DIRE STRAITS - MAKING MOVIES - ORIG USA 12" Vinyl LP Album

- A timeless 1980 vinyl masterpiece of cinematic rock, iconic songs, and unforgettable production

Dire Straits' 'Making Movies' the original USA 12" LP vinyl album from 1980, showcases the band's musical evolution. Produced by Mark Knopfler and Jimmy Iovine and engineered by The Shelly Yakus, it features custom inner sleeves with lyrics and artwork. Recorded in July-August 1980, it boasts the talents of Mark and David Knopfler on guitars, John Illsley on bass and vocals, and Pick Withers on drums

"Making Movies" Album Description:

In the bustling landscape of American music in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Dire Straits' seminal album "Making Movies" made a profound impact on listeners across the United States. Released as a 12" vinyl LP album, the American edition of "Making Movies" encapsulated the essence of the band's musical innovation and left an indelible mark on the nation's cultural landscape, thanks in part to the expert craftsmanship of sound engineer Shelly Yakus.

From the iconic streets of New York City to the sprawling highways of Los Angeles, Dire Straits' unique fusion of rock, folk, and blues resonated with American audiences, capturing the spirit of a generation in transition. Under the guidance of Yakus, whose meticulous attention to detail shaped the album's sonic landscape, the band embarked on a sonic journey that spoke to the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of millions.

The American edition of "Making Movies" featured a lineup of tracks that quickly became anthems for a new era. From the infectious energy of "Skateaway" to the poignant storytelling of "Romeo and Juliet," each song on the album showcased Dire Straits' unparalleled musicianship and lyrical depth, enhanced by Yakus' expert touch in the studio.

Upon its release, "Making Movies" skyrocketed to the top of the charts in the United States, propelled by the band's electrifying live performances and Yakus' seamless production. The album's commercial success solidified Dire Straits' status as one of the era's preeminent musical acts, with fans from coast to coast flocking to record stores to get their hands on a copy.

What sets the American edition of "Making Movies" apart is its ability to capture the zeitgeist of its time while remaining timeless in its appeal. Whether blasting from car stereos on long road trips or filling concert halls with its electrifying sound, the album continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, its melodies serving as a soundtrack for life's most memorable moments.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

80s British Pop-Rock

Label & Catalognr:

WB Records – BSK 3480

Album Packaging

This album "DIRE STRAITS - Making Movies Orig USA" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs and artwork/photos.

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1980 – Made in USA

Producers:
  • Mark Knopfler – Producer
  • Jimmy Iovine – Producer
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Shelly Yakus – Sound/Recording Engineer
  • Discover the fascinating journey of Shelly Yakus, the sound engineer who revolutionized music production and captured the magic of iconic artists. From the Beatles to U2, his story is a must-read for music lovers and aspiring sound engineers alike. Read it Here
  • Jeff Hendrickson – Assistant Engineer
  • Jon Mathias – Assistant Engineer
Recording Location:

Recorded July–August 1980

Mastering Engineer & Location:
  • Greg Calbi – Mastering Engineer
Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Neil Terk – Design and Artwork
Photography:
  • Brian Griffin – Photography
Additional Credits:

Extract from The Carousel Waltz composed by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Published by Williamson Music Inc. (ASCAP). Copyright renewed. Sole selling agent T. B. Harms c/o Welk Music Group.

Thanks to Ed, Paul, Lou and Liz at Damage Management.

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Mark Knopfler – Lead Vocals, Guitars
  • David Knopfler – Guitars
  • John Illsley – Bass Guitar, Vocals
  • Pick Withers – Drums
  • Roy Bittan – Keyboards (courtesy of The E Street Band)

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Tunnel of Love
  2. Romeo and Juliet
  3. Skateaway
Video: Dire Straits - Romeo And Juliet (Official Music Video)
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Expresso Love
  2. Hand in Hand
  3. Solid Rock
  4. Les Boys
Video: Dire Straits - Expresso Love
Album Front Cover Photo
The front cover of Dire Straits' 1980 album Making Movies, original USA release. The design is strikingly minimalist, dominated by a vivid red field with a solid matte texture, free of imagery or illustration. A bright blue horizontal band stretches across the very top edge, carrying the text Dire Straits on the left and Making Movies on the right, both set in clean, white capital letters. At the center of this band is a semi-circular cut-out motif, resembling a tab or notch, which visually punctuates the otherwise plain geometry. The bold use of pure color against minimal typography gives the cover a stark, iconic presence, reflecting the early 1980s era of design simplicity while emphasizing contrast and intensity.

