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FILM/TV DIRECTOR’S FIELD MANUAL: Seventy Maxims to Change Your Filmmaking
Unlock the secrets to directing in Rob Spera’s remarkable Field Manual.
Meg LeFauve,
Academy Award Nominee
Inside Out
I learned so much from Rob, including deep truths about leadership and communication, that
profoundly impacted my life.
Billy Ray
Writer/Director
Academy Award Nominee
Captain Phillips
Deeply insightful, unnervingly concise, and, best of all, a fun read.
Mattson Tomlin
Writer/Director Mother/Android
Writer The Batman II
Rob Spera's anti-textbook for filmmakers identifies 70 fundamental core values of filmmaking
distilled to their essence to inspire questions and ignite a thought process that will take your
filmmaking to the next level. These central tenets of cinematic storytelling cut to the heart of the
art
and craft and will have a far-reaching impact on your films. Mr. Spera also includes a series of
exercises to help explore the key maxims in his book.
Meg LeFauve,
Academy Award Nominee
Inside Out
I learned so much from Rob, including deep truths about leadership and communication, that
profoundly impacted my life.
Billy Ray
Writer/Director
Academy Award Nominee
Captain Phillips
Deeply insightful, unnervingly concise, and, best of all, a fun read.
Mattson Tomlin
Writer/Director Mother/Android
Writer The Batman II
Rob Spera's anti-textbook for filmmakers identifies 70 fundamental core values of filmmaking
distilled to their essence to inspire questions and ignite a thought process that will take your
filmmaking to the next level. These central tenets of cinematic storytelling cut to the heart of the
art
and craft and will have a far-reaching impact on your films. Mr. Spera also includes a series of
exercises to help explore the key maxims in his book.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2025
8 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 11, 2025
Rob Spera's legendary teachings in your pocket. No fluff, no pretentious rants about how to make a film—just simple, actionable lessons you can apply directly on set.His teachings at the American Film Institute have inspired a generation of filmmakers. Before I ever had the chance to take his class, I already knew about his 2+2=5—a lesson so iconic that students of his have tattooed it on their bodies and applied it in films you've likely watched and loved.This book is a distillation of all the invaluable notes you might have taken in his class - notes that have followed me onto every set I've worked on.If you're just starting out, this book will teach you everything you need to know for a successful shoot—and, more importantly, for a successful career as a filmmaker. If you're already in the industry, it serves as a trusted guide to revisit whenever you're feeling stuck. Even when the odds are stacked against you on set, this manual will help you find your way back on track.
February 13, 2025
This is not just a manual for Film/TV Directors. It also contains excellent insights for the actors process as well as guidelines for audience members to trust their instincts in observing what they are experiencing as they view good films. I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about how thoughtful process produces good results. Spera has a keen eye and sensibility on all aspects of the creativity journey.
February 10, 2025
The Indispensable Tools of a Film Director
As the iconic, navigational emblem on its front cover suggests, the “FILM/TV DIRECTOR'S FIELD MANUAL” by Rob Spera provides a film director with the indispensable tools to steer a successful passage through the cockeyed, aspirational, messy, transcendent, helplessly collaborative, and insanely unpredictable process we call “film-making.”
It is unlike any book of its kind.
It is not a “how to” of clever short cuts or “sure-fire recipes to success” like so much of what is already out there. It will help the disciplined director determine where you really are and the most efficient possible path to get where you need to go at any point in the creative process, both before and during the shoot.
It is thorough and concise. It is specific and demystifying. And it is unwavering in its fierce insistence that rigorous preparation – on absolutely every aspect of the film – is a director’s only hope of salvation in the high-wire act of literally “calling the shots.”
Beyond the treasure trove of explicit information, precise examples, and illuminating anecdotes, Mr. Spera invokes “the better angels of our nature” in a grounded and always pragmatic pursuit of meaningful works of art.
At its core, it is about the roots of healthy leadership through authentic partnership. And – no matter what – maintaining intuitive flexibility, buoyant enthusiasm and rock-solid sanity amidst the sensitivities, vulnerabilities, and hidden land mines of fickle collaboration. (It is also very funny!)
Although designed to address the needs of the working professional, this clever book will vastly enrich any film-goer’s appreciation of this complex art form from the inside out. A real treasure!
As the iconic, navigational emblem on its front cover suggests, the “FILM/TV DIRECTOR'S FIELD MANUAL” by Rob Spera provides a film director with the indispensable tools to steer a successful passage through the cockeyed, aspirational, messy, transcendent, helplessly collaborative, and insanely unpredictable process we call “film-making.”
It is unlike any book of its kind.
It is not a “how to” of clever short cuts or “sure-fire recipes to success” like so much of what is already out there. It will help the disciplined director determine where you really are and the most efficient possible path to get where you need to go at any point in the creative process, both before and during the shoot.
It is thorough and concise. It is specific and demystifying. And it is unwavering in its fierce insistence that rigorous preparation – on absolutely every aspect of the film – is a director’s only hope of salvation in the high-wire act of literally “calling the shots.”
Beyond the treasure trove of explicit information, precise examples, and illuminating anecdotes, Mr. Spera invokes “the better angels of our nature” in a grounded and always pragmatic pursuit of meaningful works of art.
