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, Second Edition　offers rare insight and advice straight from two A-list television directors whose credits include　NCIS,　NCIS New Orleans, Nashville, Criminal Minds and many more.



Here, in one volume, learn everything you need to know to become an excellent director, not merely a good one. 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 post-production. 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





All-new "From the Experts" sections with insider info known only to working professionals



Profiles of top film and TV luminaries with advice and tips



Additional „How I Got My First Job" stories from directors currently in the trenches



Useful instruction to help you put directing techniques into practice



A companion website featuring directing tutorials and video interviews with the authors



Bethany Rooney has directed over two hundred episodes of prime-time network shows, including NCIS, The Originals, Nashville, NCIS New Orleans, and Criminal Minds. She teaches the Warner Brothers Directing Workshop and serves on numerous committees at the Directors Guild of America.



Mary Lou Belli is a two-time Emmy Award winning producer, writer, and director as well as the author of two books. She directed NCIS New Orleans, Monk, Hart of Dixie, The Game, Girlfriends, and The Wizards of Waverly Place. She teaches directing at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction

384 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.