The Art of Cinematic Storytelling: A Visual Guide to Planning Shots, Cuts, and Transitions

by Kelly Gordon Brine

To dramatize a story using moving images, a director must have a full understanding of the meaning and emotional effect of all the various types of shots and cuts that are available to advance the story. Drawing upon his extensive experience as a storyboard artist who has worked with over 200 directors and cinematographers on television series and movies, author Kelly Gordon Brine provides a practical and accessible introduction to the design of shots, cuts, and transitions for film, television, animation, video, and game design.

With hundreds of illustrations and diagrams, concise explanations of essential storytelling concepts, and vivid examples, The Art of Cinematic Storytelling demystifies the visual design choices that are fundamental to directing and editing. The author delves deeply into the techniques that visual storytellers use to captivate their audience, including blocking, camera positioning, transitions, and planning shots with continuity editing in mind. Practical advice on how to clarify time, space, and motion in many common situations ― such as dialogue, pursuits, and driving sequences ― makes this book an invaluable guide for all aspiring filmmakers.

Genres: Film, Art, Nonfiction

360 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2020

Reviews

[Kathryn Wylde · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a first-time film director, I have found this book invaluable for improving my ability to think about shots thoroughly and creatively.

I love that every concept is accompanied by a storyboard panel or 5 and doesn't require you to have seen a particular film to understand the concept.
I love that it goes into the emotion and psychology of shot composition and camera movement options.

Approachable, helpful - do recommend.

[Min Choi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastically structured and thought out book. I appreciate the visual diagrams, the conceptual ideas, and the writing style.