Michael Ventura Book order

Set in 1914 Edendale, Los Angeles, the story follows Willie, a daring 16-year-old with a limited education, who sets fire to her family farmhouse. Disguised as a young woman, she seeks work at Mack Sennett's Keystone lot, where her talent for stunts earns her a role in early film comedies alongside iconic figures like Mabel Normand and Charlie Chaplin. As she thrives in the film industry, unexpected challenges arise, revealing her true strength and resilience.

'How to unlock our ability to design solutions, spark innovation, and solve tough challenges with empathy at the centre' - Arianna Huffington

In 1983, visionary film director John Cassavetes asked journalist Michael Ventura to write an on-set diary of the making of his film, Love Streams. The resulting book is an intimate portrait of Cassavetes and a unique insight into his filmmaking philosophy. It details the creation of Cassavetes' final film before his death - shot by shot, crisis by crisis. The book is packed with insider details and anecdotes about Cassavetes, his actors and his Hollywood peers. It is an essential read for students, filmmakers, film historians and all fans of contemporary cinema.