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This is a quick and easy guide and terrific read, which covers the basics of video, audio, lighting, and using your smartphone among other types of cameras to record videos. I was engaged from the first line and I was immersed to the last page. The author is very generous with knowledge that is so practical! A really good tip on how many tracks and how to lay your tracks is just in the first couple of chapters. The author discusses various platforms for posting online videos, and its a very well thought out with a Pros and Cons listing. I highly recommend this book if you are beginner like myself into the world of video making for social media or just even making family or DIY product video would benefit from this information.

I thought that this would be a guide for beginners, but what I found was not a guide for amateurs but a fairly detailed guide for filmmakers and those wanting to work professionally. The information provides overviews and insights into all aspects of video making, but much is beyond the needs, or budgets, of the hobbyist. Having said this, there is much that is applicable to those with less lofty aspirations. The book is clear, well written, and allows the reader to delve into specific sections they are interested in. Due to the rapidly changing world of technology, sections of the book will require regular updating, but this is a good handbook for those wanting to progress their insights and skills in video making.

This book serves as an excellent guide, leading readers through a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental skills, techniques, and tools necessary to elevate the quality of video production. It is particularly beneficial for those who are just embarking on their journey in the world of video creation. The author has done an exceptional job of breaking down the complexities of video production into manageable, understandable segments. From the basics of camera operation to the nuances of lighting and sound, each aspect is covered in-depth, providing readers with a well-rounded understanding of how each element contributes to the final product. Moreover, the book doesn’t merely focus on the technical side of things. It also delves into the creative process, offering insights and advice on storyboarding, planning shoots, and post-production editing. The author’s approach ensures that readers are not only equipped with the practical knowledge to operate equipment but also understand the artistry involved in creating compelling video content. In essence, this book is a valuable resource for beginners. It provides a solid foundation upon which they can build their skills, helping them navigate the exciting yet often daunting world of video production with confidence. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a vlogger, or simply someone looking to improve your video skills, this book is a great place to start!

This comprehensive video-making book is excellent, covering every aspect in great detail. It provides valuable insights for beginners and goes beyond the basics, offering in-depth information for filmmakers and professionals alike. From selecting equipment and software to fine-tuning location, sound, and lighting, no detail is left unaddressed. The book breaks down the complexities of video production into manageable segments, making it a great handbook for anyone looking to improve their skills in this rapidly evolving field. The section explaining technical terms and budgeting is particularly valuable. However, one drawback of technical books like this is the rapid pace of technological advancements, which can quickly render certain information outdated. Regular revisions to accommodate major innovations would be beneficial. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone with a mobile phone, whether you’re a YouTuber or a potential movie maker. It’s a comprehensive resource that will undoubtedly enhance your video-making journey.

A BRILLIANT RESOURCE. For anyone, like me, who has dabbled with making videos using my phone a basic graphic design software, this book is pure gold! It provides a broad summary of what’s required to make excellent videos for the purpose you intended, then clearly and succinctly outlines everything you need to consider. From recording equipment to film budget, camera angles and techniques, lighting, editing software, and so much more, this book will provide you with the confidence you need to make the decisions that are right for you. It also discusses the pros and cons of all the major social media platforms, in relation to video views and life cycle, so you can choose the marketing strategies and sharing tactics that are right for you. I highly recommend this book.

With all the ever-evolving cameras, tripods, and other gadgets available for making videos these days, the choices of what to buy and how to use them can seem overwhelming. This book cuts through the informational clutter and provides a clear, step-by-step path for transitioning from video beginner to fully informed videographer. The advice is real world, well-reasoned, and rooted in experience. Moreover, the approaches for progressing from idea to completed video are laid out logically. The book is packed with insider tips about video budgeting, sizing up the audience and the competition, selecting equipment (and whether to rent or buy), pre-production planning, writing a script, shooting the video, post-production tasks, and other important aspects of making polished videos. Along the way, the book addresses an assortment of conundrums, such as whether to use a smart phone camera vs. an actual video camera. For anyone who’s dreamed of saying, “Lights, camera, action!”, this book provides ample grounding

As a new entrepreneur, I understand the need for social media presence for my brand and I was therefore looking for a short and easy to understand guide on video making fundamentals to help me get started with video content creation. I was very lucky to come across this book as it does exactly what it promises to do: it helps beginners understand the basics and feel less overwhelmed by the whole process. I like how it clearly breaks down all technical aspects from A to Z in a logical order and, as a beginner, I’ve found the ‘The Video Budget’ and ‘Tips for Shooting Specific Projects’ chapters particularly useful.