The front cover of Dire Straits' Making Movies is a bold exercise in minimalism and color. The main field is an uninterrupted expanse of intense red, smooth in tone and surface, without imagery or decoration, giving it a dramatic, almost cinematic backdrop.

Along the very top runs a horizontal strip of bright blue, contrasting sharply with the red. On the left side of this strip appears the band’s name, Dire Straits, in clear white uppercase letters. On the right side, equally crisp, is the album’s title, Making Movies. Between these two words, at the center of the strip, is a semi-circular notch cut into the band, like the tab of a file folder, adding a subtle graphic element.

The simplicity of this cover, with its geometric blocks of color and restrained typography, gives it a timeless, iconic character. It communicates both confidence and mystery, drawing the viewer’s attention by what is absent rather than what is shown, embodying the band’s understated but powerful aesthetic.

Album Back Cover Photo
The back cover of Dire Straits' 1980 album Making Movies, original USA release. The design mirrors the minimalist front with a solid red field dominating the surface. A bright blue strip runs along the top edge with the band name Dire Straits on the left and the album title Making Movies on the right, in white uppercase letters. At the center of the strip is the same semi-circular notch motif as on the front. Small black text is printed along the left and right vertical edges, carrying track listing details, song titles, and credits. A Warner Bros. Records logo is positioned on the bottom left, while a white barcode is located at the bottom center. The design is stark and geometric, focusing attention on text placement rather than imagery.

The back cover of Dire Straits' Making Movies continues the bold minimalism of the front. A solid, uninterrupted red field dominates the surface, creating a dramatic backdrop.

At the very top, a horizontal strip of bright blue carries the band’s name, Dire Straits, on the left and the title Making Movies on the right, both in white uppercase lettering. In the middle of the strip is the distinctive semi-circular notch, visually echoing the front design.

Along the left and right vertical edges, small black text provides track titles and production credits, forcing the viewer to look closely to discover the information. At the bottom left corner is the Warner Bros. Records logo, while a white barcode is prominently placed at the bottom center. The overall layout emphasizes geometry and restraint, relying on contrast and subtle detail rather than imagery to define its identity.

First Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
The custom inner sleeve of Dire Straits' 1980 album Making Movies, original USA release. The background is a solid sky-blue color, filling the entire surface. On the left vertical edge, the words Dire Straits and Making Movies are printed in bold white capital letters, aligned vertically in opposite directions. On the right half of the sleeve, printed in neat black type, are full sets of song lyrics, arranged in vertical columns, covering several tracks including Expresso Love, Hand in Hand, Solid Rock, and Les Boys. At the bottom left corner, there is a small red illustration of an electric guitar with a long coiled cable. Just above it, production and credit details are printed in small black text, including names of musicians, producers, engineers, and publishing information. The clean layout combines bright minimal color with functional typography, balancing aesthetics and utility.

The custom inner sleeve of Dire Straits’ Making Movies is striking in its simplicity. A full sky-blue background dominates the design, creating a vivid contrast against the darker text.

Running vertically along the left edge, the band name Dire Straits and the title Making Movies are printed in white uppercase lettering, oriented in opposite directions for visual balance. The right half of the sleeve is filled with neatly arranged black song lyrics, set in narrow columns and covering tracks such as Expresso Love, Hand in Hand, Solid Rock, and Les Boys.

At the bottom left corner, a small red graphic of an electric guitar with a long looping cable provides a splash of illustrative detail. Above this, production credits, engineer names, and publishing acknowledgements are printed in fine black type. The overall effect blends bold color with practical lyric presentation, making the inner sleeve both a collectible design and a functional guide for listeners.

