What I Really Want to Do Is Direct

This book was informative (I didn't know much about how movies are shot) and it was incredibly funny, moving and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It made me laugh out loud at times and when you're sitting on a NYC subway, people look at you strangely when you laugh out loud and no one is talking to you.

WIRWTDID is from the team of Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout and it is hilarious. I will also admit to not knowing what a focus puller is but by the end of this book, I know that job plus a whole lot more about the behind the scenes parts of movie making. But fair warning: since this is a chick lit style book, Roxanne has to wait until almost the end of the book to get her man. It's fast paced, it's funny and it's well worth hunting down.

In Toronto, though one of the lowest in the film-making hierarchy as a camera focus grunt, Roxanne Hasting dreams as she has for two decades since she was thirteen of directing her own movie one day. Still she knows she must pay her dues and so goes about her grunt work of insuring the camera focuses on the actors. During a break from her job, a miracle happens as Rox is given the opportunity to direct a short The Lobby, a screenplay written by her best friend Libby. However, Rox quickly finds the duel roles as director and cinematographer overwhelming and her experiences lacking for either job. Still she will go 24/7 to insure she swims not sinks as this is a once in a lifetime chance. A second time may not be forthcoming if she fails this chance at achieving her dream and that of Libby's. Rox's dream serves as an allegory that achieving worthy Big Hairy Audacious Goals means hard work that can interfere with other objectives especially in one's personal life, but if it is that important one will set priorities accordingly. Rox (and Libby) brings humor and eccentricity to the story as the wannabe director gives up much to accomplish her goal although some of the thorny folks she works with make even a dreamer question the price. This is a terrific insightful character study encouraging individuals to follow your dream. Harriet Klausner