Performing Arts

The Art and Making of Aquaman explores the creation of the DC character's first solo film. This behind-the-scenes look at the production team's work features concept sketches, storyboards, set and costume photography, and effects imagery. Exclusive...

Broadway Musicals Show by Show provides an in-depth look at American musical theater, covering productions from just after the Civil War to shows produced through spring 2019. This updated edition includes many notable and memorable musicals, including...

Groundhog Day (BFI Modern Classics) by Ryan Gilbey is an in-depth look at the making of this iconic film. The story behind Groundhog Day, directed by Harold Ramis in 1993, begins with the long and complex development of the script by Danny Rubin. Gilbey...

Discover the art of voiceover narration and unlock your full creative potential. This comprehensive guide explores the psychophysical aspects of voiceover performance, revealing the underlying currents that power great narrations.With decades of...

Post-Colonial Drama explores how performance has been used to resist the ongoing impact of imperialism. This book brings together the latest theoretical approaches from post-colonial and performance studies to examine plays from various former colonial...

A comprehensive visual tribute to Christopher Lee's iconic portrayal of Dracula is presented in this book. Featuring over 50 rare production photographs and 20 full-colour images of poster art, it also includes reviews of all seven classic horror movies...

Michael Haneke: Interviews presents an extensive collection of interviews with one of Europe's most significant cinematic visionaries. Spanning five decades and twenty-four films, director Michael Haneke's career has been marked by a distinctive style...

The Seinfeld Scripts: The First and Second Seasons by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David Harper Collins, 1998 Experience the origins of one of television's most iconic shows with this collection of scripts from the first two seasons. Featuring 17 episodes...

This comprehensive guide to ballroom dancing features 72 diagrams and photographs to support step-by-step instructions for various dance styles. The book covers a range of dances, including the Quickstep, Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, and more, as well as...

Charles Dickens' London is reimagined for the 21st century in this crowd-sourced play. James Graham has woven together scenes by emerging writers with his own narrative, creating a unique theatrical experience. The result is a sweeping story that...

I Don't Need an Acting Class explores the technique of acting through conversations with numerous actors. Milton Justice collected these emails from aspiring students and seasoned professionals, who share their challenges in applying what they've learned...

Learn how to teach drama to kids with this step-by-step guide. Written by Julie Johnson, an experienced teacher with real-life experience in the classroom, this book provides a comprehensive approach to teaching theatre arts to children of various ages...

Slash of the Titans: The Road to Freddy vs Jason A behind-the-scenes look at the troubled production history of the iconic crossover film. This book delves into the story of how New Line Cinema finally found the right screenplay for Freddy vs Jason,...

Creative Practice Research in Film and Media explores how creative practitioners navigate the challenges of higher education and the commercialization of art. This book examines the tension between artistic integrity and the pressures of working within...

Sorry We Missed You tells the story of a strong family who struggle to make ends meet despite their hard work. Ricky and his partner Abby face a bleak future, with no independence or home in sight.A turning point arrives when an app revolution offers...

Behind the scenes of one of television's most iconic shows lies a fascinating story. Dallas: 25 Years of Dallas takes readers on a journey through the history of the world's favorite prime-time soap, featuring interviews with over 45 stars from the show...

Learn Magic with Mister Greggy Impress Your Friends and Family... Learn Magic! Discover the art of magic with this fun and interactive guide. Using everyday items, you can create amazing tricks and illusions to amaze your family and friends. With Mister...

A comprehensive guide to learning a "General American" accent, this handbook is specifically designed for native English speakers. Unlike many other American accent guides, it focuses solely on the shifts that English speakers need to make, without...

Introduction to Documentary, Fourth Edition by Bill Nichols and Jaimie Baron is a comprehensive guide to the art of documentary filmmaking. This updated edition brings significant changes to its approach, making it an indispensable resource for students...

Discover the diverse world of contemporary French cinema with this revised edition of Guy Austin's introduction to popular French film of the last 35 years.This comprehensive study charts recent developments in all genres of French cinema, including...

Women in Horror Films, 1930s by Gregory William Mank provides an in-depth look at the lives and careers of 21 cinematic leading ladies who played key roles in Hollywood's horror films. From iconic monsters to femme fatales, this book explores their...

