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How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a ProMerchant Video

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How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro Paperback – Illustrated, June 2, 2011

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1,848 ratings

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Newly updated and revised, How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck is a quick and easy guide that will make your video better instantly—whether you read it cover to cover or just skim a few chapters. It’s about the language of video and how to think like a director, regardless of equipment (amateurs think about the camera, pros think about communication). It’s about the rules developed over a century of movie-making—which work just as well when shooting a two-year-old’s birthday party on your phone. Written by Steve Stockman, the director of the award-winning feature Two Weeks, plus TV shows, music videos, and hundreds of commercials, How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck explains in 74 short, pithy, insightful chapters how to tell a story and entertain your audience. In other words, how to shoot video people will want to watch.

Here’s how to think in shots—how to move-point-shoot-stop-repeat, instead of planting yourself in one spot and pressing “Record” for five minutes. Why never to shoot until you see the whites of your subject’s eyes. Why to “zoom” with your feet and not the lens. How to create intrigue on camera. The book covers the basics of video production: framing, lighting, sound (use an external mic), editing, special effects (turn them off!), and gives advice on shooting a variety of specific situations: sporting events, parties and family gatherings, graduations and performances. Plus, how to make instructional and promotional videos, how to make a music video, how to capture stunts, and much more. At the end of every chapter is a suggestion of how to immediately put what you’ve learned into practice, so the next time you’re shooting you’ll have begun to master the skill. Steve’s website (stevestockman.com) provides video examples to illustrate different production ideas, techniques, and situations, and his latest thoughts on all things video.

From the Publisher

Check out more amazing Workman Craft Books!

	The Reverse Coloring Book	Paint By Sticker: Dogs	Paint By Sticker: Works of Art	Camp Granny	A Book That Takes Its Time	The Color of Calm

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	The book has the colors, you draw the lines: the creative possibilities are endless!	Best in Show! Peel the sticker, place the sticker, and watch your painting come to life.	The next title in Workman’s bestselling Paint by Sticker adult line, Paint by Sticker: Works of Art presents twelve stunning pieces by famous artists for you to complete, one sticker at a time.	"For green grandparents everywhere and the young lives they touch." —RICHARD LOUV, AUTHOR OF LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS	Take time to breathe. Take time to create. Take time to reflect, take time to let go. A book that’s unique in the way it mixes reading and doing, A Book That Takes Its Time is like a mindfulness retreat between two covers.	Find your inner calm, your way, with this charming pocket-sized coloring book, packed with 90 pages of patterns and illustrations designed to shut out the noise and create peace of mind.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Like two years of film school in 248 pages" - Steven Pressfield, author of "The War of Art" and "The Legend of Bagger Vance"

"Stockman has packed a veritable film school between the pages of this highly informative, yet entertaining book. Very highly recommended."

―Videomaker Magazine

"Great tips from a video expert."

―PC World

"Whip-smart and funny... teaches readers how to think about film and reveals the why and when behind techniques; there is next to zero tech or tool talk."

―Library Journal

"His simple-to-follow guide takes readers step-by-step through the film- and video-making process"

―Kirkus Reviews

“Stockman skipped past all the technical crap about how to use a camera and cut right to the chase: how do you shoot a video somebody else will WANT to watch? The only thing missing is a time machine so I could reshoot fifteen years of sucky birthday party and school play videos.”
--David A. Goodman, Executive Producer/Head Writer of “Family Guy”

From the Author

My hope is that anyone, at any level, can open the book anywhere and get a great idea for their next video.

IF YOU'RE BRAND NEW, this book will start you thinking about how to communicate with an audience. Your videos will be more fun to watch-- for your friends, your relatives, and even for you. It will help you make video you'll be really proud to share.

MORE EXPERIENCED VIDEOGRAPHERS will find chapters on critical principles like storytelling, structure, emotion and composition-- plus exercises you can practice to improve your video skills.
IF YOU'RE A PRO, you'll still find enough advanced ideas to make it worth the price of admission. Hell, when I flip through the book I find things I wish I'd remembered on last week's shoot (Because there's so much good stuff here, I'd like to think-- but it could just be failing memory.) Check out my blog (stevestockman.com) for more on shooting video that doesn't suck!

