As I mentioned before, I’m at a point in my filmmaking journey where I’m mainly figuring out the nuts and bolts of the craft, rather than cultivating a strong artistic sensibility. And that’s ok for now. But I’d like to start moving in a direction–rather than learning how to produce my, or other people’s, work–where I am able to tap into my own creative resources and make something that is uniquely mine. And not so… conventional. When I happen upon the work of someone really interesting and creative, someone like this, I am reminded that this is why I’m interested in filmmaking.
The problem is, though, that I really don’t know enough about film; about the history of film, techniques and genres. I haven’t watched enough classics, and when people throw around phrases like, “Cinéma vérité” or “Mise en scène,” I have no idea what they are talking about. Perhaps I should learn French! In any case, unless I try to understand film better, the best I can hope to do is re-create the wheel in a vastly inferior form. I need to watch movies, read about film theory, and actually open up the many filmmaking books I’ve purchased over the years. Here are a few.
- Technique of Film Editing: This book was originally printed in the 1950′s and is often spoken of in terms of, “If you own just ONE filmmaking book, it should be this one….” and “the single most comprehensive and engaging volume on film editing.” I have only begin to crack this one open, but it starts out by analyzing the breakthrough editing techniques (for its time) of “The Birth of a Nation,” and explaining in great detail why each editing choice enhances the story. It’s not so much about the technical details (which would clearly be outdated in our digital age), but about the art and theory behind film editing.
- Film Directing Shot by Shot: This was recommended to me by someone who works at the cable access channel. I have yet to open it, but I know I need to. This book goes over how to compose and arrange your shots to effectively tell the story you want to tell.
- The Artist’s Way: This is not a book about film, specifically. It’s a self-directed 12-week course that helps you to unlock your creativity. I have not gotten past week one, honestly, due to my own laziness, but even that much was a revelation. You start out by waking up every day and writing a stream-of-consciousness journal for three pages. It’s amazing how powerful that is, if you try it. You can read the first chapter here.
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