Best stagecraft books according to redditors
We found 254 Reddit comments discussing the best stagecraft books. We ranked the 79 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 254 Reddit comments discussing the best stagecraft books. We ranked the 79 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
To help with your understanding try reading this
And this
That should get you started.
But for real though. They're talking about the cables that hold everything up. Specifically, someone mentioned they were using verlocks to level it out, and that's what gave way. This is what they're talking about. ...I think. In which case I think you're right about the price. Though they may have been talking about this: in which case $12 is a descent estimate.
Source: Fuck if I know I'm an electrician I just plug shit in. Don't listen to me.
Show Networks & Control Systems was the biggest help for me. Its been awhile since I read it and it may be slightly dated but it was very well put together. I still put it on the "must read" list for our interns.
Hi, Ive been a stagehand for 22 years, buy her this if she likes the technical side of theater.
Look to the right of your screen and down a little bit.
Based on your recent post, I feel like you're looking for a training program in book form. The UCB Manual is the most comprehensive and closest thing to that, but take it all with a grain of salt as at a certain point it does start teaching the UCB style. Novices may take some things to mean these are this-is-the-only-way-to-do-things hard and fast rules, but it's just the way to play their aesthetic. Be open to other possibilities.
Some books, like the recent Will Hines book or Napier's Improvise, are very good but I recommend them after you've done a bit of improv. Same with this, this, and this.
Johnstone's Impro is great for a peek into story-based
British style improv. His passages on status are invaluable.
I personally don't care for Huack's Long-Form Improv, mostly because at the beginning of the book he tries to distill all improv comedy down into an equation, which is way too simplified for my tastes. Improv Wins is a decent, breezy book, but I don't like how they pose scenario questions and then suggest that there is a "correct" response you should make. Still, if you can glean insight from a book, even an understanding of disagreement, then that makes the book valuable in some way.
The only real way to learn improv is to do it and not be afraid to make mistakes and missteps along the way. You will not get improv right the first time.
That is the backstage handbook.
The Backstage Handbook: An Illustrated Almanac of Technical Information https://www.amazon.com/dp/0911747397/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KO6CDbSZ34KFT
Go pick up the Backstage Handbook and read it cover to cover. That will give you enough basic understanding of terms and rough practices to survive overhire calls.
this is a textbook for lighting design I know a LD uses for his college courses. Are there any local theatres near you, you can contact and ask if they have apprenticeships or internships or that you can just go and observe how they operate? As for school, do you cue the show during tech? That's a great way to learn about design is to watch the designer cue the show and program the board.
my favorite songs are (Nice Dream), Bones and Bulletproof...I wish I was.
Cool story: I used to work at the art museum at CSULB and our staff there made a book about stage designing called "Bullet Proof ... I Wish I Was: The Lighting & Stage Design of Andi Watson," and it had a forward by Thom Yorke himself!!
The American Cinematography Manual lists a lot of lamp types and phtotmetric data.
Film Lighting I find to be an interesting read.
Set Lighting Technicians handbook always comes highly recommended, but I have not personally read it.
Other resources include youtube videos or searching for images.
https://www.amazon.com/Show-Networks-Control-Systems-Entertainment/dp/0692958738/
https://www.amazon.com/Set-Lighting-Technicians-Handbook-Distribution/dp/0240810759
Know what the lights are called, and where the power is. If you're running a generator you kind of need to know what your doing, so hopefully you're not using any lights bigger than a 2k and just running off house power. Know where the fuse box is. I can't quite remember if it's each wall has its own circuit or if it's different rooms have their own circuits but don't plug in more than 2000 ways total on one circuit if the circuits are 20amp. If their 15amp don't plug in more than 1500 watts on one circuit.
Have a set crate with zip stingers, cube taps, black wrap, clothes pins and some pre cut gels near set. If you don't have any pre cut, label them as you make them and keep em for later in the show. Have some 50' & 25' Edison cables in a crate near set, have some c stands and baby stands near set, see what fixtures the gaffer thinks he will need and have them staged near set.
Keep everything as organized as you can and clean up. If you lose the gear that's on you kind of. If you haven't yet, hire a killer 3rd electrician and he can deal with set and the gaffer, you just deal with the equipment, keep it organized and ready to go. Get the plan from the gaffer and prepare as best you can to implement it when needed.
Most importantly don't do anything you're not 100% sure about when it comes to electricity. It can be dangerous, burn down houses and electrocute people dangerous, so just use your best judgement and if anyone asks you to do a tie in, tell them to fuck off and do it themselves.
Also it seems important for BBE to be grumpy and kind of get pissed if anyone asks for something to charge their phone with. So do that too.
Here are a few:
http://www.amazon.com/Set-Lighting-Technicians-Handbook-Distribution/dp/0240810759
http://www.amazon.com/Cinematography-Theory-Practice-Cinematographers-Directors/dp/0240812093
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Cinematography-Fundamentals-Techniques-Workflows/dp/0240817915/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410971724&sr=1-1&keywords=david+stump+ASC
http://www.amazon.com/Visual-Story-Creating-Structure-Digital/dp/0240807790/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410971760&sr=1-1&keywords=the+visual+story
[Production Stage Management for Broadway] (https://www.amazon.com/Production-Stage-Management-Broadway-Opening/dp/0896762939/ref=pd_sim_14_8?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0896762939&pd_rd_r=d3da8c47-be70-11e8-9d90-8b493ea953ed&pd_rd_w=qpTgQ&pd_rd_wg=2Vf7g&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=18bb0b78-4200-49b9-ac91-f141d61a1780&pf_rd_r=EJNCW54K8P5G2AVSCW2P&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=EJNCW54K8P5G2AVSCW2P) is a seriously good book, but it's very specific to Commercial style PSMing.
[Stage Manager's Toolkit] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1138183776/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1) is a great book if you're getting started, it's the Freshman textbook at my University. [The first addition] (https://www.amazon.com/Stage-Managers-Toolkit-Communication-Performance/dp/0415663199) is cheaper but it's a tad dated by now.
[The Backstage Guide to Stage Management] (https://www.amazon.com/Back-Stage-Guide-Management-3rd/dp/0823098028/ref=pd_sim_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0823098028&pd_rd_r=a2cb0a09-be70-11e8-b3a9-1f5f95d9d540&pd_rd_w=ebcVw&pd_rd_wg=LVsxu&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=18bb0b78-4200-49b9-ac91-f141d61a1780&pf_rd_r=XKJPTT300SQHAVA9TJKW&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=XKJPTT300SQHAVA9TJKW) is great but a little dated. It has a great section on Opera stage management which can be rare.
Also, if you're doing some reading and you haven't learned this already, definitely read up on [how to read music!] (https://www.musicnotes.com/blog/2014/04/11/how-to-read-sheet-music/)
I have never seen a stage manager or really any professional backstage that doesn't have a Backstage Handbook. It is incredibly resourceful and will probably be a required text for her in school anyway. I am primarily an actor but having worked in a few scene shops, it has been a great help many times.
lights are almost always measured by wattage, so 12k= 12 kilowatts or 12,000 Watts.
1/2 and full white are referring to different thickness of diffusions, 1/2 white(250)= 1/2 a stop of light loss, full white(216)=full stop. most DP's Grips and Gaffers will refer to diff by its catalog number(410, 250, 216, 129, 1099)
Grids are a cloth diffusion with a grid pattern of white thread, referred to the same way as half stop and full stop.
pick up the Set Lighting Technicians Handbook its well worth it and will answer almost any question you may need answered, or talk to your best boy electric, hes probably got a copy of it in the set cart next to the fluke meter.
