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A Touch of the Madness

How to Be More Innovative in Work and Life . . . by Being a Little Crazy

By Lawrence Kasanoff
Published by BenBella Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book
Legendary movie producer Larry Kasanoff knows firsthand that massive success requires taking big risks—it paid off for him with blockbusters Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Dirty Dancing, and other feature films.

Now, he’s sharing behind-the-scenes stories and hard-won wisdom to help creatives thrive in any industry.

Larry will be the first to tell you that excelling in any creative field requires taking big risks. It means embracing your crazy side: the most unique, boldest, and bravest part of you, and your greatest asset when it comes to creating something truly original.

In A Touch of the Madness, Larry uses firsthand memories from working on some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, including Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Platoon, True Lies, Dirty Dancing, and the Mortal Kombat film series, to show you the three principles that form the foundation of a thriving career in any industry:

  • Create a great idea that will excite your audience

  • Ask as many times (and as many people) as it takes to get a “yes”

  • Play while you work—don’t forget to have fun

    Companies and organizations tend to be comfortable with the tried and true. But customers are attracted to what’s new, different, and better. To be innovative, you have to be a little crazy. A Touch of the Madness will help you embrace your wildest creative impulses and live your dreams—without anyone holding you back.

    • About The Author
    Lawrence Kasanoff

    Lawrence Kasanoff makes movies (Platoon, Terminator 2, True Lies, Mortal Kombat), animated movies (Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out), and theme park rides (Marvel Superheroes 4D, The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman). In terms of innovation, he has worked on films and rides that include the first hit movie made from a video game, the first movie to extensively use morphing, the first 3D steadicam (moving camera) shot, the first EDM (electronic dance music) platinum album, and many more.

    Product Details
    • Publisher: BenBella Books (September 12, 2023)
    • Length: 168 pages
    • ISBN13: 9781637744246

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    Raves and Reviews

    """There can be only one . . . Larry Kasanoff! He is right, embrace the crazy to be more creative. I love A Touch of the Madness!""
    —Christopher Lambert, star of Highlander

    ""E! has been reporting on Kasanoff and his movies for years, but we never got the real behind- the-scenes scoop—the literal method to his madness of creativity—until now.It's a fun, helpful read!""
    —Larry Namer, founder of E! Entertainment

    ""I loved and laughed at how Larry has navigated the choppy waters of Hollywood with A Touch of the Madness, and took away a whole new perspective on innovation. It inspired me to embrace the madness!""
    —CaptainSandyYawn, star of Bravo's Below Deck Mediterranean

    ""A Touch of the Madness has no charts, no graphs, no PowerPoint presentations, just a wealth of entertaining and eccentric stories that can reframe how you think about innovation for your business.""
    —Marty Pompadur, former chairman of News Corporation (Europe)

    ""I wish I could prescribe A Touch of the Madness—it will change the way you think about creativity, with the only side effect being you're having more fun. I recommend taking this asoften as needed.""
    —Blaise Aguirre, MD, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School

    ""Don't miss this hilarious tour of the secret underbelly of Hollywood! Larry Kasanoff's signature approach to getting things done is wild, magical, and ultimately meaningful.""
    —Pamela Meyer, author of Liespotting"

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    A Touch of the Madness

    How to Be More Innovative in Work and Life . . . by Being a Little Crazy

    By Lawrence Kasanoff
    Published by BenBella Books
    Distributed by Simon & Schuster