That Movie in Your Head: Guide to Improvising Stories on Video

Shepherd shows step-by-step how to make an improv movie, with a camcorder and a small or large group of colleagues, friends, or family. It starts with a brainstorming session to create a scenario, or theme, which breaks out a story line into locations, suggests activities to give players focus, and describes what happens between players—but not how the scene must end. The hallmark of improv is surprise. The book is stoked with games he invented, such as the ones on the popular TV show, “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” to help players feel at ease on camera, develop imagination, and create characters with focus. There are jobs explained for those who want the excitement of movie-making without performing. There is a Fast Lane for the hands-on learner to zip through the book learning experientially. Examples at every step inspire creativity and teamwork, including case studies, interviews with experts, and his own experience working with them.