John Badham on Directing: Notes from the Set of Saturday Night Fever, WarGames, and More - Softcover

"John Badham On Directing" is a practical and no-nonsense guide to the directing of motion pictures from an experienced and talented professional.
--John Landis, Director, "Animal House", "The Blues Brothers", "Trading Places"
"I always felt the essence of cinema was the coming together of acting and writing. There are many books on the topics related to directing, but I feel that John Badham's first section on acting is worth its weight in gold. There are many skills involved in making a motion picture, but few so important as working with (and understanding) the actors. That's probably why of all the migrations possible to become a director, few are as successful or plentiful as that of actor to director. This book clearly lays out truthful principles in helping an actor achieve his goals in a way I've never seen before. The other two sections are full of helpful tips as well, but Part 1 is essential for anyone who is serious about directing"
Francis Coppola

"Insights from one of the greats. Imagine sitting with Badham and asking every question you had on the craft. It's a treasure trove of invaluable tools and tips."
--J.J. Abrams, Director, Mission: Impossible III, Star Trek, Super 8

"John Badham has always delivered spectacular pieces of cinematic action remains a master at staging it and breaking it down. He has a clean, crisp sense of storytelling and an unerring sense of motion and power. It is a privilege to have his legacy handed down upon a new generation of filmmakers."

GUILLERMO DEL TORO
Pacific Rim, Pan's Labyrinth
""I always felt the essence of cinema was the coming together of acting and writing. There are many books on the topics related to directing, but I feel that John Badham's first section on acting is worth its weight in gold. There are many skills involved in making a motion picture, but few so important as working with (and understanding) the actors. That's probably why of all the migrations possible to become a director, few are as successful or plentiful as that of actor to director. This book clearly lays out truthful principles in helping an actor achieve his goals in a way I've never seen before. The other two sections are full of helpful tips as well, but Part 1 is essential for anyone who is serious about directing""
Francis Coppola

""Insights from one of the greats. Imagine sitting with Badham and asking every question you had on the craft. It's a treasure trove of invaluable tools and tips.""
--J.J. Abrams, Director, Mission: Impossible III, Star Trek, Super 8

""John Badham has always delivered spectacular pieces of cinematic action remains a master at staging it and breaking it down. He has a clean, crisp sense of storytelling and an unerring sense of motion and power. It is a privilege to have his legacy handed down upon a new generation of filmmakers.""

GUILLERMO DEL TORO
Pacific Rim, Pan's Labyrinth

Veteran director John Badham explains the elements of action and suspense and dissects the essentials of any good scene from any genre. Badham’s list of “12 Questions You Must Ask Before Stepping On Set” is an absolute must in any filmmaker’s toolbox. Whether actor, director, cinematographer, production designer, or any other creative, Badham gives you the tools to deconstruct and solve scenes that either don’t work or need sharpening. Continuing the work begun in his best-selling book I’ll Be In My Trailer, Badham shares more insights into working with difficult actors, rehearsal techniques, and getting the best performance from your cast.