Includes bibliographical references (p. 301-307) and index.

Includes filmography.

Introduction -- Film language and aestetics. Renaissance of (digital) film -- Developing mise-en-scene -- Directing the actor -- Cinematography: painting with motion -- Sound underpinning image -- Editing: temporality & structure -- Film theory in practice. Reading the screen -- Spectatorship and audience -- Contemporary cinema -- Eisenstein and Bazin: formalism & realism, two modes of practice -- Genre -- Guerrilla filmmaking: practice as subversion. Experimentation and the short film format -- Working with non-professional actors -- The avant-garde, subtext, & symbolism -- Documentary as resistance -- Persistence of vision. screenwriting: from script to screen / John Brice -- Soundtracks: using music in film / Paul Rutter -- Post film: technology and the digital film -- MERGING AND IMMERGING MEDIA: DEVELOPING A PROFESSIONAL SPECIALISM. Post-film: production, distribution and consumption in the digital age -- Mapping a career path.

The 'Film Handbook' examines the current state of filmmaking and how film language, technique and aesthetics are being utilised for today's 'digital film' productions. It reflects on how critical analysis' of film underpins practice and story, and how developing an autonomous 'vision' will best aid student creativity. The 'Film Handbook' offers practical guidance on a range of traditional and independent 'guerrilla' film production methods, from developing script ideas and the logistics of planning the shoot to cinematography, sound and directing practices. Film professionals share advice of their creative and practical experiences shooting both on digital and film forms.