Practical DV Filmmaking [With CDROM]

A very highly recommended instruction guide and reference work for filmmaking students and aspiring filmmakers, Practical DV Filmmaking by Russel Evans (Film, Video and Multimedia Lecturer, internet broadcasting advisor and freelance writer on video production) is an informed and informative guide to minimal-budget film making, including all of the diverse "tricks of the trade" involved in the production a marketable film. Enhanced with an accompanying CD, Practical DV Filmmaking is sure to enable even the most novice filmmaker to attain a mastery of the filmmaking process for the low-budget end of the entertainment or documentary market.

This book is fantastic. Evans outlines everything from the direction that audio waves are received depending on which external mic is used, to the compression rate for web movies. The book is incredibly up to date, as it should be considering it just came out. The set up of the book is very much like the 'for dummies' series, considering that there are projects along the way for you to undertake to sharpen your skills, along with info and ww link boxes. Most other books out there just outline what you need to do but don't tell you how to do things. This book really tells you what is going on when your making a film, and just doesn't say, if you do this then the picture will look pretty. He gets technical, and that's what needs to be said to give people getting into this a better understanding of what they are doing . He starts off with a great intro, for those who are just getting into digital filmmaking it really outlines what needs to be done to succeed. He identifies each technical aspect that he is going to cover, and then goes on to explain how you need to get to know your camera. Its obvious that a ton of research has been put into this book, as it really tells you everything you could possibly need to know. If you buy this book first then there really is no need for any other book out there. I've read this book cover to cover 1 time so far, and plan on reading it 2 more times.

This book is just filled with great advice for newcomers to video/film making. It fully meet my needs as a starting point to clearly layout basics that one needs to take into consideration not start out blind, it really saves you time by focusing on the esential quickly. It also helps by defining many concepts one perceptivelly understands or thinks one does. I have bought several of the cinematography/videography books on top of the "must have" lists and by far, this is the one I can hardly stop reading. Highly recomended, go for it, you will not regret it. The CD included is of very little value, trial versions of software and transcripts in Word format instead of a nice multimedia just sucks. Next time Mr Evans, have your editors work harder if they want to "include" something. Include printable forms like storyboards and frames with the thirds rule and alike with real practical value for begginers. Maybe spreadsheets with basic calculations...be creative, the files included are very boring, more so after going through such an entertaining and educational book.

The book itself is excellent and answered most of my questions. The depth of the book is in the supporting material. So many internet links to great content can take you months to read if you wanted to spend the time. Very intelligent in the layout. It gives you exercises to complete before you go to the next step and the exercises are designed to get you to know yourself as film maker and to get to know your equipment and tools (ie limitations). This book goes a long way in helping you realize yourself as a DV film maker.

This book should be the first on every aspiring filmmakers shelf, and should be the next addition for every filmmaker who is already hard at work. Evans presents the information in a practical, well thought out format and supplies plenty of examples, sources of further information, and a ton of helpful internet links. If this book doesn't have enough depth for you, it will certainly point you in the right direction. The examples used are familiar films, both current and clasic (and of every genre), as well as examples from low budget and student films. All of these elements form the best book I've read about filmmaking aimed at the industrious DV pioneer. This book was actually more helpful than 4 years of film school classes. Buy this book, read it, and go make some movies.