The Director’s Guide to Everything by Jay Holben- a 600-Page Book for Directors at Any Level

Book News

by Nino Leitner 5 days ago

Veteran filmmaker and educator Jay Holben delivers an ambitious deep dive into the art and leadership of directing, offering a sweeping, practical resource for filmmakers ready to level up their craft – here’s a look into his new book The Director’s Guide to Everything.

In an era overflowing with how-to books for creatives, Jay Holben’s The Director’s Guide to Everything stands apart when you check it out – not only for its sheer scale, but for its depth, clarity, and relevance to the real-world demands of directing. Clocking in at 600 full-color pages, this newly released volume is both a masterclass and a mentor, speaking directly to directors who are navigating the complex intersection of creativity, logistics, and leadership.

The Director’s Guide to Everything is a director’s manual born of experience

Holben brings decades of experience to the table – not just as a filmmaker, but as someone who has spent a lifetime immersed in the industry from multiple angles. This is not theory. It’s a boots-on-the-ground, no-nonsense playbook for directors who want to lead with clarity and confidence. From the first preproduction meeting to the final pass in post, Holben walks the reader through every phase of the directing process, breaking down the job into practical, achievable actions.

Understanding every department — and speaking their language

One of the book’s standout features is its holistic approach. Rather than treating directing as an isolated creative role, Holben positions the director as the nexus of a highly collaborative ecosystem. He demystifies the workings of every major department — from cinematography and editing to production design and sound — and teaches directors how to communicate fluently across disciplines. It’s a crash course in set literacy that could save newer directors months (if not years) of trial and error.

Creative vision meets real-world constraints

Where many books romanticize the role of the director, Holben doesn’t shy away from the tougher realities: budget pressures, scheduling headaches, limited resources. Instead, he embraces them — and offers tools for thriving under those constraints. Directors will find practical strategies for managing time, making decisive creative calls, and staying emotionally steady while guiding a team through a demanding shoot.

The real subject of the book: Leadership

At its heart, The Director’s Guide to Everything is a book about leadership. Holben is refreshingly candid about what it takes to earn trust on set — how to inspire rather than command, how to collaborate without compromising vision, and how to lead with both authority and empathy. His insights into working with actors, motivating crews, and preserving the story’s emotional core are some of the book’s most valuable takeaways.

A familiar voice for CineD readers

Longtime CineD readers may remember our in-depth interview with Jay Holben on his previous work, The Cine Lens Manual, which he co-authored with Christopher Probst ASC. That conversation offered a deep dive into the technical language of lenses — and Holben’s passion for clear, comprehensive education shines just as brightly in his new book. You can revisit my interview with him here.

A must-have toolkit for directors at any stage

Whether you’re directing your first short or your fifth feature, The Director’s Guide to Everything offers not just advice, but a system — one that is equal parts philosophical and tactical. With accessible language, real-world examples, and a focus on clarity over jargon, it’s built to support filmmakers who want to lead better, communicate smarter, and create more intentional work.

The book is available now from Adakin Press in a 9” x 6” full-color hardcover format. While the standard retail price is $119, the publisher is currently offering an exclusive launch discount: $89.95 via www.adakinpress.com.

Have you read anything from Jay Holben’s in the past? Does it match the needs of today’s directors — or do you have a different go-to guidebook? Share your thoughts in the comments below.