Directing the Documentary, Third Edition [Paperback]

Michael Rabiger (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240802705 | ISBN-13: 978-0240802701 | Publication Date: November 17, 1997 | Edition: 3

The Third Edition of Directing the Documentary, like the previous two, guides the reader through the process of making a work for the screen. This includes the real problems of researching and focusing a documentary film or video idea, of developing a crew, of directing the crew and participants, and of maintaining control during shooting. It guides the reader through the complex evolutionary process of post-production, when the film's true characteristics can really begin to emerge and assert themselves.

Up-to-date with examples of significant new films and new projects, it is written in conversational, non-technical language, treating the reader as a colleague in search of clearly explained knowledge. The author, a veteran filmmaker and teacher shares anecdotes from his own professional experience where they usefully illustrate ideas, principles, or pitfalls.

*A Focal classic
*Includes examples from well-known films and projects
*Features projects that guide the reader through all phases of creating a professional-quality documentary

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Documentary films are directed, not just edited from random shots. They are also planned, as this nine-part book shows, taking the reader through pre- and post-production of a series of documentary projects on both film and videotape. "No one ever got rich making documentaries," Rabiger states, but one can get much satisfaction out of making them. The knowledgeable author gives many helpful hints for the neophyte nonfiction filmmaker, and a good number of photographs, charts, and drawings illustrate the material. Also included in this readable book are an annotated bibliography, a glossary of film terms, some forms and, best of all, information on how to get a job in the documentary field. Recommended for college and public libraries because of its comprehensiveness and usefulness. James L. Limbacher, Jayell Enterprises, Dearborn, Mich.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Intelligent and artfully written, Directing the Documentary should enjoy a place of prominence in the library of every documentary videomaker."--Videomaker Magazine

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Focal Press; 3 edition (November 17, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240802705
• ISBN-13: 978-0240802701
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #554,828 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael Rabiger has directed or edited over 35 films, founded the Documentary Center at Columbia College, Chicago, and was Chair of its Film/Video Department. Now Professor Emeritus, Rabiger has also been presented with the Preservation and Scholarship Award by the International Documentary Association. He has given workshops in many countries, led a multinational European documentary workshop for CILECT, the international association of film schools. As Visiting Professor at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, he taught idea development, directing, and advanced production. When he retired 2001 to write full-time, Columbia renamed its documentary center "The Michael Rabiger Center for Documentary." In 2002 he was made Honorary Professor at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina; in 2003 awarded the 2003 Preservation and Scholarship Award by the International Documentary Association in Los Angeles; in 2005 the Genius Career Achievement Award by the Chicago International Documentary Festival, and also in 2005 was made Professor Emeritus by Columbia College Chicago. He is the author of the enormously successful, Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics (Focal Press), and Directing the Documentary (Focal Press). He is also the author of Developing Story Ideas (Focal Press).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Directing the Documentary, August 20, 2000

By 

Maria Coveou (Athens, Greece) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Directing the Documentary, Third Edition (Paperback)

An excellent book, especially for those who are new in the field. Among other things, Michael Rabiger guides you through a brief history of the documentary genre, helps you discover your creative identity, acquaintes you with the film vocabulary, and introduces you to the genre through a variety of projects that you are encouraged to undertake. Directing the Documentary is definitely a textbook (no wonder it's one of the "must read" books at the Department of TV Documentary in Goldsmith's College in London) and Michael Rabiger is an excellent teacher. Lacking the pretentiousness of many other teachers, he uses simple language to describe various aspects of the documentary and never underestimates his reader / student. A lover of the genre himself, he knows how to make you feel confident for having chosen the documentary as a career. He never patronizes you and all the advice that he gives is given with a friendly and generous tone. Mr Rabiger is a thoughtful and sensitive teacher, but also an excellent author, or "storyteller," as he prefers to call the documentarist. His words flow, like in a good novel, making you want to read on and on, while at the same time they are so pregnant with meaning that they make you stop and think about them. Having read his book, and being a student myself, I would like to say a warm "thank you" to Mr Rabiger for his sensitivity and generosity as a teacher.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is THE Text on Documentary Filmmaking, July 2, 1999

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[e-mail] (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Directing the Documentary, Third Edition (Paperback)

This is probably the best book on directing and producing a documentary film that I've come across.  A lot of books on filmmaking seem to be written by people who've never really made any films but can rehash what others have written on the subject and sell their advice.  Rabiger's text is different, this is a text written by a seasoned documentary filmmaker that makes every chapter an insightful and useful reading experience.  It may price a bit more than other documentary texts but it's worth the money spent in what you'll learn over the other books

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superior how-to book for documentarians (or would-be documentarians!), June 1, 2000

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frumiousb "frumiousb" (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Directing the Documentary, Third Edition (Paperback)

Rabinger as a writer has a superbly no-nonsense approach to his subject matter, and the book covers every aspect of the life of the documentary film. He explores the key elements of creating the the work (or body of work) and fits a series of practical steps and tips for each element.

These elements include: Historical Background, Preproduction, Production, Post-Production, Technical Basics, Projects for Developing Skills, and Career Track.

The appendices and the annotated bibliography are very useful, and the book is worth the price just for these additions.

Directing the Documentary is an essential for a student of film.