Tired of the dry rudimentary guidebooks that ignore the art of telling compelling video stories? Video Shooter takes you to a new level of competence and expertise by presenting the camera as a potent storytelling tool. Sure, you will learn the basics of HD formats, the fundamentals of compression and color space, but only so much as these technical areas serve your craft, which includes more fundamentally camera placement and eyeline, choice of lens focal length and the power of the triangle in creating powerful compositions. Throughout the book you will come to understand the master shooter’s guiding principle, that story is the conduit through which all creative and technical decisions flow.
Humorous and opinionated, the author provides insightful anecdotes and tutorials that help you learn the video shooter’s craft. While the book focuses primarily on how to get the most out of your entry- and mid-level P2, XDCAM, and AVCHD camcorder, the principles and lessons covered such as shooting for green screen and understanding point of view apply just as well to video shooters and storytellers of any level.
As apprenticeships in the industry have largely disappeared, aspiring shooters and film students have had to seek alternative sources for training and guidance. In Video Shooter, you will find a master teacher offering perceptive lessons with a healthy dose of inspiration; these pages are as close to a living and breathing mentor as one can get in a printed form.
Hundreds of full-color photos and illustrations present the many lessons throughout the book.
Please visit the Companion Web site: http://booksite.focalpress.com/Braverman/ (registration code is located inside the book)
* Engaging and informative, veteran shooter Barry Braverman shares the ins and outs of crafting a story using DV cams.
* Extensively illustrated in full color, readers will see examples of good video shooting that will help them learn what to do (and what to avoid) in their own videos.
* Companion website offers tutorials, bonus illustrations, examples, demos, equipment reviews, craft tips, blogs, and an instructor’s corner complete with students’ work.
List Price: $ 44.95
Price: $ 19.99
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February 4th, 2012 at 18:45
Indispensable tool for filmmakers,
“Video Shooter”, 2nd edition, is an indispensable tool for filmmakers. Richly infused with feeling and experience as well as abundant information, tips, and procedures, it reads quickly, covering a wide ambit, a veritable film school in less than 300 pages with a consistent emphasis on what the author calls “the craft of ingenuity”. As a production manager for feature films, I can see that this is one of a few books I’d like to keep carrying with me on the job.
On the surface, the book is a well thought-out and thorough professional manual, but it is also an entertainingly presented conversation with a seasoned master of the trade as he dispenses caring advice and lively support, fully cognizant of how swiftly changing technology challenges tomorrow’s shooter, who is compelled to wear ever more hats.
It is clear that the author has his feet firmly planted in classic techniques and time tested theory, but he also evinces a great curiosity about and mastery of any and all camera tools that range from Christian Dior Diorissimo #4443 women’s stockings (black color preferred) to the most recherché new digital tools that bombard gear magazines daily. I am looking forward to the companion websites to keep up with all the innovations through the author’s accessible and clear reviews.
The reader travels not only the length and breadth of the craft of shooting and filmmaking but also across the world, vicariously experiencing everything from amusing anecdotal events to dramatic historical lessons and their impact on or from filmmaking.
You will be thankful for the balance between presenting a lot of trivia and technical facts while maintaining a good grasp of and eagle eye view of the fundamentals of becoming an accomplished shooter. The most important of which could be to connect and relate your story to all aspects of what you do in filmmaking.
The varied and interesting diagrams, concise and sometimes hilarious annotations, and film stills and photos from around the world are not your run-of-the-mill figures, and reflect a sense of humor that balances the ultra-technical and cutting-edge knowledge you are getting. The author seems to say, take your research seriously but don’t take yourself too seriously.
When a master craftsman like the author shares their rich multi-decade experience; generously reveals itemized personal camera, lighting, and grip kit lists; enumerates helpful purchasing, maintenance, and care advisories; and shares a cornucopia of secrets and tips, the result is a treasure. But to make it all worthwhile, remember always the mantra: story, story, story!
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|February 4th, 2012 at 18:47
Not enough new material for me.,
I was disappointed in this, I had the first edition of this book and was jazzed up to dig into the new edition with all it’s HD information. Sadly, after looking the book over quickly, I found there just wasn’t enough information there compared to the previous edition to justify the purchase price; it’s edition one reprinted in a different page format with some very minor HD sections spliced in. If you have the first edition, save your money – it’s basically the same book with only a chapter or two of new information that’s extremely general. I wanted more. Sorry Barry.
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|February 4th, 2012 at 18:48
Mandatory for Your Video Production Library,
Yet again, another book on my buy list shows up in Vine for review. I was really hoping this guide would be a well-written insider’s view to many of the aspects of video production, and that’s exactly what it is. I’ve gotten a few other books on the same subject and they were so wordy and technical, they now collect dust. Barry Braverman has assembled an excellent guide for amateurs and pros alike, but he’s done it in such a way that can be easily read and understood even if you were reading it at a bus stop. His real-life experiences are priceless and quite interesting to read and learn from. But what makes this especially important is that there is a new emergence of video amateurs growing by leaps and bounds now that DSLRs are providing full HD video (that includes me!). I have a Canon 5D Mark II, and the video is so good on it that I have become overly interested in how to actually shoot the way real productions are shot, not just churning out home video. I wanted something to guide me on how to best plan and shoot with this new video marvel. THAT’S where this book shines, it’s like a full year of film school in an understandable form!
If you have a video DSLR and the video bug has bitten, click the Buy Now button ASAP. You won’t regret it. I’m about to read it through AGAIN, this time with a notebook on my lap.
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