“Sam Wasson’s supremely entertaining book tracks the ups and downs, ins and outs, of a remarkable career. . . . A marvel of unshowy reportage.”—New York TimesThe New York Times bestselling author of Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. and The Big Goodbye returns with the definitive account of Academy Award–winning director Francis Ford Coppola’s decades-long dream to reinvent American filmmaking, if not the entire world, through his production company, American Zoetrope.Francis Ford Coppola is one of the great American dreamers, and his most magnificent dream is American Zoetrope, the production company he founded in San Francisco years before his gargantuan success, when he was only thirty. Through Zoetrope’s experimental, communal utopia, Coppola attempted to reimagine the entire pursuit of moviemaking. Now, more than fifty years later, despite myriad setbacks, the visionary filmmaker’s dream persists, most notably in the production of his decades-in-the-making film and the culmination of his utopian ideals, Megalopolis.As Wasson makes clear, the story of Zoetrope is also the story of Coppola’s wife, Eleanor Coppola, and their children, and of personal lives inseparable from artistic passion. It is a story that charts the divergent paths of Coppola and his cofounder and onetime apprentice, George Lucas, and of their very different visions of art and commerce. And it is a story inextricably bound up in the making of one of the greatest quixotic masterpieces ever attempted, Apocalypse Now, and in what Coppola found in the jungles of the Philippines when he walked the razor’s edge. That story, already the stuff of legend, has never fully been told, until this extraordinary book. Read more

The #1 New York Times–bestselling prolific author recounts his storied career as one of the top novelizers of films and television in Hollywood. Author Alan Dean Foster is a Grand Master of Media Tie-In Fiction. He has written both original tie-ins and script novelizations since the 1970s, bringing his straightforwardness—a favorite to readers but a nuisance to directors—to his many projects. For Foster, Hollywood is a unique world that has allowed him to chat with Catwoman, ask out Diana Rigg, attend a movie screening with Alice Cooper, and have burgers and milkshakes with John Carpenter. To think, he was almost a lawyer . . .  In The Director Should’ve Shot You, Foster shares all the colorful stories behind his adaptations of films, TV shows, and video games. He had the honor of working on big-name properties like Star Trek, Terminator, and The Thing. He served as ghost writer for the novelization of the original Star Wars and got to write the sequel—sort of. There are, of course, his lesser-known works, like an adaptation of the special two-part abortion episode of Maude . . . that never made it to print. And in between his work for Hollywood, he managed to become a hugely successful science fiction and fantasy author with series like the Adventures of Pip & Flinx and the Icerigger Trilogy With humor and wit, Foster retraces his path to “Grand Master,” with all the successes, disappointments, and lumps he’s taken along the way. In the process, he shines a spotlight on the unusual world of studio marketing in Hollywood. The result is a memoir that will have you looking at some of your favorite films in a whole new light. Praise for The Director Should’ve Shot You “Foster puts all this down in easygoing prose that . . . is quite readable. . . . I can’t see how this book could not be a must-read, and indeed, it is must reading, pure and simple.” —The Bedlam Files Read more

"The Nutshell Technique cracks the code behind why we love the movies that we love. It guides you to organically write the story you want to tell."― Callum Greene, ProducerStar Wars Episode IXVeteran script consultant Jill Chamberlain discovered in her work that an astounding 99 percent of first-time screenwriters don't know how to tell a story. What the 99 percent do instead is present a situation. In order to explain the difference, Chamberlain created the Nutshell Technique, a method whereby writers identify eight dynamic, interconnected elements that are required to successfully tell a story.Now, for the first time, Chamberlain presents her unique method in book form with The Nutshell Technique: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting. Using easy-to-follow diagrams ("nutshells"), she thoroughly explains how the Nutshell Technique can make or break a film script. Chamberlain takes readers step-by-step through thirty classic and contemporary movies, showing how such dissimilar screenplays as Casablanca, Chinatown, Pulp Fiction, The Usual Suspects, Little Miss Sunshine, Juno, Silver Linings Playbook, and Argo all have the same system working behind the scenes, and she teaches readers exactly how to apply these principles to their own screenwriting. Learn the Nutshell Technique, and you'll discover how to turn a mere situation into a truly compelling screenplay story.Since its publication in 2016, The Nutshell Technique: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting was an instant classic. It is the go-to manual many professionals swear by, and it's on the syllabus at schools across the world including the world renowned programs at UCLA and Columbia University. It has also been published in Mandarin Chinese, Korean, and Italian. Read more

