Susan Knox Wilson
PebbleCreek Cinema Society Executive Director, Andrew (Andy) Friedenberg, has just published his first book, Celebrity War Stories. A former regional marketing director for United Artists, MGM, and Columbia Pictures, Andy provides us with a first-hand account of the trials and tribulations of working with movie stars and studio executives, and the challenging path to creating a hit movie. It’s a close-up and personal look only an insider would know, and it’s a wild journey!
Andy’s book contains charming, and sometimes alarming, stories of working with many celebrities such as Brooke Shields, Charlton Heston, and Dustin Hoffman, as well as famous directors like Francis Ford Coppola, Sydney Pollack, and Robert Zemeckis. The book is also filled with wonderful photos and mementos from the various movies Andy promoted during his career as a movie studio publicist.
The book, available on Amazon.com, is garnering 5-star reviews from readers, with comments like:
“This book was a fun and interesting read from a new perspective, that of Andy’s experience as a promoter in the movie industry. It was an easy read, very upbeat and positive compared to other profiles of famous people. I couldn’t put it down!”
“A peek into the vastly diverse marketing techniques, personal perspectives of well-known personalities, and accomplishments of Andrew Friedenberg’s journey and passion for the cinema industry.”
Andy will be back for the 2021-22 season of the PebbleCreek Cinema Society, beginning Thursday, Nov. 18. Season passes are available in the Activities Office at a cost of $125 for six events.
A typical Cinema Society program includes a cinema chat; formal introduction; screening of a feature film premiere, classic, documentary and/or short subject; followed by a discussion. The morning events can include a guest speaker, a critic, or occasionally an actor, director, or studio representative involved with the film’s production. Speakers share their expertise with you, providing a forum to discuss various aspects of the movie. All films screen at 10 a.m. sharp in the Renaissance Theater, unless noted otherwise.