Understanding HD Video is a comprehensive guide to the research, planning and pre-production processes necessary before creating a movie. It asks the fundamental question: "What are you trying to say with the film?" Is it a documentary or a drama, or a professional quality record of a memorable holiday, wedding or other once-in-a-lifetime event?
From assembling your team - director, producer, lighting, audio, costume and make-up, actors - to obtaining all the equipment you'll need, the book gives expert advice on camera settings, shutter speeds, lenses, filters, audio considerations and lighting requirements. Practical information is given on how to shoot standard and wide-angle shots, panning techniques, how to capture action with the use of dollies and other motion aids, and how to make sure your sequences are crisply in focus.
Post-production hardware, software and techniques are discussed, including importing files, reviewing footage, synching audio, colour grading, rendering and exporting. A final chapter briefly discusses various post-production/editing techniques such as workflow, colour grading and adding narration.
