Books like Grammar of the shot by Thompson, Roy.

A practical guide detailing the techniques, equipment, and digital workflows essential for feature, documentary, and experimental filmmaking, updated for the modern digital era.

"Tell effective visual stories by utilizing the "grammar of film and video with this elegant, modular reference. See what you absolutely need to know to put together your own film or video, shot by shot. Whether you're just learning how to frame a shot or simply looking for a refresher, Grammar of the Shot gives you a toolkit to help you build a successful visual story that flows smoothly. Understand the basic building blocks essential for successful shot lighting, screen direction, 3D elements, camera movement, and many general practices that make for richer, multi-layered visuals. Expand your visual vocabulary and help jumpstart your career in film and video. Get ample examples and further instruction on the new companion website. Designed as an easy-to-use reference, Grammar of the Shot presents each topic succinctly with clear photographs and diagrams illustrating the key concepts. Simple and easy to use, Grammar of the Shot is a staple of any filmmaker's library"--

Dialog is one of the best known, and obvious, elements in a film. But the language of cinema is more subtle and sophisticated than dialog alone. From Metropolis to Kill Bill, this remarkable reference guide reveals 100 of the most potent storytelling tools of the film medium. It demonstrates how master screenwriters and directors depend on cinematic devices to pump up action, create characters, and energize a motion picture's plot. Cinematic Storytelling compresses 100 years of film history, outlining the important connection between film technique and storytelling. It shows how the purposeful use of film techniques like lighting, editing, and sound can evoke audience emotions like fear, hatred, or anger without a word of dialog. It demonstrates how character values and themes are expressed cumulatively over time and nonverbally. In this, the reader is given both the critical tools to better understand modern moviemaking and the creative tools to more fully exploit the dramatic potential of the medium. - Back cover.