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

by Bethany Rooney, Mary Lou Belli

The freshest storytelling today is on television, where the multi-episodic format is used for rich character development and innovative story arcs. This exciting new edition of Directors Tell the Story continues to offer rare insight and advice straight from two A-list television directors whose credits include Elsbeth, Tracker, Criminal Evolution, The Ms. Pat Show, Chicago Med, and many more.

Here, in one volume, learn everything you need to know to become an excellent director. Covering everything through prep, shoot, and post, the authors offer practical instruction on how to craft a creative vision, translate a script into a visual story, establish and maintain the look and feel of a television show or film, lead the cast and crew, keep a complex operation running on time and on budget, and effectively oversee editing and postproduction. Directors Tell the Story provides behind-the-scenes access to the secrets of successful directors, as well as exercises that use original scripted material.

This newly updated edition

More roles on set, including on-set writers, producing directors, intimacy coordinators, virtual production supervisors, and virtual production designers New material covering updates to cameras, lighting, and new innovations in sound Updated “Insider Info” sections with advice and tips known only to working professionals Profiles of top film and TV luminaries Additional “How I Got My First Directing Job” stories from a diverse range of directors currently in the trenches Suited to students in both beginning and intermediate level directing and production courses, as well as aspiring professionals, this book provides valuable insight. The work is supported by a fresh instructor and student online resource featuring directing tutorials and video interviews with the authors.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction

394 pages, Kindle Edition

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.