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"While there are many books about the technical basics of documentary film production, none of them integrate so thoroughly the artistic intention at the heart of great direction with the means of realization in pre-production, the field and the editing room...Great directing is equally a matter of heart and soul as much as technical knowledge. This idea is prevalent throughout Rabiger's book." - Ray Zone, International Documentary Magazine "What makes this book so valuable is that the author consistently searches for the philosophical underpinnings of his art and never gets lost in the technical processes of filmmaking." - Jonathan Luskin, Flying Moose Pictures, San Francisco "The book's greatest strength is the emphasis on documentary filmmaking as a creative, storytelling process...It supplies more in the way of an ethical foundation for the young filmmaker than any other title on the market." - Phil Hopper, Director, Theatre and Media Arts Program, Marymount College of Fordham University "Intelligent and artfully written, Directing the Documentary should enjoy a place of prominence in the library of every documentary videomaker." - Videomaker magazine "...what really makes this book so valuable is that the author is just so inspiring. Rabiger writes with such enthusiasm that even the most nervous would-be documentary maker is encouraged. But this is not the extent of his audience as this text is also highly relevant and impassioning to the seasoned pro...This text is inspirational, accessible, filled with useful filmic references and snippets of advice...This updated 4th edition really is a must for anyone with an interest in documentary filmmaking." - POV2 Journal "Skim and scan this one? Nope! Read it cover to cover? Absolutely! Not since I read Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code has a book been the cause of forcing me to rethink things as much as this one. For those either making documentaries or thinking about it, this is the book to get." - Steve Douglas, underwater videographer and writer for kenstone.net "I read Michael Rabiger's Directing the Documentary which contains a list of not-to-miss American documentaries and Thin Blue Line is among them, as well as other films that depict wrongful incarcerations, such as Murder on a Sunday Morning."--PBS.com's blog "Doc Soup"
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"Directing the Documentary" is a comprehensive manual that has inspired over 100,000 readers worldwide. If you are interested in making documentary films, everything you need technically and conceptually is here. Filled with practical advice on every stage of production, this is the book you will return to throughout your career. "Directing the Documentary" covers the methods, technologies, thought processes, and judgments that a director must use throughout the fascinating process of making a film. It emphasizes low-cost digital technology, which allows cutting-edge creativity and professionalism on shoestring budgets. And, recognizing that you learn best by doing, the book includes dozens of practical hands-on projects and activities to help you master technical and conceptual skills. Just as important as surmounting technological hurdles is the conceptual and authorial side of filmmaking. This book offers eminently practical tools and exercises to help you develop credible and compelling stories. It shows you how to surpass mere technical proficiency and become a storyteller with a distinctive voice and style. This is a comprehensive manual on the creative, technical, and artistic aspects of directing; become an inspired director! It includes dozens of practical exercises that demystify the complex process of making a documentary and make it achievable. It offers realistic advice and encouragement from a highly regarded filmmaker, mentor, and teacher to help you on your path to making successful documentary films. New companion website of this title features tons of handy production checklists & forms, videos for some of the films discussed in the book, along with a master bibliography (access information for the companion site is located inside the book). 'Remember Me' and 'Project' boxes are now scattered throughout the text, pointing out key concepts and practical projects that students may undertake.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Focal Press puts out a number of books related to fine- and digital art, Feature, Independent and Documentary films as well as Animation Techniques. However, one of their best titles that touch upon all of the above-mentioned categories is a recently released book called Directing The Documentary, The Fifth Edition by Michael Rabiger.
There are many "how to" books, Rabiger reminds us, but there are philosophical and structural differences in making a Feature (fictitious) film and a Documentary film.
For instance, the Feature is a work that is constantly striving to be consistent with a pre-existent script. And, the goal of the director, crew and actors is to be faithful to the written word. A Documentary, on the other hand, starts off with a question and the director, crew and guests attempt to capture future, undetermined events in a relentless pursuit of The Truth. The Documentary, therefore, is essentially the process by which an answer is obtained.
These distinctions are important because it influences how the film would be made, the costs incurred, the manner in which footage is used, types of video, audio and perhaps, digital editing and processing time. There's also issues dealing with "rights" that cannot be known until footage is shot.
The book, Directing The Documentary, lays out in the most minutest of detail the basics and some advanced theories on creating a marketable documentary feature. The text is broken down into two (2) "books." One, "The Fundamentals" is an overview of creating a documentary by examining theories behind pursuing the project, the use of audio and video tools, working with cast and crew, budgetary issues, post-production tools and festivals. The other, Book 2, "Advanced Theories," is just that, an in depth look at aesthetics, production issues (pre and post), the script, narration, music and editing structural problems as well as some thoughts about starting a career as a documentary filmmaker.
This is one of the most valuable books on the subject of filmmaking and documentary filmmaking in particular that anyone who is remotely interested would want to own.
It is my sincerest pleasure to recommend this book without any hesitation.
There are many "how to" books, Rabiger reminds us, but there are philosophical and structural differences in making a Feature (fictitious) film and a Documentary film.
For instance, the Feature is a work that is constantly striving to be consistent with a pre-existent script. And, the goal of the director, crew and actors is to be faithful to the written word. A Documentary, on the other hand, starts off with a question and the director, crew and guests attempt to capture future, undetermined events in a relentless pursuit of The Truth. The Documentary, therefore, is essentially the process by which an answer is obtained.
These distinctions are important because it influences how the film would be made, the costs incurred, the manner in which footage is used, types of video, audio and perhaps, digital editing and processing time. There's also issues dealing with "rights" that cannot be known until footage is shot.
The book, Directing The Documentary, lays out in the most minutest of detail the basics and some advanced theories on creating a marketable documentary feature. The text is broken down into two (2) "books." One, "The Fundamentals" is an overview of creating a documentary by examining theories behind pursuing the project, the use of audio and video tools, working with cast and crew, budgetary issues, post-production tools and festivals. The other, Book 2, "Advanced Theories," is just that, an in depth look at aesthetics, production issues (pre and post), the script, narration, music and editing structural problems as well as some thoughts about starting a career as a documentary filmmaker.
This is one of the most valuable books on the subject of filmmaking and documentary filmmaking in particular that anyone who is remotely interested would want to own.
It is my sincerest pleasure to recommend this book without any hesitation.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Mike Rabiger's book is very detailed and gives you a tremendous grounding in the things you need to consider when approaching a docmunetary. The book was sold at a discount by Amazon but it would have easily been worth the full price
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If you want to make documentaries with substance this is the book for you.
I like the how the author encourages the reader to look outside of themselves for inspiration both for content of the film and motivation for making a film. This book as well as encouraging the reader to develop a voice and awareness of the world around them, while also going into the business aspects and craft of documentary filmmaking. The book is also full of practical exercises to get you started in applying what you learn. This is one of the best books I've read about documentary filmmaking, and I've read many.
I like the how the author encourages the reader to look outside of themselves for inspiration both for content of the film and motivation for making a film. This book as well as encouraging the reader to develop a voice and awareness of the world around them, while also going into the business aspects and craft of documentary filmmaking. The book is also full of practical exercises to get you started in applying what you learn. This is one of the best books I've read about documentary filmmaking, and I've read many.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
amazing! very thorough and thought provoking
This book will serve me for a long long time. It goes into lots of detail about all aspects of filming documentary and indeed capturing any real world event on film. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Dan Coffey
Essential book for anyone documentary filmmaker
What can I say except that if you make your own documentaries, you should have this book. It covers all you need to know.
Published 11 months ago by Salem
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