Old-school, in-camera, special FX book?

[Roy Cross]

Hello all,

I recall a book, perhaps 50-70 years old, that had a title like: "Special Effects for Movies using Paperclips and String" Or some variation on that.

I cannot find anything remotely close to that title. It was a DIY guide on in-camera techniques and easy to create FX.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance!!!

Roy

[Mark Dunn]

It's probably not this one, but "Movie Magic" by John Brosnan (1974) is, naturally enough for the date, pretty much old-school. You can get a used copy for a few bucks by the look of it.

https://www.fantasticfiction.com/b/john-brosnan/movie-magic.htm

Edited November 26, 2020 by Mark Dunn

[Roy Cross]

Thanks, Mark. As you guessed, that is not the one I was thinking of, but of interest nonetheless.

 

[Malcolm Ian Vu]

It's not nearly as old as you describe, but perhaps this is the book you were looking for.

"Special Effects: Wire Tape and Rubber Band Styles" (1984) by L.B. Abbott

Picture of the cover:

https://www.amazon.com/Special-Effects-Wire-Rubber-Styles/dp/0935578064

[David Mullen ASC]

Those two are good, so is Raymond Fielding’s “The Technique of Special Effects Cinematography.”

[Roy Cross]

Thank you, Malcolm!  That is the one. Turns out it is I who is in the 50-70 year old range! And not the book. Ha!

And thanks, David, for the Fielding recommendation!   That particular one has some great information on rear screen projection which will be helpful for a student in one of my classes!