Book Description
Less than 200 years ago the director was only an "ideal" projected by disgruntled critics. Today, productions wouldn't be able to survive with our the adept talents of the director. This book has been known for years as the guide to the "unknown theater" of the director. This collection is comprised of the voices of the modern theater as they state their credos and explore their craft. Topics include: the emergence of the director; behind the fourth wall; the art of rehearsal; light and space; and much more. Directors and avid theater-buffs.
Book Description
Acclaimed director Judith Weston offers a deeply creative exploration on how to access and stimulate the filmmaker's most precious assets: instincts, imagination, and intuition.
Customer Reviews:
An essential and inspiring asset for all directors.......2007-08-04
Judith's book is simply an invaluable resource for anyone aspiring to direct actors. Her methods and approach to educing subtext within script are wholly applicable and comprehensive. Her insights in communicating with actors are truly inspiring and offer directors a genuine path to forge an honest, true and creative relationship. Regardless of genre, this book is an essential asset for all directors who wish to be true to their craft. Highly recommended.
Denis McArdle
Couldn't relate.......2007-04-17
The author is a higher regarded teacher of acting and directing actors, but I found the material in this book, and her other book, inaccessable. I'm certain she knows what she is talking about, but I just couldn't get into the material, which seems to be written in a stream of consciousness manner. It lacks the meat I was looking for.
It just doesn't get any better.......2006-12-16
Well, Judith Weston has done it again. This book covers even more ground than her first book. If you're interested in directing - or better yet if you are a director - then for goodness' sake, get this book.
If you wonder why her books get all these glowing reviews, it's because she helps unlock what is THE MOST IMPORTANT SKILL in directing: working with actors. Not just on a moment-by-moment basis, but in shaping your film overall as well.
And she does it in practical, concrete ways, with lots of examples. Also, the rehearsal techniques she discusses can be used in a few minutes in between takes while they're setting up lighting.
She also covers script analysis, which sounds more academic and technical than it is. It's what any good director already does on some level, but helps you do it better.
If this book were required reading for every working director, then the movies you see would be a whole lot better.
A JACUZZI FOR FILM LOVERS.......2006-12-05
If you liked DIRECTING ACTORS you will love THE FILM DIRECTOR's INTUITION.
Think of it this way: If DIRECTING ACTORS is like a nice, hot, bubble bath; then THE FILM DIRECTOR's INTUITION is like a luxurious jacuzzi you want to stay in all day and all night, soaking each molecule of your being into each of its pages.
I cried with so many quotes and revelations Judith shares with us in this book.
And, as usual, her words and knowledge and her love for the craft and actors inspired me so much!
A must read for all film lovers. Filmmakers or not!
Best book on directing other than her other one!.......2006-10-18
This book is an extraordinary, essential tutorial and rumination on the philosophy and practice of directing film actors. The only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is that it essentially repeats the same thing her previous book (Directing Actors) said, albeit in new ways and with new depth. Read "Directing Actors" first, then I won't have to convince you to buy this one. You will know that every word from Judith Weston is solid gold, and not to be missed. Highly recommended, even if you have already read Directing Actors, as she really does go further and deeper here and presents a number of new insights and techniques that you won't want to miss.
As the subtitle suggests, her focus here is largely on script analysis and rehearsal. Of course that was a lot of her focus in the previous book, too, and she does cover many of the essentials of directing and acting here as well. I do think the book could have been half as long and been better--she tends to take ten words to say what could have been said in four. But what words! If you direct or act in film or television, there is no excuse for not owning this book. Nobody in print can "get you there" better than Judith Weston, and you are sure to gain usable ideas and genuine insights again and again as you read this. I have taught film and video acting for years, and only wish I'd had this book and her other one when I started! If you want fake, affected performances and constant conflict with your actors, no reading necessary. If you're looking for solid ways to work with actors to give life-changing performances, read this. Now.
Book Description
Learn how to read a script, find its core, determine your vision, communicate with writers, actors, designers, cinematographers, editors, composers, and all the members of your creative team in order to insure that your vision reaches the screen.
Customer Reviews:
A Deep and Practical Inspiration.......2006-12-03
If you are searching for a book to inspire, inform and clearly break down the making of a film and the relationship between the many creative entities that go into that process, look no further. Mark Travis has written a literate, thoughtful and experienced guide to how to approach issues relating to written material, casting, performance, production values...really everthing you need to work intelligently on a project. Whatever stage of your career you're in, you will find yourself referring to this book again and again.
