Becoming an Actor’s Director

The collaboration of director and actor is the cornerstone of narrative filmmaking. This book provides the director with a concrete step-by-step guide to preparation that connects the fundamentals of film-script analysis with the actor’s process of preparation.

This book starts with how to identify the overall scope of a project from the creative perspective of the director as it relates to guiding an actor, before providing a blueprint for preparation that includes script analysis, previsualization, and procedures for rehearsal and capture. This methodology allows the director to uncover the similarities and differences between actor and director in their preparation to facilitate the development of a collaborative dialogue. Featuring chapter-by-chapter exercises and assignments throughout, this book provides a method that enables the director to be present during every stage of production and seamlessly move from prep to filming while guiding the actor to their best performances. New for the Second Edition is a dedicated chapter on “Global Presence” that reflects the evolving landscape of film and television production. As the industry expands beyond Hollywood into thriving markets across the world, this edition examines two groundbreaking streaming series and a feature film to demonstrate how the Actor's Director methodology adapts seamlessly to worldwide projects and diverse production environments.

Written in a clear and concise manner, and incorporating essential directing skills for the performing arts, it is ideal for students of directing, early career and self-taught directors, theatre directors transitioning to screen work, as well as cinematographers, producers, or screenwriters looking to turn their hand to directing for the first time.