Taylor Swift's fans are more than just fans…they are Swifties! Swifties obsess over Taylor Swift and know everything about her, her life and her music. The name simply comes from the name ‘Swift.' It's a nickname that distinguishes Taylor Swift fans from other fan communities. Taylor Swift’s fans call themselves Swifties and come from all over the world. They show their admiration by making social media accounts for her, creating YouTube videos, sending fan art, etc. BUT, are there rules for being a Swiftie, other than simply liking her music? When can you call yourself a ‘Swiftie’? Along with a biography of Taylor Swift are 100 questions (and answers) to test yourself AND your friends to see WHO IS TAYLOR SWIFT’S #1 FAN! Read more

A five-time Moth GrandSLAM winner and bestselling novelist shows how to tell a great story — and why doing so matters. Whether we realize it or not, we are always telling stories. On a first date or job interview, at a sales presentation or therapy appointment, with family or friends, we are constantly narrating events and interpreting emotions and actions. In this compelling book, storyteller extraordinaire Matthew Dicks presents wonderfully straightforward and engaging tips and techniques for constructing, telling, and polishing stories that will hold the attention of your audience (no matter how big or small). He shows that anyone can learn to be an appealing storyteller, that everyone has something “storyworthy” to express, and, perhaps most important, that the act of creating and telling a tale is a powerful way of understanding and enhancing your own life. Read more

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The definitive guide to telling an unforgettable story in any setting, drawing on twenty-five years of experience from the storytelling experts at The Moth “From toasts to eulogies, from job interviews to social events, this book will help you with ideas, structure, delivery and more.”—CNNLONGLISTED FOR THE PORCHLIGHT BUSINESS BOOK AWARDOver the past twenty-five years, the directors of The Moth have worked with people from all walks of life—including astronauts, hairdressers, rock stars, a retired pickpocket, high school students, and Nobel Prize winners—to develop true personal stories that have moved and delighted live audiences and listeners of The Moth’s Peabody Award–winning radio hour and podcast. A leader in the modern storytelling movement, The Moth inspires thousands of people around the globe to share their stories each year. Now, with How to Tell a Story, The Moth will help you learn how to uncover and craft your own unique stories, like Moth storytellers Mike Birbiglia, Rosanne Cash, Neil Gaiman, Elizabeth Gilbert, Padma Lakshmi, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Tig Notaro, Boots Riley, Betty Reid Soskin, John Turturro, and more. Whether your goal is to make it to the Moth stage, deliver the perfect wedding toast, wow clients at a business dinner, give a moving eulogy, ace a job interview, be a hit at parties, change the world, or simply connect more deeply to those around you, stories are essential. Sharing secrets of The Moth’s time-honed process and using examples from beloved storytellers, a team of Moth directors will show you how to • mine your memories for your best stories• explore structures that will boost the impact of your story• deliver your stories with confidence• tailor your stories for any occasion Filled with empowering, easy-to-follow tips for crafting stories that forge lasting bonds with friends, family, and colleagues alike, this book will help you connect authentically with the world around you and unleash the power of story in your life. Read more

Inside the scandalous world of Old Hollywood with this captivating collection of real-life stories about larger-than-life personalities that have made Tinseltown the stuff of legends.From wild crimes that shook Hollywood Hills to tempestuous love affairs that made headlines, these stories will leave you spellbound. Discover the untold secrets of iconic stars, as we lift the veil on their carefully crafted public personas to reveal the captivating truths that lie beneath.Old Hollywood Untold recounts the audacious antics of Hollywood's most infamous personalities, as they navigate the glitz, the glamour, and the darker side of fame. With jaw-dropping anecdotes and little-known details, this book is a short roller coaster ride through the golden age of cinema. Read more

