I have never really seen an actual professional film being made (except for those great "extras" you get on DVDs), and was wondering if there were any videos available which do a good job of showing that? Camera shots on dollies, cranes, lighting, microphone placement, etc?
...or, any feature films on DVD where there are exceptional "making of" extras that do a great job of showing this...

Thanks in advance.

ps, no I'm not the author or I wouldn't be asking this question ;)

You've got two choices. Keep culling for 'bts' - behind the scenes - footage off of DVD discs, or simply buy "How To" videos. Plenty of good instructional videos on lighting, camera work, etc.

I guess as a third course, you could simply watch 'movie movies' - movies whose PLOT is about moviemaking - Think "The Player", or "State and Main" for instance.

There are numerous documentaries about making particular films as well, which are basiclly extended 'bts' sorts of films. Hell, the behind the scenes documentaries on the Lord of the Rings is ... what, something like four or five hours worth?