What are some good books on directing/film making/tricks & tips?

[Anthony Vincent]

New to the board and am impressed by how active this message board is! This is my first post and I was wondering, as someone who is new to film making, what are some good books on directing, film making or that provide some tricks and tips?

Like one tip I read was to avoid fallout or tape problems, it's recommended to fast forward a new tape and then rewind it. That repacks the tape so it's packed tight again and ready to roll!

Another trick might be regarding camera angles or special effects. I've seen a few on lighting and how certain angles of lighting create certain effects.

I'm looking for books with some substance rather than general theories on film making or how to get started books. I already have my camera and stuff and just need some tips on different ideas/concepts on angles.

For example Tarantino is known for his camera angle out of a trunk. Where in Pulp Fiction they open the trunk and the camera looks up out the trunk at them like you are the body in the trunk. That's a neat trick/effect.

Any books with some just general stuff like this out there? Or based on what you've read, what has really helped you out?

Thanks for any suggestions, I will special order your book recommendations and check them out!! :)

[Chris Hurd]

Hi Anthony, we have an entire forum dedicated to this topic -- so dive right in:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=36