This comprehensive guide to horror films features an extensive collection of photographs and facts about the genre. From its early beginnings to modern-day blockbusters, this book covers it all.With a wealth of information and images, Little Book of...

Discover the top 50 movies from the 2000s that every film enthusiast should see. Chris Stuckmann, a renowned film reviewer with over 70 million YouTube views, shares his expert list of boundary-pushing films that showcase the best of contemporary cinema...

TV Writing on Demand: What's Now + What's Next by Neil Landau This comprehensive guide takes you to the heart of writing for today's TV audiences, exploring the latest trends and hybrid genres that are redefining the medium. By analyzing what makes...

Watchmen Adaptations: A Critical Exploration of a Franchise in Flux. Since its initial publication in 1987, Watchmen has evolved into a complex, multi-platform franchise. Will Brooker examines the ways in which this graphic novel has expanded over time,...

The Magnificent Ambersons A Reconstruction by Robert L. Carringer In 1942, Orson Welles's film adaptation of The Magnificent Ambersons was drastically recut by RKO Studios, resulting in the loss of crucial footage. Now, film scholar Robert Carringer has...

Blood in the Streets: A Cultural History of 1970s Italian Crime Cinema Austin Fisher explores how Italian crime films of the 1970s were shaped by their cultural and political contexts. This book examines the popular film cycles that emerged during this...

Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame StreetA behind-the-scenes look at the creation and enduring success of one of television's most beloved shows. This comprehensive account, written with the complete participation of Joan Ganz Cooney, founder of...

Stage Management by Diane Norburn offers in-depth guidance on the crucial role of stage management teams in theatre production. This practical guide covers essential topics such as the production process, key roles and responsibilities, props and...

New Wave, New Hollywood Reassessment, Recovery, and Legacy by Nathan Abrams and Gregory Frame is a fresh perspective on the American film movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. This collection challenges traditional accounts of the period, which...

This comprehensive guide to the Great Westerns explores the American West on film through its most iconic directors and stars. From John Ford's "Stagecoach" to Sergio Leone's "Once Upon a Time in the West", Howard Hughes examines 27 key films that have...

The Accidental Producer: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Show on Stage This practical handbook is for anyone who wants to produce a show, whether it's a play, musical, or something else. It covers every stage of the production process, from funding...

The Man Who Left the Titanic A Play in One Act by Patrick Prior. On 14th April 1912, the Titanic sank in the Atlantic Ocean. Yet J. Bruce Ismay, Managing Director of the White Star Line, stepped into a lifeboat and sailed away from the stricken ship...

This comprehensive guide covers all Japanese giant monster movies produced from 1989 to 2019. Spanning both well-known titles and lesser-known independent films, it includes coverage of Tsuburaya Productions' Heisei era Ultraman films.The book delves...

Help young actors hone their skills with 50 original comedy and drama scenes. Written by an experienced entertainer with Hollywood and Broadway credits, these scenes are designed to simplify the acting and auditioning process.These gender-neutral scripts...

The story of a lovely lady... Well, you know how it goes. This book is a comprehensive look at America's most iconic TV family, featuring star biographies, episode summaries, and fun trivia quizzes. For fans of the show, this book offers a wealth of...

Lives and Legends of Flamenco: A Biographical History by D. E. Pohren explores the people who have shaped this passionate and expressive art form. From its origins in 18th-century Spain to its current global popularity, Pohren delves into the lives and...

The Rainbow of Desire: A Handbook of ExercisesA bold and brilliant statement about the therapeutic ability of theatre to liberate individuals and change lives, this book sets out the techniques that help us see for the first time the oppressions we have...

The 1970s were a time of great change and experimentation in the world of sex films. This collection of over 200 films from around the world offers a unique insight into the era, showcasing a diverse range of genres including sci-fi, horror, crime...

Whiteness at the End of the World Race in Post-apocalyptic Cinema examines how white racial anxiety is expressed through post-apocalyptic films. This shift from Christian apocalyptic myths, initially used by disenfranchised groups, to a contemporary...

