Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28476 in Books
• Published on: 1996-09-30
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Customer Reviews

not much use
I must say that I was dissapointed with this book. I have read a number of books on the subject of documentary and this seemed to be just a bunch of recollection (often repeated) about the film maker's limited experience. The best advice is passed on verbatum from his own tutor.

look elsewhere for a meaningful source of advice for doc production

Very Disappointing
I really feel that someone has to point out how poor this book is. Firstly its HOPELESSLY out of date. There is hardly any coverage of modern video techniques, let alone equipment. The book it self is very dense. I'm not some thicky who needs all my books to have pictures but I really strongly feel that it is not appropriate to write book about such a visual medium with out any illustrative images whatsoever.

The only reason I give this book two stars rather than one is because it is clear that Barry Hempe is talking with wisdom and experience and if you have maybe read every other book out there and are just looking for a curio this book may have some value. Apart from that I seriously recommend looking somewhere else for a more practical up-to-date guide.

A must read
Summary: an excellent book which explains the complete process for making a documentary

I found this book on amazon, it sounded good so I bought it. I am glad I did, the book is a complete step by step recipe to making a documentary, listing what to do and what to avoid. I will certainly use it as a reference.

The first few chapters were my favourites, where Barry Hampe talks about documentaries from a more intellectual perspective. His explanations about reality and truth are fascinating. Comments of that level are also scattered over the following chapters.

I now feel equipped to start to plan my next production and particularly I will know how to plan it.