Attack of the Killer Video Book: Tips and Tricks for Young Directors

Christine Linge MacDonald, a past director of the Toronto & District
Parent Co-operative Preschool Corporation and a freelance writer, is an
elementary-school teacher in Whitby.

Sporting an attention-getting cartoon cover that features shining
marquee lights, this volume is easy to pick up and hard to put down.
Even children who have not thought about making a movie will likely be
eager to do so after reading this book. The authors’ direct
conversational tone is hard to resist: “Even if you don’t make a
million dollars right away, you can make outrageously good videos. ...
Go ahead and satisfy that itchy recording finger.” Bolstered by this
encouragement, readers will respond to the authors’ sense of humour
(essential for the necessary teamwork of successful moviemaking) and
Martha Newbigging’s hip cartoon illustrations. With bright graphic
layouts and a logical progression of advice (such as making short,
simple, experimental films right away to build on experience), the book
makes moviemaking seem possible. Storyboarding, technology, technique,
special effects, and lighting are all explained with reference to
readily available materials found in most households. Because technology
is changing so rapidly, and so many formats are already available, this
volume discusses editing and other post-production concerns in only the
most general terms: it is up to the moviemaker to (as the authors
repeatedly say) “read the manual” for their equipment. Since such
manuals are infamous for their muddiness, this is an area in which the
average young moviemaker may need adult assistance. Otherwise, with its
detailed index and glossaries, Attack of the Killer Video Book is highly
recommended.