The Last Jedi - The Official Collector's Edition is an in-depth guide to the latest Star Wars movie. This comprehensive guide introduces the characters, planets, aliens and ships featured in the film, accompanied by stunning images from the movie and...

The Making of James Cameron: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Titanic and Beyond. Paula Parisi takes readers on an unforgettable journey into the world of film-making, as she chronicles the incredible three-year odyssey that was the making of Titanic. From...

David Thomson's Remotely explores the impact of television on society in an age of streaming media. As lockdowns and plagues brought cities to a standstill, people turned to screens for comfort, leading to a phenomenon of binge-watching.The author...

Urban Horror: A Sociopolitical Public Affect in Neoliberal Post-Socialist China By Erin Y. Huang In this thought-provoking work, Erin Y. Huang explores the concept of urban horror as a sociopolitical public affect that emerges in neoliberal...

London Diaries is a poignant and powerful diary that chronicles Lorenza Mazzetti's journey to survival in London after her family were killed by the Nazis at the end of World War II. Penniless, she worked hard to make ends meet, eventually securing...

Discover the iconic locations that have made Oxford a film favourite. This guide takes you on 15 walks around Oxford, exploring key sites linked to famous films and TV specials, as well as Blenheim Palace, just outside the city. From Harry Potter to...

Dorothy Fadiman shares her extensive experience in securing funding and bringing productions to life over three decades. This insightful guide offers practical advice on balancing inspiration with financial realities, from pre-production planning to...

Not NowA drama about identity and ambition, set against the backdrop of grief and self-discovery.After his father's funeral, Matthew prepares to leave Belfast for London to audition for RADA, but his plans are complicated by a visit from his...

This comprehensive reference book explores 44 made for television films that aired under the title Thriller. First broadcast between 1973 and 1976, the anthology series features self-contained stories with their own casts.Each film is presented in...

The Dark ArtsA humorous take on the wizarding world, this book explores the lighter side of magic.With 16 pages of illustrations and wit, it's an entertaining look at the magical universe.

The Life and Adventures of Toby, the Sapient Pig With His Opinions on Men and Manners by Himself (Curious Publications) Toby, a remarkable pig, achieved great fame in 19th-century England for his exceptional abilities. He could spell, read, play cards,...

Sixty Comedy Duet Scenes for Teens Real-life Situations for LaughterThese humorous scenes are perfect for classroom practice or an evening of entertainment, offering relatable and funny situations that teens can easily identify with. From dating to...

The Story of British Animation by Jez Stewart is a comprehensive and visually rich exploration of the history and art of animation in Britain. From its origins at the end of the Victorian era to the present day, this authoritative account covers...

Awake in the Dark: The Best of Roger Ebert is a comprehensive collection of the renowned film critic's most essential writings. Spanning nearly half a century, this second edition brings together Ebert's keen judgment, sharp sense of humor, and...

The Hollywood film industry played a significant role in shaping public perception during World War II. With the war effort underway, America's most renowned directors - John Ford, William Wyler, John Huston, Frank Capra, and George Stevens - contributed...

The Night of the Hunter: A Film StudyThis book examines Charles Laughton's only directorial effort, "The Night of the Hunter", and explores its symbolism. It delves into the themes and motifs that make this film a thought-provoking work.Through an...

Sunrise: A Study of a Pivotal Film In 1927, F.W. Murnau's Sunrise was released as one of the first American films by a German director, marking a significant moment in Hollywood's early years. This film tells the story of a complex love triangle between...

The Boy from Kyiv: Alexei Ratmansky's Life in Ballet A revelatory biography of one of ballet's most celebrated choreographers, Alexei Ratmansky. Born in Kyiv, Ratmansky's journey to becoming a leading figure in the world of ballet is a story of passion,...

Stranded Objects Mourning, Memory, and Film in Postwar GermanyThis book explores the relationship between objects, memory, and film in postwar Germany. Eric L. Santner examines how objects can serve as sites of mourning and memory, and how film can be...

Funny cartoon collection from Joey SpiottoEver wondered how life would be for people who live in a world that's not their own? This charming book shows us what might happen if some familiar characters tried to navigate everyday life on Earth.With...

