Setting Up Your Shots: Great Camera Moves Every Filmmaker Should Know

Excellent! thank you!

The media could not be loaded.  "Setting Up Your Shots" is a good entry-level book for filmmakers. It's all about what shot is best to tell the story and convey an idea to the audience.Each page of the book has a different type of "shot" that is used in filmmaking. This includes common shots like Pan, Tilt, Zoom, Pull Focus, etc. But it also includes shots that are rarely used, yet could be useful for a certain dramatic or stylistic effect. Some moves require cranes or other equipment, but most can be done either handheld or with a tripod. All types of camera techniques are discussed, as well as some common editing techniques thrown in for good measure.Each technique only gets one page, and the text does not get too in-depth. Fortunately, most pages include a sketch/illustration which gives you a visual example of the shot being described.The two best ways to learn about filmmaking are to:(1) watch great films, and(2) just go out and start shooting!This book embraces both of the ideas above. Included with each shot/camera technique is an example of 2-3 films that used that technique. The author does a good job selecting films/scenes that effectively used each type of shot - he recommends classics like The Third Man, Citizen Kane, Rear Window, etc... but he also cites many contemporary films such as The Matrix, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Departed.Finally, the author suggests "Exercises" that you can do to increase your knowledge of cinematography... these range from simple observation exercises to actually picking up a camera and practicing these shots. The best way to learn these shots is to try them out yourself.I would say that if you want to work in Film/TV as a director or cinematographer, this book is a great entry into visual storytelling. This book is too simple for enthusiasts or professionals, but if you are a beginner then it will be an adequate resource for you without being too overwhelming.

The one I bought a year ago still fills the bill. Just don't want to be caught with a dead player. I've used it EVERY NIGHT since then Feb 2021. Each new one has more features than the last. But needless to say, those features go largely unused. I see reviews about music selections not being listed alphabetically. Whoop-De-Do! My audio books are, but even if they were not, it's the best inexpensive, quality player for me. Must, add, however, that I do have a few video clips of some interests and they play excellent. Seems loaded with features tho as I say they are of little value to me. Can't wait till 2023 model!

This is a simple, straightforward lesson in storyboarding films. The simplicity is its strength. You could keep it open as you storyboard to help make your film a strong visual story. It’s not full of unusual nuances, styles or tricks but presents clear cut visualizations to learn and use.

I bought this book as part of a grad class I was taking. I was originally going to get this as a Kindle book, but I am glad I got the print version. I just don't think the numerous "sketch" drawings would have translated as well on my Kindle Paperwhite. There is a good variety of shot types in this book, and all of them are referenced to scenes in popular movies to help with the context, or to let you go and see a live demo. If anything, that is what the book is missing. The images do a good job of explaining the movement or type of shot, but a link to a video would have been better. This ultimately comes at the price of videos inevitably disappearing from YouTube and the like over time. Still, it would be worth considering. The book helped me think about shot choice and now has me deconstructing most of the TV I watch, whether I want to or not :)

Is this book too elementary? Is this book terrific? I can see both points. It's difficult trying to show the technique behind a moving shot with one or two storyboard frames. Still, for those of us who cannot always think of the options while we're thinking of other things (rewriting dialogue, pacing, budget), "Setting Up Your Shots" doles out lots of ideas, even if the descriptions are somewhat cursory. If you are cinematically oriented, if you already know how you want every shot, then you don't need this book. If you do not have a background in cinematography (especially those of us who basically have just watched lots of movies), then this book might help you with the "Oh, that's what they call it when they..." part. Someday I might think this book is too basic; right now, I'm happy to see a picture or two that jog my brain. They're not really "great camera moves," but they're good, basic camera moves. When you're done with your great camera moves, please share with us; I'd like to see them, too.

This is a great book. I am a student film-maker and have found it useful in providing ideas and technique.However, it is worth noting that this is only the first edition, and there is now a second edition available with all the same stuff, plus quite a few bits extra. Had i noticed this, i would have gone for the second edition...

Very good book worth it!

Good book very descriptive covers all the basics every film maker should know, worth having on book shelf for reference.

Arrived on time. Exactly what I wanted.

Easy comprehension and funny to read. The pictures are so simple that you can learn to draw. You must buy it if you want to learn storyboard.