Check out Derek Thompson's blog here
// DEREKMONSTER
Also check out this great list of books recommended by Derek Thompson via the SplineDoctor's blog.
// Story Book List via SplineDoctors
1) THE ART OF DRAMATIC WRITING by Lajos Egri
- considered one of the best books on structure...period. andrew stanton
says this is his " most dog-eared book " written in the 30's and
pertaining primarily to PLAYWRITING, it's a truly eye opening read.
also deemed a STORY must by Joe Ranft, Andrew Stanton, Alexander
Mackendrick, and many, many more.
2) ON FILM-MAKING by Alexander MacKendrick
- Ealing studios writer/director ( ladykillers, sweet smell of success and more )
and CalArts legend Alexander MacKendrick's book of teachings and insight is
the culmination of many years of DOING and TEACHING about it...absolute gold.
3) ON DIRECTING FILM by David Mamet
- a lean, mean series and course work on the craft of FILMMAKING by the
great David Mamet.
4) IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE by Walter Murch
- a literally eye-opening work about the craft of FILM EDITING. a book that
can be read over and over again that continues to be useful for developing your
EDITORIAL senses.
5) ADVENTURES IN THE SCREEN TRADE and MORE ADVENTURES IN THE SCREEN TRADE
by William Goldman - two wonderfully insightful and anecdotal books by
screenwriter supreme, William Goldman (all the presidents men, princess bride,
misrery etc...). He tackles many subjects that the
film scenarist has to deal with, using his personal experiences as the basis
for deep insight. his discourse on the challenges and pitfalls in ADAPTATING
material for the screen is particularly amazing.
6) TRUFFAUT-HITCHCOCK by Francois Truffaut
- a book length series of conversations between film giants. a book unrivaled
in it's depth and analysis of the mind of the filmmaker. the discourse between
these two ( mostly recorded in the 60's ) will teach you more about great
storytelling than many other 'how-to' books.
7) 20 MASTER PLOTS AND HOW TO BUILD THEM by Ronald Tobias
- a useful examination on the 'archetypal' plot structures that MOST films follow.
a reminder that while there are any number of ways to tell a good story, there are
always foundational guidelines to buttress them.
8) THE VISUAL STORY: SEEING THE STRUCTURE OF FILM, TV, and NEW MEDIA
by Bruce Block - Block's examination of iconography, motifs and rhythm in
Visual Storytelling is a MUST for any Story Artist, and his techniques and practices
are in heavy use throughout our work.
9) FILM DIRECTING SHOT BY SHOT: VISUALIZZING FROM CONCEPT TO SCREEN by Steve Katz
- formal and foundational study of the nuts and bolts of the scene mechanics,
shot design, staging and execution for aspiring filmmakers. dry,
but essential reference.
10) INVISIBLE INK by Brian McDonald
- with keen insight and some surprising revelations, Brian's book on the
UNDERSTRUCTURE of story is a must read!
10b) THE GOLDEN THEME by Brian McDonald
- the sequel/companion to Invisible Ink, this time the emphasis is on the underlying
and universal notion of the GOLDEN THEME.
11) MAKING MOVIES by Sindey Lumet
- step into the mind of the great director as he breaks down the DIRECTOR's process.
If you've never seen any of Lumet's films, put them on your PRIORITY ONE list!
(network, the verdict, dog day afternoon, 12 angry men...)
12) CONVERSATIONS WITH WILDER by Cameron Crowe
- another excellent dialogue between two filmmakers that gives you the kind of
insight into Wilder's work that you may not find anywhere else.
13) FINAL CUT: ART, MONEY, and EGO IN THE MAKING OF HEAVEN'S GATE by Steven Bach
- an absolutely stunning book that peels back the curtain on major film studio
United Artists and the film that sank it, Michael Cimino's HEAVEN's GATE.
Written in an amazingly frank and insightful way by Creative Executive Steven Bach,
this book offers unfettered access to moviemaking from both the creative and
financial sides of the coin. it also delves deep into the history of the studio
and the way the the system has changed and mutated...nearly impossible to put down,
and you won't need to see Heaven's Gate to enjoy it.
14) COMICS and SEQUENTIAL ART by Will Eisner
- The definitive Study by the Grand Master of Graphic Storytelling, Will Eisner,
this book is a MUST for anyone involved in VISUAL STORYTELLING.
15) UNDERSTANDING COMICS by Scott McCloud
- award winning examination of the function and practice of visual communication
in COMICS. a keen and surprisingly unique book that is another essential for
Visual Storytellers.
16) CINEMATIC MOTION by Steven Katz
17) THE 5 Cs OF CINEMATOGRAPHY by Joseph Mascelli
18) FILM EDITING by Karel Reisz
19) THE CONVERSATIONS: Michael Ondaatje and Walter Murch
20) TRICKSTER MAKES THIS WORLD by Lewis Hyde
-This one is integral for a lot of reasons, but mainly because it helps define
character archetypes and really explores sets of rules you can use to keep
characters "in character". ( note: this one is dense and academic...but amazing )
21) A SHORT HISTORY OF MYTH by Karen Armstrong
-Very unique breakdown of myth and WHY myths are created, laid out in a historical
timeline of where and why myths evolved culturally. What's great for story purposes
is that it helps give a sort of blueprint of how to develop plot through character
stakes, a key to why myths are timeless and relatable to the masses.
22) ON WRITING by Stephen King
- surprising, personal and practical, here is a book on the craft from one of the
master's of his art.
23) THE CREATIVE HABIT by Twyla Tharp
24) USES OF ENCHANMTMENT by Bruno Bettelheim.
25) THE WRITER's JOURNEY by Christopher Vogler
- Vogler applies the teachings of legendary Mythology JOSEPH CAMPBELL to Film
Structure in this rewarding book. In addition to covering all of the parts of
the journey from a practical standpoint, he applies the breakdown to a number
of familiar films. Very helpful for STRUCTURE.
