This seminal text, now in its thirteenth edition, provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the operations underlying video production.
It provides thorough coverage of the theory and techniques readers need to know, balancing complexity with practical how-to information about detailed subjects in a concise, conversational style. The book has been updated to incorporate recent changes in the video production pipeline–emphasizing digital video, non-linear video production, streaming platforms, mobile production, and do-it-yourself video–while maintaining the foundational, nuanced, teamwork-based approach that has made the book popular.
Chapters include key takeaways, review questions, on-set exercises, and QR codes, and a comprehensive glossary defines all the key production terms discussed. An accompanying eResource includes downloadable versions of the forms and paperwork used in the book, in addition to links to further online resources.
James C. Foust is Professor in the School of Media and Communication at Bowling Green State University, USA. He has worked in commercial video production, including experience as a television news videographer and editor. He is also the author of Big Voices of the Air: The Battle over Clear Channel Radio (2000) and Online Journalism: Principles and Practices of News for the Web, Third Edition (2011). He holds Ph.D. and M.S. degrees from Ohio University.
Edward J. Fink is Professor of Cinema and Television Arts at California State University, Fullerton, USA. He teaches multiple-camera studio production and single-camera field production, in addition to other media and writing courses. He is the co-author of another production text Portable Video: News and Field Production (2012) and the author of Dramatic Story Structure: A Primer for Screenwriters (2014). He holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communications from Indiana University.
Phil Beskid is Associate Professor in the School of Media and Communication at Bowling Green State University, USA. In addition to his role as a media production faculty member, he advises the two campus radio stations WBGU-FM and Falcon Radio. Before working in academia his work experience includes stints as on-air talent and production director at major market radio stations, and as an audio engineer for studios recording music, audiobooks, and voiceover. He holds a M.S. degree from the University of Colorado Denver and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. from Bowling Green State University.
Jose A. Cardenas is Professor in the School of Media and Communication at Bowling Green State University, USA. In addition to being a faculty member in media production, he has been working in the television and film industry for over twenty-five years as a director of photography and camera operator with experience in both film and digital formats for feature films, documentary, and news. Additionally he is a retired Major in the United States Air Force Reserves in Combat Camera and Public Affairs where he served in Iraq as Chief of Public Affairs and was awarded a Joint Service Commendation and Meritorious Service Medal. He has received two Telly Awards for the PBS documentaries Hines Farm Blues Club and Doyt Perry, A Coach for Life. He is a member of the Society of Camera Operators (SOC), International Combat Camera Association (ICCA), and International Alliance of Theatrical & Stage Employees (IATSE, Local 600, Cinematographer’s Guild).
Robert Gordon Jr. is Associate Professor of Media Arts in the College of Media and Entertainment at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA. He has been a producer, director, and manager of multi-camera productions for 46 years. He has directed for various broadcasting outlets and produced concert specials, award shows, and comedy series for Cinemax, PBS, TNN, CMT, Family Channel, Time Warner, Gaylord Syndicom, and RCA Records. He holds a BFA and MBA from the University of Cincinnati and is the Video and Film Degree Program Coordinator for the Department of Media Arts.
James B. Lohrey is Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication, Journalism & Media at Shippensburg University, USA. Mr. Lohrey teaches courses in the CJM core and the Broadcast Production track at undergraduate level, as well as in the department’s M.S. in Strategic Communication program. He also serves as the advisor to WSYC, the student-run radio station on campus. Additionally, Mr. Lohrey completed his doctoral coursework in Spring 2023 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is working on his dissertation which he expects to complete by Spring 2025. As a media professional in the television and video field, he interned and worked for WKBW-TV, the ABC affiliate in Buffalo, NY, created short independent film and video projects, and wrote a film column for a bi-weekly entertainment newspaper in Buffalo.
