LibGuides: Video Production and Filmmaking: Home

Home

Links to the Library

All Guides
This will take you to the guides @ mysapl homepage.
Ask a Librarian
Ask questions, report problems, or just send comments and suggestions.
SAPL Account
Check on holds, due dates, etc.
SAPL Catalog
Keyword search link to the San Antonio Public Library Catalog.
SAPL FAQs
Quick answers to common questions.
SAPL on Facebook
SAPL on Flickr
SAPL on Twitter
SAPL on YouTube

Magazines

Videomaker
Welcome to Videomaker, the premiere magazine for professional and hobbyist videography! Videomaker Magazine was founded in 1986, shortly after the very first personal camcorders hit the market. Since then, we've been helping creative people make better video by providing the latest news in video trends, training and technology. From reviews of the newest video-making hardware and software to practical how-to guides on putting together your own documentary or horror film, you'll find everything you need to make quality video within our pages. --Videomaker Magazine
American Cinematographer
The American Society of Cinematographers is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing the art of filmmaking. Since its charter in 1919, the ASC has been committed to educating aspiring filmmakers and others about the art and craft of cinematography; it accomplishes this by publishing the internationally renowned magazine American Cinematographer and the venerable American Cinematographer Manual, through seminars at schools and industry events, and via one-on-one mentoring. --ASC

SAPL Movies

Video Production and Filmmaking

Video production and filmmaking are complex and sometimes intimidating processes. This research guide can help get you started with your vision. Here you can find resources about the fundamentals of video production and filmmaking. I have also included links to websites that teach and showcase your work.

Helpful Books

In the blink of an eye : a perspective on film editing by Walter Murch
ISBN: 1879505231

This is Walter Murch's essay on film editing. He explains why cuts work in editing. Walter Murch also writes about what makes a good cut, continuity and discontinuity in editing, dreaming and reality. Walter Murch has done sound design on movies like “Apocalypse Now”, “The English Patient” and “The Godfather: part II
Cinematography : theory and practice : imagemaking for cinematographers and directors by Brown, Blain
Call Number: 778.5 BROWN 2012
ISBN: 9780240812090
Publication Date: 2012

I highly recommend you read this book. Subjects include: Writing with motion -- Shooting methods -- Visual language -- Language of the lens -- Visual storytelling -- Cinematic continuity -- Lighting basics -- Lighting sources -- HD cinematography -- Exposure -- Camera movement -- Color -- Image control -- Optics & focus -- Set operations -- Technical issues -- Film formats.
Story : substance, structure, style by Robert McKee
Call Number: 808.23 MCKEE 1997
ISBN: 0060391685

This is a great book for any writer. It doesn't matter if you are writing a screenplay or a novel; this book gives a great explanation of the craft of writing.
Cinematography : a guide for filmmakers and film teachers by Kris Malkiewicz and M. David Mullen
Call Number: 778.5 MALKIEWICZ
ISBN: 074326438X

The classic guide to filmmaking, revised and updated for the 21st century
Adobe after Effects CS6 Classroom in a Book by Adobe Creative Team
ISBN: 9780321822437
Publication Date: 2012-06-15

A great book to learn how to use Adobe After Effects. Learn with step by step techniques and lessons to make working in After Effect a little easier.
Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 Classroom in a Book by Adobe Creative Team
ISBN: 9780321822475
Publication Date: 2012-07-09

This is a great resource for learning how to use Adobe Premiere Pro CS6.
The big picture : filmmaking lessons from a life on the set by Tom Reilly
Call Number: 791.43023 REILLY
ISBN: 9780312380380

Tom Reilly has been on movie sets for more than three decades. Explore the art and craft of filmmaking from his point of view.
Rebel without a crew, or, how a 23-year-old filmmaker with $7,000 became a Hollywood player by Robert Rodriguez
Call Number: 791.43023 RODRIGUEZ
ISBN: 0525937943

In this book, screenwriter and director Robert Rodriguez shares his strategies and techniques he used to make his film, El Mariachi, on a $7000 budget.
Final Cut Pro 7 by Diana Weynand
ISBN: 9780321635273

Learn basic video editing techniques and Final Cut Pro's powerful advanced features.
The art of mixing : a visual guide to recording, engineering, and production by David Gibson
Call Number: 621.38932 GIBSON
ISBN: 1931140456
Publication Date: 2005

Sometimes you have to do your own audio mixing for your video. This book can help you make sense of all the audio terms and theory behind a great audio mix.