An Oral History

By Pascal Pinteau

Thirty-seven international masters of the art and science of special effects are here interviewed, covering not only film and television but also theme parks and attractions.

The huge variety of illusionary techniques, including animation, optical and digital effects, animatronics, makeup, pyrotechnics, model-making, and 3-D characters, is thoroughly explained and illustrated with close to a thousand colour reproductions. Many of the great experts in the field give insightful interviews to journalist, screenwriter and special effects designer Pascal Pinteau, who has experienced firsthand the evolution of these techniques through his work in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia. Thanks to the numerous conversations filled with unedited anecdotes and the abundant illustrations, this compact and affordable book will fascinate both amateurs of special effects and film buffs alike.

• Features 37 interviews with international masters in the field.

• More than a thousand illustrations are reproduced, mostly in colour.

• As a bonus, the book includes the author's handpicked selection of films and TV shows with not-to-be missed special effects.

Pascal Pinteau is a journalist, screenwriter, and special effects designer. Since 1985, he has visited with special effects masters around the world in compiling this book.

ISBN 0-8109-5591-1

PAGES 568

PUB MONTH November

CATEGORY Performing arts

ILLUSTRATIONS 1,136, mostly colour

FORMAT Paperback flexibind

RIM SIZE 9 x 7 1/2