Writing, Directing, and Producing Documentary Films and Videos

New aspects of this fourth edition include sixteen illustrations, a revised chapter on nonlinear editing, more examples of precise and exacting proposals, and the addition of a complex budget example with explanation of the budgeting process. Discussion of documentary hybrids, with suggestions for mastering changes and challenges, has also been expanded. In the chapter called "Family Films," updated information addresses rapid expansion in this genre. A new chapter titled "Making Your First Film" has been added, and discussion of financing, festivals, distribution, and marketing has been enlarged in the chapter "Staying Alive."

In this fourth edition of his popular book, Alan Rosenthal reconsiders how one approaches documentary filmmaking in the twenty-first century. Simply and clearly, he explains how to tackle day-to-day problems, from initial concept through distribution.

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Television filmmaker Rosenthal offers advice on making documentaries. He follows what he views as the natural progression of the documentary film, starting with discussions of ideas, research, and script structure; proceeding through preproduction and production; and then dealing with editing and commentary writing. He also examines the special considerations for the cases of cinema verite, documentary drama, history documentaries, family films, and industrial and public relations films. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Alan Rosenthal was born in England, studied law at Oxford, and has made over sixty films for television. His books include New Challenges for Documentary, Why Docudrama? Fact-Fiction on Film and TV, and Jerusalem: Take One! Memoirs of a Jewish Filmmaker. He received a Peabody Award for Journalism and the International Documentary Association’s award for scholarship. Currently he divides his time among projects in Jerusalem, London, and New York. His most recent film is Adolf Eichmann: The Secret Memoirs.