Danielle Goldman's groundbreaking work on improvisation in dance is a rich and thought-provoking exploration of the discipline. Through her rigorous analysis of choreography in real time, she reveals the complex volitional resources that underlie this...

The Oxford Dictionary of Dance provides an in-depth reference to all aspects of dance performance. Written by two leading dance writers, Debra Craine and Judith Mackrell, this second edition covers classical ballet to modern, flamenco to hip-hop, and...

Steve Hutchison's in-depth analysis of 100 amazing horror films from the 2010s is a must-have for film enthusiasts and horror fans alike. Each movie is carefully reviewed, with a detailed synopsis and rating provided to help readers make informed...

Producing Theatre: A Comprehensive Legal and Business Guide by Donald C. Farber is an essential resource for anyone involved in the theatrical industry.This revised edition provides a thorough understanding of the legal and business aspects of producing...

Discover 1000 fascinating facts and trivia about one of the most beloved television comedies.This comprehensive guide is packed with information that will surprise even the most dedicated fans. From behind-the-scenes insights to little-known anecdotes,...

Robert Morley: A Life of Unbridled Joy Robert Morley was a man who lived life to the fullest. He strode through existence with an infectious enthusiasm, leaving behind a legacy that continues to entertain and inspire. This personal biography, written by...

Blackout: World War II and the Origins of Film NoirSheri Chinen Biesen challenges conventional scholarship by tracing the roots of film noir to the political, social, and material conditions of Hollywood during World War II.Bien's research delves into...

Bringing Up Baby is a screwball comedy from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Directed by Howard Hawks in 1938, it tells the story of a palaeosaurologist who becomes entangled with a wilful heiress, leading to chaos and romance. The film features an ensemble...

Shooting the Pilot is a memoir by Maurice and Laurence Marks that offers an intimate look at their lives in showbusiness. From their early days as writers to their success with hit TV shows, the authors share behind-the-scenes stories of their...

A Taste of Honey: A Play of Unconventional Life Written by Shelagh Delaney at just 19 years old, this explosive play is a defining and taboo-breaking work of the 1950s. It tells the story of Jo, a feisty teenager who finds herself pregnant and alone...

A collection of memorable quotes from one of cinema's most iconic films. This anthology features a great selection of famous lines from the film, including "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse" and "Leave the gun. Take the cannolis." suited to...

100 American Horror Films presents a comprehensive survey of one of America's longest-standing and most diverse genres. From D.W. Griffith's 1915 film, The Avenging Conscience, to contemporary productions like Jordan Peele's Get Out, this book explores...

Gene Tierney: Star of Hollywood's Home Front explores the multifaceted life of a Hollywood icon whose image has been largely obscured by her reputation as a pin-up girl. This book seeks to restore some of her historical subjectivity, revealing a woman...

Dont Look Back, a landmark documentary film from 1965, is widely regarded as a significant work in the field of documentary cinema. This book examines the aesthetic, thematic and social dynamics of the film to understand its impact on the cultural...

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century: A TV Companion is a comprehensive guide to the popular American television series. Created by Glen A. Larson and Leslie Stevens, the show follows astronaut Buck Rogers as he awakens from suspended animation after 500...

This book offers a unique insight into the principles of physical action, distilled from years of collaboration between Thomas Richards and Jerzy Grotowski. Written by an actor who has worked closely with the renowned director, this report provides...

The Virtual Life of Film by D. N. Rodowick explores the changing landscape of cinema and its role in the aesthetics and culture of moviemaking and viewing in the 21st century. As digital technologies continue to transform the film industry, Rodowick...

Fright Favorites presents 31 essential films to capture the spirit of Halloween, including monster movies, modern horror, and family-friendly treats. This collection features reviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and iconic images.From classic titles like...

Shadow Puppets and Shadow Play is an in-depth exploration of the art form that has captivated audiences for centuries.A comprehensive guide to the history, techniques, and applications of shadow puppetry, this book provides a detailed look at the craft's...

Decades of creative reinterpretation have transformed Hollywood classics into vibrant global interpretations. From low-budget productions to unauthorized adaptations, these films showcase the innovative spirit of filmmakers worldwide. The stories behind...

