Book and Tape Reviews

by Donald W. Smith
December 2002

From Word to Image - Storyboarding and the Filmmaking Process
Marcie Begleiter (2001, Michael Wiese
Productions, www.mwp.com, 224 pp., $27)
This book does an excellent job of demystifying an important part of the film and video process. It points out the tricks of the trade, thereby inspiring the confidence to start storyboarding on your own. You don't have to be a natural artist, but it is important to visualize your production. After reading this book you will be able to put your vision down on paper. Covering everything from aspect ratios and composition, to perspective and figure notation, Begleiter shares a rich knowledge of an often misunderstood part of the film and video business. She also shares some tips on how to obtain a job in the business. One item of interest is a listing of DVD titles available that include storyboards and other preproduction visualization documents. All in all, an excellent book for hobbyists wanting to know more about storyboarding or professionals seeking to learn more about the trade. 4

e-Video - Producing Internet Video as Broadband Technologies Converge
H, Peter Alesso (2000, Addison Wesley, www.awl.com/cseng, 289 pp., $45)
If you are currently creating Internet video or are interested in learning more about how it is done, this book provides an in-depth look at all aspects of the video-for-Internet technology. The author has designed this volume for readers who at least have a background in HTML and Web design, but hobbyists and entrepreneurs will find much valuable information as well. Web designers and developers will gain tremendously from the information covered. Everything from streaming video to advanced network standards is covered in depth. The volume has many tables that simplify the process of determining appropriate file sizes, calculating bandwidth requirements and choosing appropriate video formats. The book also includes a CD-ROM that is full of examples and additional information. If you are involved in the business of electronic video delivery, you would benefit from having this book on your reference shelf. 4

Make a Movie that Tells a Story
Billy Field (2000, William Field, www.makeamovie.net Book: 140 pp., Videotape: VHS, 46 min. $40.)
From acquisition and shots to editing (with many references to MacroSystem's Casablanca), the book shows you how to pull off your production with minimal expense and effort. The companion videotape, hosted by G. W. Bailey, is meant to supplement the material in the book, and includes most of the references to ways to save on equipment costs, for example, using a see-saw instead of a jib. The book's central concept is "The Hero Next Door," which was the theme of a student production sent to us by the author, entitled The Can Man. We thought the results were remarkably good. While Make a Movie that Tells a Story is written mainly for a younger videographer in the classroom or experimenting with the family video camera, there's a lot of ideas that beginning videographers of any age can appreciate. 4.5

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