The Art of Directing Actors

The second edition of this book is published, please check out the link http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692477632. A handbook has all the tools you'll need to effectively direct actors and to create memorable performances. By detailing out modern and classical methods for directing actors, you'll have a complete and versatile toolbox to draw on for use in any film or theater production (17 tools). The Art of Directing Actors points out the most common mistakes made by film and theater directors and actors, and offers ways to do better. In addition, a full list and classification of action verbs with a thesaurus, plus examples of a full script breakdown (The Bear by Anton Chekhov) with objectives, actions, and other tools are included. Finally, there are exercises in a useful format so you may apply your understanding of the several methods of directing actors. This book is about the art of directing actors, whether it is for film or for theater. The inner life of the actor, acting techniques, certain rules of human behavior, common mistakes of the director, and various methods of directing are discussed. The art of acting and the art of directing are related to each other as in the two sides of one coin. Average directing is a craft; good directing is a skill; but great directing is an art. In the world of artistry, it is the artist's vision and creativity that transforms the ordinary into a master piece. Directing actors as well as directing by itself requires a possession of inventive and imaginative skills. Shot selection, camera movements, blocking and mise-en-scène as well as instructing actors are not just mechanical skills, they are creative choices. Learning methods for directing actors is not difficult by itself. The main difficulty lies in the application of the methods. By continuous practice and experience over time, good directing will follow in an easy, elegant and graceful way.