Directing, 3rd Edition

Directing, 3rd Edition

by Michael Rabiger
Released April 2013
Publisher(s): Focal Press
ISBN: 9781136042492

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Book description

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.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Half Title
  3. Full Title
  4. Copyright
  5. Dedication
  6. CONTENTS
  7. Introduction
  8. PART 1: ARTISTIC IDENTITY
    1. 1 The Job of the Director
    2. 2 Identifying Your Themes as a Director
    3. 3 Developing Your Story Ideas
    4. Checklist
  9. PART 2: SCREENCRAFT
    1. 4 A Director's Screen Grammar
    2. 5 Seeing with a Moviemaker's Eye
    3. 6 Shooting Projects
    4. Checklist
  10. PART 3: WRITING AND STORY DEVELOPMENT
    1. 7 Screenwriting Concepts
    2. 8 The Writing Process
    3. 9 Adaptation from Art or Life
    4. 10 Story Development Strategies
    5. 11 Scene-Writing Exercises
    6. Checklist
  11. PART 4: AESTHETICS AND AUTHORSHIP
    1. 12 Point of View
    2. 13 Genre, Conflict, and Dialectics
    3. 14 Structure, Plot, and Time
    4. 15 Space, Stylized Environments, and Performances
    5. 16 Form and Style
    6. Checklist
  12. PART 5: PREPRODUCTION
    1. 17 Interpreting the Script
    2. 18 Casting
    3. 19 Directing Actors
    4. 20 Actors' Problems
    5. 21 Learning about Acting
    6. 22 Exercises with a Text
    7. 23 Rehearsal and Cast Development
    8. 24 Director and Actor Prepare a Scene
    9. 25 Final Rehearsals and Planning Coverage
    10. 26 Production Design
    11. 27 The Preproduction Meeting
    12. Checklist
  13. PART 6: PRODUCTION
    1. 28 Developing a Crew
    2. 29 Mise en Scène
    3. 30 Breaking Down the Script
    4. 31 Before the Camera Rolls
    5. 32 Roll Camera
    6. 33 Location Sound
    7. 34 Continuity
    8. 35 Directing the Actors
    9. 36 Directing the Crew
    10. 37 Monitoring Progress
    11. Checklist
  14. PART 7: POSTPRODUCTION
    1. 38 Preparing to Edit
    2. 39 Editing the First Assembly
    3. 40 Editing Principles
    4. 41 Using Analysis and Feedback
    5. 42 Working with a Composer
    6. 43 Editing from Fine Cut to Sound Mix
    7. 44 Titles and Acknowledgments
    8. Checklist
  15. PART 8: CAREER TRACK
    1. 15 Planning a Career
    2. 46 Major National and International Film and Video Schools
    3. 47 Breaking into the Industry
    4. Checklist
  16. Appendix 1: Outcomes Assessment Forms
  17. Appendix 2: Form and Aesthetics Questionnaire
  18. Glossary
  19. Bibliography and Useful Websites
  20. Index

Product information

  • Title: Directing, 3rd Edition
  • Author(s): Michael Rabiger
  • Release date: April 2013
  • Publisher(s): Focal Press
  • ISBN: 9781136042492