Cross-Cultural Filmmaking: A Handbook for Making Documentary and Ethnographic Films and Videos

By Ilisa Barbash and Lucien Taylor

Book Overview

This extraordinary handbook was inspired by the distinctive concerns of anthropologists and others who film people in the field. The authors cover the practical, technical, and theoretical aspects of filming, from fundraising to exhibition, in lucid and complete detail-information never before assembled in one place. The first section discusses filmmaking styles and the assumptions that frequently hide unacknowledged behind them, as well as the practical and ethical issues involved in moving from fieldwork to filmmaking. The second section concisely and clearly explains the technical aspects, including how to select and use equipment, how to shoot film and video, and the reasons for choosing one or the other, and how to record sound. Finally, the third section outlines the entire process of filmmaking: preproduction, production, postproduction, and distribution. Filled with useful illustrations and covering documentary and ethnographic filmmaking of all kinds, Cross-Cultural Filmmaking will be as essential to the anthropologist or independent documentarian on location as to the student in the classroom.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520087607
• ISBN13: 9780520087606
• Release Date: November 1997
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 380 Pages
• Weight: 2.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Good Resource for Documentarians

Although this book is geared toward professional, experienced filmmakers, film students or aspiring documentarians will learn from this text, as well. The book has thoughtful details, descriptive paragraphs, and helpful advice on how to create effective "ethnographic films." But despite this focus, the book's guidelines can be applied to any kind of documentary project. It's also simply a good read.