Cinematic Storytelling

This book presents a new, story-based approach to cinematic coverage and storytelling in film and video. It breaks from the conventional idea that shots are the fundamental unit of filmmaking, instead exploring the specifics of determining coverage.

Thomas Robotham teaches screenwriting, filmmaking, and cinematography. He is currently Affiliated Faculty at Emerson College, and Director of Photography (DP) in the International Cinematographers Guild. He holds a patent in light-emitting diode (LED) lighting for film and video. Thomas has also worked as a Creative Director (advertising) and as a fine artist (sculpture). www.robotham.com

Chapter 1: What is cinematic storytelling?, Chapter 2: Foundations in the script, Chapter 3: Coverage defines attention, Chapter 4: Cinematic thinking, Chapter 5: Patterns for Character Actions, Chapter 6: Patterns for Character Looks, Chapter 7: Patterns for Dialogue - structure, Chapter 8: Patterns for Dialogue - examples, Chapter 9: Patterns for Settings, Chapter 10: Patterns for Objects, Chapter 11: Patterns for Evocative Imagery, Chapter 12: Patterns and movement, Chapter 13: Scene shaping and interconnections, Chapter 14: Developing the coverage plan, Reference Materials