"Unlock the secrets to directing in Rob Spera’s remarkable Field Manual."  - Meg LeFauve, Academy Award Nominee Inside Out

"I learned so much from Rob, including deep truths about leadership and communication, that profoundly impacted my life."  - Billy Ray, Writer/Director, Academy Award Nominee Captain Phillips

"Deeply insightful, unnervingly concise, and, best of all, a fun read. Mattson Tomlin, Writer/Director, Mother/Android Writer The Batman II

Rob Spera's anti-textbook for filmmakers identifies 70 fundamental core values of filmmaking distilled to their essence to inspire questions and ignite a thought process that will take your filmmaking to the next level. These central tenets of cinematic storytelling cut to the heart of the art and craft and will have a far-reaching impact on your films. Mr. Spera also includes a series of exercises to help explore the key maxims in his book.

ROB SPERA has an extensive background in film, television, and theatre. His feature films include The Sweet Life, Fathers and Sons, and the cult classic Leprechaun in the Hood. Mr. Spera's numerous television credits include Criminal Minds, Supernatural, Suspect Behavior, and Army Wives. During four seasons as Resident Director at the Tony award-winning Actors Theatre of Louisville, he directed over 75 productions. His directing has been called "Top class and flowing with comic invention..." by The London Financial Times, "Gentle" by the Irish Times, and "Splendid" by the Louisville Times. His play Tracks enjoyed a successful run in Los Angeles, where it was hailed as "Chilling" by Variety, "Haunting long after leaving the theatre" by the Daily News, and "a comic horrific dance of death…In a world somewhere between Samuel Beckett and Full Metal Jacket" by The Los Angeles Times. Published works include Film/TV Directors' Field Manual, Actors Write for Actors, Encore, and The Field.

"Unlock the secrets to directing in Rob Spera's remarkable Field Manual. As a veteran filmmaker and educator, Rob gives you solutions to on-set challenges and exercises to help you get to the heart of visual storytelling while empowering you to find your own unique voice as a filmmaker." — Meg LeFauve, Screenwriter Academy Award Nominee Inside Out

"Deeply insightful, unnervingly concise, and, best of all, a fun read. Each lesson within these pages is a potentially career-altering gift. This is a must-have for any director, writer, filmmaker, or artist who is looking to understand and control their craft." — Mattson Tomlin, Writer/Director Mother/Android Writer The Batman II

"I learned so much from Rob - deep truths about leadership and communication that impacted my life in a profound way. My debt to him is huge." — Billy Ray, Writer/Director Academy Award Nominee Captain Phillips

"Rob's approach is as much about the ethics, psychology, and conduct required of a director as it is about the craft. He also delves into the mysterious act of creation and invention (what it takes to be an artist) and how that marries with technical expertise to define the director's work." — Jeremy Podeswa, Director Game of Thrones

"…this is a MUST-READ for any aspiring filmmaker looking to make work with dimension. Rob's understanding of craft and human behavior makes him the single most important influence in my career." — Drake Doremus, Writer/Director Sundance Grand Jury Prize Like Crazy

"There is a sharpness and directness to Rob's approach-cutting through to what the heart of storytelling is-while always empowering us with the kind of practical wisdom that comes with years of experience." — Chloe Okuno, Writer/Director Sundance Grand Jury Prize Nominee Watcher

"Rob Spera's authentic experience as both a professional film director and master teacher combines to provide the maxims that aspirational and accomplished directors will return to again and again." — Julie Lynn & Bonnie Curtis, Producers, Mockingbird Pictures