Hawk Koch is a renowned film producer who has served as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He has produced some of the most iconic films of all time, including The Way We Were, Chinatown, Heaven Can Wait, Gorky Park, and Wayne’s World, among many others. He was born into the business, the son of legendary Howard W. Koch, who ran Frank Sinatra’s production company, was head of Paramount Studios, and was president of the Academy. Growing up, Hawk was dealt an immense amount of privilege and was met with the challenge of living up to his father’s name. Howard wasn’t communicative with his children, which left Hawk a sizable hole in the experience of who he was.
Just shy of his fiftieth birthday, Hawk realized that he was depressed, a mess, and unfulfilled. Following the advice of a friend, Hawk visited a rabbi. “Who are you?” the rabbi asked. Driving home, Hawk realized he was about to find out. Hawk was finally able to confront his inner demons and reevaluate his life, and he was bar mitzvah-ed for the first time.
Magic Time: My Life in Hollywood is the story of a father and a son and the lasting impact that that relationship carries, against the backdrop of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
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“Most every filmmaker of substance, including myself, have wanted Hawk to be on their team. Selfishly, not altruistically, we know what Hawk brings to the party. His multitude of extraordinary incidents make for an inspirational, sometimes hilarious, behind-the-scenes, never told, exciting read.”
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Robert Evans, producer and author of The Kid Stays in the Picture