Mercado G. The Filmmaker's Eye: Learning (and Breaking) the Rules of Cinematic Composition

Burlington, MA: Focal Press, 2010. — 208 p. — ISBN10: 0240812174; ISBN13: 978-0240812175.This is the only book that combines conceptual and practical instruction on creating polished and eloquent images for film and video with the technical know-how to achieve them. Loaded with hundreds of full-color examples, The Filmmaker's Eye is a focused, easy-to-reference guide that shows you how to become a strong visual storyteller through smart, effective choices for your shots. After a short introduction to basic principles, a variety of shots are deconstructed in the following format: why It Works: an introduction to a particular type of shot. How It Works: callouts point out exactly how the shot works the way it does–the visual rules and technical aspects in action. Technical Considerations: the equipment and techniques needed to get the shot. Breaking the Rules: examples where the "rules" are brilliant subverted. This book helps you make smart visual choices with this quick, focused, and visual guide to cinematic composition; shows you how to master the rules, then break them; includes examples and discussions from a range of international films.