But What I Really Want to Do Is Direct Lessons from a Life Behind the Camera

Celebrated and award-winning film and TV director Ken Kwapis's Hollywood memoir dives into what it takes to be successful in today's fast-changing and wildly chaotic entertainment world

Ken Kwapis has worked for more than thirty years in Hollywood. With time has come experience, and with experience he has charted a career full of hits, from The Office to The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and become one of the most reliable and sought after directors in show business. He didn't start there. He struggled just like everyone else. Using his experience and inside knowledge of the business, But What I Really Want to Do is Direct is Ken Kwapis's take on William Goldman's classic Adventures in the Screen Trade, but from the Director's point of view.

The book tackles common Hollywood myths through Ken's lively and highly entertaining experiences. It's a rollercoaster ride through the entertainment business fueled by battles over budgets, temperamental actors, and the passion that makes it all worthwhile. This humorous and poignant memoir is filled with positive instruction, hilarious outtakes, tutelage, and joy. It's also a celebration of movies and TV, and what it takes to succeed in show business on your own terms.

"Good luck finding a more kind, passionate, and talented director alive than Ken. Seriously, good luck." -Tig Notaro

"Ken Kwapis knows just how to reach people. In the years that I was fortunate to work with him on Malcolm in the Middle, he had an uncanny ability to guide actors right to the heart of a scene and reveal its truths... This book is a 'must read' for anyone seriously considering a career as a director in film and television." -Bryan Cranston

Celebrated and award-winning film and TV director Ken Kwapis's Hollywood memoir dives into what it takes to be successful in today's fast-changing and wildly chaotic entertainment world

For over three decades, director Ken Kwapis has charted a career full of exceptional movies and television, from seminal shows like The Of?ce to beloved ?lms like He's Just Not That Into You. He is among the most respected directors in show business, but getting there wasn't easy. He struggled just like everyone else. With each triumph came the occasional faceplant. Using his background and inside knowledge, But What I Really Want To Do is Direct tackles Hollywood myths through Ken's highly entertaining experiences. It's a rollercoaster ride fueled by brawls with the top brass, clashes over budgets, and the passion that makes it all worthwhile.

This humorous and refreshingly personal memoir is ?lled with inspiring instruction, behind-the-scenes hilarity, and unabashed joy. It's a celebration of the director's craft, and what it takes to succeed in show business on your own terms.

Good luck finding a more kind, passionate, and talented director alive than Ken. Seriously, good luck. -Tig Notaro

Ken Kwapis knows just how to reach people. In the years that I was fortunate to work with him on Malcolm in the Middle, he had an uncanny ability to guide actors right to the heart of a scene and reveal its truths... This book is a 'must read' for anyone seriously considering a career as a director in film and television. -Bryan Cranston

For over three decades, director Ken Kwapis has charted a career full of exceptional movies and television, from seminal shows like The Office to beloved films like He's Just Not That Into You. He is among the most respected directors in show business, but getting there wasn't easy. He struggled just like everyone else. With each triumph came the occasional faceplant. Using his background and inside knowledge, But What I Really Want To Do is Direct tackles Hollywood myths through Ken's highly entertaining experiences. It's a rollercoaster ride fueled by brawls with the top brass, clashes over budgets, and the passion that makes it all worthwhile.

This humorous and refreshingly personal memoir is filled with inspiring instruction, behind-the-scenes hilarity, and unabashed joy. It's a celebration of the director's craft, and what it takes to succeed in show business on your own terms.

Ken Kwapis always brought out the best in the actors on The Office. Whenever Ken was directing, I always felt safe to go out on a limb and take chances, knowing he had my back. Every aspiring director should read this book. (I can think of several "professional" directors that should read it too ) -Jenna Fischer

A vital, magnificent manifesto on the art and craft of directing, written with emotional, instinctual and intellectual depth by one of America's most beloved film and television directors -Amber Tamblyn

In the years that I was fortunate to work with Ken on Malcolm in the Middle, he had an uncanny ability to guide actors right to the heart of a scene and reveal its truths. He admits that he doesn't have all the answers, he'll make mistakes, and at times he'll struggle, but as he says in the book, 'It's the struggle to get it right that makes us human.' -Bryan Cranston

Good luck finding a more kind, passionate, and talented director alive than Ken. Seriously, good luck. -Tig Notaro

"'Action ' is what most directors bark out to begin a scene. But Ken Kwapis starts by gently intoning the words 'Go ahead...' That simple suggestion assures everyone they're in smart, capable, humble hands. That's how you'll feel reading this book. And so, if you're anxious to discover how a top director always brings humor, honesty, and humanity to his work, all I can tell you is...Go ahead. -Larry Wilmore