Bethany Rooney (Brothers and Sisters, Private Practice, Desperate Housewives), and Emmy Award-winner Mary Lou Belli have written what I am unabashedly calling one of the absolute best books written about film making ever. “Directors Tell the Story”, in the space of 308 pages — including an amazing glossary– teaches more about film and TV directing than most 4-year programs manage to. Years of experience, wisdom and insight are combined here to create chapter after chapter of the most lucid, balanced advice I’ve ever read, all in one place. Everything from how to read a script to how to talk to an actor, to what a walk ‘n’ talk is, to how not to lose your temper… oh, and craft and technique and camera and leadership and everything else you can think… also some things you can’t!
The authors are both TV directors, and that happens to be the secret, in my opinion, of the book’s magic. As Rooney says, and I’m paraphrasing, “we do everything Spielberg does, except with less time and less money.” So they have to be extra-prepared and extra-good. If I were going to take lessons from anyone, it would be from the authors of this surprisingly engaging, fascinating book.
The good news is, I get to be here when the publication of “Directors Tell the Story” is celebrated tomorrow evening. From 6pm-8pm Bethany Rooney and Mary Lou Belli will welcome you to our beautiful garden, where refreshments will be served. Copies will be on sale inside POAB before and after the event and there will be ample time to speak with the authors, ask questions and get your book signed. Jason George will join us mid-way for a reading.
Hope to see you there!
The Other Day at Portrait... 