Directing Great Television: Inside TV’s New Golden Age

by Dan Attias

Sharing his own process honed over a decades-long career, Emmy-nominated director Dan Attias brings you into the actual experience of directing series television. Whether it’s the high-stakes pressure of solving a last-minute problem on set, or the joy of pulling off a perfect shot by the skin of your teeth, Attias brings you right into the director’s chair, sharing his knowledge and taking you through the process one challenging episode at a time. Offering a fundamental focus on story, and eschewing industry language for plain talk, Attias offers in-depth guidance how best to work with actors, how to “speak” through the camera, how to work with a showrunner, and how to be ready for the many ways a director will be challenged, large and small. Directing Great Television is a fascinating window into television’s best shows, compelling to directors and non-directors alike. Attias’s book transcends other filmmaking guides by detailing his journey to a surprising place of self-discovery, one with applications beyond entertainment.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir, Film

280 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2021

Reviews

[Ryan Parma · Rating 5 out of 5]

For any directors looking for a chance to gain more insight and knowledge in directing at a professional level in the realm of television, this is the book for you. Dan’s style of writing makes you feel like you having a conversation with him while he gives out so many great stories of the many tv shows he’s worked on - what he has learned in the highs and lows of his still active career.

[Carlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book that gives a deeper look into the role of the director on series television (where a director may be brought in to direct one or only a small number of episodes here and there), and the challenges that they have to deal with.

[Justin Nickels · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite things about this book is near the end when Dan Attias goes into detail about a director’s state of mind and mental health through the process of directing itself. It’s extremely insightful.

[Narantsogt Baatarkhuu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad. A bit of a glimpse into the tv directing world.

[jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for class - had some great insight into directing so would recommend if you want to learn more!