About the Book
Since 1948 when television began its rapid--almost exponential--growth, America has literally focused on TV, but the average viewer has been unaware of the key behind-the-scenes role of the TV director. In Take One, Jack Kuney shows what the director does in his equipment-filled twilight zone--the TV control room. The author identifies the crucial aesthetic contribution of the director who in selecting shots determines not only what millions of viewers will see but also how closely they will see them and in what sequence. More important, Kuney's interviews affirm that generally the director's talent, aesthetic judgements, and instincts set the tone of the program and determine a show's impact on its audience.
The volume consists of a series of ten interviews, collected over a period of four years, with directors of television programs, each a specialist in a different field, who show a diversity that ranges from New York to Hollywood, the Metropolitan Opera to the Super Bowl. Their insights explain that various types of programs dictate the degree of the director's involvement: the director's role changes with the nature of the program, be it concert, game show, news, discussion, documentary, special event, drama, panel show, or the Miss America Pageant. In each interview the author's commentary acts as a guide and summation to the observations of the director. Dealing with the unique aesthetics of contemporary television, Take One is the most up-to-date work in the field and will be important and useful reading for students of production, and aspiring directors in the field.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Kirk Browning: Directing at the Metropolitan Opera House
Sandy Grossman: Directing the Super Bowl
George Schaefer: Directing Hallmark Hall of Fame
Marc Daniels: Directing I Love Lucy
Don Mischer: Directing at the Kennedy Center
Paul Bogart: Directing Archie Bunker
Lloyd Tweedy: Directing Corporate Communications
Larry Auerbach: Directing the Soaps
Emily Squires: Directing Sesame Street
George Paul: Directing Today
Postlude
Selected Bibliography
Index
About the Author :
JACK KUNEY was a producer, director, and writer in television and radio for more than thirty-five years. He was employed by NBC and CBS, as well as individual stations and public television. He has been the recipient of many awards, among them five Emmies, awarded by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for excellence in television. A retired Professor of Television and Radio from Brooklyn College, Kuney is currently at work on two books and a play.
Review :
"Jack Kuney's book will be the standard for a long time to come. It's lucid and intelligent interviews make it thoroughly accessible to the layman and the professional alike."-Albert Auster Associate Editor, Cineaste
"Kuney has put all his experience and insight to work in this fascinating book. . . . No one who has any interest in learning about television should miss reading this wise and very readable book."-Lawrence K. Grossman, Gannett Center for Media Studies, Columbia University
"Take One is a wonder! It's an historical novel, a thriller, a love story--all rolled into one. . . . After reading Take One no one--from student to network veteran--will ever watch television the same way again."-Morton Silverstein Writer, Director, Producer--Public Television
"Take One is quite remarkable, unique among books about broadcasting. It's the best--and most practical--of the texts on production I've seen. But it's much more: valuable not only for the student and teacher, but also for the professional already in TV who wants to raise his sights and sharpen his skills, and it's fascinating reading for anyone who just wants to go behind the scenes and meet closeup the creative forces behind the medium's greatest programs."-Richard Pack Editor, Television Quarterly; former Senior Vice President Programming and Production, Westinghouse Broadcasting Co./Group W.
?Jack Kuney, member of TVQ editorial board and Emmy Award winner, is the author of a new book ake One, -about television directors on directing. The book consists of a series of ten interviews with such notables as Kirk Browning, Sandy Grossman, George Schaefer, Marc Daniels, Don Mischer, Paul Bogart, Lloyd Tweedey, Larry Auerbach, Emily Squires, and George Paul, along with Kuney's commentary. Said one critic: 'Take One' is a wonder. It's a historical novel, a thriller, a love story-all rolled into one.'?-NATAS NEWS
?Kuney, former TV director and professor at Brooklyn College, has selected well-regarded directors including Paul Bogart, Kirk Browning, George Schaefer, and Marc Daniels, each of whom has worked in a specialized form such as operate, comedy, and children's programming, to help explain how directors shape programs in the control room. This approach provides diversity, and there is much of interest here.?-Library Journal
?Veteran TV director Jack Kuney brings together the insights of 10 television directors, each a specialist in a different field, explaining the director's key behind-the-scenes role. The directors show a diversity of experience ranging from New York to Hollywood, from the Metropolitan Opera to the Super Bowl, from dramas to game shows. Kuney's commentary acts as a guide and summation to the director's unifque observations that affirm the crucial aesthetic contribution of the TV director.?-Choice
"Kuney, former TV director and professor at Brooklyn College, has selected well-regarded directors including Paul Bogart, Kirk Browning, George Schaefer, and Marc Daniels, each of whom has worked in a specialized form such as operate, comedy, and children's programming, to help explain how directors shape programs in the control room. This approach provides diversity, and there is much of interest here."-Library Journal
"Veteran TV director Jack Kuney brings together the insights of 10 television directors, each a specialist in a different field, explaining the director's key behind-the-scenes role. The directors show a diversity of experience ranging from New York to Hollywood, from the Metropolitan Opera to the Super Bowl, from dramas to game shows. Kuney's commentary acts as a guide and summation to the director's unifque observations that affirm the crucial aesthetic contribution of the TV director."-Choice
"Jack Kuney, member of TVQ editorial board and Emmy Award winner, is the author of a new book ake One, -about television directors on directing. The book consists of a series of ten interviews with such notables as Kirk Browning, Sandy Grossman, George Schaefer, Marc Daniels, Don Mischer, Paul Bogart, Lloyd Tweedey, Larry Auerbach, Emily Squires, and George Paul, along with Kuney's commentary. Said one critic: 'Take One' is a wonder. It's a historical novel, a thriller, a love story-all rolled into one.'"-NATAS NEWS
