THE SAVAGES: On Working With Directors

THE SAVAGES' Philip Seymour Hoffman talks about being directed during a Q&A hosted by American Cinematheque.

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The term "working director" refers to the type of director who gets hired for various movies and TV shows, instead of just picking his projects wherever he wants like Speilberg or Cameron. This book doesn't contain much information on the "art" of directing. Instead it tends to focus on the business of it, and that's exactly what makes it enjoyable. Tips on how to not piss off the producer who may be in charge of hiring you for your next job, how to earn the cast and crew's confidence and loyalty, and what will be expected of you on set are what makes it unique.
On the down side the book really only slightly dips into any given topic, more "quik tips" then any real in depth advice. But at least that makes it a fun, fast moving read.

The Hollywood punchline for

The Hollywood punchline for every waiter, model, wannabee is "what I really want to do is direct". They should read this book first.

Many want to be the next Lucas or Spielberg or Coppola, but the truth is... if they can find their way into a spot to direct, they better have all the information they need to not only do the job of directing, but not shoot themselves (pardon the pun) in the foot so they can get another directing assignment after their "one big break".

"The Working Director" provides a wealth of information on all topics directorial - from getting projects, to handling distracted agents and surly producers and petulant divas, to sound on-set production techniques and more.

Whether you work in motion pictures, television or (as I do) in advertising production, you'll find a treasure of great ideas and uplifting inspiration to deal with the vagaries of an exciting, but fickle business.

Best of all, this great book isn't written by a reporter or a professor who's never worked "real" production. It's written by exactly who the title describes - a working director.

This guy knows the turf. You won't find a better book about directing.

Yes, I agree the love

Yes, I agree the love between Wendy and her Brother was real and palpable, their relationship to each other, was real, and I know for sure it has everything to do with the Director, Writer Tamara Jenkins, in addition to the actors gifts which expressed the writer , directors' gifts. We are proud and happy for your success.
I saw the film today 12/29/2007 with my daughter who was a high school friend of Ms. Jenkins. We both wanted to talk to you Tamara after seeing it. The film touched us deeply on many levels. I laughed out loud, and cried silently, my daughter laughed less easily and no wonder probably contemplating the next act of me having to abandon her, leaving her alone to face life and all the stuff of life and death, illness. Indeed, how "sad" that will be(as Wendys' childhood was understood to be by the Nigerian previously mistaken Rasta who reads and sees her in her play). We see you and ourselves in you, Ms Jenkins. No(Wendy)you are not "gross" to love someone who sees you clearly and appreciates your sensibility, and really one must love you for this films' ability to portray with rugged honesty and humor the experience of being human. We are proud of you.

what in the heck were those

what in the heck were those cutaways...of those dark haired women and the silver haired guy with his back to the camera? oh, and that was an interesting clip.