FABULOUS! A MUST READ!.......2006-12-02
If you're at all serious about directing, look no further, this is the book. Mark Travis will guide, inform, inspire you...and all done with such a light and humorous touch, as well as great enthusiasm, you can't wait to try it yourself. Really, of all the 1000's of books out there on the subject, this is the best. The information is presented so clearly, you wonder why everybody doesn't work this way. Mark Travis obviously has a deep respect for actors and writers, and how best to work with them in a collaborative spirit . He also appears to have a great wealth of knowledge from years in the business, which he openly shares. I loved this book, and often refer back to it. I'd highly recommend it, and would give it to anyone interested in directing.
It's clear!.......2006-12-01
I've read many books on filmmaking, especially directing. But Mark is one of the few authors that actually was able to talk to me directly. This book has a way to surpass the bull#@!% and talk straight. It shows me how clear directing can be when understood on the level that Mark writes about. I would recommend - and for that matter already have - this book to anyone who's interested in getting down to the core of directing.
The journey continues.......2006-12-01
I love this book! I'm going to have to buy another one, because I've bent the pages all over in returning to refer to advice again and again. I'm an emerging film-maker, and this book is the secret key that unlocks to door to the skills and steps crucial in directing. It's pragmatic, comprehensive, and applicable. I applied Mark's advice on rehearsals, collaboration, pre-production, and script breakdown to my film and saw immediate deep improvements. The Director's Journey is more than a manual for making great films though, it's a support to the person going through the process. Mark Travis illuminates the psychology, relationships, objectives and pitfalls inherent in this work, and he offers the creative traveler excellent personal guidance.
A "Must-Have" Book for Your Collection.......2006-12-01
About 12 years ago, my directing partner (who is also my wife) and I attended an incredible, intensive directing workshop. For three days we ate, drank, slept, and lived filmmaking from script analysis to post-production, under the tutelage of a very intimidating instructor - Mark Travis. I say intimidating because this guy was direct, succinct, focused and INTENSE. Not only that, but he was brilliant. His insights, technique, innovations, and even the simple fundamentals were so solid, and straight-forward, there was NO way you could have walked away from the experience without being a better director. If there every was one, Mark Travis is a virtuoso director... a Mozart of actors, stage and celluloid, if you will.
Now, 12 years, 4 films, 19 theatrical productions, and a handful of awards later, we use this book nearly every day. Be it on the set or stage, or just from inspiration and brush-up, this magnificent book encapsulates everything about Mark's talents. He is no primadonna, unwilling to divulge more than a few vaguaries of his techniques, nor does he preach to you about his own successful career and how wonderful he is. What he does do if layout technique, approach, execution and adjustment in a no-nonsense fashion that yields one of the best "How-To" books on directing (not only film but more specifically actors), and achieving the vision of a director, ever written.
If you are looking for a book to keep in your hip-pocket on the set, or something to refer back to for inspiration, ideas, and fixes, then look no further. This is it.
Book Description
This book takes the mystery out of directing. This fresh approach will enhance and broaden your directing skills and help you deliver powerful performances and well-conceived cohesive films.
Customer Reviews:
A How-to Book on Creative Collaboration.......2002-05-17
Written in a reader-friendly way, you'll want to work with this writer/director. Travis clearly educates the reader in the art of collaboration and all its essentials for a true creative process. Using both his experiences & his intuition, the writer takes us on an eye-opening expedition into the realms of cinematic cooperation, coordination & collaboration to produce the best possible film & get the most from our fellow-film crew members. How to work WITH the screenwriter, the producer(s), the director, the cinematographer, the creative team, the actors, the editor & the crew, blending all the diverse visions of the filmed story into a cohesive one.
An informative, exceptionally written and insightful work........1997-11-26
In all my years of reviewing text as well as fictional literature this book will take its place with the other top ten books I have in my collection. I have recommended it to both my family, my friends and co-workers. Direct and comprehensive for the novice as well as the professional. Dr. Dan Canterbury
Average customer rating:
- Guide to an early film master
|
Victor Sjostrom: His Life and His Work
Bengt Forslund
Manufacturer: New York Zoetrope
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Arts & Literature
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
| Actors & Actresses
| Artists, Architects & Photographers
| Authors
| Composers & Musicians
| Dancers
| Entertainers
| Movie Directors
| New Age
| Television Performers
| Theatre
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Reference & Collections
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Direction & Production
| Movies
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Performing Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
| Dance
| General
| Reference
| Theater
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Foreign Languages
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0918432820 |
Customer Reviews:
Guide to an early film master.......2002-02-24
This is a clear biography of a key film pioneer. The differences in the development of the European film tradition when compared to that of America are clearly outlined. Sjostrom is a facinating figure, both in Sweden and in Hollywood. A very nice picture of the man.
