The Beginning Filmmaker's Guide to Directing - Hardcover

Harmon, Renee

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0802712193 ISBN 13: 9780802712196

Publisher: Walker Books, 2003

Synopsis

This book provides the orientation and training you need to get a film project off the ground. For the writer, actor, or cinematographer who wants to earn the right to wear the director's hat, here's the commonsense, nuts-and-bolts advice necessary to get a movie from the idea stage to the screen. This is an ideal training manual for the beginner or recent film school graduate with only limited funds, written by a professional moviemaker active in the low-budget field. This book covers such key topics as the economics of directing, how not to waste money, how to cast and rehearse actors, ways to handle disputes, the development of an approved script into an actual shooting script, practice scenes for camera setups and movement, location and scene breakdowns, elements of editing, trick shots, what you need to know about crews and equipment, and pre- and post-production essentials. The interest in filmmaking continues to burgeon, as do markets for film and trained film professionals. Directors and their skills are needed in many rapidly growing arenas of the entertainment industry: cable, TV, domestic video, and home video markets overseas as well as in the United States, plus industrial and educational filmmaking. Renee Harmon has over a dozen years of experience as a producer and director. With her at your side, you will have one of the best teachers in the business guiding you every step of the way.

About this title

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Have enough sensitivity to listen to your actors' suggestions. If possible, refrain from giving your actors line readings such as, "Please, Janice, read that line this way," or "Do me a favor, Ben, and emphasize this word." Don't forget, actors are professionals; they know what to do, and any amateurish attempt at coaching will meet with strong resistance on their part. Yes, control your actors' goals, motives, and reactions, but never direct their lines. If you do, you may lose their respect.

Review

Film directing requires more than just being able to yell "action!", and no matter how good the material, a poorly directed film will not sell. Writing for people who may have worked in film but have never actually directed, Renee Harmon, a veteran of the film industry, explains the nuts-and-bolts of film directing. She addresses all aspects of the director's job including setting up shots, casting parts, editing in the camera and conserving money. Whether you're wanting to turn out a biting social commentary or just Saturday afternoon entertainment, the advice given here will put you on track for celluloid success. -- From The WomanSource Catalog & Review: Tools for Connecting the Community for Women; review by FGP

Edition details

• Publisher: Walker Books
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0802712193
• ISBN 13: 9780802712196
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 197