The BEST directing book and more

NathanPresley

NathanPresley

Well-known member
hey,
for about 8 months i was looking for good Directing Book. I finally
found one that I love and is a huge help if you haven't gone to film
school or lived around Directors your whole life.

its called "Directing" (film techniques and aesthetics ) (3rd edition)

the only bummer is it cost like $50-$60.

for the longest time i wouldn't buy it. I just went to Barnes & Noble about 4 times to just read out of it, but finally i gave in bought it.

0240805178.jpg


so if you plan to get a directing book look at this one.

avoid "$30 film school"
(the same author wrote "$30 music school" etc.

peace
 
I would also highly recommend Nicholas Proferes' "Film Directing Fundamentals". It's more an esthetical than the usual technical approach, which makes for some mind-blowing discoveries. But I'll check into "Film techniques and aesthetics" too.
 
Directing Actors is probably the best book I have read about the subject and I have read all the others (which are good as well).
 
Thanks for the conversation... I just ordered "Directing Actors" and "Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics."
 
Thanks for the conversation... I just ordered "Directing Actors" and "Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics."
 
sweet. as far as "Directing" (film techniques and Aesthetics) he goes into
great detail , so at first your like "this might take a while", but after a chapter or two
you'll be lovin it.
 
Yes "Directing Actors" is excellent, although it's not about general directing.

It's specifically about how to correctly communicate what you want to actors and get good performances.

For example, the author tells you how damaging it can be to tell your actors: "I want you to be angrier," "more subtle," "more evil," "less happy" etc... and then she discusses how to communicate that in a different way, which will bring out an authentic performance from the actors.

No doubt, all directors, from Indie to Hollywood, should read this book.

It's invaluable!
 
I would also recommend the following:

Film Directing Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen, by Steven D Katz

Thinking in Pictures - The Making of the Movie Matewan, by John Sayles

The Directors, Take Two

These are excellent if you're looking for day-to-day advice on what to look -- and watch out -- for during the making of a movie. The Directors is especially good since you hear it from a number of well known directors. Invaluable advice.

Rob
 
Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics is a great book. I going through it. I'l check out the book Directing Actors.

Thanks.
 
NathanPresley said:
do any of you know any books I could give to my "amateur" actors ?
Click to expand...

Any actor should read "On method acting" (can't remember the author) followed by "no acting please" (think it's eric morris)...

The first book gives you an insight into the Method... and the other one kinda says: Now that you know what method acting is... let's see if we can find a way for it to work for you.... That's why they should be read in that order.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdbNrlBFV00

Here's a clip from Inside the Actors Studio where Johnny Depp mentions these books. I think it's around 7-8 min into the clip...
 
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thanks for the heads up nathan. i just got ordered this book from amazon based on your post and some other comments on it. it got here yesterday. i read 20 or so pages, and just from those few pages and skimming the rest, it looks like a fantastic book. i've already picked up a few really good pointers that will be great to remember in the field.

NathanPresley said:
hey,
for about 8 months i was looking for good Directing Book. I finally
found one that I love and is a huge help if you haven't gone to film
school or lived around Directors your whole life.

its called "Directing" (film techniques and aesthetics ) (3rd edition)

the only bummer is it cost like $50-$60.

for the longest time i wouldn't buy it. I just went to Barnes & Noble about 4 times to just read out of it, but finally i gave in bought it.

0240805178.jpg


so if you plan to get a directing book look at this one.

avoid "$30 film school"
(the same author wrote "$30 music school" etc.

peace
Click to expand...
 
Kjetil Haugen said:
Any actor should read "On method acting" (can't remember the author) followed by "no acting please" (think it's eric morris)...

The first book gives you an insight into the Method... and the other one kinda says: Now that you know what method acting is... let's see if we can find a way for it to work for you.... That's why they should be read in that order.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdbNrlBFV00

Here's a clip from Inside the Actors Studio where Johnny Depp mentions these books. I think it's around 7-8 min into the clip...
Click to expand...

this is cool i jus bought the "NO ACTING PLEASE" book and after browsing a few pages I can already tell it's probably jammed pack with good info. Just in time before I shoot my first short film in a coupla weeks too. :thumbup:
 
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