Scene Design and Stage Lighting is an often-used text-book from what I can tell. I have an old version myself, but can't attest to the current version. Design and Drawing for the Theatre is also an old standby (and denser), though it appears it's out of print.
If you want something lighter and less expensive, perhaps Fundamentals of Theatrical Design or An Introduction to Theatre Design, though they aren't limited to just scenery. I haven't read the former, but the I've taught from the latter in an intro to design course. It's rather light, but that can be good for a first book.
You can also go the more theoretical route, and pick up the classic Dramatic Imagination by Robert Edmund Jones. What is Scenography? and Scenographic Imagination are chock-full of great theoretical discussion for the long term, but not suited for your first dip into the pool. Might be worth bookmarking for down the road, though.
And sometimes it's good to just have a survey of other's work. American Set Design isn't a bad place to start for that. I recently picked up World Scenography, and while I haven't had the chance to sit down extensively with it, it's a gorgeous book.
This is of course just going from scene design, there's also options out there about the history of design, useful technical handbooks for the craft, or even more specific things like model-making.
If you're already generally familiar with theater and roughly understand the production process, maybe grab one of the two in the first paragraph. If you're coming in completely fresh, starting with one of the cheaper super-introductory books in the second paragraph might be better to ease in. If you have the funds, I'd suggest one from each paragraph. Perhaps others in this sub have more specific choices they feel are definitively superior than other options.
Also, I'm guessing your university may not have a design professor, but you might suggest an independent study in scene design as a course. Hope this helps!
This book and this book are both very good. They were used in my cinematography course at my college a year or so ago.
Bulletproof: The Lighting & Stage Design of Andi Watson
With good cinematography comes great lighting. When I first started in the film industry as Grip, I literally sat on the back of the truck between takes and read Harry Box's Set Lighting Technicians Handbook. Its invaluable information as far as lighting is concerned. The Grip Book by Mike Uva is another great handbook. Generally, if you walked into Barnes and Noble, all the other books on the shelf are worth a read. "Rebel without a Crew" And "Save the Cat" are some great reads.
Glad you're trying it out and putting in the effort.
I don't want to sound like I'm encouraging quitting or anything but there's nothing wrong with realizing that something isn't for you. You may need to check out more things/adjust your expectations (of yourself and of the work) before making that decision.
Don't be frustrated just because you don't understand as much as you thought. If you want to and you're dedicated, you can become even more skilled and knowledgeable than anyone on that set. These things take time and effort, of course.
Lighting isn't the easiest thing to grasp and "3-point lighting" is really just a starting point; a general way that you might decide to use to light a scene and which can work any number of ways rather than being one particular setup/ratio. The Set Lighting Technician's Handbook is very informative, if you're really interested, but there's also plenty of guides online and I'd be happy to break down a few basics if you'd like.
"The Backstage Handbook"
Interestingly, this one blog post “How to Be a Better Improviser” is actually a brilliant distillation of the most important concepts.
It goes without saying that without practice reading alone will have limited utility.
Read this book
First things first, different areas are going to call different things different names. Never be ashamed about asking what people mean by a term, as clear communication is critical in this industry.
Next, three books that will help you.
As far as what equipment and systems you should be familiar with? ETC EOS family is a good starting point. It’ll get your mind familiar with how to program lights and is a pretty universal starting point. ETC Sensor Racks are also fairly standard for dimming. For moving lights, that’s really going to depend on what you’re able to get your hands on. If there’s a production shop nearby to you, call them up and see if they’re willing to take you on as an intern so you can learn things, or just ask them to spend a couple days showing you how everything works. Or see if there’s an IATSE chapter that’s nearby to you, they’ll also be able to help point you in the right direction.
Here is a PDF of some general set terms
Each department will have loads of their own unique terms, sometimes several for the same thing. Clothespins (used for attaching colored gels to the barndoors of lights) are often called bullets, clothes pins or c-47. Spring clamps might be called "pony clamps" or "grip clamps" as well.
barndoors - the movable wings that attach to the front of a light. used to shape the beam and attach gels.
There is also slang for every type of light that you would use on set. Most of them refer to different versions of Mole-Richardson lights, the standard in the film industry for quite some time.
Each of these lights has a larger and smaller version. The larger version is usually considered the "studio" version. The smaller versions that you will find on equipment trucks and location shoots are denoted by adding "baby" to it, except in the case of the 1k fresnel since it would be silly to call it a "baby baby".
Those are just Mole-Richardson tungsten lights. There are other terms for HMIs, Fluorescent lights, light banks and even other brands of tungsten lights. There are also terms for each type of stand. The basics would be walker = stand without wheels, roller = stand with wheels.
I really recommend The Set Lighting And Technicians Handbook. If you are working in a production crew it should be your bible.
Improvisation at the Speed of Life: The TJ and Dave Book by TJ Jagodowski, Dave Pasquesi and Pam Victor
https://www.amazon.com/Backstage-Handbook-Illustrated-Technical-Information/dp/0911747397
Set Lighting Technician's Handbook by Harry C. Box
Your best bet would be to LEARN about lighting design, including fixtures, control and capabilities. It takes more than a semester to be a lighting designer, but I encourage you to pursue it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0240812220/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pdJvCbP8S5PVA
Fellow Columbia Alum here, this book is an indispensable resource as well. Won't exactly tell you "how" to light your scene, but covers all the gear and how it works.
The Set Lighting Technician's Handbook
Not bad for a first try.
There are a number of simple casting material pewter can go into but one of the cheapest is plaster. A well made plaster mold will survive several dozen pewter casting if treated properly.
You can buy a 15 or 25 lb bag at the local big box hardware store for under $20, or smaller amounts from an art supply store, though it will cost more per lb.
PLASTER MOLD NEED TO BE BONE DRY BEFORE YOU POUR HOT METAL INTO THEM THEY CAN EXPLODE OTHERWISE. Please wear the proper safety equipment, the bare minimum of a face shield and leather gloves,ideally with an leather apron and leather boots. How long it takes to dry depends upon the size and thickness of the mold and the humidity level . A 3"x 5" x 5" mold will be dry in about 5-7 days if it is not too humid. A way to speed it up is to put your oven on its lowest setting and leave them in there for 8-10 hours. They will be significantly lighter when dry, and will have feel a bit like fired clay.
You might consider making 2 part molds there are a great deal of references out there for that info, here is a video that covers the basics. (this video for clay reproductions but the basics still apply. You would additionally need to also carve or cast in a pouring cup and channel called a gate or sprue into the plaster to allow you to pour in the pewter.)
There is scattered info on mold making on the web, but plenty of solid books on the topics. I would recommend The Prop Builder's Molding & Casting Handbook
It doest talk too much about metal casting, but it covers a lot of the info for general mold making, and is a great resource. You might also look into Practical Casting: A Studio Reference by Tim McCreight is deals with metal casting on smaller jewelry scale and covers other simple molding materials.
I have also heard MDF molds work pretty well for a few trys, though I never have done it personally. Good luck!
Here’s one book:
Show Networks and Control Systems
Interaction Design
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Lighting Design
Product Design
Product Design
Sound Design
Urban Design
* Cities for People by Jan Gehl
Web Design
Designing with Light is a great introduction to design, the price is criminal https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Light-Introduction-Stage-Lighting/dp/0073514233/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
A Practical guide to Stage Lighting is one of the best and most complete books on the subject https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Guide-Stage-Lighting-Third/dp/0415812003/ref=pd_sim_14_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=51wHNTlRvuL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR124%2C160_&refRID=F1TC2GN49HDAM9GJ75ZZ
The Design Idea is a great book on design https://www.amazon.com/Lighting-Design-Idea-Wadsworth-Theatre/dp/1111836868/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1465919421&sr=1-1&keywords=linda+essig
Stage Lighting Design: The Art, Craft and Life is another great book https://www.amazon.com/Stage-Lighting-Design-Craft-Life/dp/0896762351/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1465919500&sr=1-1&keywords=richard+pilbrow
There are my top 4 lets see what others suggest.
