Book Review - Attack of the Killer Video Book: Tips & Tricks for Young Directors

Review by Ron Cotton - April 14, 2005

by Mark Shulman and Hazlitt Krog
Annick Press Ltd. (www.annickpress.com)
2004
Retail: $24.95

First discovering this book in the juvenile section of the library, I thought the title was quaint – and perfect for my 9 year old son. Little did I know that the 64-page hardcover would hold all the essential information needed for film making in a quirky and concise rant. Straying away from “technical” issues such as aspect ratios and video formats, it instead places the focus on the ever important basics of planning, storyboarding, scripting, location-hunting, props, budget, tracking shots, camera handling, The Rule of Thirds – the list literally goes on and on. Even “mature” books on the subject tend to forget the core necessities needed to create a film from the ground up. Not only are possible problems and issues mentioned, but plausible solutions are given.

The bright and vibrant artwork is wonderful and its great layout gives you pointers along the way. Yet, by the same token, many will see this book simply as a juvenile book – not worth the attention of a teen who could learn the basics. Which makes me wonder if the publisher had a clear idea of who the target audience really was.

The humor inside is hit or miss and luckily can be ignored. Here's an excerpt of some of the “humor”: When video ideas come in a brainstorm, it's customary to shout “Eureka!”... Some people shout out “Hoover!” or “Electrolux!” Not much of a knee-slapper, yet adults can feel save that the humor contained inside is clean.

The writing collaboration between a experienced writer and a person who's worked professionally in film and video production for 20 years gives 'Attack of the Killer Video Book' the enthusiastic energy to take that first step. Once read, it would inspire youths to experiment and dabble into the art of film making – without the fear of doing something wrong. I would highly recommend this books to those who know nothing about film making and to all the “future” filmmakers who need a budge in the right direction.