• John Badham on Directing

  • Notes from the Sets of Saturday Night Fever, WarGames, and More
  • By: John Badham
  • Narrated by: John Badham
  • Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (337 ratings)

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John Badham on Directing  By  cover art

John Badham on Directing

By: John Badham
Narrated by: John Badham
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Editorial reviews

Aspiring young directors will find a plethora of practical advice and behind-the-scenes anecdotes in prolific film and TV director John Badham's insightful book.

Badham's inviting, spirited performance of his own work guides the listener through these detailed and often entertaining accounts about extracting the best performances from actors, handling adversity on sets, and establishing healthy, collaborative relationships with casts and crews.

Film buffs or anyone with a fleeting interest in craft of directing will find this to be a must-listen.

Publisher's summary

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.

©2013 John Badham (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

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What listeners say about John Badham on Directing

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Actually about leadership

Funny. I wasn't looking for a book about directing, but actually there are leadership lessons in here. Also I'm following acting lessons (very amateur, but nevertheless) and it's interesting to hear how top actors prepare for movies.

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5 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

Excellent

This would be a great book to review before starting a big project or even something on a smaller scale. There are points in the book that I feel help first time directors and directors that are looking to remember what they might've messed up on the first time.

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Very informative and well written and narrated.

a very good tool for all budding directors. I will check the checklist each time I direct a short film. excellent. I'm glad I bought this book.

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4 people found this helpful

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There's a lot packed in here.

Great listening and learning experience. Massive amount of information packed into this book. John Badham does an excellent job of condensing his experience and heartfelt observations into this package. Loved it!

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Good book for filmmakers

Well read with a lot of gems in directing and filmmaking. The author speaks with truth as of course these are his words and experiences.

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The companion to Ron Howard’s Masterclass

Where Howard showed you how to shoot a scene multiple ways, Badham fills in all the gaps. Together they’re as good as any film school.

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Effective Directing Cues

Learned so much. John Badham includes tips from a host of other Directors, as well.

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One of the best audiobook Filmmaking and Directing

One of the best audiobook Filmmaking and Directing by Legendary Director John Badham. Every movie he directed is so good to watch. loved it.

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Film Directing Master

If you are serious about being a feature film director than this book is a MUST READ. You will love it! John does a wonderful job breaking down the essential skills you need to have to be an effective and respected director. It is chalk full of film examples, check lists and detailed explantions on how to bring your “A Game” to set. After you read (or listen) to this book then go and find John’s other book “I’ll Be in My Trailer: The Creative Wars Between Directors and Actors.” Also a must read. There are hundreds of film books out there and I have read a lot of them, but this should be right at the top of your list without question. I read it at least once a year. I met John in 2019 at a DGA workshop. He could not have been a more kind and insghtful person. I hope to have him on the “Filmmaking Friends” podcast in January 2023. Do not waste another second. READ THIS BOOK!

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Fun, Informative, and Relevant

Great book by John Badham. Plenty of incredible tips, lots of wisdom, and awesome references. Passionate, exciting, and easy to understand.

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