Great! Then I'm gonna make two book recommendations to you. The first book is The Stock Scenery Construction Handbook by Bill Raoul and Mike Monsos. It'll be a great help to get some knowledge about how scenery goes together and is structured before you dive into a job where this'll be common practice. The second book is the Technical Theatre Bible, The Backstage Handbook by Paul Carter and George Chiang. Even if you don't ever end up in theatre, this is a brilliant reference from how to build stairs to creating and calculating large arcs. Every technician should have a copy of it.
Here is an amazing book for you. I've considered myself quite the clotheshorse for years and I still learned a whole bunch of things. Highly recommended.
If your looking to get into cinematography, you should check out "Cinematography" and "Motion Picture and Video Lighting" by Blain Brown. Anything from Kris Malkiewicz is worth a read too. "The Grip Book" by Michael Uva, "Set Lighting Technician's Handbook" by Harry Box and "The Camera Assistant" by Doug Hart are all excellent books for more trade specific people.
Edit for links:
http://www.amazon.com/Cinematography-Practice-Edition-Cinematographers-Directors/dp/0240812093/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333841096&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Picture-Lighting-Second-Edition/dp/0240807634/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1333841096&sr=8-3
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_7?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=kris+malkiewicz&sprefix=Kris+ma%2Caps%2C359&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Akris+malkiewicz&ajr=0
http://www.amazon.com/The-Grip-Book-Fourth-Edition/dp/0240812913/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333841229&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Lighting-Technicians-Handbook-Fourth-Edition/dp/0240810759/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1333841229&sr=8-4
http://www.amazon.com/The-Camera-Assistant-Complete-Professional/dp/0240800427/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1333841294&sr=8-4
http://www.amazon.com/The-Backstage-Handbook-Illustrated-Information/dp/0911747397
The Backstage Handbook has saved me several times.
EDIT:
Pocket Ref is good too...
http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Ref-Thomas-J-Glover/dp/1885071000
"Set Lighting Technician's Handbook." This is the one.
As many cameras as there are, there are countless numbers of lights. Many of these "must have" lights like a basic 1.2HMI run many thousands of dollars which is beyond the scope of purchase for most users (as it should be). Lights at even a mid range production level are rented because you need so many of so many different types based on what, when, and where you're shooting (as well as what you're shooting on).
The scope is massive and beyond the capabilities of the sub. Fortunately, there is already a fairly affordable reference in The Set Lighting Technicians Handbook (as mentioned by /u/itschrisreed).
I had someone show me. The next best thing is to buy a good fitting book. Many people like the Fit for Real People series. A very comprehensive book is by Elizabeth Liechty. But some people think it's too involved for beginners. There are many others that I assume people will suggest.
The modifications depend on the type of garment. For a very fitted dress with a waist seam, you would pick the bodice and skirt sizes that correspond to your measurements, blend them, fit them in muslin, and then sew them. For a looser dress, like a shift dress, which does not have a seam, you would blend from the bodice to the hip. You probably would not be able to go in as far as your waist permits without creating a jagged shape. You would have to glide over it.
A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting-http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0415812003/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Stage Lighting Handbok-
http://www.amazon.com/Stage-Lighting-Handbook-Francis-Reid/dp/087830147X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407560871&sr=1-2&keywords=stage+lighting
The Backstage Handbook (has the basics on instruments, cable, etc.)-
http://www.amazon.com/Backstage-Handbook-Illustrated-Technical-Information/dp/0911747397/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407560935&sr=1-5&keywords=stage+lighting
Show Networks and Control Systems: Formerly "Control Systems for Live Entertainment" Second Edition
Correct, I just can’t justify the $50 at this time
Read this book.
Read this book.
Read this book too.
These will give you a good basis to build knowledge/experience from.
http://www.amazon.com/Set-Lighting-Technicians-Handbook-Distribution/dp/0240810759/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1397498684&sr=1-1&keywords=set+technicians+handbook
This is a good place to start. Also check local gigs, prepare for application to the local union.
Note: Obviously this list is incomplete, if anyone has suggestions please add to this. Also this list is not specifically for kevleemur, but for anyone looking to learn about movie stuffs
Online material is nice, but there are many great and more reliable resources that come in these old fashioned book things.
General
Shot by Shot
MasterShots
The Visual Story
Directing
On Screen Directing
(may be hard to find)
On Directing Film by David Manet
Cinematography/ Lighting/ Camera/ On Set Learning
The ASC Manual (some earlier editions come in one volume which is nice)
Creative Control by Michael Hofstein
The Set Lighting Technicians Handbook
Painting With Light (John Alton's book. A little outdated but still a good read).
Reflections
The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video by Tom Schroeppel (very simple, a good start)
The Grip Book
The Camera Assistant's Manual
Cinematography: Theory and Practice
Producing
Creative Producing From A to Z by Myrl A Schreibman
Scheduling and Budgeting Your Film by Paula Landry
Editing
In the Blink of an Eye by Walter Murch (Sound designer and editor from Apocalypse Now----EXCELLENT)
Screenwriting
Story
Screenplay the Foundations of Screenwriting
ONLINE RESOURCES:
http://www.rondexter.com/
http://cinematography.net/
http://www.rogerdeakins.com/
http://www.arri.com/
http://www.mole.com/
http://www.panavision.com/home
http://www.filmtools.com/
Aside from familiarizing yourself with knowledge and technique the best you can without being involved on set, one of the best things you can do is read up and become as knowledgeable as you can with gear that you will eventually encounter, which is why I listed the last four links. Even if you do plan on going into producing or directing, it is always helpful to understand lighting and camera and why the people working with you need the things they do.
GO LEARN THINGS!
This is not specific to injection moulding, but I picked up many good tips, and most of the general knowledge (for hobby), from this book by Thurston James.
Since your shop maintains dies, the best resource you'll have in terms of knowledge will be the tool and die makers which work there. Put any ego/superiority you have aside as it will get in the way of your learning (plus, theirs is bigger anyway). Ask questions. The toolmakers are a fountain of information and will gladly take you over every part of their craft if you let them. You will learn more from them than any book.
Congrats on the job!
I've heard good things about this book: http://smile.amazon.com/Stage-Lighting-Design-Craft-Life/dp/0896762351/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408621466&sr=8-1&keywords=pilbrow (And I like Mr. Pilbrow a lot).
I would also push Steve Shelly's book (of field template fame): http://smile.amazon.com/Practical-Guide-Stage-Lighting-Edition/dp/0415812003/ref=pd_sim_b_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=17JEA99XS937A1M5TPEK
I'm not sure there's one solid book for it (but I'd be happy to be wrong). Are you specifically looking for live (e.g., busking) lighting design, or are you just looking for general lighting design?
favorites on my shelf:
 
"Masters of Light" by Schaefer and Salvato
A serious wealth of knowledge. Its focused in chapters on individual Dps. really really a great resource.
 
"Film Lighting: Talks with DPs and Gaffers" by Malkiewicz
Pretty good. a bit basic BUT good concepts inside. Good info from good working cinematographers.
 
and i will second /u/peterpeterpeter on "New Cinematographers" by Alex Ballinger. Great new (well, 15 years old now) people working with interesting ideas. Great pictures.
 
I personally really want to read Almendros' book next, as /u/cikmatt suggested.
It's sometimes embarrassing to have a DSLR because DSLR filmmakers show up to a pro set looking like Blankman.
