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Dave Lent
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VIDEO RULES Kindle Edition

by Dave Lent (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 97 ratings
As a freelance cameraman for 40 years Dave learned early and often that the power of video - to inform, entertain, or inspire - flows not from the camera, but from the craft. Whether you're shooting news, documentaries, sports, business, or entertainment the same principles apply.

Dave distills his accumulated know-how into a set of core principles he calls The Laws of Camerawork. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a seasoned professional, or the home/office paparazzi, VIDEO RULES will dramatically shorten your learning curve, showing you how to...

COMPOSE IRRESISTIBLE IMAGES
HARNESS THE EMOTIONAL FORCE OF AUDIO
HARMONIZE WITH THE CLIENT (OR COLLEAGUE) FROM HELL
PREPARE FOR A WAR ZONE...AND LIVE TO TELL THE STORY
DISCOVER AND DEVELOP YOUR UNIQUE GIFTS
GROW A PROSPEROUS AND BULLETPROOF CAREER

With VIDEO RULES as a guide, the stories you shoot will be the ones people remember...and talk about.

“If you were only going to buy one book to improve your shooting skills I would make it this one. A must-read if you're looking to get more creative, shoot better video, and take kick-ass pictures.” Annie L, Amazon customer

“The best, most concise book about shooting video I've read. It's deep, but also a quick read. A great book by a master of the art of video.” Author/Photographer, Amazon reviewer

“Video Rules provides practical knowledge coupled with real life experience. This book has confirmed for me what I’m doing right and provided insight into what I could be changing. A quick read that is not bogged down by technical jargon, this is easily accessible material for all levels of cinematographers. I highly recommend this book.” John Shaterian, producer/cameraman

“I find this book immensely inspiring. As a visual artist using video as a complementary tool for projects and documentations, I consider this an invaluable collection of tools suitable for many different fields of work. It is clear and informative and at the same time packed with know-how. 5 stars!” Leif Jacobsson, visual artist

“I only wish someone had written this when I started making films over 15 years ago!” Simon Sharman, filmmaker

“Dave's approach of sharing knowledge learned from many years of professional experience is so down to earth. Hopefully, this book becomes a bible for new video professionals.” Leon Gerskovic, documentary producer

“Video Rules gave me many things to consider and think about. I've since changed my whole concept of how I shoot video!” Andrew Magnuson, videographer

“It's an absolutely great book! Very enjoyable to read with lots of useful tips. Dave draws from his own experiences, with funny, touching and valuable stories in between, making it a very personal book.” Suzanne van Leendert, filmmaker

“Dave’s passion for filming and the depth of his knowledge of the craft really come across in this book. He's "been there, done that", and offers hard-won lessons and insights from a true pro's perspective.” Nigel Bellis, producer/director

“I am the co-owner of a boutique creative agency making the move to shooting video for the web. This book is chock full of tips relevant to anyone thinking about diving into the video-making game. I appreciate that the author shares everything from the down and dirty how-tos of thinking about sound, how to frame the shot, and to how to work with clients.” Stephanie S., producer/director

“I really enjoy books that nail the material. This was a quick read and a great refresher for those of us who have been shooting for a long time.” Kevin Jeffrey, cameraman

“After reading Video Rules I feel as though I have a mentor with me all the time!” Annemieke Ruggenberg, producer/videographer

“If you want to shoot at the pro level then read this book.” Mark I., filmmaker

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  1. Print length
    206 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    December 15, 2013
  5. File size
    9.4 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"As the world of film and video making evolves - seemingly at the speed of light - the importance of good guidance cannot be overestimated. Dave Lent's Video Rules, the first and most far-reaching guide to communicating in the Video Age, is a book in sync with its time. Brimming with career-empowering strategies for the aspiring filmmaker and timeless reminders for the seasoned pro, Video Rules is an absolute must-read." Jody Michelle Solis, Editor, StudentFilmmakers Magazine

