ABSTRACT

The collaboration of director and actor is the cornerstone of narrative filmmaking. This book provides the director with a concrete step-by-step guide to preparation that connects the fundamentals of film-script analysis with the actor’s process of preparation.

This book starts with how to identify the overall scope of a project from the creative perspective of the director as it relates to guiding an actor, before providing a blueprint for preparation that includes script analysis, previsualization, and procedures for rehearsal and capture. This methodology allows the director to uncover the similarities and differences between actor and director in their preparation to facilitate the development of a collaborative dialogue. Featuring chapter-by-chapter exercises and assignments throughout, this book provides a method that enables the director to be present during every stage of production and seamlessly move from prep to filming, while guiding the actor to their best performances.

Written in a clear and concise manner, it is ideal for students of directing, early career, and self-taught directors, as well as cinematographers, producers, or screenwriters looking to turn their hand to directing for the first time.

chapter Chapter 1|10 pages

What is directing and the “prose” of preparation

chapter Chapter 2|5 pages

Storyline Facts

The bridge to the Three Questions to Choice

chapter Chapter 3|11 pages

The Three Questions to Choice

Walking in the actor’s shoes

chapter Chapter 4|7 pages

The Five Tools

Bringing the ensemble together – Part I

chapter Chapter 5|22 pages

The Five Tools

Bringing the ensemble together – Part II

chapter Chapter 6|6 pages

Moments and Beats

chapter Chapter 7|9 pages

Marking your script

chapter Chapter 8|13 pages

The Improvised Monologue

Exploring collaboration through personal experience

chapter Chapter 9|8 pages

The Scripted Monologue

Prelude to directing a two-person scene

chapter Chapter 10|7 pages

Presenting and responding to the monologues

chapter Chapter 11|11 pages

Scene work

Conducting the full rehearsal

chapter Chapter 12|35 pages

Previsualization

chapter Chapter 13|8 pages

Digital capture

Putting it inside the frame

chapter Chapter 14|4 pages

Responding to scene work

chapter Chapter 15|5 pages

Building your sixth sense

Breaking out of your comfort zone

chapter Chapter 16|5 pages

The power of improvisation

chapter |4 pages

Epilogue