Based on 15 in-depth interviews with the world's top practitioners, this book takes a candid view of what life is like in the director's chair. The interviews are lavishly illustrated with storyboards, marked up scripts, shooting schedules, production shots, workbooks and stills revealing the creative processes behind some of the most influential films ever made. Through detailed interviews and numerous examples, this book offers the reader insight into the craft and talent of some of the industry's top directors. This insight is not limited solely to their work habits or methodology, but also explores how their talents have evolved over the years, thus giving the aspiring director or film enthusiast both inspiration and a blueprint for success. The 500 color photos include stills from world famous films, and contributors include Mike Leigh (Secrets and Lies), Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Sense and Sensibility), Pedro Almodovar (All About My Mother, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown), and Oliver Stone (Born on the Fourth of July; Platoon).