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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.
Got 3 minutes? Here are five video tips from the book
“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
Featured In
The world is drowning in video, and most of it sucks. Even though almost everyone carries a 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. This isn’t a technical book. You won’t find anything about HD vs. 4k, or which editing program to buy. Instead, it’s about how to think like a director so that your video does what you want it to do. Whether you’re already a pro or the designated family home-video-shooter, this book will instantly make your video better.
Every chapter contains a clear, concise concept that you can try the next time you pull out your camera. A little practice and your video will never suck again.
The Spanish-Language version is called Cómo Hacer Vídeos que Valgan la Pena, and it’s available everywhere too. You can also find the book in Japanese, Korean, Chinese (2 versions!), Russian, Polish, and Bahasa Indonesian.
How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck is a popular textbook in middle through grad schools worldwide. Contact Workman Publishing about ordering in quantity.
Get the first twenty pages free
The first 20 pages of How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck include the complete quick-start guide: 12 tips to make your video better instantly. Plus, of course, a mouthwatering table of contents that will make you want to buy the book. But there’s no such thing as a free lunch, right?
More From the book
Part 1: Think Like a Director
The director’s job is to shoot video people will want to watch. That means thinking about communicating with your audience, and how they’ll view your video.
Part 2: Preparation–the Secret of the Pros
Pros do weeks of prep. Most people don’t plan at all. Somewhere between “everything” and “none” is the right level of prep for your project.
Part 3: Setting the Stage
Once you’ve thought about what you want to shoot, and how, it’s time to assemble the people and things you need to make it work.
Part 4: How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck
You’ve thought, you’ve planned. You’ve assembled the pieces. Whether you’ve got an iPhone or a pro rig, here’s how to shoot an amazing video.
Part 5: Special Projects and How to Shoot Them
What’s the secret to viral video? How to shoot a stunt. What about a marketing video? A stunning wedding? A how-to? A great interview? They’re all in here, and more.
Part 6: After the Shoot
Sometimes videos fall out of the camera-ready watch. When they don’t, you may need to edit, tweak the sound, and more. Everything you need to know about post-production.
Part 7: Wrapping It Up
How to improve your video, make sure it works—and how to be done.
Part 8: Do-it-Yourself Great Video
Grad School Essential viewing and reading to get better at shooting video, including 100 of the most important movies of all time!
Examples from the Book
Already own the book? You’ll find the video examples here, referenced by page number, in one easy location!