An inspiring and entertaining collection of unforgettable true stories about finding unexpected beauty in life’s transitions—from Lin-Manuel Miranda, Elizabeth Gilbert, Quiara Alegría Hudes, and many more. “The Moth taught me how to be vulnerable, how to take my time, and how to listen to someone else’s story and share in their moments of triumph, laughter, or, yes, sometimes embarrassment with an open heart.”—Mike Birbiglia, from the Foreword An international rescue mission for Paddington Bear. A family matriarch running numbers in Detroit. An epic Lucha Libre showdown in Mexico City. A beach vacation spent looking for the Kennedys. Storytellers from around the world share times they found real beauty in the moments when their lives changed forever—for better or for worse. Carefully selected by the creative minds at The Moth and adapted to the page to preserve the raw energy of stories told live, on stage, and without notes, A Point of Beauty features voices familiar and new. This collection offers a shared message: If we look closely enough, we can find power in strengthening frayed bonds but also in having the courage to walk away from things that no longer feed our spirit. Through these storytellers’ passion and their hope, they teach us all about what’s worth holding on to: our relationships with those we love the most, our understanding of ourselves, and—of course—gathering together to tell and listen to our stories. Read more

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Get an intimate look at the cult filmmaker of our generation. Loaded with stunning pictures from the Kobal archives, this biography explores the genesis of Tarantino's unique directorial style and provides insight into his inspirations and his frequent collaborations with favoured actors. A timeline presents Tarantino’s entire filmography in the heart of the book. Through in-depth and informative text written by renowned film journalist Ian Nathan, this book examines the entirety of Tarantino's work, including his early writing on screenplays such as True Romance and Natural Born Killers, his break-out directorial debut Reservoir Dogs and the career-defining Pulp Fiction, as well as his later iconic films, such as Kill Bill Volumes 1 and 2, Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained. You'll also go behind the scenes of Tarantino's epic Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. As you make your way through Tarantino's incredible career, discover what inspired him, his working methods and the breadth of his talent. With a visually arresting design that mimics Tarantino's approach to film-making and chapters organized by film, the pages are brimming with images taken on set and behind the scenes.This is the ultimate celebration for any Tarantino fan. Unauthorised and Unofficial. Read more

REALIZE YOUR CREATIVE DREAMS — STARTING TODAYAre you good at dreaming about what you’re going to accomplish “someday” but not good at finding the time and getting started? How will you actually make that decision and do it? The answer is this book, which offers proven, practical, and simple ways to turn random minutes throughout your days into pockets of productivity, and dreams into accomplishments.In addition to presenting his own winning strategies for getting from dreaming to doing, Matthew Dicks offers insights from a wide range of creative people — writers, editors, performers, artists, and even magicians — on how to augment inspiration with motivation. His actionable steps will help you:silence negative messages from family, friends, and teacherseliminate time-sucking activities (and people)be willing to make terrible thingsfind supporters here, there, and everywherecultivate optimism in the face of negativity and obstaclesEach strategy is accompanied by amusing and inspiring personal and professional anecdotes and a clear plan of action. Someday Is Today will give you every tool to get started and finish that _________ [fill in the blank]. Read more

The Dark Side Of Hollywood: Unveiling The Double Lives Of Old Hollywood's Biggest StarsBehind the bright lights of Hollywood lies a shadowy world. Its secrets are only whispered in the hushed corners of studio backlots and behind closed doors.This book is about the double lives of some of the biggest stars in the Golden Age of cinema Among Them, Charlie Chaplin, known for his endearing Tramp character, and for bringing laughter and joy to the masses, but whose slapstick comedy was a facade for a darker personality lurking beneath the slapstick veneer, that of a man whose predatory dating habits verged on criminality.Lupe Velez, the fiery Mexican Spitfire, embodied the vivacity and sensuality of the silver screen. A captivating actress, her tumultuous life and tragic end revealed the darker pressures and expectations faced by women in an industry obsessed with image.Then, there was Jean Harlow, the original platinum blonde bombshell who ignited the screen with her beauty and allure. Beneath the shimmering exterior of Hollywood's first sex symbol was a life fraught with personal turmoil and an untimely demise that sent shockwaves through the industry.As we step into history's dimly lit corridors, brace yourself for a compelling narrative that transcends the years, and explores the legacies of those who became synonymous with the enchantment and the agony of fame and fortune. Read more

