1st Edition

Cinematic Storytelling A Comprehensive Guide for Directors and Cinematographers

By Thomas Robotham Copyright 2021
252 Pages 80 B/W Illustrations
by Focal Press

252 Pages 80 B/W Illustrations
by Focal Press

252 Pages 80 B/W Illustrations
by Focal Press

This book presents a new, story-based approach to cinematic coverage and storytelling in film and video. It breaks from the conventional idea that shots are the fundamental unit of filmmaking, instead exploring the specifics of determining coverage. Keyframes in patterns are introduced, delivering scripted material in a context-rich presentation that supports the storytelling. All the analysis,... Read more

Preface

Acknowledgements

Table of Contents

Table of Illustrations

Chapter 1: What is cinematic storytelling?

Chapter 2: Foundations in the script

Chapter 3: Coverage defines attention

Chapter 4: Cinematic thinking

Chapter 5: Patterns for Character Actions

Chapter 6: Patterns for Character Looks

Chapter 7: Patterns for Dialogue – structure

Chapter 8: Patterns for Dialogue – examples

Chapter 9: Patterns for Settings

Chapter 10: Patterns for Objects

Chapter 11: Patterns for Evocative Imagery

Chapter 12: Patterns and movement

Chapter 13: Scene shaping and interconnections

Chapter 14: Developing the coverage plan

Reference Materials

Index

 

Biography

Thomas Robotham teaches screenwriting, filmmaking, and cinematography. He is currently Affiliated Faculty at Emerson College, and Director of Photography (DP) in the International Cinematographers Guild. He holds a patent in light-emitting diode (LED) lighting for film and video. Thomas has also worked as a Creative Director (advertising) and as a fine artist (sculpture). www.robotham.com

'A refreshing revision of the filmmaker’s visualization process that describes the essential creative choices for directors and cinematographers alike when determining coverage and cinematic storytelling.'

Charlie Egleston
, Filmmaker and Professor of Film Production, Fanshawe College

'Cinematic Storytelling is an exceptional book on directing and cinematography for it provides the tools on how to tell cinematic stories visually, in ways that will reach an audience. A close study of this text and consistent practice of these principles will shift any amateur or student filmmaker into the professional realm. We may know how to "read" a movie, but directors and cinematographers need the tools to understand how to do it.'

Kurt Lancaster, Professor and Program Lead, Creative Media and Film, Northern Arizona University. Author of Basic Cinematography and DSLR Cinema.