It's a few days old, but B&H Photo/Video has a nice introduction to Controlling and manipulating the light (that enters the lens of your camera). The article describes the functions of a follow focus, mattebox and filters. If you're convinced you need these tools after reading the article, you might check out DV Magazine's Matte Box Roundup and Follow Focus Shootout, two fine articles by FresHDV's Kendal Miller and Matthew Jeppsen.