"In this descriptive and illustrative how-to, Lent focuses on delivering practical knowledge to anyone interested in camerawork. Lent's expert tips for "how to work smart instead of hard" instruct readers on the importance of efficiency, stressing that one must break out of his or her comfort zone and work in a manner that maximizes quality while minimizing one's learning curve. Through this, Lent pushes the limits of even the most basic filmmaking enthusiast...providing readers with a vocabulary to succeed in the filmmaking industry."
-Giovanni LoMonaco, PDNEDU, The Magazine for Emerging Photographers and Photo Educators
"Most of us would articulate more clearly and understand more deeply if we knew the basic grammar, syntax and logic of video. What Dave Lent presents here is a straight and simple path to video literacy and, with practice, video mastery. VIDEO RULES is a perfect text for video self-education and should be offered in every American school."
-David Morash, Veteran Correspondent, ABC's Nightline

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00EOD1LT8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Burgess-Lent Media
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 15, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 9.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 206 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0615851945
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 97 ratings

About the author

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Dave Lent

Dave Lent

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My love affair with the camera - as a shooter, producer and accessory designer - spans forty years. While most of my clients are international news bureaus based in Washington, DC, I also shoot for local stations, corporations and production companies scattered around the country.

Working as a freelancer, I've been able to make time to produce a half-dozen documentaries, including LIFE WITHOUT (Inside San Quentin), HOTEL MACEDONIA (A cameraman in the kitchen of the Third World War), and THE 5 KEYS TO MASTERY (How far do you want to take it?). My new book, VIDEO RULES (How to think about how to shoot), is an updated, expanded sequel to my 1986 handbook called THE LAWS OF CAMERAWORK.

In addition to my documentaries, I'm the designer of the SteadyBag, PickupStix, GelFile and LensEnd - production accessories used by video shooters, filmmakers and photographers worldwide.

Based in Oakland, CA, I continue to work as a news cameraman and documentary producer and am currently growing a paid practice teaching The 5 Keys to Mastery.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
97 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides good information on shooting video and film, with one mentioning it offers great insights into news and documentary work. The book is quick to read and customers consider it worth the price. The pacing receives mixed reactions, with one customer noting it can be repetitive at times.

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Information qualityReadabilityValue for moneyPacing
15 customers mention "Information quality"13 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the book's practical tips and common sense approach to video and film production, with one customer noting how it provides examples of both successes and failures.

"...And because it's so filled with information, it's the kind of book that you can go back to and discover lessons and information that you didn't see..." Read more

"Excellent advice from a seasoned pro. Covers everything you need to know... Minus the latest info...." Read more

"...It is mildly interesting, but utterly devoid of a unifying theme. It is not at all what I expected." Read more

"...Additionally, capturing wisdom from others is indispensable no matter how much we think we know, there is always a new term or technique to be..." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, describing it as a quick pick-me-up.

"...packed in a lifetime of learning and experience—but it's also a quick read...." Read more

"...If you wanna be a shooter, this is a inexpensive and quick pick me up" Read more

"I really enjoy books that nail the material. This was a quick read and a great review for those of us that have been shooting a long time or those..." Read more

3 customers mention "Value for money"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book worth its price.

"...If you shoot video or film, definitely worth the money and time." Read more

"...If you wanna be a shooter, this is a inexpensive and quick pick me up" Read more

"The book has some very good points, and is certainly worth the price!..." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"0 positive3 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book repetitive and lacking a unifying theme.

"...It is mildly interesting, but utterly devoid of a unifying theme. It is not at all what I expected." Read more

"Good common sense book on shooting video and film. A little repetitive at times, but a good book...." Read more

"...I gave it a three because it was too much of a mix rather than aimed at the beginner or the emerging pro...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Author/Photographer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for both beginning and experienced videographers alike
    Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is the best, most concise book about shooting video that I've ever read. It's deep—the author packed in a lifetime of learning and experience—but it's also a quick read.
    I think it's so useful because he tells so many stories from his own career to illustrate his lessons.
    I'm a very experienced writer who is breaking into video and for me it's the perfect book, but I think it would also benefit people who are new to the profession because it gives you the shooting guidelines you need to make compelling video your first time out.
    And because it's so filled with information, it's the kind of book that you can go back to and discover lessons and information that you didn't see the first time through.
    All in all, a great book by a master of the art of video.
    One person found this helpful
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  • markitect
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great insights into news and documentary work
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Excellent advice from a seasoned pro. Covers everything you need to know... Minus the latest info. about using smaller cameras like dslrs and smartphones for for intimate or "covert" work. The cameras here pretty much look like big professional Sony shoulder-monsters.... Not anything I really want to deal with anytime soon.