I'm trying not to be too critical but Flourescent bulbs aren't exactly sought after for their CRI, flicker characteristics, and inability to be dimmed well. Sure, they output a LOT of light, but you need to be careful because they pulse like mad, have a REALLY strange color cast, they can't be dimmed, AND are really noisy if you get dimmable ones.
Just get a PAR64 as a direct light through diffusion or build a softlight with some bare studio bulbs for softboxes and (the only good idea in the whole tutorial) that crazy cake pan reflector painted white. Either idea would probably only cost slightly more (for the REAL bulb receptacles) and put out A SHITLOAD more light (and a better quality/CRI of light).
Also, it's not that hard to build film lights with spare parts. There's even a section that starts on page 144 of the Harry C Box Set Lighting Technician's Handbook that teaches you how to make quality lights for the same amount of money or slightly more. The coop light that they recommend is REALLY good and isn't an embarrassing blankman invention. Clients actually do respond negatively to cheap equipment.
Also, you can build a kino flo if you have the time. All you need is coreplast (corrugated plastic), some fluorescent shoplights with ballasts, and real kino bulbs (since they have a much more acceptable CRI and are more rugged by a factor of 100).
It boggles my mind how people are so scared of real film lights even though they are commonly hand-built for specific purposes in the pro parts of the industry I'll get off my high horse. I'm just getting really tired of DSLR shooters kludging everything together just because they're scared of real film equipment.
this is what I started with.
this is what I use now.
Edit: thank you for the gold /u/dethswatch
It depends on how deep you want to go. There is a lot of information on theatrical lighting and retail lighting. You can even browse /r/techtheatre for some ideas on the theatrical side.
As for my home: diffusion, diffusion, & diffusion. I am a big fan of LED strips and I mount them to the underside and topside of cabnets to create a gentle glowing effect.
I like where your heart's at, but honestly books just aren't going to help you much for what you're after. Everything you said you wanted to learn is stuff you learn by just doing it and seeing other people do it. Time to get your butt out on set! And if there's no set, it's time for you to buy some cheap lights and fuck around with them endlessly!
If you really want a book for the technical stuff in lighting, buy the Set Lighting Technician's Handbook. That's the industry standard reference manual for lighting.
https://www.amazon.com/Automated-Lighting-Science-Performance-Entertainment/dp/0240812220
The mixing part is the same. If you are solely the FOH mixer, and you don't want to be in charge of the bigger picture, you have no concerns - just make it sound good and know the consoles you are working on. The system tech is there to make sure that the rig sounds good everywhere in the room, and the PM and riggers are there to make sure it is run and hung safely and efficiently.
If you want to PM on bigger rigs like that, you need to start learning the details of all those people's jobs - not necessarily so you can tell them what to do, but so that you can spot safety issues and inefficiencies, and work hand-in-hand with them to meet your goals.
Here's a good book to start on power: https://www.amazon.com/Electricity-Entertainment-Electrician-Technician-Richard/dp/0415714834
And here is a good book on audio systems: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0415731011/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I haven't read this one on networks yet, but it's probably my next read...maybe others can chime in on wether it is a good one.
https://www.amazon.com/Show-Networks-Control-Systems-Entertainment/dp/0692958738/ref=asc_df_0692958738/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312115090752&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=449842820588414772&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061129&hvtargid=pla-415287733133&psc=1
​
And of course, nothing beats experience, so weasel your way into bigger jobs and watch what everyone is doing.
​
I second this. The ASC is a wonderful resource, also subscribe to their newsletter they usually have links to relevant articles that didn't make the magazine along with info about upcoming events/expos.
I also found these helpful:
"Lighting for Cinematography: A Practical Guide to the Art and Craft of Lighting for the Moving Image" https://www.amazon.com/dp/1628926929/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_J5uen5Oey5Orz
"Master Shots Volumes 1,2,&3" https://www.amazon.com/dp/1615931546/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Ez-4ybHE81VH1
And "Set Lighting Technician's Handbook: Film Lighting Equipment, Practice, and Electrical Distribution" https://www.amazon.com/dp/0240810759/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_tA-4yb18WDJFC
http://www.amazon.ca/Stage-Lighting-Handbook-Francis-Reid/dp/087830147X
Or pretty much this page:
http://www.onstagelighting.co.uk/#article/14
Sorry for formatting, on my cell.
/r/sysadmin has many good resources in their sidebar. another good reference that is more applicable to AV is Show Networks and Control Systems. It provides most everything you would need to know about as well as it being a good reference in many other control technologies as well.
Unfortunately it's rather difficult to simply 'pick up' lighting design, especially when you're thinking of a larger scope including renovations and retrofits. Even something as simple as finding a website that explains the beginnings of stage lighting to send people to has been a challenge for me in the past.
The Steve Shelley book mentioned by /u/loansindi is a very robust choice, but is aimed more specifically at theatrical lighting and is likely to have far more information than you'd ever want or need, and will make you crazy.
I'd recommend this Pilbrow book, which is a little more readable. It is a tad bit dated, however; not that what he says is wrong but that it's a bit old-fashioned.
The reality is the best way to learn about it is to have conversations with someone who understands lighting in the context of your space. That way you can not only understand concepts, but concepts as they apply to your context. I understand why you would want to do prep work so as not to be caught off-guard by the process or taken advantage of, but there are people--trustworthy people--who are paid to do just that. No need to put undue pressure on yourself to be an expert.
Anyway, hope that's helpful to some degree. Please feel free to PM or get in touch with me via email (john @ johndelfino [dot] com) if you have more questions.
Source:: Lighting Designer, Independent and with Visual Terrain
Topstick toupee tape for a quick, on the fly hem!!
My husband bought suit pants the day before a funeral off the rack, and he, obviously, didn't have time to take them to a tailor. Used the Topstick and the temp. hem was perfect.
I also found the book 'How to Get Dressed' to be helpful for me.
I got to Columbia College Chicago and this is the book the teach us lighting from in the first courses.
https://www.amazon.com/Motion-Picture-Video-Lighting-Blain/dp/0240807634
I would definitely say learning how to light a scene comes from practice though, definitely do some reading so you can make educated decisions, but nothing beats practice.
Set Lighting Technician's Handbook is a popular one.
Oh, I understood.
As for resources, here's what I suggest:
A good sewing class at a community college. I took classes at a fashion-oriented one and in under four months I had learned how to sew on an industrial machine and done several seams and seam finishes, basic hand stitches, two types of zippers, facings, a skirt with zipper, darts, waistband, and closures and a fairly complex woman's blouse (it had 14 pieces). At the end, I didn't do any of these things as well I would have liked, but I knew the fundamentals and what I had to improve on. All projects were in some kind of cotton because it is easy to work with.
In the second sewing class, I learned welt pockets, made corduroy pants with a waistband and fly, and sewed a wool jacket with patch pockets and a bagged lining. Again, I learned a lot, but there was still plenty of room for improvement. Then I took tailoring and couture classes and menswear classes.
A community college setting is good because there's a curriculum into which they have put some thought and by law, they have to make sure you do the work. It's also usually cheaper than private classes if you qualify for the in-state rate.
If you can afford it and want to do things on your own schedule, private classes are great. I would have a teacher show me how to fit and modify a pattern and teach me to sew it. One source for teachers is the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals.
Online, I recommend the University of Fashion because the teaching, in general, is very good. For pattern making and draping, they tell you the sequence of videos to watch. I think that the sewing videos aren't organized that way, but if you need to look up a technique, it's very easy.
