About the Book:
Changing Direction is a guide to directing actors based on
the author's years of experience in the classroom aat UCLA, NYU, and
Columbia, on-set, as well as her highly sought out workshops in New
York and Los Angeles. Distilling difficult concepts and a complex
task to their simplest form, Lenore DeKoven explains how to
accurately capture and portray human behaviour. Endorsed by many in
the industry, including director Ang Lee, this book combines
underlying theory with suggested solutions and dozens of practical
exercises that are immediately useful in workshop or class.
Relevant to directors and actors of TV, film, and theatre,
Changing Direction will help you become a better a better more
effective director or actor. Directors will find this book a helpful
reference and valuable resource for information on constructing the
through-line, analyzing the script, the actors' language, character
needs, the casting and rehearsal processes, and the differences
between film and theater procedures, as well as the actor and the
camera. Actors will refer to it for acting tips and insight into the
mind of the director.
Additionally, hear what the actors have to say in excerpts from
interviews with acclaimed actors such as Meryl Streep, Denzel
Washington, Glenn Close, Robert Redford,
Christopher Walken, Julianne Moore, and Michael
Douglas (to name a few) who discuss their work with directors,
what inspires them, and what they really want from the director.
What people say:
"It is a difficult book to
describe, but a fascinating one to read — essentially the author
manages to explain how a director must capture and portray human
behaviour." — Image Technology
"The essence of Lenore's
distinctive methods, developed over many years, can be found in the
pages of this excellent, clearly written book." — Ang
Lee, Director, Brokeback Mountain, Crouching
Tiger, Hidden Dragon
"Lenore DeKoven says in her
introduction to her book, Changing Direction, that everyone wants to
be in show business. Well I am, but I've never wanted to direct.
After reading Lenore's book, I may reconsider my career choice."
— Edward Asner, Actor/Producer
"I was one of the many people
who over the years, asked Lenore to write her book, and finally she
has. It's a thrill to read, as well as a reminder of her great gift —
her deep understanding of drama, directing, actors, everyday life,
and most importantly her wealth of experience and huge heart. I will
draw from this every time I work." — Kimberly Peirce,
writer/director of Boys Don't Cry, Stop-Loss,
student of Lenore's
"Lenore DeKoven has written a
great book for the director searching for practical advice on the
techniques of directing actors. Her work as a teacher has already
affected a generation of young filmmakers, including Kim Peirce (Boys
Don't Cry). One would be hard-pressed to find a more comprehensive
and clear approach to working with actors." — Bette
Gordon, Director and Acting Chair of Film Division, School of the
Arts, Columbia University
"This book is much needed on
the shelves for students and individuals interested in directing
actors for film and theatre. Very few books offer this approach with
such specific and practical steps laid out in detail, step by step."
— Sheldon Schiffer, Georgia State University
About the Author:
Lenore DeKoven is an American director, producer and
educator whose career includes theatre, film and television. A
Professor at Columbia University's Graduate Film Division for twenty
years, she has also taught on the faculties of UCLA's Theatre
Department and NYU's Theatre and Film Divisions. In addition to her
teaching and directing experience, she has produced plays in New York
and Los Angeles and directed Another World for
NBC-TV. She is a member of the Directors Guild of America and the
League of Professional Theatre Women.