Grammar of the Shot

The newly revised and updated fifth edition of Grammar of the Shot teaches readers theoretical principles behind successful visual communication in motion media through discussions of shot composition, depth cues, lens choices, lighting, screen direction, camera movement, and shooting for editing. Many general practices are outlined that will help readers create rich, multi-layered visuals. Designed as an easy-to-use reference, this book presents each topic succinctly with clear photographs and diagrams illustrating key concepts, practical exercises, and quiz questions, and is a staple of any filmmaker’s library.

New to the fifth edition:

• Instructional and student resources offer downloadable and editable raw footage so that students can practice the techniques described in the book, and instructional videos showcasing examples of different editing choices and types of shot transitions.
• Thorough chapter content reviews and refreshed exercises and quizzes help test readers on their knowledge using real-world scenarios.
• New sections, Principles in Practice (PIPs), concludes each chapter by presenting unique scenarios that a video maker may encounter in their own video-editing work and offers creative solutions and advice on how one might handle them.

Together with its companion volume, Grammar of the Edit, the core concepts discussed in these books offer concise and practical resources for both experienced and aspiring filmmakers.

Christopher J. Bowen has 25 years of experience within the motion media industry as a cinematographer, editor, director, producer, and educator. Currently, he enjoys visual content creation, fine arts painting, and writing fiction. He is author of the companion text, Grammar of the Edit.