If you want a complex project, I recommend Susan Khalje's The Couture Dress on Craftsy. Even if you don't use the pattern that comes with the course, she teaches very good methods. Couture-style sewing is actually good for beginners because there are many more steps that give the sewer more control. It was only after a basic couture class that I really began to improve because I needed to break down the process more. Khalje also teaches a lace skirt class, but the lace used is pretty expensive. As you may know, Craftsy offers frequent sales.
There are many good sewing books, but any edition of The Reader's Digest Guide to Sewing is decent. It's a really encyclopedic home sewing book. If you ever look into tailoring, Tailoring: The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket and these books for men and women are very helpful.
Elizabeth Liechty's Fitting and Pattern Alteration is usually considered the most comprehensive book on that subject.
All these books are available in the library if too expensive to buy.
I'd just like to point out that I'm not a film maker in any way shape or form so it would be nice if somebody could verify what I'm about to say.
I've been watching a lot of videos by FilmmakerIQ.com on Vimeo and have learned a lot from them. Anyway, they have a list of recommended books that I haven't checked out yet but would like to. I'll just list them out here:
Painting With Light
Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need
The Hollywood Standard: The Complete and Authoritative Guide to Script Format and Style (Hollywood Standard: The Complete & Authoritative Guide to)
Set Lighting Technician's Handbook: Film Lighting Equipment, Practice, and Electrical Distribution
Master Shots: 100 Advanced Camera Techniques to Get an Expensive Look on Your Low-Budget Movie
Cinematography: Theory and Practice: Image Making for Cinematographers and Directors
The Camera Assistant's Manual
The Makeup Artist Handbook: Techniques for Film, Television, Photography, and Theatre
Special Makeup Effects for Stage and Screen: Making and Applying Prosthetics
Grammar of the Shot (Media Manuals)
Rebel without a Crew: Or How a 23-Year-Old Filmmaker With $7,000 Became a Hollywood Player
Cinematic Storytelling: The 100 Most Powerful Film Conventions Every Filmmaker Must Know
The Five C's of Cinematography: Motion Picture Filming Techniques
at our HS, We give out the backstage handbook to senior techs, I even have a copy around myself, https://www.amazon.com/Backstage-Handbook-Illustrated-Technical-Information/dp/0911747397
Critter Costuming: Making Mascots and Fabricating Fursuits by Adam Riggs (Nicodemus)
I just bought a copy (shipping now) and it looks good. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
If it's protocol and how the actual signals work in the industry, I would recommend "Show Networks and Control Systems: Formerly 'Control Systems for Live Entertainment'" by John Huntington.
It'll cover how all of our main protocols work and how the might be connected. It also was just released as a new volume. So information is more up to date.
Show Networks and Control Systems: Formerly "Control Systems for Live Entertainment" https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692958738/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-fUFAbZY9S31S
I realise that this may be much further in depth than you would need. However the book is structured so that you can bounce around topics as you need. (also a photographer you might learn how to sync your camera up to things you could control in the studio for some extra fun projects )
I can say that anything you'd learn in a crash course would be a start in the wrong direction.
If all you're looking for are ways to light a stage, and some basic techniques, start by learning about the McCandless technique.
Visit the other links here to get a sense of how to plan it all out.
If you ever want to get into more advanced stuff, I recommend you start with Richard Pilbrow's book if you are going to be self-taught.
There's a book.
Absolutely! Here's a short list of non-magic books that I commonly see recommended to magicians.
Understanding Comics - Scott McCloud
Purple Cow - Seth Godin
Delft Design Guide - multiple authors
An Acrobat of the Heart - Stephen Wangh (shouts out to u/mustardandpancakes for the recommendation)
In Pursuit of Elegance - Guy Kawasaki
The Backstage Handbook - Paul Carter, illustrated by George Chiang
Verbal Judo - George Thompson and Jerry Jenkins
Be Our Guest - Ted Kinni and The Disney Institute
Start With Why - Simon Sinek
Lots of common themes even on such a short list. What would you add to the list? What would you take away?
A few places to start:
http://www.amazon.com/Prop-Builders-Molding-Casting-Handbook/dp/1558701281
http://www.smooth-on.com/howto.php
It's really got nothing to do with the camera you're using. It's about lighting.
Light the scene to your and then add one or two flicker gags -- essentially, have someone dim the light up and down to simulate the flicker of a candle (it can be your key or an additional light or whatever, but use your eye to find what's most effective).
For bigger budgets there are plenty of "flicker boxes" that you can plug the lights into that will automatically do the dimming, but I've seen it done the simple hand dimmer way hundreds of times.
This book is your best friend:
http://www.amazon.com/Set-Lighting-Technicians-Handbook-Fourth/dp/0240810759/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
I highly recommend Special Makeup Effects by Todd Debreceni. It's a little pricey, but worth it if you ask me.
https://www.amazon.com/Critter-Costuming-Mascots-Fabricating-Fursuits/dp/0615584233
This is a great book on making Fursuits, I used a lot of information from it when I made my Fursuit back in 2008
This book will get you started.
And this book will carry you even further.
This book was both excellent and also used in a casting and mold making materials science course I took at Uni.
If you have a junior college nearby that offers the course, you can 'audit' it which means you won't be held to the assignments, or graded.
For general knowledge you won’t beat the backstage handbook. However for budding lampies who want to know what the lighting world is all about, I’d recommend this book. https://www.amazon.com/Stage-Lighting-Design-Craft-Life/dp/0896762351
The memoirs in there pretty much shaped my post high school career.
Speaking as someone with a MFA in Theatrical Design and Technology and who has worked in film and television the last few years, I never ran across a widely accepted standard.
I setup my layers up in a very straight forward fashion:
0-ghost, 0-very light, 0-light, 0-med...0-very heavy
1-line type (hidden, phantom, etc)
2-Dims, 2-Notes, 2-Notes Red, etc
I'm not sitting at my computer so I can't recall all my layers, but I feel like I approached them as I approached linework as a hand draftsman... And I feel like I change how I do it every year.
For my layouts
Page 1 is Plan and what elevations for (in 1/4" and 3/4" for more complicated objects)
Page 2 to as needed is continuation of elevations
Then I go into details (full or half scale) and renderings as needed
Some excellence books
Drafting for the Theatre https://www.amazon.com/dp/0809330377/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4CUiDbWGFMX9A
Designer Drafting and Visualizing for the Entertainment World, Second Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/0240818911/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_JEUiDbK121Y4D
The Backstage Handbook: An Illustrated Almanac of Technical Information https://www.amazon.com/dp/0911747397/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DFUiDbGBHHPHK
Architectural Graphic Standards. Third Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EZI774/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.GUiDbZP96C4H - for theater, don't bother with a brand new edition, I have 3rd (all the drawings are by hand and are shit yourself gorgeous) and seventh? (I would have to check my library). The current edition is needed for current building code, but that typically doesn't pertain to what I do.
Set lighting technicians handbook
Excellent book that is good starting out, and at an advanced level.
Our TD swears by this book
https://www.amazon.ca/Backstage-Handbook-Illustrated-Technical-Information/dp/0911747397
It all depends on what kind of design you want to get into? Concert/music design is totally different than theatrical, even within theatre musicals and plays often have different design principals.