The Empire of Effects: Industrial Light & Magic and the Rendering of Realism by Julie A. Turnock Industrial Light & Magic's influence on digital realism is undeniable, with its aesthetic strategies becoming the standard in Hollywood. However, this...

Avengers Assemble! Critical Perspectives on the Marvel Cinematic Universe by Terence McSweeney explores the resurgence of the superhero genre in recent years. This single-authored monograph delves into the cinematic universe, examining its status as an...

The Best Years of Our Lives by Sarah Kozloff explores the enduring significance of William Wyler's 1946 film. This study delves into the production and reception history of the movie, shedding new light on its development and impact. Kozloff examines the...

Montgomery Clift was a Hollywood leading man of the 1950s, known for his talent and charisma. However, behind the scenes, he struggled with the pressures of fame and the darkness of his own personal demons. A car crash in 1956 left him with a difficult...

Writing Compelling Dialogue for Film and TV is a practical guide that helps screenwriters develop their ability to write nuanced and engaging dialogue. By increasing awareness of what they hear, writers can improve their understanding of the function,...

Britten and Slater's Peter Grimes is widely regarded as one of the greatest operas of the 20th century. This book argues that it should also be considered one of Britain's finest 'lost' plays.The author, Sam Kinchin-Smith, challenges long-established...

Liveness: Performance in a Mediatized Culture by Philip Auslander explores the impact of mass media and digital technologies on live performance. The author examines specific instances of live events, such as theatre, music, sport, and courtroom...

Carlo Gozzi: A Life in 18th Century Venetian Theater and an Afterlife in Opera This biography offers the first full English account of Carlo Gozzi, the most successful playwright in 18th century Venice. Gozzi is best known for his plays that have been...

The use of violence in theatre has long been a subject of exploration and debate. This book examines the ways in which stage combat, rape, terrorism, wrestling, and historical re-enactments are used to challenge social structures and question perceived...

Sam Mendes and Simon Russell Beale have formed one of the most successful partnerships in contemporary theatre history. Over twenty years and eight productions, their collaboration has evolved and thrived through their work on stage. Mark Leipacher's...

Saw: A Critical AnalysisBenjamin Poole examines the SAW phenomenon from various angles in this contribution to the "Devil's Advocates" series. He explores the film's generic pedigree, its visceral audience pleasures, and its representations of men and...

A photographic inside look at the making of hip hop documentary Rhyme & Reason, captured by director Peter Spirer over three years in the mid-1990s. This unique volume features over 130 photographs taken using a medium-format Rolleiflex camera during...

Andrei Tarkovsky: Interviews presents a unique opportunity to explore the life and work of one of Russia's most influential filmmakers. This collection of interviews, spanning over two decades, offers a candid look at Tarkovsky's career, including his...

Discover the secret world of audience testing in Hollywood movies. This book tells the story of how real people have shaped the films we love through their honest opinions. From "the best in the business" to tears and fits of rage, audience-ology reveals...

Downton Abbey: Rules for Household Staff by Justyn Barnes is a comprehensive guide to etiquette and techniques required for those working in the manor or on the grounds. This staff handbook reveals the inner workings of the household, covering essential...

The Alternative Comedy 1979 and the Reinvention of British Stand-Up by Oliver Double explores the pivotal moment when alternative comedy exploded in Britain, transforming the style, subject matter, and politics of stand-up. Drawing from a wealth of...

Mean Streets was Martin Scorsese's third feature film, marking him as a major new talent. Released in 1973, it premiered at the New York Film Festival and received widespread critical acclaim, with critic Pauline Kael hailing it as 'a true original of...

Mario Lanza's memoirs offer a unique insight into the world of Survivor writing and its impact on his life. With over fifteen years of experience as a popular internet columnist, he shares his experiences and expertise in this engaging set of essays.From...

Ethan Coen and Joel Coen's collected screenplays offer a unique insight into the filmmaking duo's exploration of corruption and crime in their most iconic works.These four scripts, including Barton Fink, showcase the brothers' ability to blend the...

Dance Wellness offers guidance on the foundations, mental components, and physical aspects of dancer wellness. This comprehensive resource provides concepts and strategies to develop as a dancer and create your own wellness plan.Developed by the...