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 films 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. 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.

"I met David while preparing to make Vanilla Sky, a challenging New York movie that would star Tom Cruise. Cruise himself had told me about McGiffert. They'd worked together several times (as you'll read in McGiff's terrific accounts to follow) and Cruise indicated that we'd be lucky to get him. "He's the best."

• Cameron Crowe