Description:
"I traveled through the seven levels of the candy cane forest, past the sea of swirly-twirly gumdrops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel..."
Ever since Elf hit theaters, audiences around the world have fallen in love with the story of Buddy, the charming (and oversized) "elf " with a heart of gold. But what most people don't know is that when the screenplay first hit Hollywood, no studio was willing to touch it. How, then, did such a risky gamble turn into one of the most beloved Christmas classics of all time?
In this laugh-out-loud oral history, comedian and costar Andy Richter goes on a mission to find out by reconnecting with the very people who brought this magical vision to life. Through exclusive interviews, hilarious anecdotes, and heartfelt reflections with key players like Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, director Jon Favreau, and many others, Andy ultimately unwraps the story of how a quirky holiday film about a human raised by elves became such an enduring cultural phenomenon.
Packed with never-before-seen photos, behind-the-scenes secrets, a foreword by Buddy himself (aka Will Ferrell), and a sprinkle of festive fun, this book is the perfect gift for anyone who believes in the magic of Christmas--and knows that the best way to spread holiday cheer is by singing loud for all to hear.
Brief description: AARON KARO is a comedian, screenwriter, author, and podcaster. His books include Ruminations on College Life, Ruminations on Twentysomething Life, I'm Having More Fun Than You, Lexapros and Cons, Galgorithm, and the #1 New York Times bestseller The Hidden Power of F*cking Up. He has developed television series for many studios and networks, and starred in his own one-hour Comedy Central stand-up special. He is based in Los Angeles.
Review Quotes:
Charming, funny, and full of the kind of behind-the-scenes info that makes for a really good making-of book, this is an absolute must-read for fans of the movie. - Booklist
A smart, fun, gift-able chronicle of a holiday gem. - Kirkus
As a cast member in Elf, Richter gives readers intimate access to the entire process. The writing has a behind-the-scenes quality... Fans of Richter will appreciate that his humor is intact throughout. Fans of Elf will get a delicious deep dive into the making of a beloved holiday classic, as well as glimpses of early-2000s filmmaking. It earns its place on the library shelf and the 'nice' list. - Library Journal
Packed with fun facts about the production and beyond, this is essential reading for fans. - Publishers Weekly