Second Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
The second custom inner sleeve of Dire Straits' 1980 album Making Movies, original USA release. The background is solid sky-blue, filling the entire sleeve. On the left side, black printed song lyrics are arranged in tall vertical columns for the tracks Tunnel of Love, Romeo and Juliet, and Skateaway. On the right side, three monochrome black-and-white photographs of the band members appear in a vertical stack, each framed by studio lighting equipment. At the top, Mark Knopfler is pictured seated with guitar, labeled vocals, guitars. In the center, John Illsley is shown seated in front of a wall of notes, labeled bass, vocals. At the bottom, Pick Withers is captured in a candid blurred motion, labeled drums, vocals. On the far right edge, the band’s name Dire Straits and the album title Making Movies are printed vertically in white uppercase letters, contrasting with the blue field.

The second inner sleeve of Dire Straits’ Making Movies pairs lyrics with striking photography. The entire background is filled with solid sky-blue, creating a bold visual canvas.

On the left side, neatly printed black text presents the lyrics to Tunnel of Love, Romeo and Juliet, and Skateaway, arranged in long vertical columns for clarity. These detailed lyrics give listeners a close textual connection to the songs.

On the right, three stacked black-and-white photographs of band members are set against a studio backdrop with visible lights and equipment. At the top, Mark Knopfler is shown with his guitar, credited with vocals and guitars. In the middle, John Illsley appears thoughtful, identified with bass and vocals. At the bottom, Pick Withers is captured in a blurred, almost ghostlike motion, labeled with drums and vocals. Each portrait carries a raw, intimate quality.

Running vertically along the far right edge, the words Dire Straits and Making Movies appear in bold white uppercase letters. The balance of typography, lyrics, and photography creates a sleeve that is both functional and highly collectible.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of Side One record label from the original USA release of Dire Straits' 1980 album Making Movies. The label is a pale cream color with the Warner Bros. Records logo printed prominently at the top in full color, featuring the classic shield design with the word Records on a ribbon. Centered below, the text reads Dire Straits / Making Movies, followed by production credits listing Jimmy Iovine and Mark Knopfler as producers and Shelly Yakus as engineer. On the right side appears the catalog number BSK 3480 and the number 1, indicating Side One. The tracklist is printed in black text, listing Tunnel of Love (8:09), Romeo and Juliet (5:57), and Skateaway (6:38). Below the track titles, detailed copyright, publishing, and legal text fills the bottom half of the label, crediting Mark Knopfler for all songs, with Rondor Music (London) Ltd. as publisher, Almo Music Corp. for U.S. and Canada, and a note that the intro music for Tunnel of Love is taken from The Carousel Waltz by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The outer rim of the label carries fine-print text circling the perimeter: Warner Bros. Records Inc. – Made in U.S.A. – 3300 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California. The spindle hole is centered with minor press wear visible, adding authenticity to the close-up detail.

This close-up of the Side One record label for Dire Straits’ Making Movies captures the cream-colored Warner Bros. design in sharp detail. At the top, the colorful Warner Bros. shield logo is displayed prominently.

Beneath it, the album title and band name are printed in bold, followed by production credits: Produced by Jimmy Iovine and Mark Knopfler and Engineered by Shelly Yakus. To the right, the catalog number BSK 3480 and large numeral “1” indicate this is Side One of the record.

The track listing is neatly arranged: Tunnel of Love (8:09), Romeo and Juliet (5:57), and Skateaway (6:38). Below, extensive publishing and copyright text credits Mark Knopfler as songwriter, with Rondor Music (London) Ltd. and Almo Music Corp. administering rights. A special note highlights that the intro of Tunnel of Love incorporates The Carousel Waltz by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

The outer ring of the label carries fine perimeter text with the Warner Bros. Records address in Burbank, California. The spindle hole sits perfectly at the center, bearing slight wear marks typical of an original pressing. The presentation blends utility and artistry, emphasizing both legal detail and iconic branding.

DIRE STRAITS Vinyl Albums Discography and Cover Gallery

DIRE STRAITS - Alchemy Live (Three European Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Alchemy Live (Three European Versions)  album front cover vinyl record

"Alchemy: Dire Straits Live" perfectly encapsulates the energy and musical virtuosity of a Dire Straits concert. The album was recorded during their 1983-1984 "Love Over Gold" tour

Alchemy Live 2LP (1984 France) Alchemy Live 2LP (1984 Germany) Alchemy Live 2LP (1984 Holland)
DIRE STRAITS - Brothers in Arms (Two Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Brothers in Arms (Two Versions) album front cover vinyl record

'Brothers in Arms' on 12" Vinyl LP is a sonic masterpiece produced by Mark Knopfler and Neil Dorfsman. This iconic album showcases the band's musical prowess and includes hits like 'Money for Nothing'.

