2005-10-01 Quality resource for novice or serious film-maker alike

Typically lavish DK production in terms of colour photography throughout. I wondered how Tom would communicate moving image techniques using still pictures, but he does a great job in his explanations and using sequences of photographs.

As a complete novice I was looking for something to add a professional touch to my camera work and this book has been great. There are more advanced sections I have skipped over, which I may have a need for in future or will be more relevant to the serious film-maker. For example: setting up a workroom, using additional mics and lights and the section on 'Advanced Video Production'.

The introduction to digital video I found surprisingly useful, especially the explanation of interlacing to solve a problem I had in editing with stills captured from video vibrating on a TV screen (save the still as de-interlaced).

The book then goes on with chapters on camera and sound techniques (great for ideas on framing, composition, zoom achieving a 'film look'), understanding light and editing. The chapter on projects covers all the most likely uses an amateur may have: new baby, birthday party, natural history, holiday, carnivals and parades, wedding, promoting a cause, portrait of a place, sporting event, family video album and promoting a business.

Each chapter has really useful sections on quick fixes such as problems with sound, colour correction, exposure control, etc and Tom covers permits and access, location problems, copyright and rights.

Despite the fact that technology moves so fast material on specific bits of equipment is out of date almost as soon as it's been written, this is a great guide to the principles of effective digital film making. As a total novice I found it an exceptionally good starting point and I'm sure more experienced users will also find it valuable.