THE BOOK CLUB: An experiment with filming VFX spots

#1

Hey guys, I want to explore an idea.
As we do moremini challenges based on the concept of filmmaking,
I been thinking of creating a book club based and the idea is to read specific VFX book. the idea is to use the gained knowledge in VFX shots.

People would follow the chapters of the book in sequence during a period of 2 months.
At the end, a VFX shot has to be done, based on the knowledge adquired.

And the book I have in mind is the The DV Rebel’s guide (AMAZON LINK) by Stu Maschwitz (Co-Founder of The Orphanage). My good friend Erilaz recommended it and it is one hell of a good book.

I still ironing out the detailson how we will do this, but the goal would be to be able to produce good footage for VFX.

What do you guys think?

-R

#2

Really great idea, but I’m not sure there are enough books :).

Do you have any other books in mind?

#3

A another book we could do is: Rebel without a Crew

#4

I got that one years ago when I was in film school. It’s not bad, but didn’t seem to help me much. I don’t remember anything from it now. I should flip threw it again.

#5

DV Rebels’ Guide is a fascinating and entertaining read, especially if you’re looking to get the best visuals for the cheapest price, of which Stu is a master.

#6

Well the next challenge is shaping up to be a hybrid of both of your ideas gentlemen.

I will use the book DV Rebels’ Guide as a backbone for the challenge, and the topic will require live action shooting (we will use mustan9 topic…more on that later).

#7

Here is a book that might make for good reading.

Apple Pro Training Series: Encyclopedia of Visual Effects

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0321303342?tag=fx07-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0321303342&adid=1KR3T1EN2G4V68XZY5MZ&

#8

Here are some more I think could be handy.

Visual Effects in A Digital World: A Comprehensive Glossary of over 7,000 Visual Effects Terms
http://www.amazon.com/Visual-Effects-Digital-World-Comprehensive/dp/0122937856/ref=cm_lmf_tit_1_rdssss0/104-2794058-8985514

Matchmoving: The Invisible Art of Camera Tracking
http://www.amazon.com/Matchmoving-Invisible-Art-Camera-Tracking/dp/0782144039/ref=cm_lmf_tit_3_rdssss0/104-2794058-8985514[b]

Adobe Photoshop for VFX Artists
[/b]http://www.amazon.com/Adobe-Photoshop-Artists-Lopsie-Schwartz/dp/1592004873/ref=cm_lmf_tit_6_rdssss0/104-2794058-8985514[b]

Digital Domain: The Leading Edge of Visual Effects
[/b]http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Domain-Leading-Visual-Effects/dp/0823079287/ref=cm_lmf_tit_10_rdssss0/104-2794058-8985514[b]

Creating 3D Effects for Film, TV, and Games
[/b]http://www.amazon.com/Creating-3D-Effects-Film-Games/dp/1592005896/ref=cm_lmf_tit_11_rdssss0/104-2794058-8985514[b]

The Elements of Color
[/b]http://www.amazon.com/Elements-Color-Johannes-Itten/dp/0471289299/ref=cm_lmf_tit_14_rdssss0/104-2794058-8985514

#9

Great Keep em coming…

#10

Great links! Rebel Wihtout A Crew is one of favourites of all time.

This is another must have, one of the most awesome books I own:

The Invisible Art: The Legends of Movie Matte Painting by Mark Cotta Vaz

  • Jonas
#11

Well I am partial to this booK:

Sculpting a Galaxy: Inside the Star Wars Model Shop by Lorne Peterson, George Lucas, Rick McCallum, and Phil Tippett
:slight_smile:

#12

Visual Effects for Film and Television (Media Manuals)[b]

Special Effects: The History and Technique[/b]

Industrial Light & Magic: The Art of Special Effects

Industrial Light & Magic: Into the Digital Realm

Special Effects: An Oral History–Interviews with 37 Masters Spanning 100 Years

#13

Creating the Worlds of Star Wars: 365 Days

John Knoll goes through the sets and worlds of Star Wars, from A New Hope to Revenge of the Sith.

#14

I have this one, and it’s very good.

Film Directing Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen

Some off topic books, but might be worth reading. :shrug:

Gothic Fantasy: The Films of Tim Burton

Making of “2001: A Space Odyssey”

Making Friday the 13th: The Legend of Camp Blood

Your Career in Animation: How to Survive and Thrive

The Animation Producer’s Handbook

Fantastic Four: The Making Of The Movie

Art of “Cars”

The Art and Making of “Monster House”

The Art of Open Season

The Making of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith

Art of Ratatouille

The Art of Meet the Robinsons

“Gorillaz”: Rise of the Ogre

Boy, that’s enough. :buttrock:

#15

Great list, I have to add:

The Winston Effect: The Art & History of Stan Winston Studio by Jody Duncan and James Cameron

Humm…

Ideas come to mind on how to tie in a selected book from this list with a mini challenge.

:slight_smile:

-R

#16

Very nice book.

Rather then sit here and drool over these books. I should actually order one. :thumbsup:

#17

One thing I want to do is to open a special thread next week to discuss the VFX of starwars.

-R

#18

I worked with an ex-ILM animator who worked on the first 2 starwars films, and I think there is a TD here who also worked on one. Maybe I could fish some info out of these guys.

#19

That my friend sounds like a plan…

Ill post the thread in the morning…

-R

#20

This is really interesting and I’m finding more books to go out and read.

One I enjoyed was:

Inspired 3d Short Film Production
http://www.amazon.com/Inspired-3D-Short-Film-Production/dp/1592001173/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-5191025-3544946?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180310972&sr=8-1

(not sure how to put the tags on this without being busy)

Thanks,

martin