Book Description
• Insider author gives no-nonsense advice
• Required reading for film students, educators, anyone interested in film
From script analysis to post production, here is the all-inclusive guide to directing for film and television. Written by noted director-producer Myrl Schreibman, The Film Director Prepares offers practical insights on filmmaking, using real-life examples directors won't learn in school. With topics including working with actors, using the camera to tell a story, setting mood, staging, maintaining performance levels, covering shots, and directing for different mediums, The Film Director Prepares will leave new directors truly prepared for their careers.
Customer Reviews:
A MUST BUY FOR ALL FILM DIRECTORS.......2007-04-27
I just finished a feature length screenplay that will soon become a feature length film. To prepare for production I decided to purchase two books: Creative Producing A to Z, and, A Film Director Prepares, both by Myrl Schreibman. Having just finished reading them both, I now know I could not have made two better choices. Buy them both, read them both, then read them both again! I promise, your film career will be well served.
Learn the Rules to Break the Rules.......2007-03-20
Practical and easy-to-grasp, this book breaks down directing to its most essential elements: the philosophy and the process. The book is a great starting guide for the newbie. Use it to learn just the fundamental principles of filmmaking, and then go out and discover your own principles.
OUTSTANDING BOOK THAT IS INTERACTIVE.......2007-02-01
This book is an entirely interactive book as it contains a CD-rom that has a 3d storyboarding software that makes it absolutely remarkable in being able to manipulate the images in the book to experiment with concepts and precepts that the author is knowingly speaking about. The Directors Guild of America calls this book the definitive book for directors and encourages not only those who are learning to direct but those who already direct to hacve this book in their library. It is told from a very easy and understandable perspective and full of practical stuff about telling stories, saving production time during production, working with talent, directing various forms of television and most of all what it means to do coverage to tell stories. This is one book that you must have!
Required Reading for Actors.......2007-01-05
"Read, read, read," says Schreibman and he might as well be talking about THE FILM DIRECTOR PREPARES, as essential to the actor as to anybody and everybody else who ever worked on a set. This is the book -- fascinating and entirely accessible -- to afford each of us an extra dollop of confidence in approaching a role, a rehearsal, a conversation about how to play a scene; to give actors an understanding of why directors make the choices they do and how we can best serve the vision of the whole. Wish I'd had this book years and years ago and I'm so glad to have it now!
Indispensable for the Director.......2006-12-06
Myrl Schreibman writes a no nonsense realistic as well artistic book that should become a bible for the aspiring as well as the experienced director. All aspects are covered, the script, the actors, the producers, budgets, all things any director needs to know. Bravo.
Average customer rating:
|
Film Directors, 16th Edition (Film Directors)
Edited by the Staff of Lone Eagle Publishing
Manufacturer: Lone Eagle Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Direction & Production
| Movies
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Movies
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Reference
| Movies
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Directories
| Catalogs & Directories
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Performing Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1580650430 |
Book Description
These are the most complete film reference directories about writers of motion picture, film directors and film actors available.
Book Description
This book explains in precise, easy to understand language everything the novice director needs to know before taking on his or her first professional assignment.
Customer Reviews:
METHOD TO MOVIEMAKING MADNESS.......2007-05-17
Gil Bettman offers a unique take on the craft of film directing. His slim volume covers all the basics without overcomplicating matters. But the value added is his method for visual storytelling, which makes this book truly stand out, as does Bettman's passion for the subject. Personally, I have been a fan of First Time Director since I read it back in Russia after it came out, and found it well-worth multiple re-reads ever since. Lately, I attended a seminar Gil Bettman taught in LA with Mark Travis, which I also highly recommend. I defy you not to become a better director after Gil Bettman is through with you!
