Digital Video Production Cookbook

Reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher

Video production has been an easier affair since the advent of new and affordable software and video camcorders. Computer users are still possibly looki ng for additional ways to “spice” up their videos and make them more professional looking. If so, 100 professional techniques for independent and amateur filmmakers found in the book, Digital Video Production Cookbook, will help improve your video making e ndeavors.    

The author has crafted a series of nice techniques that can be selected to improve your videos in different ways. He has written, produced and directed award winning films, writes a special effects columns for Computer Arts magazine and is a con tributor to the magazine MacFormat. What is nice about this book is that the author literally takes engaging and sophisticated effects that are normally used in major studios and films, and demonstrates how these special effects can be used to transform yo ur own video productions.     The introductory section does not begin with information about how to use your camcorder, work with videocassettes or software. This book is taking your work to the next level after your have learned to use some of your technolog y. Because of this, Macintosh as well as PC users can use this book along with different types of equipment and software. If you are a novice at video creation computer user, the book might help after one learns the initial use and tries some tips.    

The 192 page book has 13 chapter- sections. Each technique - 1-2 pages long - is direct, straight- forward and demonstrated what you can do to create one or more special effects. The book is well designed, nicely illustrated in color with exceptional photos an d clear step-by-step instructions to assist you through the techniques.    

The Introduction section does not cover use of cameras, software or similar information. The focus is on the special effects. So if you need to start first and find out about software and hardware, go elsewhere and then come back to this boo for going beyond.    

This book deals with a wide array of interesting effects that can transform your videos from dull to moderate to very intriguing. Other sections in the book deal with Lighting Ef fects (backlight, horror lightning effect, colored lights for example) , Camera Illusions (frame within a frame, split focus), Camera Movement ( dolly shots, spin, criss-cross walk-in )and Editing Illusions (slow motion, supernatural speed, off- camera act ion).    

Other effects include Production effects (flickering overhead, blood impact, knife impact, chase scenes on foot) and Visual Effects (famous bluescreen effect, explosions, poltergeist, laser bolts). Additional ideas include safe Stunts (punches, b reaking down a roof, time travel effects), Advanced Effects (computer screen projections, creating a moonlight forest, faking night outdoors), Night Shoots (rear projection, faking night shots indoors, creating a moonlit forest), Weather (movie rain, fake snow, desert sun, storms), Sound (impact, atmosphere, science fiction) and Makeup (aging, youth, bruising).    

Conclusion 

If you have your camcorder then you have a head start. There are suggestions for Macintosh and PC software, although the author says tha t Macs are “computers of choice for moviemaking”. With this book all you need is digital effects help and creative solutions and this book sure has many to choose from. This book is well worth the price and provides a lot of ideas and techniques. While it might not make your movie win an Emmy, this product can make your movie shine and possibly better than the ones you previously created.