Directing Book - On Film-Making

Directing Book - On Film-Making 
By: Alexander Mackendrick
Faber and Faber Limited
2004

This book was the first I read on the art of directing and a better book for that, I don't think there is. This book deals with not the structure of stories, but  the content. It focusses on asking questions, enriching a story and removing non essential content to strengthen what's left. Most of all, it teaches the use of dramatic tension.

Anything that is associated with one of my directing heroes, the legendary Martin Scorsese is definitely good. Good is an understatement.

“Where does the director place the camera? Answer: at the precise spot from where at any given instant the witness and see all that needs to be seen and only what needs to be seen”

What this book taught me:-

What didn't this book teach me? More than anything, I would say the four most important things this book taught me (and there's a lot) are: Cutting everything non essential will strengthen what's left, the art of dramatic tension, where to place the camera and last but not least, to make sure in any confrontation, each player comes to the table with their own ammunition. 

“Each scene presents a small crisis that, as it is resolved, produces a new uncertainty”

Should you buy it?

Yes. Absolutely yes. It is a marvellous book and one which will teach you volumes about the craft of directing. I saw a comment on Amazon that this book taught someone more about film-making than their entire university course. Being on a university course, I thought that quite the feat and it didn't disappoint. It certainly did that, it is an invaluable tool. 100% worth the money at the very least. 

“When writing a scene, ask yourself: What element of the back-story might have been a rehearsal for this moment?”   

Where to buy? (Copy&Paste) 
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Film-making-Alexander-Mackendrick/dp/0571211259/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421170952&sr=8-1&keywords=on+film+making