Directing the documentary / Michael Rabiger.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Fifth Edition vii
BOOK I: FUNDAMENTALS 1 (4)
PART 1: YOU AND YOUR IDEAS 5 (60)
The Director's Role 7 (20)
Defining Your Artistic Identity 27 (9)
Developing Your Story Ideas 36 (15)
Proposing and Pitching a Short Documentary 51 (14)
PART 2: DOCUMENTARIES AND FILM LANGUAGE 65 (54)
Documentary Language 67 (32)
Elements and Grammar 99 (20)
PART 3: PREPRODUCTION 119(20)
Research 121(11)
Developing a Crew 132(7)
PART 4: PRODUCTION 139(66)
Camera Equipment 141(20)
Lighting 161(13)
Location Sound 174(21)
Directing 195(10)
PART 5: POSTPRODUCTION 205(50)
Editing: From Start to Viewing the First 207(19)
Assembly
Editing: The Process of Refinement 226(12)
Editing: From Fine Cut to Sound Mix 238(12)
Titles and Acknowledgments 250(5)
BOOK II: ADVANCED ISSUES 255(2)
PART 6: DOCUMENTARY AESTHETICS 257(78)
Point of View and the Storyteller 259(24)
Dramatic Development, Time, and Story 283(35)
Structure
Form, Control, and Style 318(9)
Reenactment, Reconstruction, and Docudrama 327(8)
PART 7: ADVANCED PRODUCTION ISSUES 335(2)
PART 7A. ADVANCED PREPRODUCTION 337(46)
Advanced Research 339(12)
Values, Ethics, and Choices 351(10)
Proposing an Advanced Documentary 361(9)
Preparing to Direct 370(13)
PART 7B. ADVANCED PRODUCTION 383(100)
Optics 387(11)
Advanced Cameras and Equipment 398(23)
Advanced Location Sound 421(17)
Organization, Crew, and Procedures 438(11)
Advanced Directing 449(13)
Conducting and Shooting Interviews 462(21)
PART 7C. ADVANCED POSTPRODUCTION 483(40)
Transcript to Film Script 485(7)
Creating Narration 492(12)
Using Music and Working with a Composer 504(9)
Editing: Refinements and Structural Problems 513(10)
PART 8: EDUCATION AND STARTING YOUR CAREER 523(30)
Education 525(15)
From School to Film Industry 540(13)
Appendix 553(78)
Glossary 631(16)
Index 647

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. Please visit: www.directingthedocumentary.com for the book's companion website.