videomaker instructional videos

[Ben Dailey]

Has anybody ever bought any of the Videomaker Instructional Videos?
http://www.videomaker.com/store/home.php?cat=6

If so, would you recommend them? If not, what other instructional videos would you recommend?

[Ben Dailey]

Anybody know of any good videography instructional DVDs?

[Ervin Farkas]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong - I don't want to put them in the wrong box - but I always thought VideoMaker is for consumers who want to take their vacation videos to the next level... nothing close to professional though. But again, I might be wrong...

[Bill Mecca]

that's how I view them too,
you might want to check out VASST

[Ben Dailey]

Thanks.

I checked out VASST. Looks like like they have a good selection of training material.

[Will Mahoney]

Totally, I like VideoMaker and what they do. Plus I like some of their reviews, but yes, they seem mostly for home video guys/gals that want to add a bit to their vacation vids. Not really for professionals. But plenty of good info. And while not the best, they do show some interesting techniques that a beginner like myself is able to use.

[Alain St-Amour]

I haven't seen the Videomaker DVDs, but I have always liked Videomaker. The magazine is indeed geared towards beginners to mid-level users, however I've always found their magazine and website incredibly useful for those seeking solid video fundamentals.

Ben, this might not be quite what you were looking for in terms of instruction. It is an absolutely fantastic interactive CD film school (read movies, not specifically film) that I own.

http://www.interactivefilmschool.com

I recommend this product to EVERYONE who is interested in the art of filmmaking. It's outstanding... and no, I don't work for them.

[Ben Dailey]

Thanks everyone.

I'm just beginning into the whole video production thing, so even the basics is a big help.

I've been reading as much as I can online about making videos/movies. I also bought The Computer Videomaker Handbook, which contained a lot of helpful information.

I found a very informative website called Cybercollege, http://www.cybercollege.com/tvp_ind.htm

After you finish each section you can take a quiz to see how much you learned.

[Jonathan Jones]

Originally Posted by Ben Dailey

Has anybody ever bought any of the Videomaker Instructional Videos?
http://www.videomaker.com/store/home.php?cat=6

If so, would you recommend them? If not, what other instructional videos would you recommend?

Hi Ben,
I haven't seen any of the videomaker DVD instructional products you linked to, but from my understanding, the earlier posts are correct in that Videomaker seeks to educate the entry-level to amatuer videographer. I have gleaned some great tips and insight from their magazine over the years, especially when starting out. They also have a YouTube channel with tons of video tutorials on a wide range of subject content.

http://www.youtube.com/user/videomaker

I don't know if any of those clips are taken from the DVD products you referenced. I kind of doubt it because most of the YouTube clips have very minimal production value and look fairly 'thrown together' - which makes me wonder if they're making redundant productions on the cheap for the YouTube crowd...I'm not sure.

If the YouTube clips ARE the same as those on the DVDs, at least you get an idea of the production values on the DVD videos. And the basics are pretty well covered. (Though some subject matter is only slightly touched upon with minimal information, and some of the info would probably be challenged by more seasoned professionals.)

-Jon

[Ben Dailey]

Thanks Jonathan.

I never thought to search for Videomaker on YouTube.

I may be putting the cart before the horse with all this studying, since I don't even have a camera yet, but I'd like to have a better understanding of things before purchasing a camera and other high end gear.

So far my only experience has been with consumer cameras, Windows Movie Maker, and Premiere Pro.

I liked Adobe premiere Pro, but unfortunately My computer could only barely handle it. So after the camera purchase I intend to upgrade to a computer that is better suited for video editing.

Thanks again for the YouTube link.

[Terry Lee]

You might be interested in checking out this thread...

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=99505

[Ben Dailey]

Thanks Terry for the links.