Have you ever watched a big-budget Hollywood movie and wondered "How did they do that?" or, perhaps, "How can I do that?" While digital technology greatly simplifies the filmmaking process, there are many tried-and-true production tricks that only those lucky enough to work in the world of high-budget professional film production get to know. The truth is that setting up a car chase, making a realistic-looking alien, staging a fistfight, creating atmospheric lighting, and using special effects are often not as difficult to master as you might think.

Digital Video Production Cookbook will show you how to create sophisticated-looking visual effects, dramatic shots, and powerful sequences using low-cost methods adapted from high-end professional techniques. Author and award-winning filmmaker Chris Kenworthy explains how you can use a digital video camera and basic editing software, to create high-end production values with household equipment and a little imagination.

The book includes easy-to-follow recipes for:

• Creating bluescreen effects

• Simulating rain, snow, and other natural phenomena

• Working with backlighting, simulated candlelight, and special lighting effects

• Shooting day for night

• Staging safe stunts, chase scenes, and fistfights

• Makeup techniques for aging, bruises, and serious injuries

• Shooting at night

• Working with camera movement

• Adding special effects such as laser bolts, holograms, and explosions

Packed with full-color, step-by-step instructions, inspirational examples, and authoritative information and advice, this book is the ultimate, no-nonsense cookbook for every aspiring digital filmmaker.

and much more.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 18 Ratings

Not bad - 2008-01-14
Reviewer Rating:
Not bad, but I have read better. It does have a lot of good pictures of the effects they are teaching and all in all this book is not bad, there are just so many others that I feel are better. Check out The "DV Rebel Guide" by Stu something or other or "101 Digital Video hacks", both I feel are better than this.
Enjoy!

Take a pass on this one - 2007-09-03
Reviewer Rating:
There are a view techniques described in this book that might come in handy someday, but the descriptions are not particularly thorough. The bottom line: this will make a good coffee table book but don't expect to learn too much.

Dig It - 2009-09-07
Reviewer Rating:
This book is full of great ideas for conveying your vision to it's fullest extent. Some techniques could use a little bit more explanation, but all in all a great outline for imaginative capture and edit techniques.

silicone implants - 2008-09-21
Reviewer Rating:
I call it this because although it looked great: heavy stock glossy pages & pictures-under closer examination I was disappointed-perhaps after 12 yrs of "event" video i know more than i thought- staring out with lighting vs. equipment set me back right away-a separate more in depth section on actual software use would have helped too-I'm pretty good at imovie BUT not FCP or Avid- I assume those that are are already familiar with the basics & tech tricks-I would have sent it back since I was looking for more indie film info but will probably find it helpful for a community school class I'm giving-beginners new & advanced WILL find this book helpful though.

Very easy to read book with good info - 2007-09-12
Reviewer Rating:
I read through the book which was very informative, form ohh so thats how and TV never really was the same after. I have also tested out good part of it and got good resuslts. I would recommend it highly

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