The Amazing Story of a Small Time Filmmaker
Who Writes the Screenplay, Raises the Production Budget, Directs,
and Distributes the #2 Movie of the Year

A light breeze rippled the tall grasses around the aging gray mansion. A single Indian Paintbrush danced a bit and then, again, grew still. I knew how it must feel, out there by itself. This was going to be a lonely vigil. The risk and responsibility were all mine and the weight of it scared me a little, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. This was my time! I had worked and waited forever, it seemed, for this moment. And now it was here. The cameras were about to roll.— Joe Camp

Foreword

A wise elder once said, “You can't tell a book by its cover.”

He or she must have been referring to Who Needs Hollywood.

If you want or expect a namedropping foray through Tinsel Town, or a nice cute tale about dogs by the guy in 1974 who forged the first Benji movie almost with his bare hands, you won't be too disappointed as author Joe Camp does throw in a few names and battles with stereotypical Hollywood forms and other more conventional devices.

But the Hollywood glamour days are almost secondary, the theatrical drama virtually anti-climactic. In a strange, strong, compelling sense, the book is not about the making of a Hollywood movie. It is about faith....having faith in what you can do, in hanging on.

It also is a love story, for Joe's first wife Carolyn, a college sweetheart who died too young but believed in him and for his present wife Kathleen. It is about strength and memories and family and remembering what his dad taught him about talent and perseverance long before he approached movie making. It is about the importance of little things like trust, observation, caring, really observing, questioning, mentoring, and doing something one believes in with someone one cares about, not just making money for the sake of the coins collected. It is not a pompous, presumptive, egocentric piece about success on the surface but more about feeling and finding and forming. Camp's previous best seller, The Soul of a Horse used a similar approach: horse training as a way to explore the real human soul.

Camp occasionally gives us some clues about himself and his motivation for life, not just a springboard for screenplays and books. He writes, for example, "Given a choice, I simply prefer to believe, rather than doubt, what people tell me. I prefer faith to suspicion. So, I tend to thwart what little intuition I might have with an assumption that people are largely caring, honest, intelligent and understanding."

Sometimes, we literally have trouble seeing things from others' points of view. It was hard to convince potential backers that Benji could act, that he was the star. A Dallas newspaper reviewer never mentioned the pooch when on the set to do a story; "big people" had to be the star." Camp, however, finally sold the idea that emotions and feelings can be transmitted and revealed via a small canine.

The conscientious reader wanting much more than the typical Hollywood celebrity story need not despair or search any longer. He or she will find it in what Camp has written.

Jack L. Kennedy
August 31, 2010
for The Joplin Independent

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“This book is absolutely fabulous! An amazing, amazing book. You’re going to love it.” Janet Parshall’s America

“One cannot help but be touched by Camp’s love and sympathy for animals and by his eloquence on the subject.” Michael Korda, The Washington Post

“The Hollywood glamour days are almost secondary, the theatrical drama virtually anti-climactic. In a strange, strong, compelling sense, the book is not about the making of a Hollywood movie. It is about faith....having faith in what you can do, in hanging on. The conscientious reader wanting much more than the typical Hollywood celebrity story need not despair or search any longer. He or she will find it in what Camp has written.” Jack L. Kennedy, The Joplin Independent

"I wish you could hear my excitement for Joe Camp's new book. It is unique, powerful, needed." Dr. Marty Becker, best-selling author of several Chicken Soup for the Soul books and popular veterinary contributor to ABC's Good Morning America

"“Joe Camp is a gifted storyteller and the results are magical. Joe entertains, educates and empowers, baring his own soul.” Rick Lamb, Author and TV/Radio host “The Horse Show”

"This book is fantastic It has given me shivers, made me laugh and cry, and I just can't seem to put it down!" Cheryl Pannier, WHO Radio AM 1040 Des Moines

"“Joe Camp is a natural when it comes to understanding how animals tick and a genius at telling us their story. His books are must-reads for those who love animals of any species.” Monty Roberts, Author of New York Times Best-seller The Man Who Listens to Horses

 "Joe speaks a clear and simple truth that grabs hold of your heart." Yvonne Welz, Editor, The Horse's Hoof Magazine

“Joe Camp has done it again. He grabs our attention right away, makes us laugh, cry, and believe in the possibility of all good things. A smart man, with a true gift of storytelling, Joe Camp brings us along for the ride, inspiring this reader to stay true to her passions. We laugh, struggle and cry with him. A really good read!!!!! Thanks, Joe!!” Marjorie Samuels - Reader

"I got my book yesterday and hold Joe Camp responsible for my bloodshot eyes. I couldn't put it down and morning came early!!! Joe transports me into his words. I feel like I am right there sharing his experiences. And his love for not just horses, but all of God's critters pours out from every page.” Ruth Swander – Reader

“I love this book! It is so hard to put it down, but I also don't want to read it too fast. I don't want it to end! Every person who loves an animal must have this book. I can't wait for the next one !!!!!!!!!” Nina Black Reid – Reader

“I LOVED the book! I had it read in 2 days. I had to make myself put it down. Joe and Kathleen have brought so much light to how horses should be treated and cared for. Again, thank you!” Anita Large - Reader

“LOVE the new book… reading it was such an emotional journey. Joe Camp is a gifted writer.” MaryKay Thul Longacre - Reader

“I was actually really sad, when I got to the last page, because I was looking forward to picking it up every night.” Sabine Reynoso - Reader

“The Soul of a Horse Blogged is insightful, enlightening, emotionally charged, hilarious, packed with wonderfully candid photography, and is masterfully woven by a consummate storyteller. Wonderful reading!” Harry H. MacDonald - Reader

"I simply love the way Joe Camp writes. He stirs my soul. This is a must read book for everyone.” Debbie K - Reader

“This book swept me away. From the first to last page I felt transported! It’s clever, witty, inspiring and a very fast read. I was sad when I finished it because I wanted to read more!” Debbie Chartrand - Reader

“This book is an amazing, touching insight into Joe and Kathleen's personal journey that has an even more intimate feel than Joe’s first best seller.” Katherine Bowen – Reader

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