Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics

This is the first textbook I have ever enjoyed reading. The writing style employed is clear with an easy flow that makes reading it effortless.The concepts covered in the book are explained so well and backed up by several examples. I often found myself understanding things on a deeper level through reading the book than I did in class, and I had a talented professor.This book gives great insight into the film industry and the process of all stages of production. This book only invigorates and fuels one's passion for film.I recommend this book even outside of a classroom setting. Anyone can gain knowledge from this book without any need for the support or ellaboration of an instructor.

I went to a filmmaking camp from 13-17. I went to a film college from 1998-2001. I've worked with many other filmmakers and have directed my own stuff as well.I must say that while there is a great deal in this book that I've already known either through school or real-world experience, even that info is wonderful to read again. Sometimes it's because it's presented from a new perspective, in a new light or in clearer ways. I find myself learning about what I've known all over again, and it's very exciting to me.But having experienced what this book teaches, I can say with conference that the authors know what they are talking about. It's all legit. You can trust what you're reading in this. The book is tantamount to film school minus the ability for you to ask the teacher questions, to get your hands on school equipment and to have someone there pushing to you make films. Still, all the reading material you would get in film school is between these covers.I have to take long breaks between chapters sometimes because the depth of information can be overwhelming. I've been taking notes as I go along because of how much I'm reading. I am only just beginning Chapter 4 which is around page 107 of 504 and we've only covered the script (for good reason!). It excites me to think that there will be this much information regarding the other stages of directing (production, post production).The book is WELL worth you money. Read it, take notes. You will find yourself using these exercises/tips/tricks on every one of your films from this point on.You can buy a book on writing a script.. Or you can buy a book on reading other scripts. Or you can buy a book on pre-production things like storyboarding, call sheets, shot lists etc. Or you can buy a book on basic camera coverage and terminology. Or you can buy a book on editing.......Or you can buy this one single book which covers all of that and more in a fantastic and complete way!

Hands down the BEST book for aspiring film directors. It covers everything you need to know from pre-production to post-production. I haven't let it go since I started pre-production and scripting my first short film. It has been an invaluable help to understand the process and to know what to do! It's like having a mentor in your home - you have a question? The answer is in the book. Plus, the book comes with a companion website where you can download forms and logs etc....I feel very lucky to have stumbled across it while searching on Amazon for books to help me through my first filmmaking project. AND it benefits the short film director and the feature length director as well. AND it also helped me make the script better! I can't say enough about it...there's no better book out there if you are beginning.

I can't stop telling my film-making and artist friends about how pivotal this book has been in my career and personal life. And that's the thing, Michael guides you to see how the two are not separate at all but one continuum of self discovery and expression. One fuels the other. That is the ultimate path of a director. Applause to you Michael. I had shopped around for weeks looking for a book on directing and right when I started to preview this one, I could see Michael was a wise man with an enormous amount of both experience in film-making and also in teaching. He has a "spiritual" approach that ties into it all showing how ones understanding of his/her own past marks, both good and bad, fuel ultimate expression as an artist. Just what I was looking for. Thank you Michael!

This book is extraordinarily informative, ultra-specific, and updated to reflect all of the latest technological innovations in filmmaking and particularly the bullet-fast changes to digital filmmaking that occur so frequently. This author is a MASTER of his field and subject matter. This book is more of a complete encyclopedia than just a book. And the points throughout of how exactly to write, direct and create creative product that is authentic and comes from genuine experiences and heartfelt place that will resonate with audiences for generations, is priceless. Kudos.

This is the most comprehensive, digestable, and practical book, not just on directing, but on filmmaking as a whole. There is such a generous amount of material covered, from dramatic elements of a story, to interpeting screenplays, to more traditional director fair as composition and production concepts - all of which will craftily lend itself to grooming the next Spielberg. Don't waste time and money on the other books, THIS is the one to start with.

I bought this for my nephew... who is an artist a writer and director ... he has made and directed 6 films ... very talented ... of he gets a couple ideas from this book it will be money well spent... an incredible artist director ... very proud of him ... his name is Nathan Thomas milliner ... a pure artist in all respects

Was used as a course book for my college classes. Barely used it so not sure how good of a book it is. But the overall condition was great.

The most useful bok on directing I had in my hands.The only book on the subject (that I've read) that suits filmmakers regardless their experience. Covers all the basics (screenplay tips, camera movement, character development, etc.) as well as gives additional tips and hits on how to approach on developing a story, analyzing scripts and working with actors. Gives lots of examples from well-known movies and is one of those books that you just don't lend to other people. You make it your own textbook and refer to it every time you get stuck.The book is also backed up by an internet site where you can find exercises, projects and examples.I couldn't recommend it more (jeez and I'm not even paid for writing this...)

I read so many books on film making and most of them either miss the important part story-telling or lack structure or presume you have a lot of knowledge already.This books is awesome and it is for beginners to more experienced directors. It cover everything you need in a structured way.

great book, concise and complete good for novice and useful for teachers great for worshops and useful for projects.well presented and nicely updated

I could not rate this book highly enough. It is superb! I learned stuff about life, as well as film-making. A revelation.

Great book for filmmakers! I use it for study!