ABSTRACT

Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics is a comprehensive manual that has inspired tens of thousands of readers worldwide to realize their artistic vision and produce well-constructed films. Filled with practical advice on every stage of production, this is the book you will return to throughout your career.

Directing covers the methods, technologies, thought processes, and judgments that a director must use throughout the fascinating process of making a film. It emphasizes low-cost digital technology, which allows cutting-edge creativity and professionalism on shoestring budgets. And, recognizing that you learn best by doing, the book includes dozens of practical hands-on projects and activities to help you master technical and conceptual skills.

Just as important as surmounting technological hurdles is the conceptual and authorial side of filmmaking. This book provides an unusually clear view of the artistic process, particularly in working with actors. It offers eminently practical tools and exercises to help you develop credible and compelling stories with your cast, hone your narrative skills, and develop your artistic identity. This book shows you how to surpass mere technical proficiency and become a storyteller with a distinctive voice and style.

This edition has been streamlined and thoroughly revised for greater ease of use. Other updates include:
* current information on digital technology
* an expanded section on directing actors that cross-references thirty exercises
* new questionnaires to help you pinpoint a film's aesthetic needs and assess where your vocational strengths lie; and much more.

The companion web site includes teaching notes, checklists, and useful forms and questionnaires: https://books.elsevier.com/companions/9780240808826

part |2 pages

Part 1: Artistic Identity and Drama

chapter 1|13 pages

The World of the Film Director

chapter 2|11 pages

Identifying Your Themes

chapter 3|14 pages

Dramaturgy Essentials

part |2 pages

Part 2: Screencraft

chapter 4|21 pages

A Director’s Screen Grammar

chapter 5|27 pages

Seeing with a Moviemaker’s Eye

chapter 6|24 pages

Shooting Projects

part |4 pages

Part 3: The Story and its Development

chapter 7|11 pages

Recognizing the Superior Screenplay

chapter 8|7 pages

Analyzing a Screenplay

chapter 9|9 pages

Director’s Development Strategies

chapter 10|9 pages

Alternative Story Sources

chapter 11|4 pages

Setting Creative Limitations

part |6 pages

Part 4: Aesthetics and Authorship

chapter 12|10 pages

Point of View

chapter 13|6 pages

Subtext, Genre, and Archetypes

chapter 14|11 pages

Time, Structure, and Plot

chapter 16|10 pages

Form and Style

part |4 pages

Part 5: Preproduction

chapter 17|8 pages

Acting Fundamentals

chapter 18|8 pages

Directing Actors

chapter 19|17 pages

Acting Improvisation Exercises

chapter 20|10 pages

Acting Exercises with a Text

chapter 21|14 pages

Casting

chapter 22|12 pages

Exploring the Script

chapter 23|5 pages

Actor and Director Prepare a Scene

chapter 24|8 pages

Initial Meetings with the Cast

chapter 25|7 pages

Rehearsals and Planning Coverage

chapter 26|7 pages

Production Design

part |4 pages

Part 6: Production

chapter 28|14 pages

Developing a Crew

chapter 29|22 pages

Mise-en-Scéne

chapter 30|13 pages

Producing a Shooting Script

chapter 31|3 pages

Before the Camera Rolls

chapter 32|15 pages

Roll Camera

chapter 33|10 pages

Location Sound

chapter 34|4 pages

Continuity

chapter 35|10 pages

Directing the Actors

chapter 36|4 pages

Directing the Crew

chapter 37|7 pages

Monitoring Progress

part |4 pages

Part 7: Postproduction

chapter 38|11 pages

Preparing to Edit

chapter 39|8 pages

Getting Started on the First Assembly

chapter 40|14 pages

Editing Principles

chapter 41|6 pages

Using Analysis and Feedback

chapter 42|7 pages

Working with Music

chapter 43|9 pages

Editing from Fine Cut to Sound Mix

part |2 pages

Part 8: Career Track

chapter 45|9 pages

Planning a Career

chapter 46|7 pages

Major Film Schools

chapter 47|12 pages

Breaking into the Industry