Beginning Film Maker's Guide to Directing

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This book provides the orientation and training you need to get a film project off the ground. For the writer, actor, or cinematographer who wants to earn the right to wear the director's hat, here's the commonsense, nuts-and-bolts advice necessary to get a movie from the idea stage to the screen. This is an ideal training manual for the beginner or recent film school graduate with only limited funds, written by a professional moviemaker active in the low-budget field. This book covers such key topics as the economics of directing, how not to waste money, how to cast and rehearse actors, ways to handle disputes, the development of an approved script into an actual shooting script, practice scenes for camera setups and movement, location and scene breakdowns, elements of editing, trick shots, what you need to know about crews and equipment, and pre- and post-production essentials. The interest in filmmaking continues to burgeon, as do markets for film and trained film professionals. Directors and their skills are needed in many rapidly growing arenas of the entertainment industry: cable, TV, domestic video, and home video markets overseas as well as in the United States, plus industrial and educational filmmaking. Renee Harmon has over a dozen years of experience as a producer and director. With her at your side, you will have one of the best teachers in the business guiding you every step of the way.

FROM THE CRITICS

Gene Catrambone - International Film Festival Magazine

...one could hardly disagree with Harmon on any point. For this reason alone, The Beginning Filmmaker's Guide to Directing is a `must' reference. Harmon predicates her examples and suggestions on common sense...After perusing The Beginning Filmmaker's Guide to Directing, I believe this: if the scriptwriter, actor, or cinematographer who yearns to sit in the director's chair sighs `whew' and decides against this art, I can sympathize with him. However, if he is willing to tackle the many challenges facing the director, then by all means `he should go for it.' He has a Harmon to guide him. And to the established director, the `pro,' I say this: if ever you toss and turn in bed because of some detail of directing that keeps bothering you, check your Harmon. You might just find the answer there!

Women in Film Newsletter

Comprehensive ....ldeal training manual for film school grads with limited funds.

Directors Guild of America