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Frequently Asked Questions

Steve Stockman is a working Hollywood director, producer, and author (not usually all at the same time.) He has directed feature film, music videos, commercials, and TV shows. Steve’s book, How to Shoot Video that Doesn't Suck, is the world’s best-selling how-to video book. It’s available in 9 languages from Workman Publishing; as an audio book, and as a streaming video course. You can learn more about Steve here, here, or here.

How to Shoot Video that Doesn't Suck: The Video Course  is a course that teaches you how to shoot video other people will want to watch.

It consists of 22 short, easy-to-follow streaming video lessons to make any amateur look like a pro. Each lesson focuses on a specific aspect of video production and includes practical exercises you can apply instantly to make your video better. Just watching the course will make your video much more professional-looking. If you actually do the exercises, you can go from decent to great with practice.

There are three parts to the streaming course:

The Introduction explains why you need to shoot great video, and how to think about things from the point of view of an audience.

Part one features lessons on “how to shoot”. These are the basics of how to make sure your video is watchable: How to “think in video” and the video language. Includes modules on shots, action, story, editing, lighting and talent that are the building block components of learning to shoot better video.

Part two includes lessons on “what to shoot”-- how to take those building blocks and create video an audience will want to watch, with an emphasis on telling story through video. You’ll get special modules on how to do video marketing audiences won’t skip, the art of doing interviews, shooting vacations, kids, holidays and more!.

When you enroll in this course, a professional Hollywood director will teach you:

  • How to create videos that other people will want to watch
  • How to put together a video that says what you want it to say
  • How to tell a story in video, and why you should
  • To Improve your video production skills without the need for expensive equipment
  • Practical tips that can be applied immediately to your next video

No special equipment needed! This course focuses on how you think about communicating through video. It’s not about the technical side of video equipment, plugging things into your computer or learning software.

Although the course was shot by pros on professional equipment, you can do any of the exercises on your smartphone or favorite still camera (assuming it shoots video.) You can edit it on whatever free editing app works with your device.

If you already own a great video camera or fancy software, that’s fine too. Use whatever you enjoy using. The principles are the same on a $30,000 camera as they are on an iPhone.

No prior experience is necessary. The course is designed both for beginners and those looking to level up their video skills quickly and practically.

The lessons are structured to provide foundational knowledge and practical tips that you can apply instantly, making it suitable for those new to video production as well as more experienced individuals looking to enhance their skills.

Journalists, wedding photographers, professors and instructors, and realtors are some of our biggest fans. But PAs, grips and gaffers have gotten a lot from it too (and no, if you’re a beginner you do not have to know who any of those people are or what they do on a film set.) 

If you’re a pro, we promise you’ll get great ideas from this course and sharpen your storytelling skills– but judge for yourself by taking advantage of our 14 day, no questions asked, money-back guarantee.

Same principles, yes. Same content, no. 

While there’s some overlap, we shot the video streaming course with a professional Hollywood crew, actors and graphics. This is not Steve reading his book to you. Rather we’ve tried to demonstrate techniques visually, go into a bit more depth on the important stuff, and invent some new exercises to help you become a better videographer. 

If you like learning from video (and seeing examples) rather than reading or listening to an audiobook, this course is for you. If you’d like more depth, more practice and a reinforcement of what you learned in the book, you’ll enjoy it.

Yes, additional resources and materials are included with the course to enhance your learning experience. These include:

  1. Customized PDF Guide:
    A comprehensive guide packed with additional exercises to help reinforce your learning and improve your video-making skills.
  2. Special Offers:
    Enrollees get our weekly(ish) newsletter, plus  first access to special offers and updates as they become available.

You pay all at once.

We offer a 14-day, no-questions-asked money-back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with the course within the first 14 days of your purchase, you can request a full refund—no hassle, no stress.

Please do! If you buy one for yourself, there’s always a discount on a gift copy. If you’re buying just for the video lover in your life, there’s a gift version that lets them sign up with their own account. Go to the course checkout page for more details.

For any additional questions or specific inquiries, please feel free to contact support@stevestockman.com

To enroll in the course, you have two options:

  1. Visit the Website: Go to the "Video Course" section on Steve Stockman's website. You’ll get a course preview,  detailed information about the course and a free lesson or two that you can watch by registering (no credit card required!)
  2. Direct Link: You can by the course right now by going directly to the course checkout page using this link.

After enrolling in the course, follow these steps to access the course content:

  1. Login to Your Account:
    • Visit the course platform at Steve Stockman's course site.
    • Use the login credentials (email and password) you created during enrollment to log in.
  2. Navigate to the Course:
    • Once logged in, you’ll see a dashboard with your enrolled courses.
    • Click on the course title to access the content.
  3. Explore the Modules:
    • The course content is typically divided into modules or sections.
    • Start with the first module and progress at your own pace.
  4. Support for Access Issues:
    • If you have trouble accessing the course, check your email (and your spam folder!) for a confirmation message with login details.

For further assistance, contact the support team via the platform's help or support@customproductions.tv. We’re a small shop, so response won’t be instantaneous, but we’ll be back to you in 24 hours or less..

The course is self-paced, allowing you to learn on your schedule. With 22 concise video lessons, you can complete the course in a few days or take your time over several weeks, depending on your availability and how much time your spend on the exercises.

The course videos are available through online streaming only. This ensures access to the latest updates and improved viewing quality.

Yes, you can log in and stream the course on any internet-enabled device, including computers, tablets, and smartphones.

There is no dedicated mobile app. However, the course platform is mobile-friendly and works seamlessly on smartphones and tablets via web browsers.

Any web-accessible device with a browser can stream the course..

Yes. If you encounter any issues while accessing the course. You can reach out by Email: support@stevestockman.com

If you forget your password, click the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. You’ll receive an email with instructions to reset it.

Yes, you can update your account details, such as email address and payment information, by accessing your account settings after logging in.

Ensure your internet connection is stable and that you are using a compatible browser. Clearing your cache and restarting your device can also help. If the issue persists, contact technical support through the website.

Occasionally, promotions or discounts may be offered on the course. Visit the official website or subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed about special offers.

Public Schools don’t need to! If you purchase one copy, you can use it for unlimited classroom learning provided it takes place at your school. 

Businesses and other private enterprises do need to purchase a classroom bulk license to use it in classrooms. To purchase or for more information Email: info@stevestockman.com

Steve speaks to and runs workshops for businesses and schools interested in shooting better video, storytelling, or video marketing strategy. Please contact him at: info@stevestockman.com.

Steve and his company work with medium and large companies on the strategy, creation and execution of online and broadcast video marketing, and all kinds of film and television production. Please contact him at: Info@customproductions.tv. For more details see his professional website www.customproductions.tv

Steve is happy to discuss how he can help your team or organization achieve their video-making and marketing goals!

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Weekly tips and tricks to keep your video from sucking!