This page lists books you may find useful for learning more about video production and post production. In all honesty, we haven’t had time to read them all, but rather, we’ve relied on recommendations from readers, colleagues and friends. In many cases we know the authors.

Click on any book image or title link to go to Amazon.com for more information, reviews or to purchase a copy.

If you have favorite books that you’d like to recommend to the list, send us information at: , and we'll be happy to check them out for possible inclusion.

After Effects in Production by Trish Meyer

Trish and Chris Meyer are generally considered to be the top experts on After Effects, and have several books out on using it. This link is to an older version (5), but since they regularly release new editions to keep pace with new versions of AE, this will get you to the right page at Amazon to check for updated versions. Trish and Chris are also very active on the AE mail list (see our Lists page for details), and help others on the list on a daily if not hourly basis.

Compression for Great Digital Video (With CD-ROM) by Ben Waggoner

Ben Waggoner is one of the leading experts on video compression, and has the ability to explain things in an easy to understand manner. Novices and professionals alike will benefit from this highly readable guide that has been carefully crafted to present the need to know elements of video and audio compression without ever requiring more than basic algebra.

Final Cut Pro 4 Editing Essentials by Tom Wolsky

Master the craft of editing with Final Cut Pro 4. This editing workshop gives you firsthand experience with the art and technique of editing with eight tutorial lessons that cover the essentials: capturing your material, organizing it, editing, adding transitions, basic titling and sound techniques, and outputting from the application.

The Five C's of Cinematography by Joseph V. Mascelli

Which are: camera angles, continuity, cutting, close-ups and composition. This is an all-time classic guide to shooting film or video. Written in 1965, it’s still completely pertinent. If you shoot moving images—even if you’re a seasoned pro—you owe it to yourself to read this book!

The Independent Film and Videomaker's Guide, Second Edition by Michael Wiese

Michael Wiese has been writing about independent production for ages. This updated book sets itself apart in terms of balancing the creative aspects of filmmaking (idea development, brainstorming exercises) with the business aspects (financing, dealmaking), communicating to the beginning filmmaker how to realistically get a film made. Today's independent filmmaker needs to understand the business aspects of filmmaking if he or she expects to have their work shown, and Michael Wiese's book provides practical strategies for fundraising, scheduling, budgeting, marketing, as well as creative exercises for story development.

Jump Cut!: Memoirs of a Pioneer Television Editor by Arthur Schneider

During his 40-year career, the Art Schneider became one of the industry's most respected television editors, receiving seven Emmy nominations and winning four times. But it was as a master of the jump cut-an editing style in which a sudden cut from one shot to another is made without a fadeout-that he is most remembered, and the term became his nickname. This is a behind-the-scenes look at the development of television, from the days when some editing was done with a razor blade and tape to the electronic editing of today.

Lighting Techniques for Video Production: The Art of Casting Shadows by Tom Letourneau

Tom is a consumate lighting director and an experienced instructor. His book combines aesthetic theory and practical help for producers of videos. Explains the physical nature of light, how to create desires moods with shadows, how to work the latest equipment, how to translate knowledge about film to video, how to deal with location shooting, how set up studio lighting, and other dimensions. The jargon is low and the humor is high. Well illustrated in black and white.

Video Production Handbook, Third Edition by Gerald Millerson

Millerson's books have been a standard text for at least two decades, and are indispensible. This practical sourcebook provides an at-a-glance guide to quality video program-making on a modest budget. Emphasis throughout is on excellence with economy; whether you are working alone or with a small multi-camera group. The techniques detailed here steer you through the hazards of production, helping you to avoid time-wasting problems, and to create an effective video program.