7 Best-Selling Video Production Books Millions Trust

Jesser (100 Thieves) and Victor Asemota (Alta Global Ventures) recommend top Video Production Books shaping creators’ success

Jesser
Victor Asemota
Updated on June 28, 2025
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When millions of readers and top experts agree on a set of books, you know they’ve struck a chord. Video production is more vital than ever, powering everything from viral YouTube hits to professional broadcasts. These books reflect approaches that have helped creators navigate the evolving landscape with proven success and practical insight.

Take Jesser, content creator for 100 Thieves and founder of TruCreator. He praises "The YouTube Formula" for transforming his approach to audience building and engagement, calling it "a must read for any YouTuber." Meanwhile, Victor Asemota, creator and Africa Partner at Alta Global Ventures, champions "How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck" for its no-nonsense, hands-on advice that resonates even beyond industry insiders.

While these popular titles offer proven frameworks, if you want content tailored specifically to your background and goals, consider creating a personalized Video Production book. This option blends expert-validated strategies with your unique learning needs, delivering actionable guidance crafted just for you.

Best for mastering YouTube growth
Jesser, content creator for 100 Thieves and founder of TruCreator, recommends this book as essential for anyone serious about YouTube. He highlights how it transformed his approach, saying "Just finished the book, it’s a must read for any youtuber 10/10." His endorsement reflects the book’s practical value for creators aiming to unlock YouTube’s algorithm and build a thriving channel, making it a go-to resource aligned with widespread community approval.
J

Recommended by Jesser

Content creator for 100 Thieves and founder of TruCreator

@derraleves Just finished the book, it’s a must read for any youtuber 10/10 (from X)

Derral Eves, a seasoned video marketing expert and founder of VidSummit, wrote this book to reveal the inner workings of YouTube's algorithm that shapes success on the platform. You’ll learn how to launch a channel, craft content that resonates, and drive rapid growth in views and subscribers using data-driven strategies. The book dives into improving searchability, building a brand, and monetizing your audience, supported by case studies from top creators. If you aim to turn YouTube efforts into tangible revenue and engagement, this guide offers clear insights tailored to entrepreneurs, creators, and brand managers looking to navigate the platform’s complexities.

Wall Street Journal Bestseller
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Best for practical video storytelling
Victor Asemota, a creator and Africa partner at Alta Global Ventures, values practical, accessible advice in video production. His enthusiastic endorsement, "This thing is an art sha! This book is awesome!!", highlights the book’s ability to resonate beyond industry insiders. Victor's experience navigating creative projects aligns with Steve Stockman’s hands-on approach, making this a go-to guide for anyone wanting to shoot better video without fuss. His recommendation underlines why this book remains a favorite among amateurs aiming to look like pros.
VA

Recommended by Victor Asemota

Creator and Africa Partner at Alta Global Ventures

This thing is an art sha! This book is awesome!! (from X)

2011·248 pages·Video Production, Filmmaking, Amateur Movie Production, Storytelling, Framing

Steve Stockman challenges the conventional wisdom that good video depends on expensive gear, instead focusing on storytelling and communication. Drawing on his extensive directing experience across commercials, TV shows, and feature films, he breaks down key concepts like framing, lighting, and sound in manageable, focused chapters. You learn how to think like a director, moving beyond static shots to create engaging narratives that hold attention, whether filming a birthday party or a music video. This book is ideal if you want to improve your video skills without getting bogged down by technical jargon or equipment obsession.

World's best-selling cinematography book
Available in 9 languages
Published by Workman Publishing Company
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Best for custom growth plans
This AI-created book on YouTube growth is crafted based on your experience level and content focus. You share your background, areas of interest, and growth goals, and the book is tailored to explore methods that align with what matters most to you. Personalizing the content makes it easier to cut through the noise and focus on what truly drives success for your channel’s unique journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Video Production, YouTube Analytics, Content Optimization, Audience Engagement, Video SEO

This tailored book delves into data-driven methods that power YouTube video production success. It explores how to harness analytics, audience insights, and content trends to elevate your channel’s growth. By focusing on your interests and background, the book reveals how to create videos that resonate with your target viewers and optimize performance metrics. It combines popular knowledge validated by millions of creators with personalized guidance, ensuring you focus on techniques that fit your unique goals. This tailored approach examines video optimization, engagement tactics, and growth patterns, making it a rich resource for creators eager to refine their craft and expand their reach meaningfully.

