a must read for anyone interested in making a documentary

books:


	• Documentary Storytelling, Second Edition: Making Stronger and More Dramatic Nonfiction Films Sheila Curran Bernard Focal Press, 2007 - 400 pages average customer review:based on 4 reviews view larger image
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a must read for anyone interested in making a documentary

This is such a well written and easy read. I really enjoyed the references to newer popular docs such as Super Size Me and Murderball. Interviews with contemporary documentary directors and producers were inspiring.

Outstanding Resource

Whether a practitioner of the craft or someone who enjoys viewing non-fiction films, Documentary Storytelling is an invaluable resource. Sheila Curran Bernard's award-winning experience in the genre shines in this extremely practical book. From casting to treatments to editing, Bernard covers all the basics in great detail. But what distinguishes this book is her dedication to storytelling, a concept often lost with the technical wizardry available at our fingertips. Bernard's breakdown of the three-act structure and comparison of the narrative spine to a train offer wonderful lessons for novices and reminders for experienced filmmakers. Her analysis of existing documentaries illuminates the three-act structure. Bernard's main points are reinforced at the end of the book, thanks to a series of interviews she conducted with experienced documentarians. The reader is left with a practical how-to guide to make documentaries, as well as the critical skills to analyze non-fiction films.

In short, Documentary Storytelling is a must for students and anyone who wishes to engage in documentaries!

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documentary story telling

I have just started going through this book; so far i find it comprehensive and very informative.

Required Reading For Any Level

While there are many good books on the subject of producing documentaries, Sheila Curran Bernard's "Documentary Storytelling" has done what I feel no other has managed to do; she discusses the principles, practical aspects and basic story telling structure of writing and producing documentaries in great depth, yet as though she were talking to a good friend. No lectures, no "the world according to me" (although well she could, as her track record is beyond impressive), just straight talk about the craft of producing documentaries and what we all should continue to seek out and ask ourselves as we continue to chip away at the art form. She rounds out the book with several informative interviews with recognized film makers and here too; no preaching, simply shared experiences and insights. As I said, there are many good books on the subject, all of which I refer to from time to time, but "Documentary Storytelling" is the one I keep beside my bed and in my kit. From the casual viewer to the well seasoned producer, camera person or editor, all would be well served to buy and read this wonderful book!

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Documentary Storytelling offers a unique in-depth look at story and structure as applied not to Hollywood fiction, but to films and videos based on factual material and the drama of real life. With the growing popularity of documentaries in todays global media marketplace, demand for powerful and memorable storytelling has never been greater. This practical guide offers advice for every stage of production, from research and proposal writing to shooting and editing, and applies it to diverse subjects and film styles, from vérité and personal narrative to archival histories and more.

Filled with real-world examples drawn from the authors career and the experiences of some of todays top documentarians, Documentary Storytelling includes special interview chapters with Ric Burns, Jon Else, Nick Fraser, Susan Froemke, Sam Pollard, Onyekachi Wambu and other film professionals. This second edition has been brought up to date with a more international focus, a look at lower-budget independent filmmaking, and consideration of newer films including Super Size Me, Murderball, So Much So Fast, and When the Levees Broke.

* Storytelling techniques are one of the most powerful tools in the documentary filmmaker's arsenal--learn how to harness them with this book
* Top documentary filmmakers provide their storytelling strategies
* Covers a wide range of documentary styles

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