In spite of a background in Japanese cinema, Alan Poul began his career as a lyricist for musicals. He was spotted by Paul Schrader who hired him as an advisor, and specialist in Japanese cinema, for his film Mishima. There was no turning back after that defining moment. There was nothing else he wanted to do but make films. The Art of Television explores modern television directing and cinematography through intimate portraits. Six directors from iconic TV shows, share their work methods, their secret weapons, and strategies to survive. We also meet their close collaborators: showrunners, first assistants, directors of photography, editors, actors.