New Products

Holben Publishes The Director’s Guide to Everything

The filmmaker and longtime AC contributor takes a deep dive into the daily realities of professional directing.

ASC Staff

Jay Holben, an ASC associate member and the technical editor of American Cinematographer, has released The Director’s Guide to Everything, a 600-page deep dive into the daily realities of professional directing.


Drawing on decades of experience behind the camera, Holben delivers a no-nonsense roadmap to mastering the director’s role from the first conversations in prep to the final decisions in post. He covers the language and inner workings of every department, equipping directors with the tools to collaborate meaningfully across the production; he also reflects on the responsibilities of leadership — how to inspire a crew, work with actors, manage creative pressure and keep a production moving forward without losing the soul of the story.


Holben writes AC’s Shot Craft column and is a longtime contributor to the magazine. He co-authored The Cine Lens Manual with Christopher Probst, ASC, and has also published American Cinematographer’s Shot Craft and Lessons from American Cinematographer.


The Director’s Guide to Everything lists for $119 and is available in the ASC Store for $89.95.


Follow American Cinematographer on Facebook and Instagram.



Subscribe Today

Act now to receive 12 issues of the award-winning AC magazine — the world’s finest cinematography resource.

July 2025 AC Magazine Cover
June 2025 AC Magazine Cover
May 2025 AC Magazine Cover