Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics is a comprehensive exploration into the art and craft of directing for film and television. It’s filled with practical advice, essential technical information, and inspiring case studies for every stage of production, as well as a companion website including forms, checklists, assignments.

CONTENTSIntroduction PART 1: THE DIRECTOR AND ARTISTIC IDENTITY1 THE WORLD OF THE FILM DIRECTOR 2 DEVELOPING AS A DIRECTOR PART 2: THE STORY AND ITS DEVELOPMENT3 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF DRAMA 4 SHAPING THE STORY INTO DRAMA 5 PLOT, TIME, AND STRUCTURE PART 3: THE DIRECTOR AND THE SCRIPT6 SCREENPLAY GROUND RULES 7 RECOGNIZING THE SUPERIOR SCREENPLAY 8 SCRIPT ANALYSIS AND DEVELOPMENTPART 4: AUTHORSHIP AND AESTHETICS9 CINEMATIC POINT OF VIEW10 FORM AND STYLE 11 TONE, STYLE AND GENRE PART 5: A DIRECTOR’S SCREEN GRAMMAR12 FILM LANGUAGE13 THE FRAME AND THE SHOT14 THE MOVING CAMERA 15 LANGUAGE OF THE EDIT16 THE HUMAN VANTAGE OF CINEMATIC LANGUAGEPART 6: PREPRODUCTION17 EXPLORING THE SCRIPT 18 CASTING 19 ACTING FUNDAMENTALS 22720 DIRECTING ACTORS21 REHEARSALS22 ACTING EXERCISE23 PLANNING THE VISUAL DESIGN24 DEVELOPING THE SHOOTING SCRIPT25 LINE PRODUCING AND LOGISTICSPART 7: PRODUCTION26 DEVELOPING A PRODUCTION CREW 27 THE DIRECTOR AND PRODUCTION TECH28 ON SET: PRODUCTION BEGINS 29 DIRECTING ON THE SET30 MONITORING CONTINUITY AND PROGRESSPART 8: POSTPRODUCTION 31 POSTPRODUCTION OVERVIEW32 EDITING BEGINS: GETTING TO KNOW THE FOOTAGE33 THE ROUGH CUT34 GETTING TO FINE CUT AND PICTURE LOCK 35 WORKING WITH MUSIC36 THE FINISHING TOUCHES37 GETTING IT OUT THERE FilmographyPhotograph and Illustration AcknowledgementsIndex

"This is a remarkable book and an invaluable reference for directors at all levels. Not only does it thoroughly explore the essential and enduring knowledge of the craft, the human connection to storytelling, but it also shows a director how to harness modern workflows and technology for maximum creative impact. It’s all there."Sameh Zoabi, writer-director, Tel Aviv on Fire; Under the Same Sun; Professor New York University.Praise for the previous edition"This terrific new edition, updating the classic, is one of the most complete manuals for directing you'll find. It gives both a broad overview and a detailed investigation of the craft; an explanation of the technology as well as an exploration of cinematic language and aesthetics. So take this guide, add your own passion for filmmaking, and you'll have a solid foundation for any movie you make." Nancy Savoca, director, Dogfight, Household Saints, 24 Hour Woman, and Union Square."While the basics of film aesthetics are well addressed, the value of this volume lies in its practical approach. Rabiger and Hurbis- Cherrier's firsthand experience allows them to describe the day- to- day of directing in simple, uncomplicated terms, appealing to both the novice and seasoned pro. . . The learning- by- doing method makes this across- the- board introduction accessible, practical and surprisingly entertaining."DGA Quarterly, http://www.dga.org/Craft/Praise for the fourth edition"Michael Rabiger's book "Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics" is the gold standard. His attention to the artistry of directing, not merely the technical concerns, puts him in the first rank. Rabiger's taste, knowledge, and insight are even more finely honed in this new edition. For the novice or the seasoned pro, this book is a joy and a must."Jared Rappaport, Chair of the Department of Cinema and Television Arts, California State University - Northridge"As he has in previous editions of "Directing," Michael Rabiger continues to offer a complete and comprehensive overview of virtually all aspects of directing, from ideas to budgeting, from casting to editing. From my viewpoint there is no comparable book on the market."Eric Swelstad, Department Chair - Media Arts, Los Angeles Valley College"A comprehensive introduction to directing that focuses heavily on the interpersonal and organizational aspects of the craft….For those about to embark on their debut short or feature, Directing offers a thorough manual that keeps one from having to learn everything the hard way." American Cinematographer