Motivation
It is 5 years since I began writing my book, the 360 Video Handbook. The book was written over a period of 8 months alongside my freelance project work. Here are several reasons for undertaking such a large project:
- Accurately assess the skills and experience required to create high quality immersive, VR or 360 video
- Consolidate and distill existing knowledge into clear and useful chapters for readers to consume easily
- Research areas of interest to increase knowledge and ensure accuracy of information
- Establish and improve credentials in what is a relatively new discipline and therefore be one of the first to market in terms of expertise
- Create links and build bridges with manufacturers including Samsung, Kodak and HumanEyes Technologies with a view to additional project work
- Prove to myself that I could create a significant body of work based on a subject that would further my professional career and push my skills as a designer
360 Video Handbook was launched in February 2018 on Amazon using the KDP print-on-demand system and available as a PDF conversion for Kindle Reader.
The Results
I can honestly say that the 360 Video Handbook fulfilled all of the above in one way or another. Here’s what happened following the book launch:
Kodak PIXPRO
Kodak purchased 8 printed versions of the book. 3 of them were given away in a competition promoted on Twitter. In addition, Kodak donated a 360 camera with accessories to create example content. They also sent me one of their mid range cameras (the AZ901) with an impressive x90 optical Astro Zoom capable of taking a reasonably detailed photograph of the craters on the moon. In June 2018 Kodak provided a budget for me to capture images using their tech in Barcelona.
HumanEyes Technologies
Previous to writing the book, I had developed a solid business relationship with HumanEyes Technologies , experimented with their cameras and provided feedback regarding the stitching / editing software bundled with hardware such as the Vuze, Vuze+ and the Vuze XR cameras. The company gave permission to use product images in the book and bought around 40 printed copies of the 360 Video Handbook – gaving one to each of the directors, technical staff and marketing team. They provided me with their products as they were launched along with technical support.
Matterport
Having studied 360 Video Handbook, Matterport contacted Simcoemedia regarding the production of a similar coffee table style book to promote their virtual tour solution. The process began in November 2018 when the Matterport Pro2 camera and a selection of entry level cameras (Ricoh Theta V, Insta360) arrived at my door. Working closely with the Director of Marketing, Chris Bell and Chief Technology Officer, it concluded in June 2019 when the book was sent to the company. It focussed on learning through experimentation and experience and, similar to the 360 Video Handbook, contained many interesting gallery images for inspiration.
Hot Off The Press
There’s a new book on the way. It will be released on Amazon in August 2022 and is called “Freelancers Handbook: A Survive and Thrive Guide For Beginners in Creative Industries”
