3rd Edition

Voice & Vision A Creative Approach to Narrative Filmmaking

By Mick Hurbis-Cherrier Copyright 2018
    678 Pages 30 Color & 570 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    666 Pages 30 Color & 570 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    666 Pages 30 Color & 570 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Develop your creative voice while acquiring the practical skills and confidence to use it with this new and fully updated edition of Mick Hurbis-Cherrier’s filmmaking bible, Voice & Vision. Written for independent filmmakers and film students who want a solid grounding in the tools, techniques, and processes of narrative film, this comprehensive manual covers all of the essentials while keeping artistic vision front and center. Hurbis-Cherrier walks the reader through every step of the process—from the transformation of an idea into a cinematic story, to the intricacies of promotion and distribution—and every detail in between.

    Features of this book include:

    • Comprehensive technical information on video production and postproduction tools, allowing filmmakers to express themselves with any camera, in any format, and on any budget
    • An emphasis on the collaborative filmmaking process, including the responsibilities and creative contributions of every principal member of the crew and cast
    • A focus on learning to work successfully with available resources (time, equipment, budget, personnel, etc.) in order to turn limitations into opportunities
    • Updated digital filmmaking workflow breakdowns for Rec. 709 HD, Log Format, and D-Cinema productions
    • Substantial coverage of the sound tools and techniques used in film production and the creative impact of postproduction sound design
    • An extensive discussion of digital cinematography fundamentals, including essential lighting and exposure control tools, common gamma profiles, the use of LUTs, and the role of color grading
    • Abundant examples referencing contemporary and classic films from around the world
    • Indispensible information on production safety, team etiquette, and set procedures.

    The third edition also features a robust companion website that includes eight award-winning example short films; interactive and high-resolution figures; downloadable raw footage; production forms and logs for preproduction, production, and postproduction; video examples that illustrate key concepts found within the book, and more.

    Whether you are using it in the classroom or are looking for a comprehensive reference to learn everything you need to know about the filmmaking process, Voice & Vision delivers all of the details in an accessible and reader-friendly format.

    Dedication

    Companion Website Contents

    Acknowledgements

    Introduction

    What’s New in the Third Edition

     

    Part I – Developing Your Film on Paper

    Chapter 1 – From Idea to Cinematic Story

    Chapter 2 – The Screenplay

    Chapter 3 – The Visual Language and Aesthetics of Cinema

    Chapter 4 – Organizing Cinematic Time and Space

    Chapter 5 – From Screenplay to Visual Plan

     

    Part II – Preparing for Production

    Chapter 6 – Preparing for Production

    Chapter 7 – The Cast and Crew

     

    Part III – Tools and Techniques: Production

    Chapter 8 – The Digital Video System

    Chapter 9 – The Digital Video Camera

    Chapter 10 – The Camera Lens

    Chapter 11 – Camera Support

    Chapter 12 – Basics of Exposure

    Chapter 13 – Basics of Light and Lighting

    Chapter 14 – Lighting and Exposure: Beyond the Basics

    Chapter 15 – Sound for Production

    Chapter 16 – Location Sound Techniques

    Chapter 17 – On-Set Procedures

    Chapter 18 – Set Etiquette and Production Safety

     

    Part IV – Tools and Techniques: Postproduction

    Chapter 19 – Postproduction Overview: Workflow and The Editing Stages

    Chapter 20 – Digital Editing Fundamentals

    Chapter 21 – The Art and Technique of Editing

    Chapter 22 – The Sound Design in Film

    Chapter 23 – Cutting Sound and Working with Multiple Tracks

    Chapter 24 – Grading, Mastering, and Distribution

     

    Recommended Readings

    Recommended Filmmaking Apps for Mobile Devices

    Bibliography

    Filmography

    Photo and Illustration Credits

    Index

    Biography

    Mick Hurbis-Cherrier has been teaching all levels of film production at Hunter College in New York City for well over a decade. He works professionally in both film and video and has performed a wide range of duties, including producing, writing, directing, cinematography, and editing. His films have been shown around the country and have garnered prizes at a number of festivals. He is also the co-author of Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics (2013), now in its fifth edition.

    "Voice & Vision is the only text I have seen that gives in-depth coverage of both the creative development process and the technical aspects of filmmaking. Mick Hurbis-Cherrier’s approach gives the reader the inspiration to develop compelling stories and the tools to bring them to the screen. It’s an essential resource for media makers at all levels."

    —Eric Scholl, Interim Chair, Cinema and Television Arts, Columbia College Chicago

    "Making a movie is always a journey into uncharted territory. Hopefully we have a clear sense of the destination, but we also know that the road is likely to be fraught with hazards, detours, setbacks, and surprises. Fortunately, Mick Hurbis-Cherrier has provided us with a map. Voice & Vision is a thoughtful and stimulating, step-by-step guide through the entire filmmaking process from concept to distribution. The author offers an invaluable commentary on the art, craft, and technology that inform every stage of the creative journey. This is an essential and inspiring guide for the intrepid filmmaker. Don't leave home without it."

    —Paul Thompson, Associate Professor, Tisch School of the Arts, New York University; Formerly Head of Film and Television, AFTRS, Sydney, Australia

    "The general approach of the book – which offers a combination of technical and creative aspects, as well as professional production practices – makes it an invaluable, encyclopedic 'bible' for film and video production students."

    —Tomasz Malinowski, Professor, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, England

    "In this comprehensive and masterful volume, Hurbis-Cherrier's conversational tone allows each subject to be viewed in relationship to the others, creating a multi-disciplinary perspective that is thorough and thoughtful."

    —Pablo Frasconi, Senior Lecturer, Production, USC School of Cinematic Arts

    "The tone of the book works very well with my teaching style and pedagogy because it treats the student as part of a team that is working toward acquiring the knowledge and skills to make a movie. In that sense, I find the book to be not only informative but also very motivational."

    —Ece Karayalcin, Professor, SEDT, Miami Dade College

    "Hurbis-Cherrier (a professional who teaches at Hunter College) provides a comprehensive, well-organized resource for those interested in exploring the art and technique of narrative film…Though intended primarily for the classroom, this book should find a place in personal libraries as well. It will help even professionals expand their knowledge of the ever-evolving narrative format. Summing up: Recommended."

    —M. A. Bay, Southern Connecticut State University, CHOICE