Podcast: David McGiffert, Assistant Director

In this Film Ireland podcast, Paul Farren talks to Assistant Director David McGiffert about the film industry, his career and his book Best Seat in the House – An Assistant Director Behind the Scenes of Feature Films.

Film Ireland Podcast · David McGiffert, Assistant Director

Shooting a feature film is a fascinating and complex process. With his uniquely personal insight and experience, David McGiffert offers a captivating and entertaining view of moviemaking from the Best Seat in the House.

Drawing from over three decades as an assistant director, McGiffert charts a revealing and informative journey through the making of many major studio productions working with noted directors such as Robert Zemeckis, Tim Burton, Cameron Crowe, Sydney Pollack, Milos Forman, Peter Weir, Steve Zaillian, Jon Avnet, and Terry Gilliam, and top actors like Tom Cruise, Michael Fox, Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Michelle Pfeiffer, Paul Newman, Natalie Wood, Christopher Walken, and Robin Williams.

Illustrated with photographs from across the author’s cinematic career, this behind-the-scenes book is a must-read for casual moviegoers and committed film lovers alike.

Best Seat in the House – An Assistant Director Behind the Scenes of Feature Films

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David McGiffert

“I was raised in Los Angeles but never once thought about working in the film business – until a friend offered me a job in 1969, as the second assistant director on an independent feature. That one early film experience began a journey as a feature film assistant director that lasted for thirty-three years. The experiences I had and the people I met completely changed my life.

Part of the reason I decided to write a book was to share some of those experiences with people who are interested in knowing more about what happens behind the scenes as a feature film is being brought to life.”

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You can watch a recording of the conversation here: