Directors Tell the Story: Master the Craft of Television and Film Directing

by Bethany Rooney, Mary Lou Belli

Move over, the freshest storytelling today is on television, where the multi-episodic format is used for rich character development and innovative story arcs. Directors Tell the Story offers rare insight and advice straight from two A-list television directors whose credits include Monk, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Weeds, and more. They direct dramas and comedies using the same process that Steven Spielberg (or any other movie director uses)-just with less money and time. Learn what it takes to become a master the technical aspects, appreciate aesthetic qualities, and practice leadership, all while exuding that "X” factor that distinguishes the excellent director from the merely good one. Covering everything from prep, the shoot, and post, the authors emphasize how aspiring directors can develop a creative vision-because without it, they are just technicians. Hands-on and practical, this book lets you not only read about the secrets of directors, it also includes exercises using original scripted material. The companion web site includes scenes from the authors' own TV shows, along with the scripts, shot lists, and other materials that made the scenes possible. Key Features
* Highly experienced Hollywood directors share inside information about what it really takes to be a director, giving the advice that readers covet.
* Covers everything a director needs to the creative vision, how to translate script into a visual story, establishing the look and feel, selecting and leading a crew, coaching actors, keeping a complex operation on time and on budget, overseeing the edit, and troubleshooting through the whole shoot.
* "Insider Info” sections feature interviews, advice, and tips from film and TV luminaries whose productions include Private Practice, Monk, Brothers & Sisters, Desperate Housewives, The Informant, American Beauty , and more!
* Hands-on exercises help you understand and master the craft of directing.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction

326 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

Reviews

[Albert · Rating 3 out of 5]

must read for new directors

This book offers excellent advice and valuable insights into the experiences of being a director. It also provides a unique perspective on how other crew members view directors and highlights the qualities they seek in a good leader. However, the book primarily focuses on TV production, and some of its dynamics may not be applicable in other countries outside of US. I think there are a lot of repeated examples and I think the book can keep the content more lean and concise.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent primer on directing scripted television for networks and streaming services. Lots of exercises, anecdotes, and helpful interviews with people in various departments that all contribute to a show's success.

[Julia Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly well-thought out and organized book. Gives really clear directions on how to well, direct! Would highly recommend.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for my theatre education masters program??? Which is weird because it is an in depth look at directing for film. But it was very informative and accessible!

[Madeline Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A godsend for explaining the basic structure of running a TV/film production

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost everything there is to know about making TV- the book I've been looking for all the time. Great it's out there now, it was a pleasure to read.