A good book deserves a good reader to absorb its essence.......2006-08-09
There are way too many books on directing and most of them cover the basics well but very rarely we come across a book that takes us to the next level which is the real time world of film making and the constraints. This book constantly keeps us rooted to reality despite explaining the art of showbiz. The book beautifuly covers the design of a moving master with four tasks, objectives for actors, directing method actors, improvisation, script breakdown, team building and casting. Gil Bettman's approach makes us think about the simple things of film making that we tend to put away into our closets once we finish film school. The book not only is a great refresher which brings back wonderful memories of my own film school experience but also is a lesson in Cinema's most important skill; namely man management or also known as people skills. Bettman's witty and humorous comments make the book a great read not just for the knowledge gains but also as a window into the hollywood system of film making which is exciting and rivetting. It is a must read for all.
A must read for any serious aspiring filmmaker!.......2006-06-04
Film is, quite simply, a director's medium. You're here reading this review because you're serious about making films; and you've come to the right place. Sure, you're going to learn the most about directing by making a movie yourself, but reading about the process can also be helpful. In any movie industry, the so called pros who write a book on directing to show how many stars they have worked with or what big name films they have done; are a dime-a-dozen and no really help to you. The names may impress you...but you'll soon realize, that you've walked away with learning nothing at all on how to make your own movie.
Whether you're a script writer, actor, first time filmmaker or just someone interested in movies; after reading this book you will walk away truly empowered; with a new understanding of making a motion picture and a new found confidence in your ability to handle just about any directing job thrown at you. Bettman, a mesmerizing storyteller, takes us on a rollercoaster ride of Hollywood in his First Time Director: the penny pinching producers, the fierce competition, and above all...the art of making a movie itself. Filmmaking, he'll have you know, is about creative talent and technical knowledge, but just as importantly, about relentless networking. Every aspect of pre-production and post-production seems to be covered, including the impossible hurdle of dealing with actors. And Gil Bettman knows. A television and feature film director at the heart of the nation's entertainment industry, he has directed dozens of television episodes, including cult favourites Knight Rider & The Fall Guy. He explains that in order to be a capable director you must know about and be able to do so many different things. The director's job ultimately,we learn,is to ensure that their movie is both entertaining and enlightening to an audience.
The people I passed this book onto - which varied in age, background and profession - loved it, as did I. The author is a captivating, informative writer. The sometimes blunt straight-forward prose is him being the streetwise guy who tells it like he sees it; readers will find that the writing style is informal, personal, and he is both humorous and approachable. There are a number of reviewers here on Amazon.com that don't seem to get the tongue in cheek humour of the book; when he tells you it's a good idea is to sleep with your producers to secure the job; he's being as witty & sarcastic as it gets. It's too bad that some people are not smart enough to read between the lines and trash this for nothing at all. They need to pick it up again and see what a well written book this is. In a nutshell,this provides a comprehensive and extremely fast paced introduction to the industry; and for those with more experience it can clarify questions. If you have already had the opportunity to direct a project of your own as I have, you know something about the difficulty of putting together a piece of film that actually works. Few artistic endeavors are more challenging, or more rewarding. If you're not ready to start and direct your own movie after this reading this book, then you better brush-up on your waiting table skills. A must read for any serious aspiring filmmaker.
A Director's View: From the Trenches..........2006-05-04
My name is David Worth and I've been a professional Director / DP in the film industry for nearly 30 years. I've Directed features with Jean-Claude Van Damme, Roy Scheider and Dennis Hopper, as well as being the Director Of Photography on features with Clint Eastwood, Bruce Campbell and the late Shelly Winters.
Like most of the reviewers remarked, Mr. Bettman's book: First Time Director: How To Make Your Breakthrough Movie, is "...essential... inspiring... invaluable...". Mr. Bettman writes about the basic "nuts & bolts" of "in the trenches" Directing by someone who has obvilously been there. I believe that his book is an absolute MUST for any one aspiring to be a Director or a woking professional in the film industry and that it should be part of the required reading for every Film School, Course or Program on the planet.
Anyone not getting the "tongue in cheek" and "gallows humor" of some of Mr. Bettman's remarks simply hasn't been there,"in the trenches" tying to make a film with never enough time or money. The mantra "the Master becomes the Coverage" is the hallmark of someone who not only understands the process, but also has the chops of a world of experience behind them. Mr. Bettman's book comes from the heart and soul of a Filmmaker and a Professor of Cinema, the forward by Mr. Zemeckes is simply the icing on the cake and in my humble opinion, "The Good Filmmaking Seal Of Approval"!!!
