"Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics is a comprehensive manual that teaches the essentials of filmmaking from the perspective of the director. Thoroughly covering the basics, Directing guides the reader to professional standards of expression and control, and goes to the heart of what makes a director. The book outlines a practical work to meet this goal, with projects, exercises, and outcomes assessment tables to judge progress." The third edition has been completely revised to capitalize on the advantages offered by the revolutionary shift to digital filmmaking. This new edition also emphasizes the connection between knowing and doing, with every principle realizable through projects and exercises. Much has been enhanced and expanded, notably, aspects of dramaturgy, beats and dramatic units, pitching stories and selling one's work, the role of the entrepreneurial producer, and the dangers of embedded moral values. Checklists are loaded with practical recommendations for action, and outcomes assessment tables help the reader honestly gauge his or her progress. Entirely new chapters present preproduction procedures, production design, script breakdown, procedures and etiquette on the set, shooting location sound, continuity, and working with a composer.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction
Part. 1 Artistic Identity
1 The Job of the Director
2 Identifying Your Themes as a Director
3 Developing Your Story Ideas

Part. 2 Screencraft
4 A Director’s Screen Grammar
5 Seeing with a Moviemaker’s Eye
6 Shooting Projects

Part. 3 Writing and Story Development
7 Screenwriting Concepts
8 The Writing Process
9 Adaptation from Art or Life
10 Story Development Strategies
11 Scene-Writing Exercises

Part. 4 Aesthetics and Authorship
12 Point of View
13 Genre, Conflict, and Dialectics
14 Structure, Plot, and Time
15 Space, Stylized Environments, and Performances
16 Form and Style

Part. 5 Preproduction
17 Interpreting the Script
18 Casting
19 Directing Actors
20 Actors’ Problems
21 Learning about Acting
22 Exercises with a Text
23 Rehearsal and Cast Development
24 Director and Actor Prepare a Scene
25 Final Rehearsals and Planning Coverage
26 Production Design
27 The Preproduction Meeting

Part. 6 Production
28 Developing a Crew
29 Mise en Scene
30 Breaking Down the Script
31 Before the Camera Rolls
32 Roll Camera
33 Location Sound
34 Continuity
35 Directing the Actors
36 Directing the Crew
37 Monitoring Progress

Part. 7 Postproduction
38 Preparing to Edit
39 Editing the First Assembly
40 Editing Principles
41 Using Analysis and Feedback
42 Working with a Composer
43 Editing from Fine Cut to Sound Mix
44 Titles and Acknowledgments

Part. 8 Career Track
45 Planning a Career
46 Major National and International Film and Video Schools
47 Breaking into the Industry

App. 1 Outcomes Assessment Forms
App. 2 Form and Aesthetics Questionnaire
Glossary
Bibliography and Useful Websites
Index