Tailored Blueprint
Audience Analytics
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for classroom video training
What makes "Television Production: A Classroom Approach" notable is its hands-on framework designed specifically for middle and high school students. The authors combine technical knowledge with creative activities, offering a full package including instructor and student materials alongside illustrative videotapes. This multi-faceted approach supports educators aiming to introduce video production fundamentals while keeping students actively engaged through meaningful projects like school news shows and video yearbooks. It’s a practical resource that bridges classroom learning with real-world media production challenges.
Television Production: A Classroom Approach book cover

by Keith Kyker, Christopher Curchy·You?

1993·378 pages·Video Production, TV Production, Studio Design, Scripting, Camera Work

When Keith Kyker and Christopher Curchy developed this book, their goal was to create a practical classroom tool that demystifies television production for young learners. You’ll explore everything from the technical setup of a TV studio to the creative process behind scripting and camera work. The book doesn’t just cover theory; it guides you through real projects like interviews and a school news show, making the learning tangible. If you’re involved in education or training students in media production, this book offers a structured yet accessible curriculum that prepares novices for hands-on video work.

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Best for blending traditional and digital methods
What makes Leonard C. Shyles's The Art of Video Production stand out is its thorough coverage of both the fundamentals and the evolving digital landscape of video creation. This book offers a clear pathway from basic concepts to advanced television production techniques, enriched by insights from seasoned industry professionals. If you're looking to understand how content is crafted and communicated on screen, Shyles’s text provides a solid foundation, blending timeless production values with the realities of modern digital workflows. Whether you're a student or an aspiring videographer, this book addresses the core challenges you’ll face in the field.
The Art of Video Production book cover

by Leonard C. Shyles·You?

2007·564 pages·Video Production, TV Production, Digital Technology, Content Creation, Audience Analysis

Leonard C. Shyles brings decades of professional television production experience to this book, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional methods and digital innovations. You’ll explore detailed techniques across electronic news-gathering, film production, and multicamera broadcasts, with practical insights into writing, directing, and editing. The inclusion of interviews with industry professionals enriches your understanding of the media landscape’s evolution, especially the digital shift and its impact on content creation. This book suits students and aspiring videographers who want a balanced grasp of both foundational principles and emerging technologies in video production.

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Best for technical TV production skills
Fundamentals of Television Production stands out by combining detailed technical explanations with artistic considerations, making it a distinctive resource in video production education. Ralph Donald and Thomas Spann address everything from the history of videotape to modern HD technology, while also covering aesthetic factors like lighting and shot composition. This book’s approach suits both students and professionals aiming to understand the full scope of television production, including preproduction, production, and postproduction phases. Its extensive use of photos, definitions, and clear language helps demystify the craft for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge or build a career in the field.
Fundamentals of Television Production book cover

by Ralph Donald, Thomas Spann·You?

2000·315 pages·Video Production, TV Production, TV Post-Production, Equipment Technology, Lighting Techniques

The methods Ralph Donald and Thomas Spann developed while teaching television production courses offer a rare blend of technical depth and creative insight. You get a thorough grounding in equipment—from vintage videotape technology to modern high-definition cameras—paired with clear explanations of aesthetic choices like shot composition and lighting. Each chapter closes with key terms and definitions, making complex concepts more approachable. Whether you're aiming to master behind-the-scenes technical skills or aspire to creative roles like directing and production design, this book lays out the fundamentals with clarity and practical context. It’s especially useful if you want both the science and the art of television production in one place.

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Best for custom filming plans
This AI-created book on filmmaking techniques is designed based on your unique background and skill level. You share which areas of video production you want to focus on and your goals for improving your shooting skills. The book is then crafted to match your interests perfectly, making the learning process more effective and enjoyable. By receiving content tailored specifically for you, you avoid generic advice and dive straight into what matters most to your filmmaking journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Video Production, Filmmaking Basics, Camera Operation, Lighting Techniques, Storytelling

This personalized book on filmmaking explores practical techniques designed to enhance your video storytelling and production skills. By tailoring content to match your background and specific goals, it focuses on the key aspects of shooting that matter most to you. It covers foundational elements such as camera operation and composition, then gradually delves into advanced techniques like lighting adjustments and narrative pacing, offering a clear pathway to improve over 90 days. This tailored approach ensures you learn efficiently by concentrating on what aligns with your interests and experience, making complex filmmaking concepts accessible and engaging. The book reveals how to transform your shooting style with focused practice and creative insight, building your confidence and skill set steadily.

