Video production Archives - Page 6 of 6

Steve Stockman In If you’re new to video, Teaching and Training, Your Questions Answered

What about Video Classes? Can You Help?

Hi Steve,

I’ve read your book and improved a lot after reading it – thank you!

Now I have a fancy new DSLR, and want to take my home movies to the next level. Do you know anything about some of the courses that are out there, such as dvworkshops.com, or nyvs.com? I’m thinking they might be good resource to help me work on polishing my camerawork and editing.

—Lilia

I have an extreme bias toward experiential learning in video. Theory is nice, but practice is what makes you better– practice in both the physical job of shooting and practice … Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Tips and Tricks, Video Marketing, Teaching and Training, Press

Downloadable Video Bootcamp for Teachers and Trainers

Way back when (okay, a couple of weeks ago) I posted our new FREE Video Bootcamp for Teachers and Trainers– 5 hours of classroom lessons you can use with your students/employees to make their video better.

Since then, I’ve received more than a few complaints about posting it on Scribd.com. I thought it made it convenient and look kind of nice on the blog, but I’m told it’s hard for people to download the original PDF.

Problem solved. Download the PDF right here, right now. Nothing to buy, no email address to leave.

Click this link to download … Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Tips and Tricks, Teaching and Training, Your Questions Answered

School Video that Doesn’t Suck

In my job, I’m expected to shoot school video of many programs (musicals, plays, etc.)

How can I make these videos not suck and please parents who want to see their children performing with the group?

–Kyle

Parents are tough, and any video that doesn’t feature their little Deshawn or Tania totally sucks– by definition. And any video that holds too long on a close-up of Tania sucks for the other 58 parents in the class.

Have you considered dentistry?

But no worries– I’m here to answer the tough questions, though you may need to prioritize.

If your main goal … Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Tips and Tricks, Video Marketing, Better Home Video, For Pros

Better Video with “How?”

In every project,you’ll reach a point where something isn’t working. That’s when you need to ask “How?”

How might I show his fear? How might I make this funny? How might I shoot when there’s a car in the way? Learning to be flexible and brainstorming around these problems become core skills for great shooting.

Here are the steps to better video while stuck:

Stop shooting. Make a list of at 5-10 different ways to do whatever you’re doing. They have to be different than what you’re doing. Don’t worry how good they are until you’ve thought of a real … Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Teaching and Training, Your Questions Answered

Video Boot Camp for Teachers: Free!

Just in time for the new school year: the new FREE, downloadable Video Boot Camp Guide for Teachers.

The booklet includes 5 one-hour lessons you can use to bring video literacy to your classroom. If you don’t have 5 hours, try one lesson– or maybe two. When it’s time to watch those videos play back, you’ll be glad you did!

The guide is yours to read, play with and reproduce– no charge. No registration of any kind is required.

Click here or the cover below to see the PDF.

Comments welcome. If you like it, please share with all of … Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Tips and Tricks, 12 Tips to Improve Your Video NOW

5 Tips to shoot better video– Instantly!

From the "How to Shoot Video that Doesn't Suck" book trailer.

The book trailer for How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck gets you started with 5 great tips to help you shoot better video.

This isn’t a technical book–it’s about how to think like a director so you can shoot video that people will actually want to watch. It includes step by step instructions for beginners, great ideas on story and more advanced techniques if you’re already serious about shooting stills or video, and even a few ideas that will inspire a pro. Whether you’re shooting with a red, a dslr or your smartphone, these are tips you can use … Read the rest

Steve Stockman In Examples from the Book

What in the Hell is Unity? (p. 114)

From How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck, Page 114:

Aristotle was the first to note that great drama has three unities—of time, of place, or of action. Unity is another way to suggest a pure focus on one thing. A play might take place over one day (unity of time), or in single house (unity of place), or around a single event (unity of action). Unities keep the audience (and the writer/director) clear on what story they’re telling, making those stories more focused and powerful.

You may think we’re getting a little highbrow in our analysis here, … Read the rest