ABSTRACT

Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics is a comprehensive manual that teaches the essentials of filmmaking from the perspective of the director. Ideal for film production and directing classes, as well as for aspiring and current directors, Directing covers all phases of preproduction and production, from idea development to final cut. Thoroughly covering the basics, Directing guides the reader to professional standards of expression and control, and goes to the heart of what makes a director. The book outlines a great deal of practical work to meet this goal, with projects, exercises.



The third edition emphasizes the connection between knowing and doing, with every principle realizable through projects and exercises. Much has been enhanced and expanded, notably: aspects of dramaturgy; beats and dramatic units; pitching stories and selling one's work; the role of the entrepreneurial producer; and the dangers of embedded moral values. Checklists are loaded with practical recommendations for action, and outcomes assessment tables help the reader honestly gauge his or her progress. Entirely new chapters present: preproduction procedures; production design; script breakdown; procedures and etiquette on the set; shooting location sound; continuity; and working with a composer. The entire book is revised to capitalize on the advantages offered by the revolutionary shift to digital filmmaking.

part |1 pages

PART 1: ARTISTIC IDENTITY

chapter 1|21 pages

The Job of the Director

chapter 2|7 pages

Identifying Your Themes as a Director

chapter 3|10 pages

Developing Your Story Ideas

chapter |4 pages

Checklist

part |2 pages

PART 2: SCREENCRAFT

chapter 4|23 pages

A Director’s Screen Grammar

chapter 5|26 pages

Seeing with a Moviemaker’s Eye

chapter 6|25 pages

Shooting Projects

chapter |3 pages

Checklist

part |2 pages

PART 3: WRITING AND STORY DEVELOPMENT

chapter 7|16 pages

Screenwriting Concepts

chapter 8|16 pages

The Writing Process

chapter 9|10 pages

Adaptation from Art or Life

chapter 10|13 pages

Story Development Strategies

chapter 11|6 pages

Scene-Writing Exercises

chapter |3 pages

Checklist

part |2 pages

PART 4: AESTHETICS AND AUTHORSHIP

chapter 12|11 pages

Point of View

chapter 13|11 pages

Genre, Conflict, and Dialectics

chapter 14|9 pages

Structure, Plot, and Time

chapter 16|11 pages

Form and Style

chapter |6 pages

Checklist

part |4 pages

PART 5: PREPRODUCTION

chapter 17|13 pages

Interpreting the Script

chapter 18|12 pages

Casting

chapter 19|7 pages

Directing Actors

chapter 20|6 pages

Actors’ Problems

chapter 21|20 pages

Learning about Acting

chapter 22|8 pages

Exercises with a Text

chapter 23|9 pages

Rehearsal and Cast Development

chapter 24|17 pages

Director and Actor Prepare a Scene

chapter 25|5 pages

Final Rehearsals and Planning Coverage

chapter 26|6 pages

Production Design

chapter 27|19 pages

The Preproduction Meeting

chapter |6 pages

Checklist

part |3 pages

PART 6: PRODUCTION

chapter 28|16 pages

Developing a Crew

chapter 29|19 pages

Mise en Scène

chapter 30|13 pages

Breaking Down the Script

chapter 31|4 pages

Before the Camera Rolls

chapter 32|14 pages

Roll Camera

chapter 33|8 pages

Location Sound

chapter 34|4 pages

Continuity

chapter 35|10 pages

Directing the Actors

chapter 36|4 pages

Directing the Crew

chapter 37|8 pages

Monitoring Progress

chapter |4 pages

Checklist

part |3 pages

PART 7: POSTPRODUCTION

chapter 38|15 pages

Preparing to Edit

chapter 39|11 pages

Editing the First Assembly

chapter 40|14 pages

Editing Principles

chapter 41|6 pages

Using Analysis and Feedback

chapter 42|6 pages

Working with a Composer

chapter 43|13 pages

Editing from Fine Cut to Sound Mix

chapter 44|4 pages

Titles and Acknowledgments

chapter |4 pages

Checklist

part |2 pages

PART 8: CAREER TRACK

chapter 45|10 pages

Planning a Career

chapter 47|13 pages

Breaking into the Industry

chapter |4 pages

Checklist