Not helpful for a non-professional
Wow, I don't understand all the 5 star reviews. I was trying to find a book that would help me shoot better home videos. This is not it. I'm not a beginner as I try to tell stories with my videos. But to me, this book would only be useful to a film student. And even then, I just don't see that much extra value it adds. I'm mad at myself for reading the whole book instead of cutting my losses. But I kept hoping it was going to get better.
Can't tell his own story
It seems odd that a book with "story telling" in its title is written using the dreaded "string of pearls" writing style. Each chapter is a collection of tiny (1/2 page), jokingly-titled sections that are very loosely related to the chapter---by all means look over the table of contents before you buy. A chapter's sections could be shuffled at random and not alter the level of coherence for that chapter.
Because of their shortness, the sections merely give the user a very small taste of their topic while providing little substance. That's too bad because it appears that the author is very knowledgeable in most aspects of the field; however, he is unable to organize his knowledge and experience in a form that would be most useful to the reader.
This is not a how-to book by any stretch of the imagination nor is it a good reference book. With better organization and some additional depth the author could probably produce a very solid work, but failed to in this effort.
A great help for a novice.
very good for me, the novice looking to become an 'intermediate' shooter. well done.
everything and the kitchen sink
I am a screenwriter who took up video. I am the opposite of an equipment fetishist. What I loved about this book was --- I could understand it! Not only that, it reminded me of what and how to achieve those qualities I admire in great films--story, framing, editing, etc. There was no condescension. No talking above my head. The use of humor was terrific. I never thought I'd say this about a technical book, but it was an enjoyable read!
Not for Consumer Camcorders
The first few pages have many good points for the consumer video shooter, but the bulk of the book is aimed at professionals or very wealthy and very serious amateurs.
The author purports to speak to the amateur and does so in the first 96 pages. The remaining 170 some pages gets into equipment and the author covers only the best professional-level gear. If you don't mind being told that you can't possibly make videos unless you purchase a $5000 camcorder, $3000 in tripods, $8000 in lighting, etc, then you might like the book. If you don't mind being talked down to and you are willing to equip yourself with two truckloads of gear at a cost that is many times the price of your camcorder, then you might like this book.
Try to find a used copy without the CD - it adds nothing that is not in the book.
(26 reviews)
