How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck
Learning to Shoot Great Video Starts Here: Take this quiz to discover your unique video shooting style - and what you need to do to take your videos from "eh" to "awesome."
Based on your answers, I'll send you custom advice to teach you how to shoot, what to shoot, and how to satisfy an audience.
What kind of video creator are you?
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Go From Amateur to Good - Or Good to Great - in Minutes
The world is drowning in video, and most of it sucks. Even though almost everyone carries a pocket video device 24/7, almost nobody knows how to use it well.
How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck teaches you how to shoot video that people will actually want to watch. I'm a Hollywood director who's written, directed and produced everything from videos to commercials to TV and Feature Film. I know that the secret to great video isn't new equipment or the latest tech. It's how you communicate with your audience. I'll teach you to think like a director so that your video does what you want it to do– and gets watched.
Whether you’re the designated family home-video-shooter, marketing your business, or on your way to a Hollywood career, I can help you shoot better video – instantly.
The World's Best-Selling Video How-to Book
How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck is available worldwide in paperback (9 languages!), electronic and audio versions.
It's a quick and easy guide that will make your video better instantly - whether you read it cover to cover or just skim 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).
The book covers the basics of video production: framing, lighting, sound (use an external mic), editing, camera effects (turn them off!), and gives advice on shooting everything: sporting events, parties and family gatherings, graduations and performances. You'll learn how to make better marketing video, how to make instructional and promotional videos, music video, and much more.
Every chapter contains a clear, concise concept that you can try the next time you pull out your phone or camera. A little practice and your video will never suck again!
“Stockman has packed a veritable film school between the pages of this highly informative, yet entertaining book. Very highly recommended.”
Videomaker Magazine
“Great tips from a video expert.”
PC World
“The only thing missing is a time machine so I could go back and reshoot fifteen years of sucky birthday party and school play videos.”
David A. Goodman
Executive Producer/Head Writer of Family Guy and The Orville
“Like two years of film school in 248 pages.”
Steven Pressfield
Author of The War of Art and The Legend of Beggar Vance
“Whip-smart and funny. Teaches readers how to think about film and reveals the why and when behind techniques; there is next to zero tech or tool talk.”
Library Journal
The "How to Shoot Video" Video Course
Level up your video with our new streaming course. I'll take you through 22 short, easy-to-follow lessons to make your video better – plus exercises and examples for each.
It's a course you can take whether you want to shoot on a high-end movie rig or the smartphone in your pocket. Because shooting great video isn't about equipment - it's about how you think about what you shoot.
Ready to shoot video people will want to watch? Check out the trailer and click here for more about the course!
Watch the two-minute trailer now
Customer Reviews
"This has truly transformed the way that I approach video."
"Now people actually ask me to please bring my camera when they know I'm going to an event, because even though they all have cameras, they know my video will be great."
"I mainly shoot weddings and dance recitals, but this has changed the way I've thought about everything."
"Be warned, once you start watching and employing these tactics you will have a much more critical eye and your old videos will 'Suck.'"
"This is easily the best resource I've seen for someone who wants to learn how to make a video great (not just average, or good)."
Resources
Articles, Q&As, and guides to shoot your best content
Watch the First Lesson - On Me
Ready to level up your video? Sample the first lesson from our new video course free right now. No credit card required.
