Church Of Baseball : The Making Of Bull Durham by Ron Shelton

Church Of Baseball : The Making Of Bull Durham by Ron Shelton

LA TIMES BESTSELLER

From the acclaimed screenwriter and director of the cult classic Bull Durham comes a captivating tale that takes readers behind the scenes of its making. With equal parts entertainment and education, this book offers a unique perspective on the art and business of filmmaking.

“This book teaches you how to create a masterpiece on the silver screen using sheer determination.” – Tony Gilroy, writer/director of Michael Clayton and The Bourne Legacy

“The church of baseball is the only place that truly nourishes the soul, every single day.” – Annie in Bull Durham

Widely regarded as the greatest sports movie ever made, Bull Durham was not an easy film to bring to life. In 1987, Ron Shelton, a first-time director, faced the challenge of securing funding for a movie centered around minor league baseball. Additionally, there were doubts about the potential of lead actor Kevin Costner and the fading star power of Susan Sarandon.

But against all odds, something extraordinary happened, and The Church of Baseball delves deep into the events that made it possible. Shelton takes readers on a journey that includes organizing a baseball camp for the actors, making on-set rewrites to key scenes, navigating a tight production schedule, and capturing the essence of the sport on camera.

In addition to this fascinating behind-the-scenes account, Shelton provides invaluable insights into the intricacies of moviemaking. He explores the various aspects of the film production process, from inception and financing to screenwriting, casting, directing, post-production, and release. Alongside these industry revelations, the author celebrates the unique allure of baseball and its indelible place in the world of sports.

Before his directorial debut, Shelton spent six years playing in the minor leagues, and his personal experiences lend depth to this remarkable book. With a blend of witty humor and profound observations, The Church of Baseball uncovers the extraordinary story behind the creation of a cinematic masterpiece.

The Church of Baseball

Good afternoon from beautiful scenic downtown Rancho Mirage, California! We are thrilled to have Ron Shelton, director and author, with us today to talk about his book “The Church of Baseball” and his movie “Bull Durham.” Shelton, a literary icon and former professional baseball player, shares his passion for storytelling and his experiences in the world of sports. Throughout the interview, Shelton discusses the theme of reckoning that is present in both the movie and his book. He explains how the characters force each other to confront their own reckoning and how this adds depth to the story. The conversation also touches on Shelton’s inspirations, favorite movies, and the obstacles he faced in getting “Bull Durham” made. Despite the challenges, the movie went on to be hailed as one of the best sports films ever made, thanks in part to its memorable soliloquies and thought-provoking themes.

The interview also delves into Shelton’s career beyond “Bull Durham,” discussing his work on other sports movies such as “White Men Can’t Jump,” “Cobb,” and “Tin Cup.” Shelton shares his love for the genre and how these movies allowed him to explore the human condition through the lens of sports. He expresses his desire to continue making movies and discusses the changing landscape of the industry. Shelton concludes by reflecting on his life and the support he received from his parents, who instilled in him a sense of open-mindedness and passion for pursuing his dreams. The interview ends with gratitude and admiration for Shelton’s contributions to the world of entertainment.

Bill Getty and Tom Mount, the hosts of the interview, express their appreciation for Shelton’s work and his ability to create meaningful and captivating stories. They acknowledge the impact his movies have had on audiences and thank him for his contributions to the industry. The interview ends with a reminder to embrace the fun and joy of show business, even in the face of obstacles.

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