Customer Reviews

Refocus: Cutting-Edge Strategies to Evolve Your Video Business

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I have just recently started my own video production business. When I saw the description for this book, I was excited that it might have at least some good information relevant to me. What I wasn't prepared for was that this book is full of information and advice I needed, at the most important time for me to have it! Rarely has a book ever coincided with my own life's timing quite like this one did.

For videographers and media producers this book offers a huge amount of great information on all kinds of topics related to a videographer business (or any business, but specifically for videographers). The section on sales and marketing is particularly helpful, and is as current as something like a printed book can be at the time of its publication. All of the info is very practical - it's obvious that the authors have lived their advice, and learned from their successes as well as their challenges. The book works to include lots of detail on both wedding videography and corporate video within it's scope, and has much advice that is applicable to both realms - although another book completely dedicated to corporate and higher-end videography and film would be a great follow-up to this book.

Most of all, it's obvious that the Dawsons love what they do, and love to share their experiences, advice and more with their readers. Their sincerity and subject knowledge make this book worth every bit of the purchase price. I know my video business will benefit (in fact it already has) from this book - and yours will too.

It takes you step by step on analysing your abilities and posibilities this type of media offers in this era of technology and artistry. It's not about the great technology needed to perform professionally (as sometimes the magazines tend to sell to you), but about how can you make the best stories flourish (whether it is for personal or commercial purposes), and touch peoples lives with whatever you can get your hands on!! On the other hand, it helps you on the process of building your own video production business, or reorganize and restructure it, if you already own one. It has been a blessing to my life, and I hope it will be the same to you!!

For the past few years I have wanted to start my own video production business. I had some know-how as far as editing and shooting were concerned, but little else. A few months ago I was looking for some resources to help me out and came across Refocus. This book has been a very useful guide for getting me on my way to having a working business. The marketing and branding sections were great for me, I have very little experience in those areas. Additional reading lists and online resources add great value to the book. The chapters are straight forward, engaging, and easy to read. I'd definitely recommend Refocus to anyone interested in going into (video) business for themselves!

cover to cover this book is not only gorgeous - but super helpful... it is hands-down - the best book out currently for wedding/event filmmakers... the only bummer about this book is that it came out 5 years after i started my business :) if you're new to the industry - this book has some extremely helpful suggestions... and if you're a seasoned veteran, there are still some very challenging thoughts and ways to improve your business.

Ron and Tasra came onto the event videography scene with a bang! For the longest time, there were only a handful of industry leaders, and I can only remember two books that covered the industry well. In the early years, the industry was made up mostly of people who enjoyed the hobby of video and then decided to make money on their hobby by shooting events. Ron Dawson, in my mind, was one of the first guys to have a film school background and be willing to share his knowledge from the stage. I think his work ushered in a whole slew of new talent and new industry leaders. He and Tasra have also become prolific bloggers. The information that they share so freely with our industry, and their masterful leadership have encouraged other film students and photographers to take a serious look at the art and craft of wedding and event filmmaking. Their book, Refocus, in my estimation, is the best book-to-date on the subject. Even after 39 years in broadcasting, and 12 years as a wedding filmmaker, I still go back to read passages in Refocus. I've marked the book up so many times with notes and ideas, that it's getting too cluttered to read. I think it's an excellent book and would recommend it to anyone in the industry- newbies and veterans alike. Their work and their book are inspiring. Great book Ron and Tasra! BTW- I'd like to see Tasra write a book on photography! This is not a Rose-Colored Glasses kind of book. It's honest, real, and a must-read for event videographers.

So far so good on the book! Very motivational and informative. I am a little over half way finished and the style of the book is like getting advice from a friend who knows the ropes and wants me to make it in the business. I've read ahead a little and look forward to the rest of the book which really gets into the meat and potatoes of making it in the video business.

I should preface this review by saying that I do not know Ron Dawson, but I feel like I do. A few months ago I requested to my twitter stream if anyone knew of any good books to help me with starting my video business. A friend of mine pointed me towards this book and a podcast that Ron hosts. Ron then started talking to me on twitter and I decided that I had to buy this book. It's great when an author is so accessible and willing to help.

I'm glad I did.

I don't want to go into too much detail about the specific things that he mentions in the book, suffice it to say it gave me several new ideas that I had never considered exploring before. He presents the ideas in a sort of a la carte fashion, giving you the freedom to pick and choose ideas.

Not only do Ron and Tasra give business ideas, they also give advice on running your business from branding to marketing and social media (as evidenced by him following his own advice with twitter). If you can use one idea from the book and use it, it will more than pay for itself. I also recommend listening to Ron's podcast. A great resource.

It's an amazing book! It gives a very honest and detailed overview of what it takes to start and run a successful video business. It has truly inspired and encouraged me to pursue my childhood dream of making videos. I liked the many examples and references to people, organizations, and websites. It has provided me with great places to look for more information and knowledge about the video industry.

This really is the best essential guide you need to read if you run a video production business. It tends to lean more towards wedding videography, but the general information applies to all video people and it applies to what's going on in the world right now.. . or at least as of the date of this review.

Finally, a book that details how to run a video business. I've researched all over the web and there is no other book like this. I'm not going to spill all the secrets, so if you have a small video production shop, just buy this book. No questions.