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Workman Publishing Company
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 2, 2011
Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 248 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0761163239
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0761163237
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.14 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 0.63 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #58,325 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1 in Cinematography (Books)
- #40 in Movie Direction & Production
- #1,513 in Reference (Books)

Customer Reviews:
1,848 ratings

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Steve Stockman

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Steve Stockman is a producer, writer and director of over 200 commercials, short films, web series, music videos, and TV shows. He Executive Produced three seasons of BREW DOGS on NBC/UNI's late Esquire Network, DOGS OF WAR for A&E, the Food Network series $24 IN 24 and the hit Discovery Channel series DEVILS RIDE. Steve wrote, produced and directed the award-winning 2007 MGM feature film TWO WEEKS, starring Sally Field, Ben Chaplin, Tom Cavanagh, Julianne Nicholson, Glenn Howerton and Clea DuVall.

"How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck" is the world’s best-selling cinematography book, available in 9 languages and an updated (2017) edition from Workman Publishing.

Visit Steve's blog at www.stevestockman.com for more great articles (and videos!) about video. Follow him on Twitter too-- @SteveStockman. For workshops and speaking opportunities, please contact info@stevestockman.com

Customer reviews

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Customers say

Customers find the book highly informative and well-designed, featuring richly illustrated hand-made drawings and over 80 self-contained chapters. They appreciate its easy-to-understand language and brilliant simple explanations, making it a worthwhile purchase for both amateurs and professionals. Customers value its comprehensive approach to video production, particularly its tips for non-professionals, and find it entertaining with a sense of humor throughout.

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Information quality Value for money Ease of reading Video quality Entertainment value Storytelling style Chapter length Design

334 customers mention "Information quality"331 positive3 negative

Customers find the book very informative, providing lots of real-world information and amazing tips, with one customer noting how well the content is presented.

"...This is a technique and skills book. Steve breaks everything down into easy to digest chapters and succinctly explains everything...." Read more

"Excellent book. Well written and fun to read, in addition to being very informative." Read more

"...chapter make this an easy book to pick up for a few minutes, get a new concept, and then out it down...." Read more

"...corporate manager as it is to aspiring artist, it not only tells you how to shoot video that doesn't suck but how to communicate your thoughts and..." Read more

256 customers mention "Value for money"247 positive9 negative

Customers find the book worth the money, with one mentioning it's a must-read for both amateurs and professionals.

"...Steve breaks everything down into easy to digest chapters and succinctly explains everything...." Read more

"Excellent book. Well written and fun to read, in addition to being very informative." Read more

"...though I grew up in theater and television, and am a decent and well-educated writer, even within the first few chapters I was able to shoot and..." Read more

"...drawings, and the author's friendly style makes it a quick and pleasant read...." Read more

179 customers mention "Ease of reading"169 positive10 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, appreciating its simple explanations and easy-to-understand language.

"...He doesn’t overwhelm you with technical jargon, but writes in everyday, understandable language...." Read more

"Excellent book. Well written and fun to read, in addition to being very informative." Read more

"The short chapter make this an easy book to pick up for a few minutes, get a new concept, and then out it down...." Read more

"...ever read or course I have taken has ever educated so thoroughly, concisely, and simply as this one...." Read more

129 customers mention "Video quality"124 positive5 negative

Customers praise the book's comprehensive guide to competent video production, particularly its tips for improving videos shot by non-professionals.

"...video at all; instead, it talks at length about things that make a short video work and keep people interested and entertained...." Read more

"...prior training, I was immediately drawn to this book to improve the quality my home videos...." Read more

"...and this has deepened my appreciation of good movies and video...." Read more

"...It's OK for things to pass between you and the subject. It makes your video seem more real. This book has opened up my mind...." Read more

81 customers mention "Entertainment value"81 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining, describing it as a funny book with a sense of humor, and one customer mentions that the stories and examples made them laugh.

"Excellent book. Well written and fun to read, in addition to being very informative." Read more

"...your thoughts and ideas in a way which will be effective and entertaining...." Read more

"...length about things that make a short video work and keep people interested and entertained...." Read more

"...about format and it actually makes for more interesting and enjoyable videos. Who knew?..." Read more

42 customers mention "Storytelling style"42 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the storytelling style of the book, which gets right to the point, with one customer noting how it explains the overall strategy of cinematic storytelling.

"...Most of all, I liked how it related storytelling visually to the techniques I already know in writing. And the results are obvious...." Read more

"...There are many chapters, but they are concise, to the point, and in some cases have examples that you can watch on the author's website...." Read more

"...250 pages and there are plenty of other tips which will make your videos more interesting...." Read more

"...Its also worth mentioning that some of the advice also applies to still shots...." Read more

30 customers mention "Chapter length"30 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's structure, with its over 80 self-contained chapters that keep clips short.

