Leave the Pun, Take The Cannoli: Copywriting & Creative Tips From The Godfather

"It's not personal. It's strictly business."

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola (who wasn't the first choice to direct, by the way), The Godfather became an instant classic, spawning two sequels and countless imitations, and parodies, and for decades was analyzed by film critics and historians. Justly considered one of the greatest films ever, even its filmmaking can give us insights into the creative process, whether copywriting, design, writing, editing, and, of course, filmmaking.

50+years on, The Godfather continues to be influential. Here are Godfather inspired copywriting & creative tips you won't be able to refuse...

When it comes to copywriting, there are plenty of classic quotes you can take inspiration from, such as:

• It's not peronsal. It's personalized. For you.

• We have an offer you can't refuse...

• Women and children and afford to be careless...[but not you]

• Revenge may be a dish best served cold. But [our product] is best served hot, with a glass of chardonnay

• Keep your friends close, but [this limited-time offer] closer...

• Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in [with a 50% off discount that won't return]

• You broke my heart [something that didn't work], you broke my heart...

The creative process is, hasn't been, and never will be excat or rocket science. The movie making process is a classic exmaple, and certainly The Godfather is near the top of them. Here are some creative process examples from The Godfather:

1. The Creative knows best: The director, Francis Ford Copolla, wanted Marlon Brando for the role of Don Vito Corleone (so did author Mario Puzo, btw), and Al Pacino for the role of Michael. Studio executives? Didn't want them. Copolla prevailed.

2. Food is always good way to start on the right foot: Copolla had the cast have eat together, acting in their roles,

3. Patience is a virtue: To achieve great results, you need time. You can't shortcut it. Coppola refused shooting the movie in Kansas City instead of New York, as the studio suggested, to save money.

4. Appreciate/value the importance of artistic freedom: The studio thought The Godfather looked too dark, while the director and cinematographer Gordon Willis had to convince them otherwise.

5. Lack of experience? So what: Talia Shire, had little acting experience, and even walked into the camera once. She ended up being nominated for Supporting Actress Academy Award (and later on playing in the Rocky movies) for her role.

6. Always leave room to improvise: In the movie, for example, the famous line, "leave the gun, take the cannoli," was originally just "leave the gun."

7. If the creative manager approved the logo, that should be it: Paramount wanted to ditch the famous The Godfather logo, the director refused.

8. Always strive for authenticity: For example, in addition to location and style, the memorable scene where Michael Corleone kills. two hencmen was filmed in an authentic Italian New York City restaurant.

9. Always leave room to changes:

10. Be as authentic as possible: Yes, that was a real horse's head in that famous scene. And the cat in Don Vito Corleone's lap? It was a stray cat, picked up by the director himself, on the way to work. It liked Marlon Brando so much, it stayed on his lap for most of the day.

11. To deliver quality, you need time: Originally, Coppola delivered a 2:15 min. cut of the film. The runtime of the final version is 2:55 min.

12. Mistakes can be turned into positives: Professional wrestler Lenny Montana was was cast as Luca Brasi. Without acting training, he was extremely nervous and flubbed his lines. Coppola liked the nervousness and kept his scenes, where he rehearsed his lines, in the film. 
    

"Good to have" list - the old fashioned way