How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck
Examples From The Book
These posts illustrate the examples featured in the book and audio book of How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck, with page numbers included.
If you don’t have either the book or audio book, they may not make a lot of sense (which, of course, you can fix by buying a copy.)
What's Your Intent (p. 25)
Before you shoot video, brainstorm a list of what you're trying to do. The best thoughts form your intent- your guide to great video.
Shoot Video that You Love (p. 26)
The videos are obviously well rehearsed. The shots are carefully planned. Great acting. The real question: why do them? Shoot video.
Genre Mashups: Musical Admissions Video (p. 61)
Videos have genres, although you may not be used to thinking of them that way.
Shot List: The Opera Spot (p. 77)
Shot list are exactly what they sounds like: a list of all the shots you might want in your video. Here's how to use one.
Shoot Short Shots? There are No Rules (p. 106)
I often recommend that people shoot short shots. Then I get letters arguing about the rule of shooting short shots, and whether you can ever break it. My answer: There are no rules in creativity.
Short Shots Add Up (p. 106)
Short shots make us pay attention. Each new shot forces our brains to figure out what we’re looking at and what it means.
Set the Shot and Hold It: Beyonce (p. 111)
If you watch professionally shot film, you’ll be surprised how often the camera stays still. There's a reason for that.
The static camera: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene (p. 111)
An authoritative static camera shows movement better than a meandering moving camera. Don't believe it? Catch this classic proof from the master- Alfred Hitchcock.
What in the Hell is Unity? (p. 114)
From "How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck", an example of dramatic "unity"- another way to make your video waaaay more watchable.
Shooting in Limbo (p. 127)
Shoot video on a limbo background is easier than you think. Here's an example from the book "How to Shoot Video that Doesn't Suck.""
50 Ways to Shoot One Thing (p. 140)
Changing your filming angle changes the meaning of your video. Play with angles in your video, and everything will look more interesting.
College and Job Application Videos: Singing Math (p. 171)
Application videos need to cover interesting topics, presented in unique ways. A bad video hurts.
How Viral Videos REALLY Work (p. 189)
Viral videos can be total luck or part of an intentional, well orchestrated push. What you don't want is to have neither.
How to Promote Your Product Using Video (p. 192)
To promote your product using video, you'll want to intrigue a potential customer into learning more. Which means you’ll need a big idea and plenty of entertainment value.