Brothers in Arms (1985, Holland) Brothers in Arms (1985, West-Germany)
DIRE STRAITS - Communiqué (Three Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Communiqué (Three Different Versions) album front cover vinyl record

"Communiqué" is listed in three versions: European, German, and a rare Club Edition, each offering a unique experience on 12" vinyl LP.

Communiqué European Release Communiqué (1979, Germany) Communique Club Edition (1979, Germany)
DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled Debut Album (4 Versions) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled Debut Album (4 Different Versions) album front cover vinyl record

The self-titled debut album of "Dire Straits" is available in four distinct versions, including the rare Portuguese edition, which is notably elusive to find.

DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled (1978, England) DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled Black Vertigo (1978, France) DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled (1978, France) DIRE STRAITS - Self-Titled (1978, Portugal)
DIRE STRAITS - Lady Writer b/w Where Do You Think You're Going? (1979, Germany) 7" Vinyl Single
DIRE STRAITS - Lady Writer b/w Where Do You Think You're Going? (1979, Germany)  album front cover vinyl record

Vertigo 609 230   , 1979 , Germany

"Lady Writer" by Dire Straits is a captivating musical gem. Featuring the hit "Lady Writer" on one side and "Where Do You Think You're Going?" on the other, this release showcases the band's signature sound

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DIRE STRAITS - Live Promo Warner Bros (1979, Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Live Promo Warner Bros (1979, Germany)  album front cover vinyl record

Warner Bros WBMS 109  , 1979 , USA

The rare promotional 12" Vinyl LP album, "Dire Straits - Live Promo - Warner Bros Music Show", offers a unique glimpse into the band's live performances.

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DIRE STRAITS - Love Over Gold (Netherlands and West-German Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Love Over Gold  (Netherland and West-German Releases)  album front cover vinyl record

"Love Over Gold" the Dutch and West-German editions each having different coloured record labels , the West-German release mentions "Digital Recording".

Love Over Gold OIS (Netherlands) Love Over Gold (West-Germany)
DIRE STRAITS - Making Movies (German , Holland and USA Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Making Movies (German and Holland Release)  album front cover vinyl record

The Dutch, German and USA release of "Making Movies" produced by Mark Knopfler and Jimmy Iovine and engineered by The Shelly Yakus, it features custom inner sleeves with lyrics and artwork. Recorded in July-August 1980

German Edition of Making Movies Dutch Edition of Making Movies Making Movies Genuine USA Edition
DIRE STRAITS - Money for Nothing (1988, UK) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Money for Nothing (1988, UK)  album front cover vinyl record

Vertigo INT 836 419 , 1988 , UK

"Money for Nothing" is a musical treasure with a mix of studio and live tracks. It features the iconic "Sultans of Swing", a live version of "Portobello Belle", and a remix of "Twisting by the Pool".

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DIRE STRAITS - On Every Street (1981, Holland) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - On Every Street (1981, Holland)  album front cover vinyl record

Vertigo 510 160 , 1991 , Holland

"On Every Street" by Dire Straits is a rare find enriched with exclusive content. This edition includes an official merchandise leaflet and a 40-page booklet featuring color photos and details of the 1992 world tour.

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DIRE STRAITS - Telegraph Road Promo (1982, France) 12" Vinyl EP
DIRE STRAITS - Telegraph Road (1982, France)  album front cover vinyl record

Vertigo 6863 201 , 1982 , France

The French Promo 12" Vinyl Maxi-Single of "Telegraph Road" by Dire Straits is a highly sought-after collector's item. Featuring a rare 14:37 version of the song, it predates the official release of the LP "Love Over Gold".

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DIRE STRAITS - Twisting By the Pool ExtendedancEPlay ( French and Netherlands Releases ) 12" Vinyl LP
DIRE STRAITS - Twisting By the Pool ExtendedancEPlay ( French and Netherlands Releases ) album front cover vinyl record w

The Netherlands release of the 12" EP "Twisting By the Pool" by Dire Straits features a concise tracklist. The Fren ch Edition also includes the bonus track "Badges, Posters, Stickers, T'Shirts"

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