Narrative:  In January 2019, I was invited by Michael Rabiger to join him in co-authoring the 7th edition of his popular textbook Directing the Documentary.  The title was released in May 2020.  After Michael and I had strategized our approach to the the 8th edition, he died and I completed our work. The title was released in June 2026. 

Book jacket text from the 8th edition: 

Directing the Documentary is the definitive book on the documentary form. Focusing on the hands-on work needed to make your concept a reality, it covers the filmmaking process from top to bottom, providing in-depth lessons on every stage of production from idea development, pre-production, production, and post-production, while also addressing the nuances of documentary aesthetics, ethics, and career-building.

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The 8th edition’s new, user-friendly structure integrates what were previously divided introductory and advanced concepts into a single, unified volume that supports both comprehensive study and selective reference. It moves fluidly from context and concept to planning, production, editing, aesthetics, and professional practice—forming an organized and comprehensive guide that mirrors the filmmaker’s own evolution of process, understanding, and vocation. This edition features a wider diversity of films and directors, inclusive language and terminology, an expanded discussion of documentary ethics, and updated coverage of documentary distribution practices.

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By combining expert advice on the storytelling process, the technical aspects of filmmaking, and commentary on the philosophical underpinnings of the art, this book provides the practical and holistic understanding you need to become a highly regarded, original, and ethical contributor to the genre. Ideal for both aspiring and established filmmakers, this book has it all.

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Publisher website