SAW Video Handbook

The video cookbook for independent production
- 2nd Edition -

By Rob Thompson
(who graciously has provided SAW Video with the rights to this publication)

Introduction

This manual is meant to give a person starting out in video a general overview of the entire process from development through to distribution.

I have written the manual primarily from the viewpoint of a director/producer since this is how many people will see themselves when creating their first projects. I have also used a larger production model, where the primary jobs are filled by different people, to help you understand the various roles within a crew, even though you may end up doing many of these jobs yourself.

There are many types of videos from drama and documentary to video art and sponsored videos. Each one has its own specific style but the process is basically the same and where they differ I have made a few extra notes.

Equipment is always changing with new models and technologies being released every year. For this reason I have not tried to cover equipment specifics, for those you should take a workshop or study the equipment manuals.

The nice thing about video is that you can throw all the rules out the window, grab a camera, and create a masterpiece. However, as your ideas become more complex and you start involving cast and crew in your production, I think you'll find the following information helpful.

Rob Thompson

The SAW Video handbook is available for purchase for a price of $12.