Magic Time

My Life in Hollywood

By: Hawk Koch

Narrated by: Hawk Koch

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 50th 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.

©2019 Hawk Koch (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing

A wonderful Hollywood story

This audio book was a true delight! I finished it in three days, as Hawk's stories are fascinating and fast paced. I loved hearing all of his Hollywood stories told through the complicated lens of being the son of a Hollywood legend. It is a beautifully honest book about those struggles, with his father and other relationships. His story of perseverance and self-discovery are quite inspirational. And at this point in his career...he has become a Hollywood legend in his own right...his way. Through extremely hard work, good taste and great relationships he has succeeded on every level. Plus the stories of so many classic films, from someone on the inside, was highly entertaining. And he has a wonderful voice!

Magic Time IS PURE MAGIC!

I absolutely loved the audio book, Magic Time: My Life in Hollywood, discovering both insight and humor in its pages. Its approximately 8 hours in listening length. I have to admit, I binge-listened to the audio book in less than 2 days. It was so damn entertaining!

Director Mike Nichols told me that “storytelling is all about putting the emphasis on the story in the right place.” In the audio book, Hawk knows exactly where he’s taking the listener and proves to be a natural storyteller. With his timbered yet vulnerable voice, Hawk weaves a helluva tale that sparkles with his impersonations of such luminaries as Roman Polanski, Jack Nicholson, Robert Evans, and Robert DeNiro. It’s a hoot but it’s also poignant.

A legend in the entertainment business, Hawk Koch has worked on some of the most popular and influential movies of our time: Rosemary’s Baby, Chinatown, The Way We Were, Heaven Can Wait, Wayne’s World, Keeping the Faith, and Primal Fear.

Hawk Koch was under 25 and working for B-movie Producer, William Castle, when he came upon the manuscript for Rosemary’s Baby. Hawk was such a champion for the material that he convinced his boss to get on a plane that very afternoon to fly to New York City. Within 24 hours, the production company had acquired the rights to what would become a classic, elegant horror movie directed by Roman Polanski.

I am recommending this audio book to everyone! It's just that GOOD!

Great Listen!

The Life Story of Hawk Koch was incredibly interesting and written with humility, humor
and honesty. And Mr. Koch has A GREAT Voice (I fell a little bit in love with his voice actually ❤️

I really loved how Hawk did not edit out his emotions, ie; tears of joy when he talks about the birth of each one of his 3 kids, other proud moments and tears of loss and sorrow as well. Don’t get me wrong, its not like he sobs or anything but its clear that he is choked up or teary eyed.

Oh yeah and then of course theres a TON of inside celebrity scoop, inside industry scoop.

interesting

Some great Hollywood stories and an earnest emotional reckoning. I found it to be enjoyable.

Not your vapid HOLLYWOOD tell-all book.

Highly recommended, well written and honest. Fascinating history of growing up in Hollywood and working hard to succeed and thrive.
Terrific cast of movie stars and industry colleagues that Mr Koch has worked with and the experiences that they afforded.
These encounters are so vivid and elucidating and well edited that you wish there were more.
Mr Koch narrates beautifully.
I have listened to hundreds of Audible presentations, this is a winner!