The novel delves into the process of creating a film from its conception to its release, and draws on Hanks' own experiences in the movie business. He shared some anecdotes, including a story about how he sometimes watches his old movies on TV and critiques his own performances.
"There's a moment that comes where a single cog in the machinery has not had time to prepare or dares to make a mistake, and guess what? You're waiting for that moment to come. The pressure, I think, could be back-breaking on anybody," he said."That can also mean an actor who hasn't really thought through the moment, or a director who hasn't really— who freezes, or a lens that is not in the kit that needs to go in the camera.
"It was the most depressing time on a set I've ever had," Hanks said."Everyone was just sitting around waiting for news, waiting for some kind of breakthrough. And it wasn't coming."