Shooting Better Movies: The Student Filmmakers' Guide

It’s all about the toolbox! If you’re a starting filmmaker, Dudbridge’s book will give you a fantastic start to building your toolbox. If you have a toolbox, you’ll find lots of great additions!

Great beginning book with all the terminology that you need to gain a basic understanding of film and video shooting.

This book covers a lot of ground. It touches on just about every aspect of filmmaking but in a tone that even a beginning filmmaker can understand. The narrative is backed up with lots of pictures and graphics so that you can visually see what is being described. I recommend it to anybody who wants to get into filmmaking and doesn't know where to begin. If you're new to filmmaking I suggest that you read this book and then when you discover exactly what you want to learn more about you can then buy books that are more focused on that certain subject, for example, audio or producing. If you have a child or a friend who wants to learn about filmmaking I recommend that they start with this book. It's well written, easy to understand and contains a wealth of information on filmmaking. You will not be disappointed.Review copy supplied by MWP

This could be used by all filmmakers. Paul Dudbridge approaches this craft like a kid, covering logistics such as schedules. camera lenses, and lighting, things many filmmakers have to learn on the fly. But this is more than bare essentials on equipment: producing, scriptwriting, and sound are covered before the book harnesses everything on the last part, Directing. Then he covers directing actors and editing. This can be used as a guide on the set and as a reference. I trust many budding and veteran filmmakers will improve their films and skills with this efficient little book, and lay groundwork for solid storytelling ahead.

Paul Dudbridge's "Shooting Better Movies" is an interesting and well-rounded read. While tailored towards student filmmakers, it serves as a great refresher guide even for more seasoned filmmakers. The material is well organized and the tips presented will definitely make most student and beginner films jump to the next level or two of professinalism. The section on lighting is a must-read for all filmographers. My particular favorite was the section on directing. Dudbridge's suggestions are great for any indie filmmaker who is making the jump into direction. This is a great little review that every filmmaker should pull off their shelf every year or so.

I make books accessible for students with print disabilities. I contacted this publisher directly regarding accessing this book. Contacting a publisher can be a tricky endeavor. You call and leave a message or you send an email, then wait and hope they get back to you.This is NOT THE CASE with Michael Wiese Productions!! I called and left a message, then sent an email. I immediately received contact regarding my question. Throughout the process they were very timely and helpful with resolving my request. Though I haven't actually read the book, it appears to be well written, and full of helpful graphics!Scott STLCC

I bought this book as I know the author having worked with him on numerous film projects over the years, most recently the short film '16' and 'Horizon' Season 2.As a writer/director, I was most interested in the chapters on screenwriting and directing. However, I think the book provides a good overview of the whole film making process. I felt the book was written in an accessible, professional style conveying Paul's personal journey into the profession. I have no doubt in sharing his journey, the author will inspire many students of film, like he did/does me, to shoot better movies.If the book were to be published as a second edition, I think what would work even better is a chapter exclusively on the short film form.I look forward to reading Paul's next book!

This is an amazing film making resource for people of all skill levels! It's simple and clear approach is ideal for getting to grips with the trickiest of techniques.When I started out I knew very little about film making and the processes involved in making a film, but I was lucky enough to be taught at workshops by Paul and since then have gone on to be a full time TV editor on shows like Streetmate (Channel 4) and the BAFTA winning documentary My Life: The Boy on the Bicycle. I wouldn't be where I am now without Paul's brilliant teaching and this book has all his tips, tricks and techniques from those workshops into one super handy guide.When I bought this book I was in the process of setting up a shoot for a short film that I had written, but after reading the section on script writing I decided to go back to the script and tweak a few scenes which made them work much better, I'm so glad I read it before shooting the film!I would highly recommend this book to everyone whether a student or someone more experienced, it really is a great all in one guide to film making.

This is a wonderful book if you want to learn about film making. I read Paul’s book cover to cover over the course of a week and found every chapter valuable and well written. The book covers all the aspects you need to make a movie and it gives clarity to technical terms and provides invaluable insight on how to create and tell a good story on screen. I also found the personal anecdotes from the author were not only fascinating but made the reading so much easier. This book would make perfect reading material for film making courses at schools and universities. You can tell the author is a gifted teacher by the way he presents the information, even complex information is presented in an eloquent, understandable way.

While I was most interested in the chapter on scriptwriting, this covers a broad range of specialisms to offer a complete film school: writing, producing, camera work and shot composition, lighting, sound, directing and editing. And throughout it keeps returning to the key principles of enthusiasm, hard work and commitment.It manages to be both thorough and introductory. There is much expertise but none of it intimidating. Even the most technical subjects are broken down to be understandable and accessible, and accompanied by personal anecdotes that admit things won’t always come easily. Here the book is at its best. We share not just the author’s expertise but his journey. An ideal starting point for film students or self-taught self-starters.

Paul has managed to create a simple, clear and concise guide to filmmaking. It is clear to see that he has learned by doing and happy to share this knowledge and experience with fellow filmmakers. Unlike so many books on this subject, Paul's format, language, tone and level of the subjects covered, are relevant to both the beginner and the more experienced. I love the 'Hands on' approach and clarity. Its a great place to start, if you follow the advice given then you will end up with a structured and well shot film. It is a solid base on which to build and develop your own creativity and style. Well worth the read and I'm looking forward to his next book.