Customer Reviews

Directing and Producing for Television, Third Edition: A Format Approach

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First and perhaps most important, this book is easy to read. It doesn't talk about technical things, but instead goes right to the heart of the matter: what you have to know if you're going to direct or produce a program. It also covers a broad range of shows--almost every format except sports and game shows. For the most part it describes multiple camera television directing, but that's used as a basis for understanding single camera TV. And there are chapters in which single camera television plays a significant role, most notably when Cury goes into documentary and PSA directing. I particularly liked the "who's who" at the facility, which covers the functions of those who work in television--from the executive producer to talent.

As a first time TV show co-producer, I wanted a simple approach on learning the basics of TV directing and producing. This book has given me everything I needed to start understanding the technical aspects of the business. Now I can express my ideas more clearly to the show director and the crew, and even though this is not my primary career this book has made easier my introduction in the business.

Ivan Cury also taught courses in Directing for TV at UCLA and UCLA Extension.
My short time with him as a student in that curriculum prepared me as almost no other schooling has. The book not only features a condensation of his best advice but also a series of mind excercises one must bring to the craft in order to keep up. All of this is in addition to the typical textbook description of the directing environment, complete with extensive descriptions of who's who in the studio and in the control room.
Although the book concentrates mostly on the multi-camera environment, Cury applies the right mix of film style production instruction as well.
Ivan Cury's sections about budgeting and dealing with crews are invaluable and the step by step guides leave no questions unanswered.
Cury lays out the ropes and the laws of the land in easy to digest and logical bites, and instead of centering chiefly on the tools, his course concentrates on the creative palette and the canvas in the mind of the director, although this latest edition brings even the seasoned journeyman an update on the latest trends in digital video.
Cury makes sure that the inexperienced beginner knows what to expect in the production setting.

Outside of attending one of Cury's courses in person I give this book my highest recommendation.

Jeffery Haas
Mansfield TX

After reading this book, I have become a better producer and a better person. This book can help anyone from a student to a BIG TIME director. It is very clear in explaining the routine and features to help your show come together. A++

This book was received in the condition as described by the seller. I was completely satisfied with this purchase.

A waste of paper. This book is old info and lots of useless filler. IMO, almost completely uselss. Don't waste your time and money.