Live Cinema. Secrets, Techniques, Tricks

The creator of 'The Godfather’, 'Apocalypse Now’, 'Dracula’, and other cinematic masterpieces does not tire of being an innovator even now. According to Francis Ford Coppola, the future of cinema lies in a new form of art that he has dubbed 'live cinema’. It will combine all the best elements that have been conceived and successfully used in cinema, television, and theater. Such a film, shot in one take, in real-time, with elements of stage production and the use of the latest technologies, as assured by the author, will give directors more creative freedom, while the audience will feel they are watching cinema right in the process of its creation. In this book, Coppola talks about the difficulties he faced in preparing and shooting 'live cinema’, reflects on the peculiarities of working with actors and framing shots. 'Imagine you are watching baseball on television: the match is in full swing, the score gap is minimal — and suddenly you find out that the game has already ended and your team has won. And the match immediately becomes like yesterday's newspaper: dead, boring, and not worth watching. So what is the difference between a spectacle that unfolds before your eyes (and you know it) and what has been shot in advance? After all, a film, like its predecessor — a theatrical performance, is determined by the impression it makes on the audience. So what can a director do to make the fact that the script is being played live more evident to the viewers and engage them? During the second experimental workshop, I was consumed by the problem: how to ensure that my broadcast looked and was perceived by the audience exactly like cinema? I aimed for the viewers to say, 'Is this really live? Wow, it looked just like a movie: you wouldn't think that everything is being shot in real-time.’ Why the book is worth reading This book is not only a guide to creating 'live cinema,’ but also an autobiography of the filmmaker. He talks about the people and films that have influenced him and shares his personal view on the history of the development of cinema and television. In the appendix, you will find diary entries of Francis Ford Coppola that he made during the staging of 'live cinema’ in 2015. Who is this book for The book will be useful for professionals: television and film directors, screenwriters, cameramen, as well as fans of Coppola's work and everyone interested in cinema.