How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck

Publisher's Summary

How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck is a quick and easy guide that will make your video better instantly - whether you hear it cover to cover or just listen to a few chapters. It's about the language of video. How to think like a director, regardless of equipment (amateurs think about the camera, pros think about communication).

It's about the rules developed over a century of movie-making - which work - just as well when shooting a two-year-old's birthday party. Written by Steve Stockman, the director of Two Weeks (2007), plus TV shows, music videos, and hundreds of commercials, How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck explains in 74 short, pithy, insightful chapters how to tell a story and entertain your audience. How to shoot video people will want to watch.

At the end of every chapter is a suggestion of how to immediately put what you learned into practice, so the next time you're shooting you'll have begun to master the skill. Accompanying the book is a website with video clips to illustrate different rules, techniques, and situations.

Here's how to think in shots--how to move-point-shoot-stop-repeat, instead of planting yourself in one spot and pressing "Record" for five minutes. Why never to shoot until you see the whites of your subject's eyes. Why to zoom with your feet and not the lens. How to create intrigue on camera. The book covers the basics of framing, lighting, sound (use an external mic), editing, special effects (turn them off!), and gives advice on shooting a variety of specific situations: Sporting events, parties and family gatherings, graduations and performances. Plus, how to make instructional and promotional videos, how to make a music video, how to capture stunts, and much more.

©2011 Custom Productions, Inc. (P)2013 Custom Productions, Inc.

Excellent!

Some people are multi-talented, and this author is one! Plus he's got a self-deprecating sense of humor, which only the most confident people pull off (or even try ...). He describes himself as a filmmaker but then immediately humbles the title by saying, basically, in Los Angeles, EveryOne's a 'filmmaker'. His delivery is clear & basic but not so basic you want to tear your hair out, which is helped also by a steady pace when delivering new info. This is not a book about what cameras to buy or technical advice, but about basic yet hugely important info everyone must learn, practice, relearn and then deliver in order to create a video 'that doesn't suck'. For example, he says it's crucial to "use your feet" to get "the whites of their eyes" (two tips here - don't use your zoom, instead use your feet & always try to get so close to people that you can see the whites in their eyes). Many more tips too.

This is a classy professional with a great sense of humor (he dedicates the book to his partner, adding, something like 'by now, you really deserve a statue' or something, instead of his dedication). His delivery is fun, not overdone. And if you're someone interested in learning more about the law of attraction in action, this guy's an example. You just know he focuses more on what he's grateful for than complaints, a worthwhile goal for us all. Sincere & fun-loving. I'd want to go on a shoot with this teacher, which, in part, is the 'likeability' factor in action too. But nothing superficial; nice.

Just by listening, your mood will be lifted. Basically his book content is an example of his video philosophy: If you're bored with what you're shooting (or writing, talking about), then your audience will be bored too. When in doubt, cut it out. The tips he suggests ensure you will snag exciting content/images. So, tips that are timely and well worth repeated listening, plus you get a narrator that exudes a certain je ne sais quoi. Live, learn & keep editing to ensure your visual&audio memories, how-to's, and/or blockbusters just don't suck.

18 of 18 people found this review helpful

A must read for amateur videographers

What did you love best about How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck?

This book is packed full of video editing advice that is clear and easy to apply. The advice is equally applicable to youtuber videos and full length productions.

What did you like best about this story?

Steve explains why the advice works and how to go about applying it. Related themes are referenced in each chapter so it's easy to browse forward if you want a specific question answered.

Any additional comments?

This book answered all the questions I had about video editing. I've surfed the web for this advice, but nowhere have I found such clear, easy to apply tips... certainly not in one place. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for tips on how to make videos that don't suck... as well as to those haven't asked but could really use the advice!

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

I learned so much from this book!

I'm very glad I download this book. Although it's a little bit long it's so full of good content that I did very little skipping. I believe it gave me a good foundation on why so many amateur videos do suck and what I can do to drastically improve my videos. I now understand that it's not about the camera it's about the person behind the camera and their approach to filming and editing.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Tips even a pro can use

As a self-taught professional video maker, I was hoping this book would be a mini film school--and it delivered.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

love the author and loved the book.

not only does this book help you shoot better video but it helps you understand video language better.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Practical Guide to Shooting Great Video

Great guide for people looking to step up their video shooting game. Easy to understand, practical, and helpful. Does not focus on the technical equipment details. Instead, it focuses on how to tell a compelling story to your audience, with video, that they will actually want to watch.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Great help for first timers or experienced pro's

Even though I have been making professional business video's for over 20 years this book had a bunch of tricks that I had not figured by trial and error. For a person wanting to make their first video this is a must read. Many examples in the shooting, scripting and editing are things figured out through many years of trying things that don't work. Save your self considerable time and headaches by following Steve's advice blindly, I wish I had read this a long time ago. For the pro videographer, there is a ton of unexplored ground here and it is not too late to improve your next project. I believe anyone involved in Video should listen to this book. It is great and funny!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fantastic for teaching

If you're teaching a film course (I teach middle school), this is the perfect book to give you ideas and basic lessons to teach. Great book!!! #Inspiring #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Must Read For Dads Making Family Videos

Easy reading. Practical tips. Well done.
This book could be used for the amateur learning how to shoot home movies or a brush up for seasoned filmmakers. Succinct and full of tips and advice for making moments shine.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A concise sensible book for any beginning filmmaker

If you just got your first camera and are now asking "What next?", buy this book. As a beginner, it will most definitely set you out on the right foot.

I also recommend this book to my film students, because it helps them form a healthy approach to filmmaking which will help them to create quality work later as they become more technically savvy.

A great, well-rounded book. My only criticism is that it feels a little male-centric at times. Otherwise, Steve does a great job.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Brilliant, educational and interesting

I'm so glad I downloaded this. Heaving with great info on video production. I really liked the way the book is read and the humor the writer uses is really good. This thing is absolutely rammed with decent quality and actually useful stuff. I'll be listening to it again and taking notes (I listen to in the car so it's a bit fiddly to write and drive. Police get a bit funny about it you know?).
He covers technical stuff as well as softer subjects and behind the scenes. It's probably one of the most educational Audibles I've listened to in a long long time.
Thanks so much for writing this.
Have a fantastic week ahead!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

One gripe

That the mentioned chapter numbers don't match what's shown in the player. Otherwise, this is a really good book for people wanting to start shooting brilliant videos. Beforehand, this book does not cover the technical aspects of needed equipment or in depth set-up etc., but the ins and outs of the actually shooting and story line (the contents) of making a captive video for your audience. Chapters are straight to the point and kept short to keep your attention. I recommend this audio book highly.