Chapter 2. Shooting Digital Movies

In this chapter, you'll learn how to shoot great video. First we'll cover the basics: shot types, sequences, action, and directing. Then, using two top 10 lists, we'll review camcorder and shooting essentials. More than anything else, making videos means shooting well. What makes a movie wonderful to watch? These are some of the most common elements:

• Stable shots

• Shots that last 5 to 15 seconds

• A variety of shots (long, medium, and close-up)

• Good audio

When you shoot well, you may hardly have to edit at allor, at least, your editing task will be much, much easier. So, let's find out how to shoot, using the basic shot types, and then cover the basic features on your camcorder and how to work with your shooting environment so you can make great movies.