Shooting:

Grammar of the Shot
by Roy Thompson and Christopher Bowen

Difficulty: Average

Whether you're just learning how to frame a shot or simply looking for a refresher, the third edition of Grammar of the Shot gives you the tools you need to build a successful visual story that flows smoothly and makes sense to your audience.

Understand the basic building blocks essential for successful shot composition, screen direction, depth cues, lighting, screen direction, camera movement, and many general practices that make for richer, multi-layered visuals. Expand your visual vocabulary, help jumpstart your career in filmmaking, and watch visual examples and further instruction on the companion website, www.focalpress.com/cw/bowen. Designed as an easy-to-use reference, Grammar of the Shot presents each topic succinctly with clear photographs and diagrams illustrating the key concepts, and is a staple of any filmmaker’s library.

* A simple and clear overview of the principles of shooting motion pictures—timeless information that will improve your work

* The companion website offers video instruction and examples to bring the book's lessons to life

* Together with its companion volume Grammar of the Edit, Third Edition these books are exactly what the beginning filmmaker needs

New to this edition:

* A full chapter devoted to lighting

* More script coverage, complete with a sample script

* Suggested exercises and projects for you to practice your skills

Editing:

Grammar of the Edit
by Ray Thompson and Christopher J. Brown

Difficulty: Average

Tell more effective visual stories by learning the "grammar" of cinematic language with this elegant, accessible reference. Discover what you absolutely need to know to cut your own film or video, shot by shot. Whether you're a whiz with Avid or just discovered iMovie, the third edition of Grammar of the Edit gives you the answers to those all-important questions: WHEN to cut and WHY. Designed as an easy-to-use guide, the book presents each topic succinctly with clear photographs and diagrams illustrating the key concepts, and is a staple of any serious editor's or filmmaker’s library.

The companion website, www.focalpress.com/cw/bowen, offers further instruction with video examples of different editing choices, types of shot transitions, photographs to further illustrate concepts, and exercises to practice your editing craft.

New to this edition:

• Expanded discussions of the building blocks of editing

• Fresh illustrations and visual examples

• Updated appendices with helpful resources

• Exercises and projects to help you practice your skills

• End-of-chapter quizzes to test your grasp of key concepts

A simple and clear overview of the principles of editing, Grammar of the Edit, Third Edition will help you to think and "feel" like an editor. Together with its companion volume, Grammar of the Shot, these books are exactly what the beginning filmmaker needs to start producing professional quality material today!

Writing:

Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need
by Blake Snyder

Difficulty: Average

This ultimate insider's guide reveals the secrets that none dare admit, told by a show biz veteran who's proven that you can sell your script if you can save the cat!