while on the one hand directing and film are art forms that you get better at mostly through practice, on the other hand by reading different texts about these practices you can broaden your perspectives and learn the different types of experiences faced by those who came before you.
There have been a plethora of books written on the art of making a movie, by critics, enthusiasts, and directors alike, and in today’s article, we’ll look at 5 of the best in the galaxy of books. there. and without further delay, let’s get in right away.
You are reading: Books on film directing
1. the filmmaker’s eye: learning (and breaking) the rules of film composition by gustavo mercado
With an abundance of illustrations and examples, The Filmmaker’s Eye goes beyond a filmmaker’s perspective and breaks down the various rules of being a great visual storyteller. Combining the theoretical with the practical, it’s a perfect primer for anyone looking to understand how to get the perfect shot. From helping you determine the correct type of setting for a particular scene and placing the different elements, to helping you name a scene you have in mind, the book serves as an easy-to-use reference guide for every step of the way.
After the different introductions, the book looks at different shots and why they work, how they work, the different technical characteristics of the shot, and how the different shot examples play and handle the rules to create something extraordinary. he points out different reasons why a shot works and why it shows something unique and impactful, which can help him understand and show his own story the way he wants.
Market offers various tips and tricks, for example how using butterflies in a shot can block light and prevent actors from being overexposed on a sunny shooting day. it’s a book you’ll return to often, long after you first read it, because of the encyclopedic knowledge and wisdom it contains.
2. the filmmaker’s handbook by steven ascher & eduardo pincus
From making feature films to documentaries and industrial or experimental films, this has it all. A classic text that has been written by filmmakers for all future filmmakers, it addresses the various details, benefits, and drawbacks of different filmmaking formats. from the pre-production stage to the post-production part, it covers all the steps that are part of the process called filmmaking.
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In detail, it breaks down the nitty-gritty details of a filmmaker’s job and shows you everything that goes on behind the scenes. And not just for filmmakers, it can also be useful for editors, camera operators, and other technicians on a film set. and not only the technical details of shooting a movie, but also discusses the commercial and marketing aspect of filmmaking, and the different factors that need to be taken into account.
even if some of the parts are a bit dated compared to the technology we have today, it is still a very important and useful introduction to the art of filmmaking and its various aspects.
3. something like an autobiography of akira kurosawa
Providing an insightful look into the mind of one of history’s greatest filmmakers, Something Like an Autobiography is an absorbing, honest, and highly compelling autobiography. Far beyond the walls of Hollywood, this book is about Kurosawa’s many influences over the years, the decisions he made, and his moving journey into the world of cinema.
writing a humble and humorous story, kurosawa writes about his life, in an emotional and serious way that makes you want to read page after page without pause. a pioneer in the use of light, sound and music in shots, kurosawa explains how and why he used different elements in his early films, up to the popular rashomon . the personal way of his writing serves to relate and sympathize more with akira, and his subtle humor keeps you fascinated.
It also contains an appendix with valuable insights on filmmaking, the book is for all those who want to know in depth the life of one of the best film artists. develops various concepts and circumstances, along with his own talent, that made Kurosawa the legend that he was.
4. on the direction of the film by david mamet
An essential read for anyone working in the film industry, really in any capacity, on film directing is written primarily in dialogue based on classes Mamet taught at Columbia University. the main lesson of it is that any director thinks visually: not in words, but in images. According to David, the best films are often the simplest ones that convey a collective meaning and theme when edited and shown together.
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borrowing various ideas from Russian legends, he presents his concepts in a clever and interactive way that makes what he is trying to say clearer while keeping the text entertaining. Known for his work both on and off stage (with Oscar and Pulitzer Prize nominations to his name), he understands all the tools and techniques he talks about in the book.
Emphasizing that directing is just a technical skill that can be learned and mastered over time, it also shows how you can represent and apply different methods on screen.
5. making movies by sidney lumet
Legendary director Sidney Lumet, a five-time Academy Award nominee, shares his wisdom through filmmaking. As someone who didn’t believe filmmaking was some kind of magic, he teaches his knowledge and secrets over the years. both a memoir and an instructional guide at the same time, the book is a detailed exploration of the craft and business of filmmaking.
Without pretensions or technicalities of any kind, the book includes his theories along with numerous anecdotes. If you are someone who finds directing not so difficult, this book will certainly change that. debunking myths, clarifying doubts, unfolding the various processes that go behind what you finally see on screen, the book is a true gem for any aspiring director.
his philosophies can also be seen in the different projects he was part of. From the murder on the Orient Express to 12 Angry Men and the verdict, his brand of cinema can also be seen in this book. and his belief in making your own luck is visible in the diversity of the films he directed. an outstanding book for all types of readers, making movies is a book not to be missed.
did you know?
raindance offers the opportunity to obtain a higher education degree in film and develop your screenplay and film ideas with mentorship under the guidance of working industry professionals.
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