On motion picture and television sets today the director spends 90% of his time directing the camera. Professional actors come to set prepared to direct themselves. In spite of this recent change, 90% of all books on directing do not teach specifically how to direct the camera. Gil Bettman's 'Directing the Camera' fills that void by teaching the elements of craft that contemporary directors use to give their films the visually dynamic look preferred by audiences today.

An instant classic since its debut in 1991, Film Directing: Shot By Shot and its famous blue cover is one of the most well-known books on directing in the business, and is a favorite of professional directors as an on-set quick reference guide.

This guide to directing films includes information on project development, screenplay analysis, choosing and working with a production team, auditioning and casting, script preparation, using the language of acting, and much more.

Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics is a comprehensive manual that teaches the essentials of filmmaking from the perspective of the director. Ideal for film production and directing classes, as well as for aspiring and current directors, Directing covers all phases of preproduction and production, from idea development to final cut. 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 great deal of practical work to meet this goal, with projects, exercises. The third edition 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. The entire book is revised to capitalize on the advantages offered by the revolutionary shift to digital filmmaking.

Directing drama for the single camera is like no other form of Filmmaking, or any other medium involving actors. Experience in documentary or theatre may provide useful clues, but the techniques for drama film directors, although not basically complicated, are unique. Experienced directors in other spheres of directing will find this book invaluable if they wish to move into single camera drama, as will students setting out on their careers. Directing Single Camera Drama is a synthesis of the skills required to bring drama to the screen. Directing drama for the single camera is like no other form of Filmmaking, or any other medium involving actors. Experience in documentary or theatre may provide useful clues, but the techniques for drama film directors, although not basically complicated, are unique. Experienced directors in other spheres of directing will find this book invaluable if they wish to move into single camera drama, as will students setting out on their careers. Directing Single Camera Drama is a synthesis of the skills required to bring drama to the screen. A unique feature of the book is the inclusion of ten short film drama scripts which need only half a day's rehearsal and one short day's filming. Each have their various technical demands, and they are arranged in ascending order of dramatic and creative difficulty. They can be photocopied and used for non-broadcast training drama exercises. Mike Crisp worked as Production Manager, and later Director, on many classic BBC TV series, such as Fawlty Towers, Porridge and Steptoe and Son. He was, for 10 years, a senior producer with the BBC's TV Training Department. He is the author of The Practical Director now in its second edition and also published by Focal Press. Reviews: 'Directors in other spheres of directing who wish to move into single camera drama will find this book invaluable, as will students setting out on their careers.' Voice of the Listener

Producing and Directing the Short Film and Video is the definitive book on the subject for beginning filmmakers and students. The book clearly illustrates all of the steps involved in preproduction, production, postproduction, and distribution. Its unique two-fold approach looks at filmmaking from the perspectives of both producer and director, and explains how their separate energies must combine to create a successful short film or video, from script to final product. This guide offers extensive examples from award-winning shorts and includes insightful quotes from the filmmakers themselves describing the problems they encountered and how they solved them. The companion website contains useful forms and information on grants and financing sources, distributors, film and video festivals, film schools, internet sources for short works, and professional associations.

This book tells you how to direct a successful video or film. It started as a checklist for people on directing courses in the BBC's production training department. The book offers a manual to make factual programmes for broadcast, cable or corporate television.

For over three decades, director Ken Kwapis has charted a career full of exceptional movies and television, from seminal shows like The Office to beloved films like He’s Just Not That Into You. He is among the most respected directors in show business, but getting there wasn’t easy. He struggled just like everyone else. With each triumph came the occasional faceplant. Using his background and inside knowledge, But What I Really Want To Do is Direct tackles Hollywood myths through Ken’s highly entertaining experiences. It’s a rollercoaster ride fueled by brawls with the top brass, clashes over budgets, and the passion that makes it all worthwhile. This humorous and refreshingly personal memoir is filled with inspiring instruction, behind-the-scenes hilarity, and unabashed joy. It’s a celebration of the director’s craft, and what it takes to succeed in show business on your own terms. "Ken Kwapis always brought out the best in the actors on The Office. Whenever Ken was directing, I always felt safe to go out on a limb and take chances, knowing he had my back. Every aspiring director should read this book. (I can think of several 'professional' directors that should read it too!)" -Jenna Fischer "A vital, magnificent manifesto on the art and craft of directing, written with emotional, instinctual and intellectual depth by one of America's most beloved film and television directors" -Amber Tamblyn "In the years that I was fortunate to work with Ken on Malcolm in the Middle, he had an uncanny ability to guide actors right to the heart of a scene and reveal its truths. He admits that he doesn’t have all the answers, he’ll make mistakes, and at times he’ll struggle, but as he says in the book, 'It’s the struggle to get it right that makes us human.'" -Bryan Cranston "Good luck finding a more kind, passionate, and talented director alive than Ken. Seriously, good luck." -Tig Notaro “'Action!' is what most directors bark out to begin a scene. But Ken Kwapis starts by gently intoning the words 'Go ahead...' That simple suggestion assures everyone they’re in smart, capable, humble hands. That’s how you’ll feel reading this book. And so, if you’re anxious to discover how a top director always brings humor, honesty, and humanity to his work, all I can tell you is...Go ahead." -Larry Wilmore

From his perspective as playwright, screenwriter and director, David Mamet provides insights into how a film comes to be. He looks at aspects of directing - from script to cutting room - to reveal the many tasks directors undertake in order to present a story that is understood by the audience.