World Famous Comics: Video Shooter: Storytelling with DV, HD, and HDV Cameras (DV Expert Series) (DV Expert Series)
Video Shooter: Storytelling with DV, HD, and HDV Cameras (DV Expert Series) (DV Expert Series)
By: Barry Braverman Publisher: CMP Books Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: CMP Books Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 256 Publication Date: January 15, 2006
Product Description: Video Shooter is a guide to both the mechanics of the video camera and the craft of shooting. Written by a veteran in the industry and utilizing an engaging, conversational style (including illustrative anecdotes from the author's many years of experience), the book takes the reader beyond "button pushing" to teach the complete range of skills required to capture compelling images. Topics include equipment selection, camera setup and operation, shooting techniques, and working with lighting and audio. Although the techniques illustrated in Video Shooter are appropriate for users of a wide range of camera models, the book focuses on the most popular 3-CCD DV and HDV cameras. A chapter on issues and techniques relating to DVD output makes the book especially suitable for industrial, educational, and government video producers. The book also features a companion DVD with tutorials, footage demonstrating storytelling techniques, and technical matter such as a comparison of various filters.
Written by a veteran in the industry, Video Shooter is a guide to both the mechanics of the video camera and the craft of shooting.
Can't tell his own story It seems odd that a book with "story telling" in its title is written using the dreaded "string of pearls" writing style. Each chapter is a collection of tiny (1/2 page), jokingly-titled sections that are very loosely related to the chapter---by all means look over the table of contents before you buy. A chapter's sections could be shuffled at random and not alter the level of coherence for that chapter.
Because of their shortness, the sections merely give the user a very small taste of their topic while providing little substance. That's too bad because it appears that the author is very knowledgeable in most aspects of the field; however, he is unable to organize his knowledge and experience in a form that would be most useful to the reader.
This is not a how-to book by any stretch of the imagination nor is it a good reference book. With better organization and some additional depth the author could probably produce a very solid work, but failed to in this effort.
A great help for a novice. very good for me, the novice looking to become an 'intermediate' shooter. well done.
everything and the kitchen sink I am a screenwriter who took up video. I am the opposite of an equipment fetishist. What I loved about this book was --- I could understand it! Not only that, it reminded me of what and how to achieve those qualities I admire in great films--story, framing, editing, etc. There was no condescension. No talking above my head. The use of humor was terrific. I never thought I'd say this about a technical book, but it was an enjoyable read!
Not for Consumer Camcorders The first few pages have many good points for the consumer video shooter, but the bulk of the book is aimed at professionals or very wealthy and very serious amateurs.
The author purports to speak to the amateur and does so in the first 96 pages. The remaining 170 some pages gets into equipment and the author covers only the best professional-level gear. If you don't mind being told that you can't possibly make videos unless you purchase a $5000 camcorder, $3000 in tripods, $8000 in lighting, etc, then you might like the book. If you don't mind being talked down to and you are willing to equip yourself with two truckloads of gear at a cost that is many times the price of your camcorder, then you might like this book.
Try to find a used copy without the CD - it adds nothing that is not in the book.
Listen to the wisdom of great experience Video production is a complex and expensive process. Barry's book takes the mystery out of the craft and SAVES YOU MONEY by telling you just what you need...and what you don't. I loved his wonderful, meaningful stories and personal shooting experiences mixed within his narrative of the craft and its myriad toys, gadgets and gear, all laid out clearly for the reader's benefit. Those willing to take the plunge into this artform will find this book an indispensable companion. A gifted shooter giving us all the clues we need to tell real and compelling stories of our own, available at a glance...awesome. It's like having a DP angel on your shoulder. You will find other reference books out there, but none are so beautifully laid out, comprehensive or complete as this one. Buy it. Read it. You'll be glad you did.
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