I'd check out Steve Shelly's book https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Guide-Stage-Lighting-Third/dp/0415812003/ref=pd_sim_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0415812003&pd_rd_r=QMEV3MMX5JMSDAZPBNNT&pd_rd_w=uh8vJ&pd_rd_wg=jKgB8&psc=1&refRID=QMEV3MMX5JMSDAZPBNNT
as well as this one. https://www.amazon.com/Stage-Lighting-Handbook-Francis-Reid/dp/087830147X/ref=pd_sim_14_6?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=087830147X&pd_rd_r=YG5RCJMEPDWJ7E98CBCZ&pd_rd_w=QJmxz&pd_rd_wg=ZQ1Dr&psc=1&refRID=YG5RCJMEPDWJ7E98CBCZ
My biggest suggestion for someone who's just getting started is to not buy any equipment. Equipment is mostly cheap to rent, a PAR can is $3 or $4 a unit, and it's someone else's problem to fix it and buy lamps for it. You're not going to be able to afford quality gear, so you'll end up with cheap Chinese crap that's just going to disappoint you. The other thing to remember is that intelligent lighting is relatively new to lighting, lots of fantastic shows were lit without anything fancy. It's far better to master your color and angle work then get in to using movers than it is to just start throwing strobes everywhere and pray that it works. Learning to make choices and which choices are stronger than others will get you a lot further in life than being able to spit out flash and trash like everyone else can.
Show Networks and Control Systems: Formerly "Control Systems for Live Entertainment"
You might mean 'cube tap' instead of 'cub tap'. It's a small cube-like plug that allows you to make 1 Edison receptacle into 3.
I'd recommend picking up a copy of Set Lighting Technician's Handbook…), best $40 you can spend for this sort of info.
Show Networks and Control Systems
The Automated Lighting Programmer’s Handbook
These are two of the good ones for breaking down the basics and going through the whole process. Both are available on Amazon.
Trunk Club! I’ve been using Trunk Club for the last couple years and it has really helped me figure out my style. You get a stylist (the link will give you mine, who is amazing) and they’ll talk to you about what kind of clothes and styles you like, get your measurements and budget, and send you a box with a bunch of options that you can either keep or send back. It’s super convenient and my stylist sends me things that she knows will go with other pieces I own. I hate shopping and always end up buying something that’s just ok because I’ve already put so much effort into going to a store and trying things on. With this its easy to just keep the things that I love because I’ve put no effort into picking anything out.
Also, the book How to get Dressed has very valuable information on how clothes should fit, how to take care of them, what items are with tailoring, and so much more. I learned a LOT from that book.
I recommend "Lighting & The Design Idea"
Set Lighting Technician's Handbook
edit- added link
If you like reading, this book is a great resource. It covers lots of big lights (and how to use / troubleshoot them,) the calculations most commonly needed for power draw and genny balancing, different kinds of electric setups and all the special connectors like bates and camlok, etc. It's (IMO) one of the most valuable resources in the industry by far: https://www.amazon.com/Set-Lighting-Technicians-Handbook-Distribution/dp/0240810759
To get the fullest overview, I'd suggest three things. Two of them are books.
The Grip Book (http://www.amazon.ca/Grip-Book-Michael-Uva/dp/0240812913/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377525369&sr=8-1&keywords=the+grip+book) is pretty tight. You can read through it completely, or flip through it focusing on subjects particularly relevant to the upcoming short (grip stands, sandbagging, important knots).
The second book is The Backstage Handbook (http://www.amazon.ca/Backstage-Handbook-Illustrated-Technical-Information/dp/0911747397/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377525614&sr=8-1&keywords=backstage+handbook). It's geared more towards theatrical rigging and staging, but will give you a wider range of knots and hitches to learn, as well as introducing you to rigging concepts (which can always help on set if you have a weird shot to attain and need to figure out how to rig it on the fly).
Lastly, I'd suggest you do what I did when I started out -- call up a few rental shops that deal with grip equipment and see if you can drop by and familiarize yourself with some of the equipment. If the shop is small, a round of coffees and donuts (nothing too expensive) might help grease the wheels to an equipment demo from someone. Hell, even if they give you a dark corner to fumble around with some grip stands and flags, you'll be more comfortable on set when you'll have to be gripping in front of a waiting crew.
Set Lighting Technician's Handbook: Film Lighting Equipment, Practice, and Electrical Distribution https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0240810759/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_lOYVDb10S7M6K
John Huntington's Show Networks and Control Systems
Not scenery automation specific, but it's touched on. This book is about the languages and protocols that theatre control systems employ. IP networking, DMX, MIDI, RDM, PLC controllers for scenic automation, etc.
I like this book so much I bought it twice: one dead tree edition I can lend out to my students, and a digital copy so that I'll always have it available for reference.
The only diagrams for professional work I've ever seen were in a book called Motion Picture Lighting and Video Lighting. I've scanned one of the diagrams in the book as an example, though like you said, I don't think you'd have the resources to recreate it.
This book is primarily for Film Lighting, but it is a great resource. It is THE film lighting book, including Dimmers, LEDs, moving lights, everything. It should be in every electricians inventory, theater or film.
Harry Box's Set Lighting Handbook
Todd debrecini's book 'special makeup effects for stage and screen: making and applying prosthetics' is an amazing source of information to form a pretty solid knowledge base.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Special-Makeup-Effects-Stage-Screen/dp/024081696X/ref=la_B001JRWIMQ_1_1/277-3719469-5500637?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1454249017&sr=1-1
The Stage Lighting Handbook
Multitool
crescent wrench,
phase tape (colored electrical tape),
copy of this http://www.amazon.com/Set-Lighting-Technicians-Handbook-Distribution/dp/0240810759/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376759311&sr=8-1&keywords=set+lighting+technician%27s+handbook,
a few 1" spring clips,
utility knife,
sash cord,
trick line,
alcohol wipes,
BURN CREAM,
6 cube taps,
sharpies,
pens,
notebook,
hammer,
screw gun
Not all of these are in our core training/ required knowledge, or related to our day to day functions as a university A/V department, but They are all available to my team for knowledge building and professional development. Additionally , and our job ladder includes Infocomm certifications, so the library is a little biased towards infocomm resources at the moment.
Books I use are
http://www.amazon.com/Master-Handbook-Acoustics-Alton-Everest/dp/0071603328)
just ordered digital video and hd
based on a recommendation in r/videoengineering
infocomm's audio and visual systems design, essentials of the av industry, av best practices, AV installation hand book
white papers/ online training from extron, JBL, Dalite, surgeX, bluejeanscable, and others. (out of the office and do not have the exact list and links with me
http://www.amazon.com/Prop-Builders-Molding-Casting-Handbook/dp/1558701281
It sounds like you may have molding and casting experience... and maybe you even have this book, but if you don't, it's not expensive and I think you'd find it helpful... materials-wise it's a bit outdated BUT I still find that when I'm about to do a new project, even with newer plastics, referencing it still tweaks my brain in ways that help solve problems before I get to them... perhaps you would also find it inspirational.
https://www.google.com/search?q=andi+watson+lighting&hl=en&prmd=imvnso&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=kuROUOrvJIqBrAGMj4CQAQ&ved=0CCYQsAQ&biw=1063&bih=845
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811874583/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Perhaps take a look at the Set Lighting Technicians Handbook.
https://www.amazon.ca/Set-Lighting-Technicians-Handbook-Distribution/dp/0240810759
Might be more technical than you want.
Pretty much what you're looking for is China Ball. Soft light on a stick, works pretty good for most stuff.
I learned a lot from the old 'Dress for Success' books for women. The one my mom had was published in the '80s, but the information is still good.
There was a new one published in 2014.
Information about what's class vs. trendy, how to decide how many shoes you need for a work wardrobe (if you can't afford many, buy one quality pair in a neutral color, other than black, neutral & navy in cheaper shoes), different jewelry for work & socializing, etc.
I'd start with that one.
This is the best seller in that category on Amazon right now, and looks interesting:
https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Dressed-Costume-Designers/dp/1607747065/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474592678&sr=1-4&keywords=dress+for+success
I found 'What NOT to Wear' useless, but the books by Stacy London (with or without Clinton Kelly) are pretty good.