"The short chapter make this an easy book to pick up for a few minutes, get a new concept, and then out it down...." Read more

"...The book has around 250 pages and there are plenty of other tips which will make your videos more interesting...." Read more

"...The tips are short, understandable, and easily achievable. They are true to the axiom: Keep It Simple, Stupid, or KISS...." Read more

"...Its written as a series of about 70 chapters, each with about 3 pages of content...." Read more

28 customers mention "Design"28 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's design, noting its rich illustrations with hand-made drawings and well-structured content.

"...I have taken has ever educated so thoroughly, concisely, and simply as this one...." Read more

"...It is richly illustrated with hand-made drawings, and the author's friendly style makes it a quick and pleasant read...." Read more

"...all make sense from a practical and an artistic point of view, and the "dont's" are invaluable. This really is a smart book...." Read more

"...The authors self-effacing style and easy going prose made the reading enjoyable. He doesn't bore the reader with a lot of technical jargon...." Read more

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Dan Clifton
The Best Book on Video
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2024
Verified Purchase

When people ask me the best way to learn video skills, I point them to this book. Whether you’re just starting to get into video or have video experience, Steve Stockman gives you the tools you need to create videos people will actually watch. Of course, you have to learn the skills, practice them and then implement them. First off, Steve tells you up front that this book isn’t about equipment. And that’s a good thing because you may have the latest and greatest DSLR/mirrorless camera, an old hand-me down camera or your smartphone. This is a technique and skills book. Steve breaks everything down into easy to digest chapters and succinctly explains everything. He doesn’t overwhelm you with technical jargon, but writes in everyday, understandable language. You don’t need a videography/cinematography dictionary next to you as you read this. He provides everything you really need to know to get started, or get reoriented if you’ve fallen victim to all those fancy YouTube techniques or crazy transitions. I have both the Kindle and paperback versions. If you thumb through the pages of my paperback edition, you’ll discover all the notes, highlights and underlines I’ve made in it. It’s a book I reference again and again. If you want to make videos and don’t know where to start, then start with this book. Or if you started already and need some help to cut through all the other video stuff “creators” inundate you with, then cut to the chase and get this book.

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Cory N
Recommend
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2025
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Excellent book. Well written and fun to read, in addition to being very informative.

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Voracious Reader
A quick read with a lot of information.
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2024
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The short chapter make this an easy book to pick up for a few minutes, get a new concept, and then out it down.

It changed how I think about making videos. I just finished it, so I haven't got a finished video. But I shot one last night, and I shot it very differently, based on what he said. We'll see how it comes out.

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4 people found this helpful

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John of California and Japan
Because no one ever received the Academy Award for Most Megapixels or Longest Unedited Shot.
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2013
Verified Purchase
No book I have ever read or course I have taken has ever educated so thoroughly, concisely, and simply as this one. As applicable to the corporate manager as it is to aspiring artist, it not only tells you how to shoot video that doesn't suck but how to communicate your thoughts and ideas in a way which will be effective and entertaining.

Even though I grew up in theater and television, and am a decent and well-educated writer, even within the first few chapters I was able to shoot and edit professional level video as I could not before. The only limitations are my equipment, but with this book any equipment is adequate--even your smart phone--to turn those videos that even your mother wouldn't enjoy into ones that people who don't even know you will want to share.

Most of all, I liked how it related storytelling visually to the techniques I already know in writing. And the results are obvious.

Only a few weeks before reading this book I shot a video of my friends and their kids, edited it down to just a couple of minutes, and set it to music as a gift. Of course they liked it, but they didn't love it because it my video sucked. After reading just the beginning of this book and doing the first few projects, I shot a video of my wife going to a salon to get a haircut, focusing the story on the heroine who was our friend the hairstylist, and not only was she extremely happy with it, but so was the business owner who runs an art gallery and is involved in the artist community here in New York City. They even wrote a long thank you with a description of what they loved about my video--the variety of angles, the action, and how it told a story they didn't realize was there before. And that was just a haircut.

Now people actually ask me to please bring my camera when they know I'm going to an event, because even though they all have cameras, they know mine will be great.

This book can't give you talent, but it can enable you to express the talent and ideas you already have, and using equipment and resources you already own. But more than that, this book cuts through the hard mantle of jargon and lingo, and the intimidating descriptions of 'must have' equipment which other instructors will insist upon, to the essentials of expressing your ideas effectively in most any venue or genre.

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28 people found this helpful

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Ivan Arnaudov
A must-read for anybody who wants to make good video stories
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2013
Verified Purchase
This is a rare kind of book. It doesn't only teach technical facts about filmmaking as a school textbook is supposed to do, but somehow manages to make the readers understand the ideas and accept them as their own.

