Best Book on Film Directing, "The Visual Story" By Bruce Block

February 10, 2009

Once students have mastered the basics of directing films, they often turn their attention to visual style. The problem is, visual style is such a broad topic. Where should one start in devising a “look” that’s specific and, more importantly, supportive of their story. The best book I’ve ever read on the subject is Bruce Block’s, “The Visual Story.” Bruce breaks the image into 8 categories common to all images, and instructs the reader on how to match visual intensity with dramatic intensity. I highly recommend it.

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By Claude Kerven, Chair of The New York Film Academy Filmmaking Program