The definitive behind-the-scenes history of one of Hollywoodrsquo;s most closely guarded cinematic secrets finally revealedmdash;painted backdrops and the scenic artists who brought them to the big screen.In almost every feature film of Hollywoodrsquo;s golden age; from The Wizard of Oz to North by Northwest to Cleopatra to The Sound of Music; painted backings have convinced moviegoers that what they are seeingmdash;whether the fantastic roads of Oz; the presidents of Mount Rushmore; or ancient Egyptian kingdomsmdash;is absolutely real. These backings are at once intended to transport the audience and yet remain unseen for what they really are. The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop reveals the hidden world and creators of these masterpieces; long-guarded as a special effects secret by the major studios such as MGM; Warner Brothers; Universal; Columbia; 20th Century Fox; and Paramount. Despite the continued use of hand-painted backings in todayrsquo;s films; including the big-budget Interstellar and Lemony Snicketrsquo;s A Series of Unfortunate Events among many others; digital technology is beginning to supplant the art form. In an effort to preserve the irreplaceable knowledge of scenic masters; Karen Maness and Richard Isackes; in collaboration with the Art Directors Guild; have compiled a definitive history of the craft; complete with interviews of the surviving artists. This is a rich undiscovered historymdash;a history replete with competing art departments; dynastic scenic families; and origins stretching back to the films of Meacute;liegrave;s; Edison; Sennett; Chaplin; and Fairbanks.
#397418 in eBooks 2015-12-01 2015-12-01File Name: B00VZYX480
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An engaging; lighthearted look at a failure to reach the top.By Seth ReinekeKWOM$300 is a genuinely witty; largely lighthearted; book about an industry that promised everything and ripped it away. From stories about meetings with Jimmy Iovine to name dropping tons of rappers and producers that Ive never heard; but assume are worth knowing; Jensen crafts a thoroughly engaging look at being a white rapper in a period when Eminem was the only white rapper that the industry seemed to have room for.Buy it; rent it; borrow it; or sneak a few pages at a time by going to Barnes Noble while youre pretending to be going to the restroom as your significant others shopping at Ross; just find a way to read it.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Insightful hilariousBy Scott S.In addition to being one of the most honestly detailed accounts of the musicians experience in the major label system; this book is constantly entertaining; insightful; and a perfect snapshot of the late 90s / early 2000s.Its a must read for fans of hip hop; pop culture; music industry stories; LA folklore; general witicisms; and suburban Jews.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Definitely worth your timeBy JbennyI honestly never heard of Jensen Karp; or Hot Karl but this book came up in my recommended based on some other browsing I was doing. The title intrigued me and I read some reviews and took a shot. Overall; I enjoyed this book; it was entertaining and written in a conversational tone. The stories were funny; and it does provide some insight into a music industry that was in one moment spending money quicker than could be printed; and in the next moment crumbling to its knees. For those readers who love hip-hop or good comedy writing; I would check this out.