Knowing your colors is important too. If you have the money, I'd pay to get that done - it's called a Seasonal Color Analysis. My mom & I had it done when I was a teen. Every time I fell in love with a shirt or dress that wasn't on my color chart, I would always gets comments such as 'you look tired', 'are you feeling ok?' or even, 'what's wrong?'
If you don't have the money, try this online one:
http://www.thechicfashionista.com/seasonal-color-analysis-2.html
A third way to figure it out is look at your wardrobe. Which outfits garner you the most compliments? If you group them together, you'll find they usually are a certain range of colors/tones. Which outfits get you comments like the ones I listed above? They will have commonalities as well.
If you don't remember, just get a good mirror and some sunlight. Hold some of the fabric up just below your face. Hide the buttons, trim, sequins or anything else that distracts.
Some of them will be obvious. I remember at the class there was a demo. The teacher put a pretty yellow fabric up against her face. It drastically accentuated the bags under her eyes, and added a good 10 years to her appearance. After finding a few of those, you'll start to notice which ones do that to you.
Forget fashion shows - I used to try to learn from those, until I had a friend explain the difference. Fashion shows are about artistic concepts and showing off the designer's talents. The models are too thin and extremely tall - so nothing will look like it's on a real person anyway.
Fashion magazines have some of those same flaws. For me, the most realistic images are from clothing catalogs. If you are big (like me) or short (also, like me) look at the specialty catalogs. Even though the models are still too perfect, airbrushed, etc. they are the closest to real humans.
There are some subreddits just for fashion, and you can browse their FAQs and even submit pics of you in a certain outfit for feedback.
Good luck! And keep in mind, just because you learn the rules doesn't mean you have to follow them. Sometimes I want to look hideous/sickly - want to get a Friday off work, but not suspected of playing hooky? Wear a terribly colored outfit, no make-up and call in sick the next day. No one will question it (unless you put idiotic stuff on facebook).
Want to go out drinking with the girls and not be pestered by men? Everyone pick ugly colors. They may be defeated by beer goggles eventually, but then you can break out the fake moles from the Halloween store.
I love a sunshiney, buttery yellow. It's my favorite color. Sadly, it makes me look like I have jaundice. I just use it in my house instead - accent pillows, a brightly colored throw, even one wall in a room.
So, hope this helps you.
TL;DR: A 70D package with everything you need is about $1350 on amazon. Skip the Point and shoot, don't worry about 4K yet, and lighting is important.
This Canon 70D package is about $150 out of your price range, but you have pretty much everything you would need: Camera, Lens, 32GB Class 10 SD Card, and a Rode Mic.
I would skip the point and shoot all together to be honest: your Cellphone already fulfills whatever you would want out of a point and shoot, as well as the GoPro.
The 70D features an articulating screen, 1080p Automatic and manual video exposure, Kelvin scale white balancing, and so on. Knowing how to use these features, such as manual exposure and white balancing are extremely important to the film making process, and a firm grasp of these elements will only make your videos better and more professional. For further reading on exposure, read this, or for Kelvin scale White balancing, read this.
As a plus, the 70D is the go to camera for cinematographers to preview lighting on set while they wait for the Cinema Camera to be built. (Movies use cameras that require accessories mounted on the camera in order to work, such as external monitors, External recorders, wireless video, etc.)
The lens bundled with the kit is honestly shite, but you can still get great picture out of it, and of course going with a canon DSLR means that you can save up for higher quality glass further down the line, and future proof yourself when you want to upgrade the body. Plus, Canon mount is an Film industry standard lens mount along with PL, B4, and C, but you can't really get a sub 5k camera with any of those mounts.
Now, the main drawback of this package compared to others in the $1-4k price range is the video resolution: 1920x1080p, or HD. Most cameras in this price range are moving towards 4K platforms (around 4 times 1080p). Consider, however, that most people watching youtube videos usually are looking at 720p Laptop monitors with shitty bit rates due to youtube compression. 4K is still a few years from being a household standard resolution, as most UHD 4K displays are extremely expensive. The big two 4k prosumer cameras right now are the A7s II, and the GH4, and they aren't all that great yet: the A7s, while being used in hollywood for interviews and as a B-Camera, is only really good at interviews and low light. The GH4, on the other hand uses a Micro 4/3rds sensor, which is much too small for most professional use, though it occasionally pops up on ultra low budget jobs. In a few years, Canon might develop a body that does 4K well: The 5D MK IV has 4k video, for example, but the way in which the camera does it creates all sorts of problems that ultimately make video shooting with it unusable. Further down the line, of course, you can upgrade to an A7s or GH4 and adapt them to a canon mount.
Another thing you should consider after buying your camera is saving up for some lighting. This is the most important part of shooting, before the camera and the lens. For now, some house hold lamps can work, but in the future, you should consider getting some video lights. I started with Home Depot Clamp lights, but eventually went to cheap LED fixtures, and now Tungsten Fresnels, HMIs, and Fluorescent sources. Lighting can be tough to grasp, but if you read The Set Lighting Technician's Handbook by Harry Box, then you will quickly have enough knowledge to become a hollywood electrician.
Good luck, and I hope your Knee gets better!
Edits: sentence structure.
Source: Camera Technician, and Gaffer
Unfortunately, neither of those two books fit your description, perfectly.
Great book on lighting.
Film Lighting: Talks with... https://www.amazon.com/dp/1439169063?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
To add to everything here, talk with your director. This seems really obvious but ideally there aren't surprises during tech.
Its also a great way to get your ideas out there; the director may have a better idea for this, he may have never thought about that idea and needs to think about it. Does the director want a realistic courtroom? Or does he want an idea of a courtroom? Is there a scenic designer? What do they think about your idea for this scene?
It always depends on the show. Compared to others i'm approaching it very organically and artsy.
Couple books that are very helpful
Steve Shelley's Guide to stage lighting - Great book that discusses an overall picture
Richard Pilbrow's Stage Lighting Design - A more technical look, been awhile since i've read it but it does include the McCandless plot.
PM if you wanna talk extensively, i'm starting to do this for a living and talking about lighting design is really what wakes me up in the morning
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A few books to consider:
Backstage Handbook. ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.
Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed. This one is... well... it helped me to understand some things about physics. Not all of it is relevant, and you'll have to draw some conclusions yourself as to how it all applies to audio engineering. At the very least, it's a great introduction to subatomic physics for people who aren't great with math. YMMV, but I found that a basic understanding of what sound waves actually do goes a LONG way. From there you can discern certain things like how ambient temperature and humidity will affect your mix.
The Business of Audio Engineering. Worth the price of admission, despite grammatical errors.
Mixing Engineer's Handbook. Might be worth it. Interviews with established recording engineers. Has some interesting info. Only the first half of the book is really worth reading, though.
Mixing Audio. Relevant information. Could almost act as a textbook.
That will at least get you started. I know that you're looking more for the mixing side of things, and that's great, but trust me on this. You will want to know as much as you can about all facets of theatrical/concert/special event work. THAT'S how you really get gigs.
On set communication: Good point. I was thinking about that and wondering if there's perhaps a glossary of terms used on german sets, something like the glossary in the Set Lighting Technician's Handbook by Harry Box. I'd love to get a heads up on what a half double net/scrim is called in Berlin...
http://www.amazon.com/Set-Lighting-Technicians-Handbook-Distribution/dp/0240810759
That's a link to the Set Lighting Technician's handbook. It's fantastic.
Critter Costuming: Making Mascots and Fabricating Fursuits
Save your money.
Grab the grip and lighting book from Harry Box (yes it’s a terrible name). It’s the book we use on film sets, it’s an easy read and has some awful jokes in it too.
