2024 the best man film series review

Price: $16.95
(as of Nov 27, 2024 00:07:09 UTC - Details)

One L meets You'll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again

In this comic and moving and completely true tale, Film School reveals what life is like at the elite school that trained Hollywood's biggest names.

When Midwestern journalist Steve Boman applied to the University of Southern California's vaunted School of Cinematic Arts, the world's oldest and most prestigious film school, he had more than a few strikes against him: His wife was recovering from thyroid cancer. His beloved sister had just died of leukemia. He lost his job. He had three young children. He was in his late 30s…. And he had no experience in filmmaking.

As Boman navigates his way through USC's arduous three-year graduate production program, he finds that his films fall flat, he's threatened with being kicked out of the program and he becomes the old guy no one wants to work with. Defeated, he quits and moves back to the Midwest to be with his family. After he is urged by his wife to reapply, he miraculously gets in for a second time...only to have a stroke on the first day of classes. But instead of doing the easy thing – running away again -- Boman throws caution to the wind and embraces the challenge. He slowly becomes a gray-haired Golden Boy at USC with films that sparkle. And then he does the impossible: While still in school, for a class project, he dreams up a television series that CBS catches wind of and develops into THREE RIVERS, a primetime Sunday night show.

This story of challenge and triumph—and what it takes to make it in the world's most famous film school—is a must-read for anyone aspiring to become a Hollywood great or anyone just looking for a good story.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ BenBella Books (November 1, 2011)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1936661055
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1936661053
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.95 x 9 inches
Reviewer: John M. Grant IV
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Better than Walter Isaacson's "Steve Jobs"
Review: I just finished reading Steve Boman's "Film School" yesterday. I finished Walter Isaacson's "Steve Jobs" about two weeks ago. I read "Film School" in about eight hours - and it was much more entertaining than "Steve Jobs." "Film School" is not a deep book, nor did it necessarily change my life, but it is great fun! There were various vignettes where I was laughing out loud.I was drawn to "Film School" for personal reasons, as I had made a career change like Boman at about his same age (late 30's). I attempted to transition from teaching to architecture, ending up pursuing a career as a portrait artist. I have yet to make it big like Boman did. It was enlightening to read how he hit it big-time, even while he was still in school.Boman's voice through the book is humorous, and tongue-in-cheek. I am surprised that none of the reviewers mention the clash between his conservatism and the ubiquitous liberalism found at USC Film School. This makes for interesting reading, as Boman wass really just being authentic in his studies- and from time to time he faced outright prejudice and reverse-discrimination for his values. What shines through in his student film work are not his values, but his burgeoning excellence as a novice film maker and writer. As I read, I found myself exulting in his victories, and hoping that he would make it through his various intense trials such as a stroke and his wife facing thyroid cancer. These dramatic parts of his book were especially compelling to me since my wife almost died with four back surgeries seven years ago as I obtained my masters of Architecture. Overall, I recommend this stirring book as a great piece of escapist cinema which may just inspire you to take the leap and follow your dreams.

Reviewer: Mitsuhiro Sakai
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Good read!
Review: I was another 40 something student in USC: SCA.Oh, I remember how tough the class called 508 was, and I remember how wonderful Steve & Dan's films of 508, when I read this book.The film school is a tough place, especially for middle aged people to adapt. So, I had thought I had really hard time to graduate USC: SCA. But I start to think again after reading this book. IMHO, Steve's experience was harder (and he got better result, BTW). At least, I got great support from my classmates from day 1. I am really grad he graduated the school at last (I still remember he danced a strange dance shouting "I've done!", in front of me at the end of Spring semester of 2009).Anyway, the experience in the school is so different for each student. This is Steve's story. And there are so many other colorful stories in USC: SCA.I have some different opinions about the school/teachers/students of USC. But it is from my point of view through my experience, and this is the story about his experience which is true for him. I don't doubt it. And, I believe that another different experience is waiting for newbies.I hope this book will convince people who want to learn movie making to apply our school.

Reviewer: Mike Cohn
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Entertaining memoir of changing your career to fulfill a dream
Review: Fascinating account of what it's like to attend USC's legendary film school and learn the craft of moviemaking as a change of career after years spent in journalism (and a stint transporting human organs for transplant recipients). The story takes you through Steve Boman's experiences, from his initial confusion to his growing comfort and familiarity with the tools of filmmaking and appreciation of his fellow students. As a longtime journalist who dreamed of going into filmmaking at a young age, but never tried it, reading this book is almost like a vicarious wish fulfillment. However, there are also plenty of anecdotes of disappointments, family emergencies, medical concerns and near catastrophes along the way to keep you guessing how it's all going to turn out. A really inspiring book to read and entertaining to boot.

Reviewer: D Ernser
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: An enlightening peak behind the curtain
Review: As the parent of a child who went to a private film school this really gave me an insight into how challenging film school is, at any level. Many of the things these students did for their MFA were things my child did for her BFA. It's really an eye opening preview into the expectations of a film student, and knowing he completed his degree and sold a series while handling health issues a younger man/woman would not even begin to understand, gives the reader even more respect for his accomplishments. This is a very engaging book, easy read and educational. While some people may not agree with his perspective, one only need remember/understand, this is the writers experience. It is also very interesting to see what goes into getting a tv or movie project from a concept to the screen. It's not a process for the impatient or weak of heart. I enjoyed reading this book, and think many others will find it entertaining as well. On a side note, I also think his willingness to be so open about his experience speaks volumes to his character. Well done!

Reviewer: Lois A. Johnson
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Survival of the Fittest
Review: This book reminded me of the experiences our son had while his wife attended USC School of Social Work from 2006-2009 and they lived in LA.They were gobsmacked by intensity of her program and lived in a fairly challenging neighborhood. Our family visited several times during the 3 years they were in LA and we worried about their ability to survive as 22 year old kids from a homogenous country lifestyle!They had a thrilling time from 2006-2009. It seems like the author had an eye opening time living in LA as he attended USC Film School.The book is thoughtful and well written. I really enjoyed reading it and knowing that the author survived the school and went on the write a network show!

Reviewer: Shyla
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Amazing, I even got a signed copy!