    If you are looking for vlogging info. This NOT your book. If you want to shoot pro level and learn what the pros do for news and documentaries then read this book.

    An added but unexpected gem included is the 5 point guide to mastery....(Tim Ferriss missed this! :) - check it out.

    4 stars as it needs some updating....but otherwise a great read.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Enigma
    3.0 out of 5 stars A journey to strangeness
    Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A strange book... There are snippets about practical video production (such as framing the shot, and lighting) but mostly it seems to be a random collection of memories by a veteran video guy. The last of the book waxes philosophical through a number of quotes about life. If you want to know how to prepare yourself for a solitary video shoot in a combat zone or high security prison, then this book is for you. It is mildly interesting, but utterly devoid of a unifying theme. It is not at all what I expected.
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  • Marc
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is not just the rules, it's wisdom.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2018
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Dave Lent is a seasoned pro who knows how to communicate.

    As a 45 yr filmmaker I can say unequivocally that Dave's information is top-notch. I'd make this book a must read for anyone looking to build a career. He speaks with candor and clarity. He hits all nails on the head.

    If you're wondering why a guy like me with years of experience is reading a book like this, it's simple.....One can never stop learning to become better. Additionally, capturing wisdom from others is indispensable no matter how much we think we know, there is always a new term or technique to be discovered.

    I'm glad I made this purchase and I would not hesitate to use this book with students as well.
    Helpful
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  • Annemieke
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very great guide to start shooting
    Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    For the last 6 years I have been working as a journalist, author and producer. Working together with and next to ‘shooters’, I never had to create video footage myself. After moving to the US I wanted to explore my possibilities as a video journalist and became interested in shooting. It’s pretty difficult to start from scratch but after reading this book I felt as if I had a mentor with me all the time! I like that the book not only gives straight forward, practical tips. It also gives a very interesting insight in the challenging and dynamic work of a shooter. After reading the book I gained even more respect and understanding for the work of my ‘camera colleagues’ and it gave me just the practical knowledge and skills I needed to start creating my own shooting experiences.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Travis J. Chinn
    4.0 out of 5 stars Decent book
    Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Good common sense book on shooting video and film. A little repetitive at times, but a good book. If you shoot video or film, definitely worth the money and time.
    Helpful
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  • Gary L. Goodwin
    3.0 out of 5 stars Mainly for the emerging pro with some ideas that beginners can use, too
    Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book serves two audiences but it is titled to the emerging pro. The emerging pro need to know how to travel with equipment, move their equipment in and out of elevators,etc. This info will not be very interesting to the beginnner. The beginner will pickup some ideas here and there.

    I gave it a three because it was too much of a mix rather than aimed at the beginner or the emerging pro. A clearer title should be developed so the book can get into the right hands.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Doecliff55
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I shoot video with a sport/action cam attached to a quadcopter then post them on YouTube. Getting quality video is a lot harder than it looks and I usually only have maybe 10% of suitable material. I may not use all of the techniques in this book but it's obvious that the content is rock solid and proven. The author is very inspiring and gives good examples of successes and failures he has encountered during his career.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • calli
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 3, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Love learning from his expert advice - especially like the 5 step to mastery. Thank you.
    Report
  • DSP
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in Canada on September 20, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Great book with a lot of very useful information for all skill levels.
    Report
  • AC
    5.0 out of 5 stars I recommend this book
    Reviewed in Canada on November 7, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I recommend this book. It explains how to shoot in various situations and how to handle different situations that might arise.
    Report
  • James Coe
    4.0 out of 5 stars Solid introduction
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 6, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I will like revisit this book in time, it gives some great tips. I've noticed that books about filmmaking for beginners suffer from the same plight, they start strong, with great advice, but then veer off into unnecessary territory. In this case, there's part of the book which discusses some tips for filming in a conflict zone. Interesting to read but a little unnecessary for a book which contains the very basics of composing a nice shot. Nonetheless, this book has some good advice and I enjoyed it. I recommend it.
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  • Ava
    2.0 out of 5 stars Not Great
    Reviewed in Canada on June 3, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I didn't find this very helpful for making videos.
    Report

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