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Roy Thompson
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Grammar of the Shot: Volume 2 Paperback – 20 March 2009

by Christopher J. Bowen (Author), Roy Thompson (Author)
4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 16 ratings
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Learn how to use the basic "grammar” of making films and videos in Grammar of the Shot! This book shows you in no uncertain terms what you absolutely need to know to put together your own film or video, shot by shot. Whether you are just learning how to frame a shot or if you just need a refresher, this book gives you a basic toolkit of how to build a successful visual story that flows smoothly.

Grammar of the Shot begins with an explanation of the essential visual language of filmmaking-the book takes you from the basic shape of a shot, to different types to shots, to composition of visual elements within each frame. You will be given the basic building blocks essential for successful shot lighting, screen direction, 3D elements, camera movement, and many general practices that make for a richer, multi-layered visual presentation. Most importantly, you will be given crucial background information to expand your visual vocabulary and help jumpstart your career in film and video.

Designed as an easy-to-use reference, each topic is covered succinctly and is accompanied by clear photographs and diagrams that illustrate the key concepts presented in the book. Simple, elegant, and easy to use, Grammar of the Shot is a staple of any filmmaker's library.

Don't miss the companion volume, Grammar of the Edit! (9780240521206)

Previous page
  1. Print length
    232 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Routledge
  4. Publication date
    20 March 2009
  5. Dimensions
    15.24 x 1.27 x 22.86 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    0240521218
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0240521213
  8. See all details
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Product description

Review

"Roy Thompson and Christopher Bowen provides a clear and concise explanation of motion picture visual language. This universal language (or grammar) is an essential foundation for filmmakers to produce a film or video....I highly recommend Grammar of the Shot for film and video production classes. In addition, it would be useful for emerging filmmakers and for those who need a refresher." --Amazon reviewer of the second edition.

Review

"Roy Thompson and Christopher Bowen provides a clear and concise explanation of motion picture visual language. This universal language (or grammar) is an essential foundation for filmmakers to produce a film or video....I highly recommend Grammar of the Shot for film and video production classes. In addition, it would be useful for emerging filmmakers and for those who need a refresher." --Amazon reviewer of the second edition.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Routledge; 2 edition (20 March 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 232 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0240521218
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0240521213
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.24 x 1.27 x 22.86 cm
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 16 ratings

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Roy Thompson

Roy Thompson

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Michael L. Maninger
5.0 out of 5 stars If you are going to shoot video get this book.
Reviewed in the United States on 5 February 2015
Verified Purchase
Excellent book ! I recommend this to anyone planning to shot Video of any kind. this will help you understand what shots go together and what the different shots tend to mean when viewed in a video.

I also recommend how to shoot video that doesn't suck.
http://www.amazon.com/Shoot-Video-That-Doesnt-Suck/dp/0761163239/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423178813&sr=1-1&keywords=how+to+shoot+video+that+doesn%27t+suck
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DominicB
5.0 out of 5 stars Look at it this way...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 November 2012
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Some writers like to demonstrate how clever they are and how much they know. This book is so well written it'll make you feel very clever. You'll be framing shots in no time at all - and you'll know exactly what you are doing and why. It starts simple but is never patronising. Later it explains rather complex very succinctly. It's a very encouraging book to read. You feel the authors want you to share their passion for 'shooting'.
One person found this helpful
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Naljorpa
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on 27 April 2016
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This is a wonderfully informative book.
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Plume
3.0 out of 5 stars Succinct, good overview, poor print/layout job
Reviewed in the United States on 18 December 2011
Verified Purchase
I agree with what all the others have said regarding content. Succinct and valuable information, although mostly geared toward dramatic cinema, not documentary work.
Perhaps I got a bad copy, but my book is very hard to read. It has a ton of white space on the outside margin and the type is smashed right to the binding. I have to practically rip it apart to read it. The Grammar of the Edit book I purchased at the same time does not suffer from this same poor lay out or printing job.
3 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars It's in the can!
Reviewed in the United States on 30 October 2012
Verified Purchase
If the lingo of filmmaking is what you want, then get this book. This various terms used in the film industry helps seem to tell the story of filmmaking. Ready, Set, Action!
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