Directing the Documentary (Paperback)

by Michael Rabiger (Author) "Put two documentarians together and they will probably argue about what is, or isn't, a documentary..." (more)
Key Phrases: high overall impact, proposal helper, eyeline shifts, New York, United States, World War (more...)

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 -- Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 3rd edition (November 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: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #311,687 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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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

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.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

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

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

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

By	C. Gilbert "frumiousb" (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.