Directing the Documentary, Fifth Edition
by Michael Rabiger
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Book Summary Information
Author: Michael RabigerEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-02-27
ISBN: 0240810899
Number of pages: 672
Publisher: Focal Press
Book Reviews of Directing the Documentary, Fifth Edition
Book Review: Literally the book on directing the documentary
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
This is a masterful teaching tool and reference that goes beyond its title. It is not merely a treatise on directing the documentary, but on producing, financing, writing, lighting, photographing, recording, editing and distributing the documentary as well. In short, Rabiger covers it all and does nearly all of it well.
The first few chapters on the role of the director, developing story ideas and "defining your artistic identity" deserve special attention and I will return to them.
In chapters 4 through 6, Rabiger gets into pitching the proposal and an extensive discussion of the "documentary language" and its elements. This is one of the best explanations of how to use timing, devices and effects in building a film story I've seen and is enough to merit keeping this book on your shelf and referring to it often. Rabiger does an excellent job here.
The balance of the book waltzes between practical subjects like assembling a crew, sound recording, editing, telling a story ("documentary aesthetics"), right down to the forms you need for clean releases. At the end of the day, Rabiger has put the entire contents of an academic course on documentary filmmaking between covers, an admirable and notable achievement. He includes a number of projects through which the budding filmmaker can assess their skills and apply some of the techniques discussed in the book.
In some places, the book affords only superficial treatment to a subject. Obviously, lighting, sound recording, photography, scripting and editing all merit - and have - books of their own affording much more detailed treatment. But Rabiger's goal here is to provide a detailed overview and he admirably succeeds in that.
What disturbs me, however, is Rabiger's personal views as he makes them known in the book. He seems to be on the far left side of the spectrum and advocates a style of documentary which appears oriented more toward political agitation than providing a balanced, objective view. Rabiger is, quite obviously, entitled to his own opinions, but I found his advice to aspiring documentarians to be encouraging hyperbole or far worse. That disturbs me. However, it does not in my view take away from the high intrinsic value of this book.
One other word of caution: Rabiger espouses a thoroughly professional, meticulously detailed approach to documentary filmmaking. With the rise of the new technology, there are many people who simply want to tell a story, most notably in the way of "citizen journalists". While every aspiring filmmaker would benefit from an eventual reading of Rabiger's book, those looking for a jumpstart might be immediately better served by books that get right into the nitty-gritty of filmmaking.
Overall, a great book on the function of the director of the documentary with interesting, if perhaps controversial, discussion of the function and ethics of the documentary making process.
Jerry
Summary of Directing the Documentary, Fifth Edition
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.
* Comprehensive manual on the creative, technical, and artistic aspects of directing; become an inspired director!
* Includes dozens of practical exercises that demystify the complex process of making a documentary and make it achievable
* 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 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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