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Andrew
Cunningham |
“A
vacation is like love - anticipated with pleasure, experienced with
discomfort, and remembered with nostalgia.“ Anonymous
It’s
that time of year again - the vacation season. Hollywood - the entertainment
industry - is notorious for virtually “shutting down“ during the summer vacation
season of July and August. Most television shows go on hiatus; many film studios
and major production house take their summer break; Malibu, Holmby Hills, Beverly Hills, and Bel Air become almost become
ghost towns, with many of its famous “industry” residents
heading for Hawaii, The Hamptons, Martha’s Vineyard, and Europe.
Even if you have not quite reached the point in your Hollywood
career where you can take a month or two off for vacation, you
still need to take a break for relaxation and rejuvenation. A
few days at the beach or in the mountains - even just a long
weekend - can renew your body and spirit. One way of really
relaxing is with a good book. So here are two interesting
choices you should get onto your summer reading list before
summer is over -- books that will help “recharge your batteries” and get you
ready for the big push career wise this fall.
Hollywood 101 -- The Film Industry - by
Frederick Levy
Renaissance Books (Paperback)
Author, producer and talent manager, Frederick Levy, “demystifies”
breaking into Hollywood - how to find your place in the entertainment industry
without really knowing anyone. Mr. Levy, who recently made a return appearance
at the Hollywood
Networking Breakfast®,
takes a close look at various career paths in Hollywood, and writes very
knowledgeably, as he has successfully worn several hats in both film and
television in Hollywood - working his way up from production assistant, to
senior executive at the firm that produced the all-time box office champion,
Titanic, in less than 10 years!
Although his focus is on the film business, this book is also helpful to
those whose chosen career path is in television. In an understandable way, he
breaks down entry level positions, and explains how one secures a position,
attains success, and moves up the Hollywood career ladder. Networking - the art
of successfully building career enhancing relationships - is also discussed in
detail by the author.
Levy also describes the filmmaking process in detail, which helps us
understand the role various positions play in making a movie - “the
collaborative process”- that we so often hear about.
Arthur Hiller, former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts
and Sciences, summed up the essence of this “must read” tome by saying, “It’s
such an informative book about getting in, and successfully being in the film
industry. It’s detailed and casual, with wonderful stories, effective comments
and quotes. It does it all!”
The Hollywood Rules - by “Anonymous”
Fade In Books (Paperback)
The one constant rule in Hollywood is that “there are no rules.” However,
there are series of time honored conventions - “do’s and don’ts - that one must
follow if you hope to achieve career success in the entertainment industry. A
timely quote from “Rules” sums up what this masterfully put together volume is
all about: “The truth is, Hollywood is held together by a delicate yet
complex fabric…“ There are many “unwritten rules” that you must know
and follow if your star is to rise in Hollywood.
This book is compiled from the personal experiences of several highly
successful Hollywood executives, agents, directors, writers, and producers. They
focus on: knowing what’s expected of you in terms of action/behavior in business
and social settings (at all levels); interacting with “A List” people in
Hollywood (basically how to not make a fool of yourself); how to get in
the Hollywood game, successfully play the game, and stay in the
game. The authors, who all earn their highly paid livings in Hollywood, wish to
pass on information to help others, yet want to remain anonymous so that they
can continue to earn a nice living in “the business.” This line of thinking is
in concert with one of the tenets of the book - don’t draw unnecessary attention
to yourself! It can often generate unwanted envy, anger and ill-will - none of
which you need nor want .
Entertainment types at all levels - those just starting out to those who
have years of experience - will find this book helpful in terms of really
learning and understanding how Hollywood really works, and how to get your
“piece of the pie.” “The Hollywood Rules”
gives the reader a graduate level course in the inner-workings of Hollywood -
how to successfully beat the “system.“ In 152 pages, it succinctly tells you
what might take you several years to surmise (if ever) on your own. This is a
“must read” for anyone that is serious about the business of show
business.
Excelsior!
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