Tailored Guide
Video Storytelling Insights
3,000+ Books Created
This guide from the editors of Videomaker Magazine offers a practical, approachable entry point into digital video and DVD production. It’s designed for those stepping into video creation who want clear, accessible information on current tools and techniques. The book’s layout, broken into short, targeted sections, makes it easy to reference during shoots or editing sessions. Covering everything from shooting and streaming to DVD and CD authoring, it addresses the evolving needs of contemporary videographers, helping you produce higher-quality videos with confidence.
2004·422 pages·Video Production, Digital Video, Editing Techniques, Streaming Media, DVD Authoring

After years of curating expert content for Videomaker Magazine, Scott Anderson and his team crafted this guide to demystify digital video creation for novices and prosumers alike. You’ll find concise sections covering everything from shooting techniques to modern editing tips, along with practical insights on streaming, encoding, and DVD authoring. For example, the book’s updated chapters on MPEG formats and streaming slide shows reflect shifts in digital media technology. This guide suits anyone eager to elevate their video skills without getting bogged down in jargon or overly technical manuals.

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Best for growing and monetizing YouTube channels
Benji Travis, along with his wife Judy, has amassed over one billion views on YouTube, gained over four million subscribers, and created a seven-figure influencer business. With over a decade of experience, Benji works with creators to land better brand deals, build profitable businesses, and continue to grow their influence on social media. His expertise fuels this book, making it a practical guide for anyone aiming to turn their YouTube channel into a successful venture.

Millions have turned to this book for its straightforward blueprint on transforming YouTube channels from stagnant to thriving platforms. Benji Travis, drawing on over a decade of experience and a personal history of building a seven-figure influencer business with more than four million subscribers, offers precise methods to grow your audience and monetize your content. You'll learn the seven key ingredients to build a successful channel, how to leverage social media effectively, and updated strategies including YouTube Shorts and viral video formulas. This guide suits creators, entrepreneurs, and influencers ready to move beyond guesswork and commit to a proven path to online growth.

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Proven Video Production Methods, Personalized

Get expert strategies tailored to your unique video goals for faster, smarter learning.

Targeted learning paths
Efficient skill building
Customized content plans

Endorsed by video creators and industry experts worldwide

Video Growth Blueprint
90-Day Filmmaking Formula
Digital Production Code
Broadcast Success Secrets

Conclusion

The collection of these 7 best-selling books reveals a few clear themes: practical storytelling beats technical jargon, expert-backed frameworks guide creators through fast-changing platforms like YouTube, and foundational knowledge of television production remains relevant in the digital age.

If you prefer proven methods for digital video success, start with "The YouTube Formula" and "YouTube Secrets" to unlock platform growth and monetization strategies. For mastering the craft of capturing compelling visuals, combine "How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck" with "The Art of Video Production." Those seeking structured learning might explore "Television Production" and "Fundamentals of Television Production" for comprehensive technical skills.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Video Production book to combine these validated approaches with your specific goals and experience. These widely-adopted strategies have helped countless readers succeed, and tailored guidance can make your journey even more effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "The YouTube Formula" if your focus is online growth. It offers clear strategies for building an audience. If hands-on filming skills matter more, begin with "How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck" for practical tips.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Video Production?

No. Books like "Television Production" and "Fundamentals of Television Production" are designed for beginners and students, while others balance basics with deeper insights, making them accessible to newcomers.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with practical skills in "How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck," then explore platform strategies with "The YouTube Formula" and "YouTube Secrets." Follow with technical guides like "The Art of Video Production" and "Fundamentals of Television Production."

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your goals. For example, focus on YouTube growth books if that's your priority. But combining storytelling, technical, and platform insights yields the best results.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Video Production changes?

While some books cover foundational principles that remain relevant, titles like "The YouTube Formula" and "YouTube Secrets" include updated strategies reflecting current platform trends, balancing timeless skills and modern tactics.

How can I get Video Production advice tailored to my specific goals?

Great question! While these expert books provide solid foundations, personalized books can tailor proven methods to your unique needs. You can create a personalized Video Production book to combine expert strategies with your specific background and objectives.

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