At its core, it is about the roots of healthy leadership through authentic partnership. And – no matter what – maintaining intuitive flexibility, buoyant enthusiasm and rock-solid sanity amidst the sensitivities, vulnerabilities, and hidden land mines of fickle collaboration. (It is also very funny!)
Although designed to address the needs of the working professional, this clever book will vastly enrich any film-goer’s appreciation of this complex art form from the inside out. A real treasure!
February 9, 2025
A MUST-READ FOR ASPIRING DIRECTOR AND FILM ENTHUSIASTS
As someone relatively new to directing, this book has been nothing short of transformative. It explains, in clear and compelling terms, exactly what a director does and why their role is so crucial. The author brilliantly compresses a lifetime of directing wisdom into a concise and practical manual, offering invaluable insights into every facet of the craft.
Organized into short, digestible maxims, the book is an easy read that delivers an incredible impact. Not only has it deepened my understanding of the art of directing, but it has also completely changed the way I consume television and film. Every frame now feels like an intentional choice, and I find myself appreciating the craft on a whole new level.
One of the most unexpected yet rewarding aspects of this book is its lessons about working effectively with a team. The lessons about collaboration and leadership go far beyond directing and are life lessons that anyone can benefit from.
As someone relatively new to directing, this book has been nothing short of transformative. It explains, in clear and compelling terms, exactly what a director does and why their role is so crucial. The author brilliantly compresses a lifetime of directing wisdom into a concise and practical manual, offering invaluable insights into every facet of the craft.
Organized into short, digestible maxims, the book is an easy read that delivers an incredible impact. Not only has it deepened my understanding of the art of directing, but it has also completely changed the way I consume television and film. Every frame now feels like an intentional choice, and I find myself appreciating the craft on a whole new level.
One of the most unexpected yet rewarding aspects of this book is its lessons about working effectively with a team. The lessons about collaboration and leadership go far beyond directing and are life lessons that anyone can benefit from.
January 24, 2025
Rob Spera’s book packs so much wisdom and practical advice that it’s stunning that it’s also eminently readable, engaging, clear, motivating, and inspiring. As a filmmaker, I’m already buzzing with new ideas and approaches to directing and writing in my stories. That’s part of what sets this book apart. It prioritizes story in a way that no other filmmaking textbook has for me. It is useful not only for directors and writers, but anyone involved in filmmaking - it provides a useful lens on storytelling within every aspect of production, from props to locations. Rob’s book doesn't just provide answers - it helps you learn what questions to ask yourself, your actors, your crew, and your audience. And above all, it encourages you as an artist to take agency and make these maxims your own. Highly recommend.
February 9, 2025
This is a must-have for directors, whether you're just starting out or you're a pro and need a refresher. It is a no nonsense approach to filmmaking and contains important lessons that you could learn the hard way or read about them here. It is refreshingly succinct, well structured and above all very true. Rob shares practical advice from his professional experience that won't just make you a more efficient filmmaker, it'll also make you a better human being. I'll be reading this over and over again. Plus, it's a very cute and convenient size that fits well in pockets and bags!
March 23, 2025
I had the privilege of having Rob Spera as a filmmaking professor at AFI and was taught many of these maxims firsthand. And, I have to tell you, they are about as user friendly and practical as they are wise and profound. In my years directing film and television, I've often consulted these lessons, and to have them--and more--all compiled into a portable, and aesthetically pleasing, book is a gift. I highly recommend Rob's "Film/TV Director's Field Manual" for both seasoned and aspiring visual storytellers of both the big and small screen. Trust me, you will use it!
September 28, 2025
The most impactful professor I ever had, without whom I know I wouldn't have a career, has written a book that I'd recommend to any aspiring or working director. This handy manual (literally handy - it fits in a pocket by design) distills many of Rob's teachings to a set of maxims that are among the most useful things for any director to remember on set or in development/prep but are also often the first things to be forgotten when the shit hits the fan. Step 1. Take Rob with you anywhere and everywhere. Step 2. Profit.
February 15, 2025
Indispensable tool for all creatives !
A must read for all people looking to not only become a better filmmaker, but also a better person both on and off of set.
A must read for all people looking to not only become a better filmmaker, but also a better person both on and off of set.
February 8, 2025
This book is remarkably captivating. I started out speed reading but that soon found myself reading, then re-reading, and finally, sharing quotes with friends. This book isn't just for directors; it's a masterclass for inspiring collaboration and for offering tools toward the art of storytelling.
The first few sections offer leadership lessons applicable to any industry. These should be required reading for collaborators; politicians, business leaders and parents. Others sections provide specific tools to conjure cinematic magic. I now find myself watching films in greater detail. It's changing the way I experience film.
I predict this book will become a foundational guide for filmmakers for decades to come. I've suggested it to several educators. An excellent book.
The first few sections offer leadership lessons applicable to any industry. These should be required reading for collaborators; politicians, business leaders and parents. Others sections provide specific tools to conjure cinematic magic. I now find myself watching films in greater detail. It's changing the way I experience film.
I predict this book will become a foundational guide for filmmakers for decades to come. I've suggested it to several educators. An excellent book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews