Creative Careers in Hollywood [Paperback]

Laurie Scheer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2002

In this candid guide, entertainment industry veteran Laurie Scheer offers a witty and informative inside look at the primary professions in the movie biz. Readers will discover real-life, yet upbeat portraits of the "shredder" jobs of the industry, such as assistant or d-girl, and how they can lead to the "keeper" jobs of actor, agent, or studio executive. Each career overview features a clever analysis of the classic film characters who memorably played these jobs on screen; an insightful rewards-risks assessment of the job; and a brief look at such essential job qualities as durability, length of stay, "food chain value" and desirability factor. Part how-to guide, part historical document, and part social commentary, this book will delight career seekers, Hollywood insiders, and film aficionados alike!

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Scheer has worked on every level of the Hollywood hierarchy, from assistant to d-girl to network vice president, so she knows whereof she speaks. To explore the industry's career opportunities, she takes a novel approach, examining more than 100 movies about the film business from the past 90 years, along with real-life film accounts by working professionals. Divided into 12 chapters, the book covers a variety of basic positions, including actor, writer, and studio executive, with additional information on "lot life" and other aspects of the film world. For example, "Producer" dissects the different types of producers, notes how to get started, uses eight films (including The Producers) to illustrate Scheer's points, and prints an interview with a working producer. The writing is generally breezy and light, so would-be creative types must look elsewhere for contact information, prospective salaries, etc. A good companion to Jan Bone's Opportunities in Film Careers and Tanja L. Crouch's 100 Careers in Film and Television, this is recommended for film and career collections. [Quaterly updates to the book will be posted on the author's web site, www. lawscheer.com.-Ed.]-Anthony J. Adam, Prairie View A&M Univ. Lib., T.
--Anthony J. Adam, Prairie View A&M Univ. Lib., TX
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Laurie Scheer has worked in more than a dozen various jobs in all stages of the movie-making process. A teacher, lecturer, and author, she lives in Los Angeles, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581152434
• ISBN-13: 978-1581152432
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,632,367 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CREATIVE CAREERS IN HOLLYWOOD by Laurie Scheer, September 20, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Creative Careers in Hollywood (Paperback)

Not only does this book give you a great idea of what's out there, but it's a wonderfully fun read, and gives the insider scoop better than other industry-type books that you'll find out there. The author compares the different jobs to movies that we know and love, making this completely accessible, and completely entertaining and accurate. A definite read for anyone interested in a creative career in Hollywood (hey, that would make a catchy title ...)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book For Movie Lovers, December 30, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Creative Careers in Hollywood (Paperback)

A witty survey of the feature film industry - from intern to studio chairwoman, Ms. Sheer provides a unique perspective on the accessibility and desirability of each major stepping-stone in the Hollywood food chain for both artistic and business types alike. Though clearly written for students of media culture and those who are considering a career in the film industry, this book has an 'insider' flavor and conversational tone that allow it to be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates movies.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Must-Have Book In The Biz!, February 19, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Creative Careers in Hollywood (Paperback)

I recently stumbled upon a book I could not put down. I'm not want to read how to books, but a friend suggested I pick up a smart, little book that concentrates on the professional side of Hollywood. The book is Laurie Scheer's Creative Careers in Hollywood. Creative isn't just the word- artistic is another!

I have been stretching Laurie Scheer's book out, page by page, because I didn't want it to end. The writing is so good, and the text so interesting, I wonder if Ms. Scheer will be inclined to write another book and if a Part II will be in her future- hope so! Besides being extremely informative and helpful for all youngbloods entering Hollywood, the book is a fresh study in cinema and gives a great, first hand look at some of the greatest American films of our times. Her added synopsis and additional history to some very mainstream and very forgotton American films, makes the Hollywood seem like an old town, any old entertaining town that is.

Ms. Scheer evidently knows her cinema history. She writes a fun, hip, guide to making it in the business and has a unique and clever approach. I adored her lingo...I can't wait to read more! When you are finished reading it you will feel like you just sat down with Steven Speilberg and he explained everything you need to know, to make it in hollywood. Bravo Laurie Scheer, what a great book!

Buy it! Read it! Dream it!