Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Current and aspiring film directors can make their job easier by studying the 10 directing fundamentals outlined in detail in this book. The first five chapters are practical in nature: a successful director must first have a screenplay, a cast, a crew, a budget, and good health. The final five address the psychology of directing, including the development of craft, command, pace, luck, and "chutzpah," which the author defines as "boldness coupled with extreme self-confidence."

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here .

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Avoiding the big-budget, Hollywood-insider approach of Edward Dmytryk (On Screen Directing, 1984) and the meticulous, contemplative, completist approach of Haig Manoogian (The Film-Maker's Art, CH, Jan'67), Irving presents a concise, spare, fluid blueprint for film direction. He provides a lengthy--and complete--checklist of topics and problems that any director, whether first time or experienced, must consider, understand, and work out long before loading film in the camera. In stark contrast to other works on film direction, this book presupposes a reader already familiar with the major technical aspects of the filmmaking process, a wise move on Irving's part considering the innovations in the field. In addition, Irving credits his reader with a strong, scholarly background in film study, thereby avoiding lengthy discussion of the numerous films he cites to illustrate his various points, and saving space for lengthier examinations of a director's necessary personal characteristics and of practical topics generally outside the ken of those not in the filmmaking community. This is a book for students of film directing, but also for those interested in film and communication in general. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, technical students, general readers. J. B. DeMasi Nassau Community College