Further Reading

Many specialist books have limited print runs and once sold out are seldom re-issued. Anyone wishing to acquire a reference library is advised to hunt through the used book shops where many out-of-date text books can be found. Because special effects embrace so many esoteric arts and crafts, old books on subjects as diverse as taxidermy, electrical experiments and basic metalwork could prove invaluable.

Some of the books listed here may no longer be in print.

ANIMATION

Halas, J., ‘The contemporary animator’, Focal Press, 1990.

Hayward, S., ‘Computers for animation’, Focal Press.

Peristc, Z., ‘The animation stand: rostrum camera operations’, Focal Press.

Whitaker and Halas, J., ‘Timing for animation’, Focal Press.

AUDIO-VISUAL

Robertson, I., Audio-Visual Equipment: A Technician’s and User’s Handbook, Butterworth-Heinemann.

Simpson, R.S., ‘Effective audio visual: a user’s handbook’, Focal Press.

ELECTRICITY

‘Basic electricity (Pts 1 to 5)’, Technical Press.

Bryant, D., ‘Teach yourself electricity’, Hodder & Stoughton, London, England.

ELECTRONIC FILM MAKING

Obanian, T.A. and Phillips, M.E., ‘Digital film making’, Focal Press.

EXPLOSIVES

Literature obtainable from ICI UK Ltd., Infopoint, London, England.

MAKE-UP

Baygan, L., ‘Techniques of three dimensional make-up’, Watson-Guptill.

Kehoe, V., ‘The technique of the professional make-up artist’, Focal Press.

OPTICAL EFFECTS

Perisic, Z., ‘Special optical effects’, Focal Press.

PROPERTIES

Kenton, W., ‘Stage properties and how to make them’, A. & C. Black.

PYROTECHNICS

‘Unwin’s catalogue’, Unwin Pyrotechnics Ltd, Slough SL3 8QA, England.

SCULPTURE

Midgely, B., ‘Complete guide to sculpture’, Apple Press.

Lucchesi, B., ‘Modelling the head in clay’, Watson-Gupthill.

Lanteri, E., ‘Modelling and sculpturing animals’, Dover Publications.

SOUND EFFECTS

Mott, R.L., ‘Sound effects, radio, TV & film’, Focal Press.

Special Effects

Caruso, J. and Arthur, M., ‘Video lighting & special effects’, Prentice-Hall.

Fielding, R., ‘The technique of special effects cinematography’, Focal Press.

McCarthy, R.E., ‘The secrets of Hollywood special effects’, Focal Press.

Wilkie, B., ‘The technique of special effects in television’, Focal Press.

STAGING AND SCENIC DESIGN

Byrne, T., ‘Production design for television’, Focal Press.

Millerson, G., ‘TV scenic design handbook’, Focal Press.

TELEVISION OPERATIONS

Oringel, R., ‘Television operations handbook’, Focal Press.

TV Commercials

Gradus, B., ‘Directing: the television commercial’, Focal Press.

TV LIGHTING

Millerson, G., ‘The technique of lighting for TV and film’, Focal Press.

WEAPONS

‘Weapons: an international encyclopaedia – 5000 bc-2000 ad’, Diagram Group.

Hogg I.V., ‘Military pistols and revolvers’, Arms and Armour Press.

Elwell, C., ‘Modern American small arms’, Hamlyn.