I was an Assistant Director for over 10 years.......2006-01-31
If you don't know what an AD is, it's the guy/gal that many a novice has mistaken for the director, since the AD is usually the one shouting "Quiet on the set!" and "Roll sound/camera!"
So I picked up FTD expecting more of the mishmash and anecdotes you get from writers who have not spent much, if any, time on a set. Not so. Despite the "sleep with your producer" line (which I too found bizarre beyond belief and is the only reason for 4 stars instead of 5), FTD is probably the best book I've ever read on the actual mechanics of making your first movie as a director. I don't know the author and I don't know the publisher, but what I do know is this stuff is coming from a guy who's been there in the trenches, sweating blood and tears to make a movie. Bettman's advice is better and more on point than anything I ever got at USC film school, and is matched only by the advice I got from--and eventually gave to-- the directors I've worked with.
So buy it if you're looking for the nuts and bolts of directing your first feature, ignore the sleep with the producer line, and I think you'll find it worth your hard-earned cash.
Book Description
Beneath the entertaining and instructive war stories lies the truth: how directors elicit the best performances from difficult and terrified actors. You'll learn how to use proven techniques to get actors to give their best performances - including the ten best and ten worst things to say - and what you can do when an actor won't or can't do what the director wants. Includes never before published stories from veteran director, John Badham, as well as Sydney Pollock, Mel Gibson, James Woods, Michael Mann and many more.
Customer Reviews:
A Necessary Step Toward Greater Directing.......2007-02-20
No matter what the filmmaker's experience may be, John Badham's book is a necessary tool in becoming a greater director. Through stories, quotes, and excellent instruction, this book illustrates top notch methods of working with actors as the creative partners they are. It bridges the gap between crew and talent, and combines the efforts of both for a greater end result that flows easily and successfully conveys the natural emotions and feelings of a directed scene.
As a film student, I have constantly gone back and referenced the book, as well as reading and re-reading particular chapters that are easily outlined and provide excellent advice on everything from holding rehearsals to working with potentially "difficult" actors on the set. Reading this book has changed my methods of directing for the better and given me a greater understanding of how to work with actors for the greatest result of acting. Since I began practicing the techniques found within it, I have seen improvements in my directing, leading to greater performances and all-around better end results. With a fun reading style combined with priceless advice and entertaining stories, I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to become a greater filmmaker.
Having Lunch with a Legend.......2007-02-14
John Badham has had an amazing career in film and television. He has had great success in every genre, including directing SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER which is, possibly the greatest 'coming of age' film ever made. It is certainly one of the best films of the amazing decade of the 70's which featured so many great films about the Mean Streets of New York. Any aspiring or seasoned director would do themselves a big favor by buying and STUDYING his wonderful book, I'LL BE IN MY TRAILER. Calling upon nearly 40 years of directing, Mr. Badham fills this book with a myriad of object lessons. Mr. Badham focuses, with great insight and humanity, on the relationship between the director and actor. In addition, he incorporates dozens of interviews and quotes from great directors, actors, cinematographers, etc., to give his reader a rich and broad picture of the movie-making process from casting to post-production. It is a rare book that can encapsulate such a range and depth of experiences about the art of filmmaking into all of 200 pages. Mr. Badham's tone is friendly and conversational. Reading this book is like having lunch with a legend and casually discussing the work of directing actors. A rare opportunity indeed; and one that should not be passed up.
Crafty Directing.......2006-11-18
Most directing books, I've noticed, are either basic primers (how not to cross the "line") or books of chatty anecdotes by major directors. Sidney Lumet's book is about the only one that gives away trade secrets, and he doesn't give many of those.
Finally John Badham has written the book I was hoping to get to read. I'll Be in My Trailer: Creative Wars Between Actors and Directors is as full of director tradecraft as you might hope, coming from the very crafty director of Saturday Night Fever, Stakeout, WarGames and The Jack Bull. Badham hasn't stopped at his own knowledge; he's interviewed fellow directors like Mark Rydell and Richard Donner, and quoted from interviews with other directors.
The tradecraft I'm talking about includes things like shooting closeups first if you're dealing with a scene that might wear out your actor emotionally (generally you shoot the master first, closeups last); the two points of view about rehearsals; what it means when an actor says, "I want to talk to you about my costume; and how not to waste your casting sessions looking important.
