Resources

The Craft
Where have I learned this?

Auditioning On Camera: An Actor’s Guide
by Joseph Hacker

I took several classes from Joe in college at USC; at the time, there was nothing like this taught at the university level. I attribute much of what I know about being in front of the camera directly to what Joe shared. His book appears to cover many of the same topics.

 

Acting in Film
by Michael Caine

A seminal work considered by many to be “the bible” on how to do this stuff; I read this while I lived and worked as an actor in LA.

 

 

Nancy Duarte

When I saw her talk at WDS 2012, I almost cried: listening to how there was a “formula” to being an amazing communicator was a bit mind-blowing and energizing all at the same time. She’s written books and has a TED talk on this topic.

 

 

The Technical Side
Where do I go and who do I trust?

Wistia

Primarily they deal with pro video hosting, but also have topics covering everything from audio to lighting; also has a forum and a very active community

Caleb Wojcik – DIY Video Guy

How-to guide, podcast, and videocast; also a good friend. Very talented guy.

Wes Wages

Great email course; specializes in shooting events

Steve Stockman

How to shoot video that doesn’t suck! (that about says it all, right?)

 

Gear
What do I use?

Cameras – you can spend $200 or $2000

• Canon Powershot ELPH 310 point-and-click (I have Blue)
• Apple iPhone 4S
• Joby tripod
• Glif phone adapter for tripods

 

Sound – we’ll put up with bad video if this is good

• Radio Shack Hands-Free Clip-On Omnidirectional Microphone (Lavalier)
• H2 Zoom portable recorder (you will need to sync the audio to the video later)
• Dragonpad Pop Filter (Wind Screen)—helps minimize/reduce plosives and hissing. I don’t always use this for videos, but definitely if I’m doing audio narration or voiceovers.

 

Editing – I like to keep this simple, so have been doing more on my phone

• Apple Photos app on the iPhone
• Apple iMovie (for Mac)
• Audacity (free audio-editing software)
• YouTube video editor (there’s also a music library)
• Audiojungle (music library – paid tracks)
• A few other fun editing apps to check out (iPhone): Fly, Videolicious, Viva Video

 

Uploading and Storage – do *not* store video on your website

• YouTube (free video hosting/player)
• Vimeo (free and premium video hosting/player)
• Wistia (premium video hosting/player)
• Amazon S3 (video hosting – bit more complicated, but if you want more control or other options)

 

 

 

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, a small commission is sent to me. No additional amount is added to your purchase; this percentage comes out of the amount you pay to the company. I have only recommended people I know or have learned from, and items that I have personally used and liked. Any questions, just let me know.