filmmaking, but it should satisfy those who have gotten the bug from pointing and shooting their electronic devices. Grades 5-8. --Randall Enos

Edition details

• Publisher: Owlkids
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1926973844
• ISBN 13: 9781926973845
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Kulak Jeff
• Number of pages: 96