"A definitive portrait of the madness of big-time moviemaking" (Newsweek), now the basis for the new season of TCM's hit podcast, "The Plot Thickens" and featuring a new afterword by the authorWhen Brian De Palma agreed to allow Julie Salamon unlimited access to the film production of Tom Wolfe's best-selling book The Bonfire of the Vanities, both director and journalist must have felt like they were on to something big. How could it lose? But instead Salamon got a front-row seat at the Hollywood disaster of the decade. She shadowed the film from its early stages through the last of the eviscerating reviews, and met everyone from the actors to the technicians to the studio executives. They'd all signed on for a blockbuster, but there was a sense of impending doom from the start--heart-of-gold characters replaced Wolfe's satiric creations; affable Tom Hanks was cast as the patrician heel; Melanie Griffith appeared mid-shoot with new, bigger breasts. With a keen eye and ear, Salamon shows us how the best of intentions turned into a legendary Hollywood debacle.The Devil's Candy joins John Gregory Dunne's The Studio, Steven Bach's Final Cut, and William Goldman's Adventures in the Screen Trade as a classic for anyone interested in the workings of Hollywood. With a new afterword profiling De Palma ten years after the movie's devastating flop (and this book's best-selling publication), Julie Salamon has created a riveting insider's portrait of an industry where art, talent, ego, and money combine and clash on a monumental scale. Read more

"Come for the engrossing content, and stay for the lessons that might just change how you talk, write, and lead.”  —Adam GrantLearn how to take any story and make it perfect—from storytelling expert Karen Eber, whose popular TED Talk on the subject continues to be a source of inspiration for millions.What makes a story perfect? How do you tell the perfect story for any occasion?We live in a story world. Stories are a memorable and engaging way to differentiate yourself, build connection and trust, create new thinking, bring meaning to data, and even influence decision-making. But how do you turn a good story into a great story that informs, influences, and inspires?In The Perfect Story, Karen Eber—leadership consultant, professional keynote storyteller, and TED speaker—shares the science of storytelling to teach you to:Leverage the Five Factory Settings of the Brain to hack the art of storytellingBuild a toolkit of endless story ideasDefine the audience for your storyApply a memorable story structureEngage senses and emotionsTell stories with dataAvoid common storytelling mistakesUse your body to tell dynamic storiesEnsure your story doesn't manipulateNavigate and embrace the vulnerability of storytellingWithout relying on complicated models or one-size-fits-all prescriptions, this book makes storytelling accessible with practical and impactful steps for anyone to tell the perfect story for any occasion.Through interview vignettes, The Perfect Story also shares approaches from different storytellers, including the Sundance Institute cofounder, an executive producer of The Moth, the former creative director at Pixar, the TED Radio Hour podcast host, and many more.Whether you are leading a team, giving a presentation, hosting a podcast, selling a product or service, interviewing for a job, or giving a toast at a wedding, The Perfect Story will help you take your stories and make them perfect. Read more

From the preeminent historian of modern comedy comes an expansive history of showbiz and the culture wars There is a common belief that we live in unprecedented times, that people are too sensitive today, that nobody objected to the actions of actors, comedians, and filmmakers in the past. Modern pundits would have us believe that Americans of a previous generation had tougher skin and seldom complained. But does this argument hold up to scrutiny?  In Outrageous, celebrated cultural historian Kliph Nesteroff demonstrates that Americans have been objecting to entertainment for nearly two hundred years, sometimes rationally, often irrationally. Likewise, powerful political interests have sought to circumvent the arts using censorship, legal harassment, and outright propaganda. From Mae West through Johnny Carson, Amos ’n’ Andy through Beavis and Butt-Head, Outrageous chronicles the controversies of American show business and the ongoing attempts to change what we watch, read, and hear. Read more

