For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers

My Meeting With Director Mark Rydell

Funny how things happen. Last Tuesday, I searched for a new and interesting place to work, and drove through Long Beach, and San Pedro (CA). I found my way to Palos Verdes ending up at a Starbucks overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

An hour into sipping coffee, writing, and staring out at what is a captivating site, I met a booklover and struck up a conversation. She introduced herself as Mari-Anne Kehler, wife of actor Eddie Kehler.

Mari-Anne and I talked about books; I shared about my books, iFOGO Village (reader/writer network), the world of publishing, and the state of films today. Near the end of our nearly half-hour exchange, she invited me to a very special Q&A session Eddie was scheduled to host with famed director, Mark Rydell. The small, informal gathering was to be held Saturday, 9/11 at the New Collective LA in Hollywood. Of course, I accepted.

For those of you unfamiliar with the work of Mark Rydell, the following:

The New Collective LA presents An afternoon with Mark Rydell

Q&A with Mark Rydell, the Oscar nominated director (On Golden Pond, The Rose) and

actor, at the New Collective LA. Mark is also the Co-Artistic Director, along with Martin

Landau, of the Actors Studio West.

His career spans some six decades and encompasses his

training (with Sandford Meisner, Lee Strasberg),

Broadway and film work with artists such as Steve

McQueen, John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Katherine Hepburn,

Bette Midler, James Caan, Robert Altman, Woody Allen, Sissy Spacek and many

others.

After meeting, and briefly chatting with Mr. Rydell, I joined roughly twenty other invitees in a remarkable, informative, and enlightening session lasting nearly three hours. The wide-ranging discussion not only focused on his amazing career but on the craft of acting, and more.

Following his comments on one of his favorite directorial assignments, "The Cowboys," starring John Wayne, I had a chance to pose a question. Mr Rydell mentioned that 'The Cowboys' was adapted by Irving Ravetch (of HUD fame and others) from an unpublished book.

My question: Mr. Rydell, as a writer I would like to know how you reconcile any potential differences with the intent of the novelist, and your vision of the book's adaptation for film. (paraphrased)

Mr. Rydell: (paraphrased) I always try to stress the importance of collaboration. I have a deep respect for writers, and am awed by their ability to turn a blank page into something so alive and captivating. So, I always approach this as a partnership. Of course, I am responsible for making final decisions. (smile)

While both the question and the answer were a bit more complex, that is the substance of the exchange.

Needless to say, I came away inspired and informed in more ways than I can express here. At the end of the session, I presented Eddie with a copy of my newly-released softcover of "I Never Played Catch With My Father." It is only incidental that he was clutching the book, as he and Mr. Rydell (who is still working) continued their conversation.