Description

Book Synopsis

For nearly two decades, Documentary Storytelling has reached filmmakers and filmgoers worldwide with its unique focus on the key ingredient for success in the global documentary marketplace: storytelling.

As this revised, updated fifth edition makes clear, nonfiction storytelling is not limited to character-driven journeys, but instead encompasses the diverse ways in which todayâs top documentarians reach audiences with content that is creative, original, and often inspirational, all without sacrificing the integrity that gives documentary its power. This book is filled with practical advice for writers, producers, directors, editors, cinematographers, and others committed to reality-based filmmaking that seeks to reach audiences, raise awareness, address social issues, illuminate the human condition, and even entertain.

In this new edition, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and author Sheila Curran Bernard offers:

  • a closer look at the way ethical nonfiction filmmakers take creative, authorial leaps while also remaining transparent with audiences;
  • new tools for understanding how documentaries are structured, how they may rearrange time for storytelling effect, and how a simple narrative throughline can convey complexity without being a conventional heroâs journey;
  • new conversations with filmmakers and educators including Dawn Porter, Madison Hamburg, Tracy Heather Strain, June Cross, Heidi Gronauer, and Julie Casper Roth, and another look at conversations with Stanley Nelson and Orlando von Einsiedel.

Please visit the bookâs website, available at www.documentarystorytelling.com, for further information, related articles, and more.



Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Part I: Understanding Story

2. Story Basics

3. Identifying the Story

4. Structure

5. Creative Approach

6. Watching Like a Filmmaker

Part II: Working with Story

7. Research and Casting

8. Project Development

9. The Film on Paper

10. Shooting

11. Editing

12. Narration and Voice-Over

13. Storytelling: A Checklist

Part III: Talking about Story

14. Julie Casper Roth

15. June Cross

16. Heidi Gronauer

17. Madison Hamburg

18. Stanley Nelson

19. Dawn Porter

20. Tracy Heather Strain

21. Orlando von Einsiedel

Documentary Storytelling

    Product form

    £37.99

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 9 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback by Sheila Curran Bernard

    1 in stock


      View other formats and editions of Documentary Storytelling by Sheila Curran Bernard

      Publisher: Taylor & Francis
      Publication Date: 7/8/2022 12:00:00 AM
      ISBN13: 9781032267296, 978-1032267296
      ISBN10: 1032267291

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      For nearly two decades, Documentary Storytelling has reached filmmakers and filmgoers worldwide with its unique focus on the key ingredient for success in the global documentary marketplace: storytelling.

      As this revised, updated fifth edition makes clear, nonfiction storytelling is not limited to character-driven journeys, but instead encompasses the diverse ways in which todayâs top documentarians reach audiences with content that is creative, original, and often inspirational, all without sacrificing the integrity that gives documentary its power. This book is filled with practical advice for writers, producers, directors, editors, cinematographers, and others committed to reality-based filmmaking that seeks to reach audiences, raise awareness, address social issues, illuminate the human condition, and even entertain.

      In this new edition, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and author Sheila Curran Bernard offers:

      • a closer look at the way ethical nonfiction filmmakers take creative, authorial leaps while also remaining transparent with audiences;
      • new tools for understanding how documentaries are structured, how they may rearrange time for storytelling effect, and how a simple narrative throughline can convey complexity without being a conventional heroâs journey;
      • new conversations with filmmakers and educators including Dawn Porter, Madison Hamburg, Tracy Heather Strain, June Cross, Heidi Gronauer, and Julie Casper Roth, and another look at conversations with Stanley Nelson and Orlando von Einsiedel.

      Please visit the bookâs website, available at www.documentarystorytelling.com, for further information, related articles, and more.



      Table of Contents

      1. Introduction

      Part I: Understanding Story

      2. Story Basics

      3. Identifying the Story

      4. Structure

      5. Creative Approach

      6. Watching Like a Filmmaker

      Part II: Working with Story

      7. Research and Casting

      8. Project Development

      9. The Film on Paper

      10. Shooting

      11. Editing

      12. Narration and Voice-Over

      13. Storytelling: A Checklist

      Part III: Talking about Story

      14. Julie Casper Roth

      15. June Cross

      16. Heidi Gronauer

      17. Madison Hamburg

      18. Stanley Nelson

      19. Dawn Porter

      20. Tracy Heather Strain

      21. Orlando von Einsiedel

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