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"Dive into the captivating world of Truman Capote with 'Feud: Capote vs. The Swans,' an enthralling exploration of one of literary history's most riveting sagas. Unveiling the true story behind the infamous rift that unfolded between the flamboyant maestro, Truman Capote, and his illustrious socialite friends known as 'The Swans,' this narrative is a compelling journey through the glittering realms of high society, glamour, and the relentless pursuit of truth.As the author of timeless classics like 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and 'In Cold Blood,' Capote's literary brilliance was unparalleled, yet it was his audacious decision to publish a tell-all chapter that shattered the delicate bonds of friendship with The Swans. Fueled by tales of graphic violence, sexual infidelity, and betrayal, 'Feud' explores the repercussions of this literary bombshell on Capote's life and legacy.Discover the intricate dynamics of Capote's relationships with socialite luminaries such as Barbara "Babe" Paley, Nancy "Slim" Keith, and Lee Radziwill. Peer into the opulent world of Manhattan's elite, where alliances crumbled, and loyalties were tested in the aftermath of Capote's daring exposé. Delve into the subsequent descent of Capote into a world of drugs, addiction, and social exile.Written with meticulous detail and cultural insight, 'Feud: Capote vs. The Swans' offers an intimate look at the life of Truman Capote, revealing the complex tapestry of his friendships, the controversies that defined his later years, and the enduring legacy of a literary feud that captivated the world.This true story unfolds against the backdrop of a bygone era, where glamour and betrayal dance hand in hand, leaving readers enthralled by the drama, secrets, and timeless allure of Truman Capote's tumultuous relationship with The Swans." Read more

Create Tough Guy Detectives and Femmes FatalesThe crime thriller first became popular in the 1930s and has been a best-selling genre ever since. Readers and viewers love stories about private investigators, police detectives, forensic pathologists, serial killers, gangsters, conmen and thieves.To write a crime thriller you need to know the conventions of the genre – what elements people expect to find and what plot structure you should use. In this book you will find analyses and templates to write novels or screenplays featuring:Private DetectivesGangsters and Gun MollsPolice Procedures & Forensic InvestigationSerial KillersUndercover CopsBurglars & ThievesConfidence TrickstersFilm Noir RomancePrisoners, Vigilantes & EnforcersIn these pages you will also learn the secrets of the buddy cop story and details about informants, interrogating suspects, surveillance & stake-outs, conducting missing person and murder investigations, and how to write a car chase. Read more

Want to learn how to make people laugh out loud?How to Make People Laugh is a book that targets regular comedians, such as you and me. It does not try to transform you into a professional comedian. Instead, it puts comedy in the spotlight of everyday life.With this book, you will learn techniques that you can easily incorporate at parties or even in regular banter with friends and colleagues.How to Make People Laugh maintains its hold on wholesome family goodness. After all, you are trying to create not just a comedic persona but an overall persona. You want people to see you a certain way. Are you Hilarious Harry, Dad Joke Diego, Sarcastic Sharon, or Deadpan Dan? All of those are better than Offensive Oona, Dirty Joke Dean, and Literal Lisa.This book will show you how to have a general sense of humor—or make full use of the one that you already have. After all, not all jokes are uproariously funny. Some can make you grin. Some can make you smile. So, if you start out making people smile, instead of making them laugh, you are on your way.In How to Make People Laugh, you will discover:The science of charismaHow you can develop confidence and charismaThe role of body language in the equationThe role of personality in the types of jokes and deliveryGuidelines to great improvExamples of possible improv responsesThe value of thinking on your feetLearning not to take yourself seriouslyUsing metaphors and definitionsPossible joke structures that you can followExamples for every joke styleCreating comedic personas with examplesAnd more!This book has ample illustrations and examples to get you started. It can be difficult if you are trying to jump from the quiet wallflower to the center of attention. However, you should know that some of the most famous comedians are introverts, and their thoughtfulness and observational skills create the best insightful and truthful material.If you are an extrovert, on the other hand, then you have the set of skills to be the life of the party. What you need to do is to learn how to listen. Good improv requires excellent listening skills.How to Make People Laugh is a book for anyone who wants to make the world a happier place.Scroll up and click “Buy Now”! Read more