Watch every film you can, and the commentaries.
Watch thing in theaters, Hollywood theater, watch rare things at movie madness.
Get a subscription to American Cinematographers magazine. (Read old articles.)
Buy a camera. 6k blackmagic or canon 5D miv. Have an iPhone (works easily, and easy to edit on.)
Have fun. Be curious. Be a happy puppy, and treat everyone fairly. Punch up, never punch down.
If you want a job in the film business, know that you want to do it for free...for love, if you do it only for money...you will fail.
http://www.amazon.ca/Motion-Picture-Video-Lighting-Blain/dp/0240807634
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs8_KD_lvBg
In this field, you have to learn by doing. Get a small lighting kit with at least three lights. Get some gels and some diffusion. Set up your camera and play around.
Yay, relatively expensive books! :D
Reading Rainbow Painting With Light
Few books that helped me get started:
https://www.amazon.com/Stage-Managers-Toolkit-Communication-Performance/dp/1138183776/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1542608132&sr=8-7&keywords=stage+manager
​
https://www.amazon.com/Back-Stage-Guide-Management-3rd/dp/0823098028/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0823098028&pd_rd_r=8bc387b0-ebc2-11e8-ae28-63a19228e702&pd_rd_w=z03gC&pd_rd_wg=p4c6y&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=6725dbd6-9917-451d-beba-16af7874e407&pf_rd_r=BFK34PJ5BZQ4P1BDVYTQ&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=BFK34PJ5BZQ4P1BDVYTQ
​
https://www.amazon.com/Stage-Manager-Experience_Refreshed-Larry-Fazio/dp/1138195073/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1542608202&sr=1-1&keywords=The+professional+stage+manager
​
This is a good one.
https://www.amazon.com/Stage-Managers-Toolkit-Communication-Performance/dp/1138183776
Get a copy of he Backstage handbook by Paul Carter
https://www.amazon.com/Backstage-Handbook-Illustrated-Technical-Information/dp/0911747397/ref=sr_1_2?crid=22CR70DWJO96M&keywords=backstage+handbook&qid=1556880004&s=gateway&sprefix=backstage+%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-2
Learning to draft patterns is an excellent skill, but it's only the start of the process. Those books teach the reader to draft for an industry dress form. Almost no real person is shaped like that. The next step is to fit an actual human body with non-dress form proportions and asymmetries. I just ordered this highly recommended book.
Congrats on working on your first feature. If you haven't already I would suggest buying this It's packed full of brillant advice and information. There's a chapter on knots too!
> The Set Lighting Technician's Handbook
This one?
https://www.amazon.ca/Set-Lighting-Technicians-Handbook-Distribution/dp/0240810759/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492538461&sr=8-1&keywords=set+lighting+technician%27s+handbook
> 12k's/6k's/4k's/2k's? I'm assuming it's not temperature but brightness?
Correct, or more accurately referring to the wattage of the lamp in the unit (k=1000, so 12000W lamp etc); which results in differing brightness levels depending on the lamp type and optics of the light source - HMIs are generally brighter per watt than tungsten/incandescent bulbs, but reflectors and lenses in the lamp housing can change that.
>1/2 white/full white (boards?)?
> Full/Half grids?
These are diffusion filters, I think (we use the term grid here, but not 1/2 white or full white, we just say 216 which is the Lee filter number) - basically a piece of (usually) heat-treated plastic that serves to spread out the light source so that it's bigger relative to the subject. Diffusion, thanks to physics, will lower the intensity of the light, so you need to compensate for that when you use it.
Books:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0671766341
http://www.amazon.com/Set-Lighting-Technicians-Handbook-Distribution/dp/0240810759/
This is the book they gave us in college. It talks more about moving lights but it does talk quite a bit about power and DMX.
http://www.amazon.com/Automated-Lighting-Science-Performance-Entertainment/dp/0240812220
http://www.amazon.com/The-Backstage-Handbook-Illustrated-Information/dp/0911747397/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377524648&sr=8-1&keywords=backstage+handbook
I'd be surprised if she doesn't already have this. If she doesn't, she should.
My favorite lighting-related resources are:
For basic lighting YouTube is your friend.
If she wants to Stage Manage professionally you should look into a light weight headset. I just got one for my birthday and I love it. Mine is from Production Advantage, but other places sell them too. This is what I got: http://www.beltpack.com/smh710.html
Another good thing for a theatre technician is The Backstage Handbook: http://www.amazon.com/Backstage-Handbook-Illustrated-Technical-Information/dp/0911747397/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IFV9ERGDDMYE2&colid=1F2QN9CCSL803
Definitely read "The 5 C's of Cinematography" before anything else. http://www.amazon.com/Five-Cs-Cinematography-Picture-Techniques/dp/187950541X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367884793&sr=1-1&keywords=5+c%27s+of+cinematography
I love "New Cinematographers" which has been a very inspiring book for me as it reminded me why I love working in the film industry at a time when I was contemplating quitting altogether. http://www.amazon.com/New-Cinematographers-Alex-Ballinger/dp/1856693341
The Eye is Quicker. http://www.amazon.com/Eye-Quicker-Editing-Making-Better/dp/0941188841/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367884818&sr=1-1&keywords=the+eye+is+quicker
Motion Picture and Video Lighting. http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Picture-Video-Lighting-Blain/dp/0240807634/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367884852&sr=1-4&keywords=grip+and+lighting
The Camera Assistant's Manual by David Elkins. http://www.amazon.com/Camera-Assistants-Manual-David-Elkins/dp/0240818687/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367884939&sr=1-1&keywords=camera+assistant
Where do you live?
If you want to do it, just try and get a job working as a PA on student films or something shooting in your area. You don't need experience, you don't need a degree, and the hardest part will be getting that first job.
I've seen too many of my friends in the business crippled by student loans that were unnecessary and actually counterproductive to their success. The people the did the best in the industry now actually dropped out of school 2 or 3 years in because they saw school was getting in the way of the work they were getting.
I hope you like reading, because while you're trying to get a job you should read these books.
Five C's of Cinematography
(http://www.amazon.com/The-Five-Cs-Cinematography-Techniques/dp/187950541X)
Set Lighting Technicians Handbook
http://www.amazon.com/Set-Lighting-Technicians-Handbook-Distribution/dp/0240810759
Camera Assistants Handbook
http://www.amazon.com/The-Camera-Assistant-Complete-Professional/dp/0240800427
Placing Shadows
http://www.amazon.com/Placing-Shadows-Lighting-Techniques-Production/dp/0240806611
Then watch these DVD's - They're expensive, look for them on eBay or used or something.
http://www.hollywoodcamerawork.com/mc_index.html
Have you made a movie before? If not, start churning them out. They don't have to be good, you just have to finish them. Believe it or not it is quantity, not quality, as the first few movies are going to be filled with the most stupid terrible mistakes you'll ever make, mistakes that will totally prevent you from telling a bearable story.
So if you combine all these...you look for a job, you start working as a PA, you read whatever you can get your hands on, especially those books listed, and you start shooting your own movies and applying what you learn from books and work to those films, you'll be in great shape.
http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Picture-Video-Lighting-Blain/dp/0240807634
This my favorite book on lighting.
The Uva Grip Book is usually a popular reference.
Film Lighting
I have the 1986 version of this, but apparently it has been updated. I have no idea what they have done to update this though.
Beautiful manual on tech.
If she doesn't already have it then this book is invaluable to have as an sfx artist
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/024081696X/ref=pd_aw_sims_2?pi=SY115&simLd=1
This is the second edition which basically has everything the first did plus much more!
Read this book. It's fantastic!