Girl Director: A How-To Guide for the First-Time, Flat-Broke Film & Video Maker

Girl Director: A How-To Guide for the First-Time, Flat-Broke Filmmaker. Hey are you the kind of gal who`s ready to make your own movie? If so, you know that all the fun is behind the camera, calling the shots, telling your own stories, and being in charge. Girl Director is the guide book for developing girl directors with insights and advice from the greatest female directors in the business. Learn everything you need to know about low-to-no budget moviemaking, including:

*WHAT type of movie to make and what to put in it

*HOW to make it happen (cool techniques like framing your shots, lighting, editing,

animation and special effects)

*WHERE to find your equipment (from that old Super 8 camera in your parents` attic to

borrowing a camcorder or using computer equipment)*WHO to show your flick to (organizing your own film festivals and putting together your screenings)

* and MORE! And for inspiration, Girl Director throws in information about women directors--past and present--so that you can find, enjoy and learn from other flicks by independent chicks.

Girl Director: A How-To Guide for the First-Time Flat-Broke Film Maker (and Video Maker) by Andrea Richards, illus. by Elizabeth McCallie, is filled with information for aspiring film makers, with advice on everything from choosing a genre ("Movie Madness Deciding What Type of Movie to Make") to learning the basics ("Getting to Know [and Love] Your Equipment") to showing off the work at its best ("An Editrix's Guide to Easy Editing"). A hip design incorporates film stills, historical tidbits and quotes from experienced women filmmakers past and present. (May)
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Girl Press continues its mission to publish "slightly dangerous books for girl mavericks" with this volume geared toward the teen market. Aiming to instill self-reliance and self-esteem, their latest offering serves as a handy if slight guidebook for prospective filmmakers, regardless of gender. It features zippy design and advice from directors like Allison Anders and Gillian Armstrong. A chapter on pioneering film women rapidly segues into practical information. Chapters briefly touch on such topics as funding, screenwriting, storyboards, set design, framing, editing, animation, and distribution. A resource guide and a small bibliography complete the contents. One cannot help but question the utility of Girl Director overall, given the complexity of filmmaking and the rapid evolution of the industry. It does convey a fair amount of information in a limited space, but does it meet the needs of anyone except completely novice mavericks? Public libraries might consider for purchase. Neal Baker, Earlham Coll., Richmond, IN
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 7-up. This informative and inspiring volume packs directions, history, evaluative suggestions, and lots of illustrations into a tight space. Chapters focus on selecting equipment (from flea markets, as well as from stores); making responsible decisions about settings and soundtracks; production questions; the mechanics of animation; and the backgrounds of famous women film directors. The title's postmodern feminism is enlightening without being strident. Included throughout are references to other titles and Web sites that augment the text. The many sidebars are substantive, as are the illustrations, which include cartoon diagrams, flipbooks, and archival photos. The cluttered appearance of the pages and the tiny font may put off adults, but they will suit teens just fine. Francisca Goldsmith
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