DIRECTING THE FILM: FILM DIRECTORS ART

by Eric Sherman, American Film Institute

Film-making wisdom and a fascinating mine of film lore make this a priceless resource for students, aspiring film professionals, and film fans.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction

100 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Jason]

Absolutely invaluable. Full of nuggets from directors on the specifics of their craft. I'll probably read this book multiple times, since the tips are too numerous to write down.

[Diane Wiebe]

There were some pretty great quotes in here from some very iconic directors, but I was hoping for more practical knowledge on technique (this was mainly anecdotal).

Also, I know this was done in 1976, but the lack of female filmmakers was felt.

[Dirk Eichhorst]

This book is a classic. My mom Ruth found this book for me—used, sometime in 1980—when she realized I had an intense passion for directing film and for storytelling. This is the very first book I read about the art of film-making, and it shaped my approach for the next three decades of my career and beyond. Author Eric Sherman breaks sections into what a director does, the purpose of the script, forming your production team, rehearsals, filming methods, on the set, directing actors, visuals and camerawork, editing, film as art, and audience. What I love about this book is that it is NOT a how-to. This is a collection of interview snippets from some of the world's greatest directors, commenting on their art. This book has a special place in my life; the first look into the real world of film-making that set me up for success.