American Film Institute Desk Reference

""It's amazing there has never been a source to turn to for all the basic information about the movies,"" writes Clint Eastwood in his introduction to The American Film Institute Desk Reference: The Complete Guide to Everything You Need to Know About the Movies. Responding to Eastwood's observation, editors Melinda Corey and George Ochoa have packed this colossal volume with information on ""movie basics"" (the fundamentals of how films are made); ""movie crafts"" (aspects of the business, including acting and special effects); profiles of actors, directors and others; and lists of significant films. Throughout, celebrity essays written by Angela Lansbury, Martin Scorsese and a handful of others add a unique perspective.