About the Book:

HARD TO FIND BOOK, only a very limited number of copies are still available.

Spanning a century of film technology, from the early innovations of the pioneering French fantasist Georges Méliès to the first synthetic TRON images to the cutting-edge technology used in the "Star Wars and "The Matrix, this fabulous volume Special Effects: An Oral History pays homage to dazzling visual pyrotechnics and the artists of illusion who created them. This detailed look at the history of these great illusions is presented through interviews with 37 international masters of the art and science of special effects and more than 1,000 spectacular illustrations, nearly all in colour.

The monster spewing flames in "Godzilla, the flying bicycle in "E.T. , the rampaging dinosaurs in "Jurassic Park, these are just a few of the cinematic magic moments that have held audiences spellbound over the years. The inventors of such screen legerdemain reveal the huge variety of techniques they employ, from animation, animatronics, makeup, and model-making to the most astounding computer trickery possible today. Special Effects: An Oral History encompasses not only film and television but also theme parks and attractions. As a bonus, the author includes his selection of movies with not-to-be-missed special effects.

What people say:

"If you've ever left a theater – or theme park or Céline Dion show – wondering 'How'd they do that?' here's the book for you. Pinteau interviewed more than three dozen special-effects wizards, who shared with him the secrets of the illusions they've worked over the years." — The Wilson Quarterly

"Pinteau is in awe of special effects, and rightfully so: the ability to use animation, animatronics, makeup, modelmaking and computer trickery is both an art and a science. His book has an artful modesty in discussing the medium; by interspersing his own observations on the history of special effects with interviews with 37 masters of the craft, Pinteau gives a thorough, insightful history that is never overblown and always intelligent. Pinteau, a journalist, screenwriter and special effects designer, covers the dawn of special effects, noting that the art of projection first appeared some 3,000 years ago in the Far East, with the earliest performances of shadow theater; he continues on all the way through to today's marvels, which include the facade of the New York, New York Hotel in Las Vegas, with its recreation of a miniature city skyline. Pinteau's insightful interviews shed light on small-screen grand illusions, too, and the book's amazing photographs depict such fascinating metamorphoses as Marlon Brando's in The Godfather (he wore dental prosthetics to create jowls) and makeup tests for The Exorcist. Among Pinteau's interview subjects are Sylvain Chomet (Les Triplettes de Belleville), Mark Coulier (Harry Potter), Richard Taylor (The Lord of the Rings), Martin Bower (Alien), Roy E. Disney and Jim Henson." — Library Journal

About the Author:

Pascal Pinteau is a journalist, screenwriter, and special effects designer who has created special effects for commercials, TV shows, and theme parks. Since 1985, he has visited with special effects masters throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia.