ABSTRACT

Storytelling for Film and Television is a theory and practice book which offers a definitive introduction to the art of storytelling through writing, directing, and editing. Author Ken Dancyger provides a comprehensive explanation of the tools that underpin successful narrative filmmaking and television production.

The book takes a unique approach by connecting the different phases of the creative process of film and television production. It shows how writing, directing, and editing all contribute to the process of storytelling and function together to advance the narrative goals of a screenplay, to tell the best story. A case study approach provides numerous examples of effectiveness and brings together the core areas of aesthetics and production to make these concepts more accessible. Case studies include classic and modern films, foreign films, limited and series television, with examples including Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, The Revenant, and Son of Saul.

This is the ideal text for film and television production students at all levels. It is written in a style which makes it accessible to anybody interested in learning more about the storytelling process and is written for a global audience addressing a global industry.

section I|54 pages

Narrative

chapter 1|12 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|14 pages

The narrative tools

chapter 3|8 pages

The technical dimension

chapter 4|10 pages

The creative possibilities

chapter 5|8 pages

Three case studies of excellence

section II|47 pages

Directing

chapter 6|17 pages

The directing tools

chapter 7|10 pages

The technical dimension

chapter 8|11 pages

The creative possibilities

chapter 9|7 pages

Three case studies of excellence

section III|46 pages

Editing

chapter 10|14 pages

The editing tools

chapter 11|11 pages

The technical dimension

chapter 12|11 pages

The creative possibilities

chapter 13|8 pages

Three case studies of excellence

section IV|36 pages

The storytelling experience from beginning to end

chapter 14|8 pages

Elia Kazan’s Splendor in the Grass

chapter 15|8 pages

Sidney Lumet’s Daniel

chapter 16|9 pages

Laszlo Nemes’ Son of Saul

chapter 17|9 pages

Conclusion