Making Movie Magic: A Lifetime Creating Special Effects for James Bond, Harry Potter, Superman and More

Richardson is an Oscar and Bafta-winning special effects supervisor and designer, who’s been involved in more than 100 films, including nine James Bonds, Aliens, Superman, The Omen and the Harry Potter series. From creating explosions to beheading David Warner, from creating futuristic gadgets and helping make a man fly, Richardson holds a unique place in cinema history, learning his trade from his dad, pioneering FX technician Cliff Richardson.As a life-long fan of special effects - and behind-the-scenes books - I was looking forward to reading this, especially since Richardson was involved in some films that form part of my formative viewing years (especially Warlords Of Atlantis!). It reads as if you were sitting down and chatting with him so it wasn’t a surprise to see Gareth Owen (manager for the late, great Sir Roger Moore and on-stage interviewer for his brilliant theatre shows) thanked in the acknowledgements. Running through his career in general - with very few biographical details - it takes in the big films, the surprising entries in his filmography (Straw Dogs, for me) and all points between, a combination of techniques, ideas and the fun to be had working as part of a big film crew (there are plenty of practical jokes). Thoroughly entertaining (the final section is a filmography and a display of posters for his films), my only real issue would be the lack of photo captions (probably 95% of the pictures are unidentified and even if you can work out for yourself who and what you’re looking at, it’s not always clear). That aside, this is great fun and well worth the read. Recommended.

Absolutely beautiful book. Really well put together, written and designed.It’s a really insightful book into an area of film-making that has perhaps been largely overshadowed by CGI and so to learn how John Richardson did it “in camera” is a pure masterclass in cinema.Long before computers were employed in cinema this guy, and his father before him, were doing it “for real”. The authenticity is evident.From adventures with Bond, Harry Potter, Aliens, superman, cliffhanger and so very many more John has been there, done it and been awarded an Oscar along the way.I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to film buffs everywhere!

Bought the book having heard John Richardson on the radio and not disappointed at all. Gives an insight into a fascinating world and what a career this man has had! John has worked on so many iconic films and all his work is done for real with very clever engineering and trickery that works so well on screen and all done long before computers came along and ruined films with OTT computer game effects that stick out a mile and look utterly dreadful most of the time. If you love films and behind the scenes then this book is a must for your collection!

Thr book is fine. All the photos are black and white which is disappointing. This was a 'like new' product and is.nothing of the sort. The cover is damaged and the book has dents in it

Will make a great Christmas present. Transaction and post went well. Excellent condition. Thanks!

This was an interesting biography of a very good Special FX expert . Some name dropping which needed awareness of media to appreciate. Expected more information about special effects techniques and technologyNo subtitles to photos which is disappointing No index for any cross referencing

Making Movie Magic: A Lifetime Creating Special Effects for James Bond, Harry Potter, Superman & More A Great Addition To My Collection Especially As John Richardson Has Worked On The James Bond Film Franchise His Miniature Model Work Is Second To None The Best In The Business Since The Late Derek Meddings

Good interesting read by a man who has spent a lifetime in the film fx business. I think more picture captions would have improved it even more.Interesting stuff about how the film industry wasted millions through poor, time pressured, preplanning and what some famous Directors were really like!