On Film-making: An Introduction to the Craft of the Director

I bought this as requested by my film theory university course. It’s an interesting book full of details on the art of film making. In all honesty it’s not an easy to read book, it requires attention and focus. If you are into film theory you will enjoy this and you will find a lot of useful informations.

If you only ever buy one book on filmmaking then this is it. If you need a second then try Steven D Katz "Shot by Shot." These are the most useful books on filmmaking that I've come across since 2006 and I read lots on the subject regularly. However other complimentary books such as Judith Weston - "Directing Actors" can also be handy. If unsure check out the content of the book "On Film-making" from your local University library to help you make up your mind on buying it. Well, University libraries (if asked nicely) will allow access to general members of public with proof of ID (e.g. utility bills, passports etc) but may not allow you to borrow the book or make photocopies of it if you are not a student in that institution. Hence this is just an excercise to help you take your time reading various books at leisure before you commit your hard earned cash to it. Anyway, this is how I discovered McKendrick's On Film-making plus various quality books on the subject including those mentioned above then I go to Amazon and buy with confidence because I already have very clear idear of the book content and quality. And your local public library are unlikely to stock these quality books hence do find a University library or local bookstore - take a good read and head to Amazon for good deals for the book(s) you like. Good luck and I hope this info has helped at least one person out there.

As someone who has worked in the film industry for over 15 years, this is a real treat to uncover the influence that Mackendrick has had on so many greats, as well as noting the direct inspiration that some have referred to during my time working with them. The content of the book is, of course, wonderful and engaging. It's an important piece of work and well worthy of a read if you are looking for inspiration on your craft, or simply if you want an insight into the philosophy of a renowned storyteller.I was however a little disappointed with the state of the book when I received it. It seemed ironic that a book about presentation and visual representation should be so shoddy and knackered when it arrived. I'll deal with it and cut off the excess paper, but it's annoying nonetheless.

This book does not really tell you all you need to make a film. However, it is a brilliant book about writing, and an insight into how films are made. The main focus throughout the book is on storytelling, and how to tell a good story, from the initial conception of the idea right through to considering how it should look on screen. As a writer, I found these tricks of the trade were superbly useful in focusing me on what was truly important, as well as giving me a few very practical ideas on how to go about editing. The examples are often very entertaining as he gives you an insight into his experience without ever being patronising. The only niggle is that he spends a lot of time telling students off for making bad films. But I imagine that he must have been fairly annoyed at the way they kept making the same mistakes. These he highlights with easy-to-memorise slogans. A worthwhile purchase especially for script writers, but not a technical guide by any means.

A fantastic filmmaker and, from the evidence here, an incredible teacher.Mackendrick approach to filmmaking is that of the school of Malcolm Gladwell - genius, or at very least art, can emerge though the constant application of craft, learning, and repetition. Intellect can become instinct, and magic may result.Mackendrick's students were lucky people, but at least here, the reader gets a chance to experience a taste of what it must have been like to sit in one of his lectures and lean from a master of his medium.If you haven't already, watch The Man in the White Suit, The Lady Killers and of course The Sweet Smell of Success before diving into this wonderfully intriguing way to look at directing, screenwriting and working with actors.

Alexander Mckendrick was a director with Ealing Studios where he just had to turn up and direct. during his time he directed some of the most popular and entertaining films to come out of Ealing. when he moved to America the hollywood studio system of hustling deals didnt suit him as a director and he went into teaching. Hollywoods loss was Film teachings gain. Mckendrick was to teach some of the greatest directors and film makers of the 20th century. great insight into film making - not just for directors but also offers amazing insight for writers of most storytelling genres.

Arrived quickly. Great book, I studied animation and all the basic film structure applies directly to it. I use it as a 'bible' at work now.Although its quite hard on students, he often describes the mistakes he see's students make over and over again, a few chapters from his would help experienced directors.Best guide for any aspiring director or writer and a bible for those already in the industry.

This book is one of the most formal and in my opinion overwritten books I've ever read. It's not a "nuts and bolts" read concentrating on raw facts. It's more a long-winded use of unnecessarily complex language and descriptions on the craft of screenwriting, making it frustrating and slow to read. Search inside this book and try reading it before you buy it to see for yourself - you might disagree and like the style.It is however a very useful read with deep insight into the craft of screenwriting by a master of the medium.

Le encantó

Alexander Mackendrick was a master. The book is very helpful If you want to understand "the process".

Muy buen libro,el contenido es claro e ilustrativo,el envío fue rápido,el único inconveniente fue el embalaje venía en un sobre de DHL con espuma, llegó bien el libro salvó un pequeño golpe en la esquina del lomo del libro por el resto de cosas ,todo estuvo en perfectas condiciones ,el material y la textura del libro da muy buenas sensaciones de que es un libro de calidad.

One of the best books if you want to understand the crux of filmmaking and establish a career in the field.The book is supported with several examples and definitely an interesting read. It throws information with logic soooo makes reading it more understandable and relatable.

Every component in film directing is final and decisive : story-telling, scriptwriting, framing, photography, editing,choice of lenses,eyelines, storyboarding,backdrop ,props ,actors gesturing and so forth. This book is quite enlightening since it deals with all those technical devices with a rare knowledge and understanding and clarity . I translated a movie technical book by the past and would have wished and been proud to translate this one It is a practical vade-mecum for anyone working in the field of movie-making or eager to decypher the significance of a universal language absorbing all others. A real must.