Written by Don Mouatt. Follow the articles in sequence or dip in and out ...

The format guides newcomers to video, by way of instructing two genuine camcorder novices. This hypertext version allows newcomers to follow the articles either in sequence or to explore particular concepts in greater depth.

Most aspects of video movie-making are covered and discussed by a team of experts. Initially instruction is designed for the beginner. It then develops to enable both our two students and readers to extend their skills and hopefully, become much more advanced. We occasionally report on the students' progress. The cornerstone of the advice is THINK AND PLAN, and this is stressed throughout the series. Anything less costs time and money and prejudices good movie-making.

Don Mouatt is something of a legend.  His articles first appeared in Camcorder User and then in Film & Video Maker  offering sensible, practical advice for newcomers to video. Terry Mendoza first put the original series onto the web and thanks to his generosity we feature it here.

Don prefers making documentary and holiday videos. He tries to give the latter general appeal by working to a theme and injecting humour. Scripting and editing gives him the most satisfaction.  He is a leading light at Westcliff Film and Video Club.

We are very grateful to Don Mouatt for allowing us to reproduce it here and to Terry Mendoza for making the original hypertext version available to us.

THE STUDENTS

Both have considerable experience with still photography, particularly slides, but very little with video. Shortly after the series started both students purchased JVC GRS-707 camcorders.

• Eric Willder
  He wants to make a movie, for circulation in schools, which promotes martial arts as a means of self-defence. The camcorder will also be used to make documentaries and to record birds in their natural habitat.
• Ron Nash
  Initially Ron plans to shoot holiday videos but when he gains experience he hopes to branch out.