The Digital Filmmaking Handbook

Mark Brindle runs his own film production hire business in Devon, UK. He is a master member of the UK Institute of Videography (IOV) and has won several Media Innovation Awards for his films and DVDs. Mark regularly writes film production articles and camera reviews.

Foreword. Introduction. THE BASICS. Your equipment: Lights, camera, action!; Types of camera; Viewfinders and monitors; Lenses; Tripods and monopods; Steady your camera; Microphones; External recording devices; Lights and reflectors; Which computer?; Resolution and aspect ratios. Using your video camera: Composition; Handheld techniques; Tripod techniques; Depth of field; Shutter speed; Variable frame rates; Colour balance; Exposure and ND; Picture styles; Natural light; Filters and matte boxes; Setting lights; Filming at night; Get the film look; Sound basics; Sound recording; Using external microphones; Recording dialogue. Your first film project: Pick your genre; A little planning; Cover your scene; Shooting to edit; Angles and positions; Monitoring audio; What the camera sees; Family videos; Filming action sports; Wildlife and nature; Filming live music; Wedding films; Filming an interview. Basic editing: Importing video clips; Cutting it together; Adding a soundtrack; Sharing your video. ADVANCING FILMMAKING. Pre-production: Developing a great story; Story structure; Story building blocks; Conflict, tension, suspense; Scriptwriting basics; Before the shoot; Planning and scheduling; Money! Money! Money!; Casting; Art, makeup and wardrobe; Location and insurance; Music and licensing; Preparing the set. The shoot: Film jobs explained; The director's job; On set; Blocking and rehearsals; Setting up/turning round; The stage line; Eyelines and headroom; Camera rigging for cars; Focus-pulling basics; Special effects make-up; 3D filmmaking; Chroma keying; Continuity and script supervision; Documentary filmmaking. Advanced editing: Non-linear editing software; Workstation and workflow; Importing your media; Synchronizing sound; Frame rate conversions; Transitions and cuts; Editing techniques; The sound edit; Sound clean-up; Sound effects and Foley; Using stock footage; Colour grading; And roll credits... Going live: Media-sharing websites; Burning to DVD; DVD authoring and Blu-ray; How to release your film. Glossary. Index. Acknowledgements. The author.