Unlike other books on filmmaking, this one does not speak about the technical side of video at all; instead, it talks at length about things that make a short video work and keep people interested and entertained. Most of us instinctively know a good video from a bad one; after finishing this book, the reader should be able to explain WHY a video is good or bad.

It is apparent that a lot of effort has been put into making this book so helpful. It is richly illustrated with hand-made drawings, and the author's friendly style makes it a quick and pleasant read.

Chances are, a reader today has at hand at least one or two devices that can shoot high quality video. By reading Steve Stockman's book, you should be able to identify and fix all the errors you've been making (if you've been shooting video) or avoid such mistakes (if you are a beginner).

As I said in the beginning, this is a rare kind of book. Most non-fiction books on a given subject, you read once and then put on the bookshelf for eternity. This one is different: it is so jammed full of helpful advice and ideas that you will want to re-read it over and over again.

Great value, highly recommended to all aspiring film makers.

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Martin Beecroft
Excellent no nonsense guide for film novices
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 2, 2018
Verified Purchase

This is an excellent, easy to read, non technical guide to getting it right when starting out making your own videos, whether for your own private consumption, YouTube or even corporate presentations. The author writes knowledgeably about filming technique using any type of camera, beit film industry pro gear or a smartphone. He deliberately avoids talking about cameras and related gear, so if that is what you are after choose another book.

We all make mistakes and get things wrong when we start out, but, a quick read through this book by a leading professional in the film making world will make you think about your production in a professional way and help the budding film/video maker produce interesting watchable films.

Highly recommended for the novice and a great reference for the more experienced. I keep my copy handy and dive back in regularly for advice and encouragement.

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Japan tourer
READ this Boo!
Reviewed in Japan on November 25, 2016
Verified Purchase
This book is alot of fun and an easy read. The problem ( not really) is youdo not want to put it down.
Lots of great points and information to make your video better. As an editor and videographer for a rest many years I learned some new tips. I highly recommend this book.

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Cédric B.
Très bien pour les débutants
Reviewed in France on October 30, 2021
Verified Purchase
Ce livre enseigne beaucoup de techniques faciles à mettre en place. Il indique aussi quoi ne pas faire, et enfin quelques techniques de pro à ne faire avant d'avoir une bonne maîtrise (par exemple bouger une caméra de manière pro s'apprend).
C'est théorique et il faudra compléter avec un autre contenu pour apprendre l'édition vidéo.

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Mirko
Für jeden Filmemacher geeignet
Reviewed in Germany on October 26, 2015
Verified Purchase
Ich habe schon einige Kurzfilme gedreht und arbeite hier und da als freier Kameramann. Ich habe schon einige Fachbücher zum Thema Filmemachen gelesen. Dieses Buch wäre am besten mein erstes gewesen. Denn es behandelt wirklich alle Grundlagen, geht aber nicht auf die Technik ein was es somit zeitlos macht. Steve Stockman hat einfach Ahnung von der Materie und vermittelt diese kinderleicht. Zu empfehlen für YouTube-Anfänger oder richtige angehende Filmemacher. Erst das hier lesen und dann euren ersten Film vorbereiten, drehen und schneiden.

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SMiT
Speechless by the value of content!!! MUST HAVE for every Vlogger/YouTuber
Reviewed in India on January 11, 2020
Verified Purchase
Exceptional content and great method of teaching........ speechless to recieve such valuable content under ₹500 and under 250 pages👌👍🙏😇

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5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book on Video

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommend

4.0 out of 5 stars A quick read with a lot of information.

5.0 out of 5 stars Because no one ever received the Academy Award for Most Megapixels or Longest Unedited Shot.

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for anybody who wants to make good video stories

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent no nonsense guide for film novices

5.0 out of 5 stars READ this Boo!

5.0 out of 5 stars Très bien pour les débutants

5.0 out of 5 stars Für jeden Filmemacher geeignet

5.0 out of 5 stars Speechless by the value of content!!! MUST HAVE for every Vlogger/YouTuber

The Best Book on Video

Recommend

A quick read with a lot of information.

Because no one ever received the Academy Award for Most Megapixels or Longest Unedited Shot.

A must-read for anybody who wants to make good video stories

Excellent no nonsense guide for film novices

READ this Boo!

Très bien pour les débutants

Für jeden Filmemacher geeignet

Speechless by the value of content!!! MUST HAVE for every Vlogger/YouTuber