Not only does it cover everything from the inception of your video idea to post-production, but this book focuses on how to use your equipment for the best results. It’s great for users who are on any budget, as it doesn’t rely heavily on having the best or the newest equipment currently on the market.
Additionally, this book comes with a high-quality companion website that is designed specifically to help you round out your education. With information on LED lighting and how to make it work for you, instead of against you, as well as product info for DSLR cameras, this indispensable guide is easy to understand and loaded with updated information.
3. The Complete Film Production Handbook
The Complete Film Production Handbook, Fourth Edition (American Film Market Presents)
New topics and information in the fourth edition include:
* Low-budget independent films, including documentaries and shorts
* Information specific to television production and commercials
* The industry’s commitment to go green and how to do it
* Coverage of new travel and shipping regulations
* Updated information on scheduling, budgeting, deal memos, music clearances, communications, digital production, and new forms throughout
* This guide to production management is on every producer’s shelf and will save you time, money, and hassles
* Hundreds of forms, contracts, and checklists available to print and use on your production
* New edition is fully updated with information about low-budget productions and much more!
Both students and working professionals will love all of the information packed into this timely book. Author Eve Light Honthaner has loaded this book with information that everyone involved in video production needs to succeed at their job. Not only does it help by providing information regarding production, but it also provides checklists, forms, releases, and contracts that you can use on the job.
The fourth edition has been updated to include information that is vital to current-day video producers. It features information on how to operate on a low budget, which is great for students, as well as for smaller churches. It also contains information on how to schedule and budget your shoot for the best results.
With chapters focused on running a production office, handling the budget, working on a script, and getting the most out of pre-production, this is a guide that will walk you through the entire process of video production.
4. The Video Editing Handbook
Beginners won’t have to feel overwhelmed when they tackle video production for the first time, as long as they have this book by Aaron Goold at their side. It’s designed to be easy for absolute beginners to wrap their minds around the difficulties and information needed to handle video production without problems.
Not only does it teach the basics that any beginner needs to know about how to handle video editing, but this book focuses on providing help with other strategies, as well. Editing can be stressful, but the information provided in this book breaks it down into very manageable chunks that are much easier to accomplish than beginners may realize.
With information on how to handle workflow and even working with others on a product, this book is perfect for anyone who is just getting started with video production and needs a little help with confidence and improving their skills.
5. Digital Filmmaking for Beginners: A Practical Guide to Video Production
Digital Filmmaking for Beginners A Practical Guide to Video Production
Featuring clear, concise instruction–accompanied by online video demonstrations–this comprehensive guide covers the best methods and techniques to plan and script projects; set up lighting, microphones, and cameras; and shoot, edit, and apply postproduction effects and other finishing touches. Whether you’re an amateur film buff or an aspiring professional videographer, this is the source for everything you need to bring your ideas from the page to the screen.
Coverage includes:
- Best practices to ensure smooth operations in all project phases, from planning to post production
- Recommendations on selecting and purchasing cameras, filming gear, and the best editing and effects software to fit your budget and needs
- Advice on planning, shooting, editing, and other technical elements
- Fully illustrated tutorials on composition, framing, and other visual storytelling techniques
- Exclusive bonus online content, including finished video demonstrations of key filmmaking techniques and informative articles
Michael K. Hughes does everything that he can to make video production seem as accessible as possible with his book. He has four decades of teaching experience, which means that he knows how to explain steps and ideas in a way that is easily understood. Thanks to his passion for teaching and commitment to video production, this book is helpful for users of all levels.
All of the instruction is clear and easy to understand and even comes with online video demonstrations. This ensures that you truly understand the steps that you are to take to improve your shots. Not only does it cover best practices to set up your stage, shoot, and handle post-production, but the information is easy to understand.
The fully illustrated tutorials really set this book apart from others on the market and make it easier to understand. It even offers exclusive online bonus content to help you gain the confidence and the skills that you need to succeed.
Conclusion
While you may eventually want to read all of these video production books so that you get the best base for shooting and editing great video, it’s a good idea to start with Steve Stockman’s book. Not only will you instantly improve your shots, but you are sure to feel better about your current skills and may even catch yourself laughing when you read it.
This article originally appeared here, and is used by permission. This article is also an update of an earlier version published December 2020.
