The American Film Institute Desk Reference

by American Film Inst, George Ochoa

The only source of movie history any fan will want to read. Presented by the American Film Institute, the nation's preeminent organization dedicated to advancing and preserving the art of the moving image, the American Film Institute Desk Reference is the most comprehensive reference book on filmmaking ever published. Providing detailed information on the world of film, its history and its personalities, this single volume is loaded with enough facts and trivia to satisfy any movie buff. Highlighting filmmakers and costume designers, financiers and actors, this complete guide is packed with more than 500 photographs and illustrations, a year by year chronology of film, and many special annotated lists, including the AFI's celebrated list of the 100 Best Films of the Past 100 Years.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, Media Tie In, Reference

Hardcover

First published November 1, 2002

Reviews

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relatively comprehensive look at the American Film Institute

There are plenty of good books available on what films are out there and other books about the art of making films. We can find vertical market books on specific subjects that are film-related. However, this book is exactly what the title implies. There is more depth to this book than just an overview or an introduction book. Although this book could be a good coffee table book it also makes a good desk reference book.

With 608 pages, most containing partial if not glossy color snaps from the famous and obscure movies of our time. The different subjects or chapters have color-coded tabs on the edge of the page allowing for quickly finding the information sought.

Although designed as a reference I found it more fun to read page by page picking up gems here and there that would never have been found by just reference searches.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book with a lot of history and analysis/explanation of the film industry. The downside here is it's obviously 20 years out of date as of my reading and all of this information can now be readily found all over the internet in a variety of formats.

[Lisa Catmull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immensely useful desk reference. It's fun to flip through it and learn movie terms as well as trivia. It's got every major film, director, and actor in it, as well as sections about every part of the movie industry. Want to learn about DPs or gaffers? It's in the book.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book is completely and utterly fabulous. It has everything (including gossip and social lives of early actors) you could ever want to know about the history of the film industry. I was instantly in love with it as soon as I opened it. Fantastic.

[Elizabeth Ramos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who wants to catch up on Film History, this book is for you. If you love watching a good film, this book is also for you. The most important names in movie history are here: producers, actors/actresses, etc. It's an amazing collaboration! Pick it up today!

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must for all film buffs.A wonderful history and general refernce book.

[Dave Hood]

Nice reference for those who love film

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the film industry

[Samantha Tapia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my favorite all year. This book was filled with useful and interesting information about topics related to film and the film industry such as production, directing, and acting. I found this book to be very informative and it also had amazing pictures. This book has everything you could possibly think of about film and was very helpful.