This book only focuses on dealing with actors. I'd love to hear what Badham and his colleagues have to say about the more subtle uses of different lenses, when to shoot at a location and when a studio, six day shoots vs. five day shoots, and other technical and production questions. But that really does deserve another book.
If you want to direct, or if you're just a writer or actor who wants to appreciate all that a director has to deal with, buy this book.
Should Be Required Reading for all Directors.......2006-11-01
The stories of actors being difficult to work with have long been a staple of Hollywood. And of course some are, and not only in Hollywood but in filming a 30-second commercial, a music video, or even the local church choir.
In this book John Badham, a director of reknown tells these stories from the other side. Here are stories of what he has had to do to get the performance he wanted out of the actor he was using. Most of the stories tell of his own personal expeiences, some are related stories of friends and associates of his. For any director, in business or just aspiring, this should be required reading. For any actor, here is what the educated director should be able to do to convince you that what he needs is what will produce the best work of which you are capable.
Besides being very informative and supplying a lot of tricks of the trade, this book is well written and delightful reading in its own right.
The BEST book on Directing available!!!.......2006-10-28
I've had the pleasure of having John Badham as my mentor in film directing, over at Chapman University --- I had no idea that directing is something that can be 'taught'
For aspiring and current directors, this book is a GEM ---- it gives clear instructions on how to dissect a screenplay, for the purposes of best directing, and most importantly, instruction on how best to communicate with actors and other creative staff members
The best part is that the book's directing examples show the 'right-way' to do things and the 'wrong-way' to do things ---- believe me, after reading, most aspiring directors will hit themselves over the head saying "ohhh... that's how you do it!"
For movie lovers, the book is also a great treat ----- Badham's lessons on directing are elaborated through his many experiences on set, making the book extremely humorous and entertaining as you journey with Badham through his mistakes and his successes ----- while it is a book that teaches directing, its entertainment value is one that will provide a lot of fun to any movie lover
It's a quick and informative read that anyone would thoroughly enjoy! The writing is superb and the material is easy to understand and apply ---- Professor Badham - well done!
HAPPY BUYING!!!
Book Description
Imagine a job where you need to work only 10 days a year to make $100,000. A job that allows you to be a respected artist, a savvy craftsman, and a hip partygoer who hangs out with celebrities, superstars, and top models. No need to wear a tie and suit. No corporate office hours, and no supervising department heads checking your time card. At your command explosions occur, cars crash, helicopters swoop, and you are expected to spend a million dollars in a week or two. This job exists. It's called a commercial director, the creative mind behind the production of a TV spot. While being a commercial director may be one of the coolest jobs in the world, it's also one of the toughest jobs to get (and keep). The 30-Second Storyteller: The Art and Business of Directing Commercials teaches any filmmaker how to get work as a commercial director, how to navigate the pitfalls of production, and how to get clients to keep coming back to you for more. The book is not a textbook on directing -- plenty of other books cover that. Rather, The 30-Second Storyteller focuses on directorial challenges specifically related to creating a TV spot -- the techniques involved, the technologies of choice, and the obstacles that come between you and a successful career. It begins by teaching you how to get your foot in the door -- creating a spec reel, picking a specialty, getting signed with a production company, and successfully bidding for projects. It then covers the production of a commercial from preproduction through the shoot, all the way to finishing in post-production. Examples from a real-world commercial are utilized throughout to illustrate concepts. The book concludes with advice on obtaining work abroad, and making the jump from commercials to features, as TV ads are a training ground for Hollywood's next blockbuster director. Filmmakers like Ridley Scott, Michael Bay, David Fincher, Jonathan Glazer, Tarsem and Zack Snyder have all gotten their start in commercials.
Customer Reviews:
The book every commercial film student should read.......2006-09-28
Full disclosure: Thomas and I went to film school together.
I just bought this book to support Thomas. But after receiving it, I realized it is the book we all needed while in film school. I recommend this book for anyone that is thinking of working in commercials. Directors, Assistant Directors, Producers, Cinematographers, and anyone else that doesn't have a firm grasp of the way that commercials work.
I personally know some really creative directors that have given up on their dream, which might not have happened had they had some sort of guide like this book.
Congrats Thomas, it should be "REQUIRED READING" at Art Center.
