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

by Rooney; Bethany

• ISBN13: 9780240818733
• ISBN10: 0240818733
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2011-08-08
• Publisher: Focal Press

Summary

Directors Tell the Story#xA0;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 director: 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 is also an integral part of the book. It includes over 30 minutes of high-quality video demonstrating directing techniques and behind-the-scenes activity. It also features scenes from the authors' own TV shows, along with the scripts, shot lists, and other materials that made the scenes possible. * 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 know: 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

Author Biography

Bethany Rooney has directed over one hundred and fifty episodes of prime-time network shows, including Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, Castle, and Private Practice. For cable television, she has directed in Plain Sight, Weeds, and Drop Dead Diva. Mary Lou Belli is an Emmy Award winning producer, writer, and director as well as the author of two books. Most recently she directed Monk starring Emmy award winner Tony Shalhoub and The Wizards of Waverly Place on the Disney Channel; on the CW she directed The Game.

Table of Contents

Dedication	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xi
About the Authors	p. xiii
Introduction	p. xv
Prep
Breaking Down the Script for Story	p. 3
Breaking Down the Script for Character	p. 15
Casting	p. 23
Production Design	p. 35
Organizing the Shoot with the First Assistant Director	p. 49
Sharing the Vision	p. 65
Blocking and Shot Listing, Part One	p. 77
Blocking and Shot Listing, Part Two	p. 93
Scouting Locations	p. 115
Section One Review	p. 125
Shoot
Directing the Actor	p. 129
Below the Line	p. 145
All the Other Stuff	p. 167
Running the Set	p. 181
Section Two Review	p. 195
Post
Working with the Editor	p. 199
Working with the Post Supervisor	p. 215
Section Three Review	p. 225
Being a Director
Being a Director	p. 229
The Demands of the Job	p. 237
Getting Started	p. 247
Section Four Review	p. 261
Appendix	p. 263
Glossary	p. 279
Index	p. 297
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