The Shut Up and Shoot Freelance Video Guide: A Down & Dirty DV Production

What a delight! I am overjoyed to have discovered that the Shut Up and Shoot Freelance Video Guide is vastly different than (and equally riveting as) the Shut Up and Shoot Documentary Guide. Although there are occasional parallels, the Shut Up and Shoot Freelance Video Guide offers unique material pertaining to any repeated topic. For instance, the lighting set-up diagrams are revisited, but with new structures not previously outlined in the Documentary Guide.Artis's book starts by covering a wide spectrum of illustrations, including digital file charts (p. 27), camera guides (with relatively current models listed) (pp. 7-19), gain range charts complete with illustrative photos (pp. 33-34), peaking diagrams (p. 39), focal length diagrams and illustrations (pp. 46-47), and much more. Artis' even dedicates discussion on green screening techniques (with additional coverage on chromate green screening).Later in the book, Artis dedicates an entire chapter to audio, covering various microphones, boom operation, wireless microphones, mixers, and the digital audio sweet spot. He even diagrams different audio set-ups dependent on (1) one or more types of mics available for the shoot and (2) the number of subjects (people) in the take.The highlights of the book were threefold for me: first, the book focused chapter by chapter on various freelance projects, including promotional/marketing videos, wedding videography, live event videography, and music videos. These discussions oftentimes came with any of the following: example outlines, example script formats, illustrative storyboards, lighting and audio tips, project details, detailed budgets, and numerous other tools and tips.The second major highlight was the emphasis on stylistic tips, such as how to collect and incorporate b-roll, how to utilize multiple camera angles, how to manage text, how to sync color, how to create lens flares, how to maximize translucent backgrounds (such as curtains and glass), and how to acquire many other wonderful stylistic elements such as the famous Dutch angle, frame-in-a-frame technique, and numerous others.The third key feature of the book for me was the chapter by Benjamin Ahr Harrison called Music Videos that laid out the process for making music videos in a very structured, well developed manner. His approach includes excellent location-based outlines, example shotlists, schedules, syncing tips, and compositing tips, as well as thoughtful examples of how to break down the music into its basic structure.This book has ample production value, indeed, and Artis succeeds remarkably in producing yet another entertaining, aesthetic--and completely unique product! Equally enjoyable are his Lynda.com videos that can be accessed through a month-to-month subscription. In these video tutorials, he covers a range of material from lighting to camera and audio management to documentary shoots. He also has the Shut Up and Shoot DVD series, which are next on my list of Artis's superior and highly professional products. I assure that you will glean a diverse range of stylistic and technical insights from this book.

If you're a no-nothing with a new cam and want to avoid foisting MEGO-inducing home movies of your ballerina grand-daughter on your neighbors, this book contains the advice you need. Today's cams have built-in technology to compensate for our lack of technical knowledge about which lens to use, what level of white point to specify, and so on. But the best cam can't salvage a boring video. This book informs you about what people want to see, and what they want to avoid. Your best friend can't impart such advice without hurting your feelings. All the more reason to invest in the counsel of a straight-talking, knowledgeable stranger. Especially when his writing style is engaging.

This is a good book for people getting into video. Anthony presents solid information in a clear style that's easy to grasp and applicable to many situations. Many references to video gear are dated, the bulk of the information is still valid, and make this book worth reading. Note that the book covers a lot of ground, and is more of an "introduction" to different aspects of video production. That said, Anthony does a good job of walking you through common situations that you will likely encounter. If you choose to specialize in a specific area (audio, lighting, directing, etc.), you will want to look further for more specific information. Regardless, this is a good reference for anyone getting into video production. Also, check out Anthony's book on documentary video.

This is the best of the 10 or so books I have on the subject. The author is hilarious, the book is current (2012), very informative, and written with the very practical issues of video in mind. He covers all the important issues to a reasonable extent. If I were to have only one book on video - this would definitely be the one. Also be sure to watch his Lynda.com tutorial. Highly recommended.

First of all, let me say that I love this book. It's extremely helpful and gives a lot of information in a clear and relatable way. BUT, I should have gotten the print version. Whoever formatted the Kindle version of this book did a horrible job on at least a third of the images and diagrams; some are too small to see while others run off the page and can't be read or seen. STAY AWAY FROM THE KINDLE VERSION

This book is a new freelancers bible. Easy to read plenty of pictures and diagrams. If your thinking of starting a business or some sort of video work check this book out. Anthony takes you from buying a camera to getting a website for your video business and everything in between. I highly recommend this book if your just starting, before a camera get this book!!!!

Ant writes in a playful and engaging way but always delivers when it comes to good, useful information. Check out the Double Down Film Show he co-hosts on Blogtalkradio.com. If you have a kid that wants to be a filmmaker this would make a great gift or if you want an up-to-date look at guerilla video production circa 2012 this book deserves a look.

This well written book talks about all the aspects of producing a video on a low budget. Although it does not go into great depth, it does get you up and and running quite well.

A very good basic guide to video which is easy to follow and simple to understand. I'd like to get the documentary version next.

i like the book it is usefully for the first timer on documentary film maker you can learn by yourself

I have become a big fan of Anthony, I have read two of his books and I am now watching his videos on Lynda. Com

Durchaus empfehlenswerter, Angst nehmender Einstieg in die Welt der Videofilmer, die damit wirklich Geld verdienen wollen, also weniger für den reinen Amateur. Aber auch für die finden sich genügend Anregungen. Extem viel Anschauungsmaterial. Ein * Abzug nur für den manchmal sehr flapsigen Stil.

The book was used even though I paid for new. It smelled cigarettes and it was missing the cd that comes with it. I didn't return it coz it was urgent and needed it for a training.