About the Book:

In all forms of moving media – feature films, commercials, television, documentaries, web-based films and video games, and corporate videos, to name just a few – it is the film-maker's job to create a world rich with meaning and emotions, where the audience can truly be affected by and feel the story – and be blown away by its impact. To do this, film-makers will point the camera in one direction as opposed to another, design a house with an intentional colour scheme, and use a specific backdrop of music and space – these purposeful techniques and many more help to create key moments in the story where audiences are affected most, a moment that can be described as The Lean Forward Moment.

In this groundbreaking book, film editing master and instructor Norman Hollyn shows you how you can create The Lean Forward Moment and compelling stories, no matter what your project is. After describing in detail the conceptual and practical tools in the film-maker's arsenal, Norman Hollyn turns to each of the film-making crafts and shares the secrets of effective storytelling techniques used in script writing, directing, set design, sound and picture editing, music, visual effects, and producting. Using detailed examples from top films such as The Godfather and The Matrix, and techniques shared by Hollywood legends, including Francis Ford Coppola, Orson Welles and Jean-Luc Goddard, Norman Hollyn guides you through all the steps you need to become a better and more entrancing film-maker.

What people say:

"Norman Hollyn uses the ancient magic of alchemy to reveal the art of making a great film. Writing an outstanding primer on film-making, he provides an historical perspective from several iconic movies, revealing the innermost secrets of successful filmmakers. If you want to construct a film, you need this book." — Martin Cohen, President of Post Production, Paramount Pictures

"Norman Hollyn's The Lean Forward Moment speaks volumes about the art and craft of film-making. His elegant explanations of editorial choices and creative decisions tell the full story. It is a serious work and it will be a resource for every emerging filmmaker." — Ian Calderon, Director of Digital Initiatives, Sundance Institute

"Only a film editor, with a career of experience in the cockpit of the cutting room, could so clearly and completely explain how some storytelling efforts succeed and others fail. Fortunately, Norman Hollyn is such an editor, and he has given us the gift of explanation in the richly illustrated The Lean Forward Moment." — Bill Kinder, Editorial and Post Production Director

About the Author:

Norman Hollyn is an Associate Professor and heads up the editing track at the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California (USC). As a picture editor and music editor, Norman Hollyn has worked on a range of projects in film and television, with Hollywood greats such as Alan J. Pakula, Sidney Lumet and Francis Ford Coppola.