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Short Shots Add Up (p. 106)

From How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck, Page 106:

Cutting makes us pay attention. Each cut to a new shot forces our brains to figure out what we’re looking at and what it means. We’re more engaged in what we’re watching because we have to work to understand it. Short shots make us participants instead of passive viewers.

Strong, focused shots actually convey more information to the viewer. Little parts add up to a deeper, richer whole. Check out this famous milk commercial that made director Michael Bay’s career: Each short shot gives us another hilarious detail about the hero and his location as he misses out on a huge cash prize.

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About The Author

Steve Stockman

Steve Stockman, president of LA-based Custom Productions, Inc., is a prolific producer, writer, and director, known for over 200 diverse media projects. He is also the author of the best-selling book "How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck," taught globally from middle school to graduate level, and available in 9 languages.

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