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I purchased this whole set for my son (9 yo at that time) after finishing an Astronomy textbook. Understanding the Universe video is a good transition course because each topic goes deeper what is usually covered lightly in a regular public school textbook. This is a good introductory resource for a child who wants a basic background knowledge in Astronomy from a college setting. The teacher is very knowledgeable about the subject; very alert and enthusiastic; and there are numerous slides and graphics to hold a student's attention.
I liked it. I learned something. However, I rented it to show my homeschooled kids how to paint in oil. My 8 yr. old daughter didn't like it. She expected a kid-friendly version of how to paint in oil. The whole idea of a face painted with so many shadow colors appalled her. Her reaction was funny. I understand. I wish I had another choice to show her.
The only thing I would change about the video, not the painter himself, is the lack of variety of angles at which the painting was made. It would have been nice to see more close-up version of it as if you're there painting it alongside the painter. It was shot from 1 or 2 angles the whole time some distance away, with few zoom-ins. I felt like I was standing right behind the painter, instead of right beside him.
Overall, I learned a few techniques and that was good enough. I would recommend it to grown ups who have never quite learned how to paint formally and would not mind the technicalities of the video.
I have watched the Film School lessons from Freshman up to Junior. I am working on the Senior year lessons. Dov Simens is a great teacher. He tells you the inner workings of Film Production from a big picture, which is something you will not learn in a regular 4 yr. college. He shows you how much it would cost (ballpark figure); the realities of what it's like to be a producer, hiring different personnels for the job, and every aspect of filmmaking, etc.
The 12 lessons are jam packed with useful and practical informations. He is a true advocate of independent filmmakers that he inspires me to get on and produce my personal projects. He makes it look easy. It CAN be done with time, talent, creativity, and passion. I can't say enough of these series. Every time I finish one lesson, it compels me to learn more about the next lesson. It is worth the money! I give it 5 stars...
Dov Simens' DVDs show you the practical approaches of how to start a movie from beginning (pre-production to end) like a college student to post-production. The only difference is that the whole series is all practical and no theory, which is good. It is an honest treatment showing you the realities (raising the capital and expenses) and what works and what doesn't in the film industry.
This is excellent for those who are just new to the industry and want to find out its inner workings from the school of hard knocks. He delivers in all sorts of ways to get his point across--sometimes sarcastic and sometimes funny. I don't like it though when he starts yelling. He does make you feel good and confident knowing that you really are a producer with projects under various stages of production. I love that approach! He is inspiring.
The only thing I would have liked to see in Dov Simen's series is a better treatment of how to develop the characters in the movie. All he did is give us a better picture of 5 oh oh's and 5 oh sh**ts....
He's good, though. You'll enjoy the series and you'll learn a tremendous amount of information!