Imagine a job where you need work only 10 days a year to make $100K.......2006-08-18
Imagine a job where you need work only 10 days a year to make $100K: one which requires no dress code, no regular hours, and world travel. Such a job is that of the commercial director - but it's a difficult position to land and retain. THE 30-SECOND STORYTELLER: THE ART AND BUSINESS OF DIRECTING COMMERCIALS teaches filmmakers how to get such a job, and how to keep it. It's not just another guide to directing, but a survey of how to create a TV spot which keeps a career moving, covering such a production from start to finish and drawing on examples from successful commercials to illustrate its advice.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Well done job for general audience by accomplished working commercial director.......2006-08-11
I'll say up front that certain film books are a bit dubious. I have been working on sets since a teenager so I am biased a bit in "hands on" training. Reading about making film is sometimes just a very small part of a big education.
Having said that, Thomas Richter impressed me. Mostly by the fact that he is a very pragmatic, level headed director who is actually working, signed and talented who had the nuts to put this down on paper. I've found most advice in specialized arenas like this is unfortunately not given by people who are quite qualified enough.
Mr. Richter is signed at Boxer, an LA production company that I am familiar with. I am also signed at a similar level bicostal shop so when I bought this book I was curious how true the read would be. I have to say that pretty much every thing he speaks about I find quite true and his experiences resonated with mine. To me that is again impressive - this is the real thing.
For my tastes there was a bit too much focus on practical filmmaking. He spells out this book is not a guide to filmmaking but rather about the business world of actually working as a commerical director. Saying that I think there are times he strays a bit and focuses a bit on some very fundamental stuff. This is probably necessary to make the book more accessable but perhaps Mr. Richter missed an interesting opportunity to take this from general interest to a true reference material. I'd love to personally hear more about the values of a great Executive Producer and Producer. Those relationships. Releationships with the sales reps. Knowing how and when to navigate moving to a different production company. I'd love to see the book slanted a bit more for the guide to keep using if you can really get past assembling a spec reel and getting signed.
That being said I enthusiastically recommend this book for getting a chance to see the landscape that is very difficult to navigate from the outside. If only this were written five years ago when I was poking my head in from the outside it might have helped me tremendously. From a working director now I can only say I admire the guts for Thomas Richter to lay it out there and put his name on it. It's a nice work that should be read - especially considering the complete drout of similar quality (real) information either in print or online.
The Inside Scoop Very Well Told.......2006-07-08
I really like the way this book starts out: 'Imagine a job where you have to work only 10 days a year to make $100,000.' So far I like it a great deal.
Unfortunately he goes on from there to say that it's one of the hardest jobs to get and even harder to keep.
OK, I'm thinking: 'professional sports.' In the NFL there are just ten games a year. Unfortunately I don't stand a chance.
Movie acting: Tom Hanks, et al, probably make this much. But not very damned likely I'd get there either.
Well, I guess that's why I should read the book.
The book's about being a director filming commercials. And it's a delightful read. I can just imagine the people who've made a reel of commercials to go around and show the agencies who might hire them. They're one of fifty or so who tried to do the same thing this week.
It's the whole story of how the author decided while in film school to be a commercial director, and how he eventually made it. Great fun. I don't think I'll try to follow in his footsteps.
Books:
- Dirty Wow Wow and Other Love Stories: A Tribute to the Threadbare Companions of Childhood
- Double Take: FBI Thriller
- Eclipse (Twilight, Book 3)
- Eclipse (Twilight, Book 3)
- Empress Orchid
- Everyday Pasta
- Everyday Victory for Everyday People (First Place Bible Studies)
- Flashman's Lady (Flashman)
- For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men
- Foundation ActionScript for Flash 8 (Foundation)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Dream Lovers: The Magnificent Shattered Lives of Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee - by Their Son Dodd Dari
- The Winner Within
- The Grass Crown
- The Conscious Heart: Seven Soul-Choices That Create Your Relationship Destiny
- The Boy on Fairfield Street
- The Sciences: An Integrated Approach, 2nd Edition Update
- U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History
- Bob Saget's Tales from the Crib
- The journal of Major George Washington: An account of his first official mission, made as emissary f
- Destined to Survive: A Dieppe Veteran's Story
The Director's Voice: Twenty-One Interviews
On Directing
The Viewpoints Book: A Practical Guide to Viewpoints and Composition
It's a Lot Like Dancing: An Aikido Journey
Actors on Acting: The Theories, Techniques, and Practices of the World's Great Actors, Told in Thir Own Words (Actors on Acting)
