I have a bit of special insight on this book, as I was fortunate enough to take the author's private filmmaking course, upon which this book is based. Many filmmaking manuals dwell on the technical aspects of filmmaking without covering the key concepts and basics that one needs to truly understand the film medium and how one goes about communicating in it. This book does that. In class, Eric would tell us how Hollywood film professionals -- people who had been involved in the business for years -- would take his course and exclaim that they had come to understood film for the first time! This slim but punchy book covers those basic and includes the exercises from Eric Sherman's course, so that anyone can begin to make films after going through and doing the exercises. I did, and I had never even shot a video before the class! This book is standing the test of time because it contains information that will never become dated. I highly recommend it.

Starting with the history of filmmaking and ending with directing itself, Eric Sherman covers every aspect of making a movie in between. This is the first book I've found that actually tells you step-by-step how to create a film. The information is invaluable for anyone, from the amateur home video maker to the experienced film director. The chapters on Shots and Editing are especially useful. If you want to refine your filmmaking skills or if you only want to gain a better understanding of the movies you watch, this book will help tremendously.

have peole always said "well, George washington was born on MY birthday" or "Babe ruth hit his 714th Homer on MY birthday"..well, You can also what didn't happen...and what happened on YOUR BIRTHDAY.. This has 3 articles per day and it tells you who was born on each day.. Great for the sports fan to walk into school/work saying "---- happened today with the -- vs. the ------!" this is definately a good buy!

The book contains information on every relevant part of filmmaking (working with actors, editing, music, story-telling...). Each chapter starts with a small introduction into the general ideas and is followed by a nearly infinite number of well-known directors' statements (usually half to one page long), sorted by common points of view. The missing star is due to the old examples which are coming from around the 70s.

The guy's a genius!! A must-read for anyone who is an industry professional, wants to become one, or just loves motion pictures. Not only is the book full of very useful data, it's also very easy to understand and apply, and a fascinating reading. I had a hard time putting it down.

my appologie to the hosts, but first of all my request is - is there any way I could get in touch with Eric Sherman? if yes, would you please be kind to help me out oversees, his ex-student to get in touch with him via e-mail?

Thanks a lot in advance

independent Director / producer Tamara Sulamanidze

I'm an independent producer / director from Georgia - the former USSR , oversees from US

Eric Sherman was teaching me at CalArts, an amazing personality, professional style of teaching with his own book is one of those best things I remember from the film school.

And above all, Eric was students' best friend, whatever i have learned in directing and producing in pursuing my film goals is thanks to Eric

Eric, if you ever read this note, please do get in touch with in Georgia, your favored student - one of the best ones - you once said.

Tamara Sulamanidze

apoloniaa@hotmail.com