Hollywood is the subject of two recent books published by faculty from the UCLA School of Public Affairs, each taking on their subject from a different angle.

"Hollywood in Wide Angle: How Directors View Filmmaking" (Scarecrow Press), written by social welfare emeritus professor Jack Rothman, consists of personal interviews with 30 directors who, under the condition of anonymity, spoke frankly, revealing points of view not often seen in print, Rothman said.

Several of the filmmakers, such as Gilbert Cates ("I Never Sang for My Father," "The Promise") and John Landis ("National Lampoon's Animal House," "The Blues Brothers"), spoke on the record as well, candidly discussing the process of making a movie from script to finished product within the confines of the "Hollywood moviemaking machine," according to Rothman, author of more than 25 books.

Applying social science techniques used in his distinguished career as an academic researcher, Rothman asked the directors questions -- in a 12-part survey -- ranging from "What are the main problems you face working in Hollywood?" and "What can directors do to raise the quality of American film?" to "In what ways can directors protect their creative freedom against studio encroachment?" and "How can more women and minorities move into the director's chair?"

Rothman's in-depth interviews document wider sociological forces that both limit and facilitate the creative process in the highly competitive world of filmmaking. The book also reveals some of the directors' tactical tricks in helping to make the final cut their own.

"On Hollywood: The Place, The Industry" (Princeton University Press), written by Allen J. Scott, Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Geography at UCLA, explores the reasons behind the industry's concentration in Hollywood and its persistence as a center of moviemaking despite the effects of globalization.

Starting with Hollywood's early days through the present, Scott explains why the industry, which first looked to New York, shifted production to Southern California in the very early part of the 20th century.

Using the tools of economic geography, Scott also points out the competitive advantages that the area has enjoyed since its beginnings and the cultural and political issues associated with globalization.

Scott's book is intended to appeal to a wide audience, ranging from those with a general interest in the motion picture industry to professionals in business and academics.

The UCLA School of Public Affairs (formerly the UCLA School of Public Policy and Social Research) was established in 1994 with the department of public policy along with two long-standing departments, social welfare (1949), and urban planning (1969). This year the school recognizes its decade of achievements with the theme, "Together Celebrating 10 Years of Leadership."