The Hollywood Rules [Paperback]

Anonymous (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2000

They say that the one rule in Hollywood is there are no rules. There are, however, a series of "conventions" that exist, that if properly adhered to, will significantly smooth that otherwise rocky road to a career in film and television. While there's no substitute for talent and just plain old perseverance, there's also no excuse for handling yourself naively in a pitch meeting or acting like an ass when meeting a Really Big Star. The truth is, Hollywood is held together by a very delicate yet complex fabric, and the surest way to get in the inside is to know what's expected of you, and to behave accordingly. Compiled from the personal experiences of dozens of accredited writers, directors, producers, agents, and studio executives, the Rules would probably take you ten years to master on your own. Here, with this insider's guide, you'll be able to avoid the traps and pitfalls that have stymied so many other creative people and realize your full potential as a writer, director or producer.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Highly respected within the Hollywood establishment - the authors of The Hollywood Rules have attained worlwide noteriety with their combined feature film credits. So why anonymous? Why pass up on the book tours, talk shows and advantages of fame? The filmmakers who wrote the Rules utilize them on a daily basis in order to make their living. By giving you these codes, the authors are virtually sharing with you the secrets to beating the system - a system that typically takes at least a decade to master. To expose their identities to those on which they practice these dictums would be like going into a gunfight without cover.

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Fade In: Books; 1 edition (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967792606
• ISBN-13: 978-0967792606
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #124,643 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb how-to guide for any aspiring screenwriter!, June 24, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Hollywood Rules (Paperback)

This book is written anonymously--and you'll soon see why! Author gives a heady combination of common sense (Don't make enemies or spend your $$ before you've earned it) with tips only an insider would know (When offered a drink in a meeting, always choose something soft--but not what you're first offered). The only "inside" trick he fails to mention is that "reverse-adapting" a novel from your script (much easier to sell to a publisher) puts you on the fast track to getting (nay, DEMANDING) the right to do the first-draft screenplay adaptation. (Which, obviously, you already have ready to go!) For specific tips on writing a highly commercial, salable story, read "Seven Strategies in Every Best-Seller"--which also gives practical insights into creating compelling characters who appeal to an audience and whom A-list actors want to play.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very practical and helpful, November 26, 2001

By 

"ikimono" (LA, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hollywood Rules (Paperback)

I've read a variety of other entertainment industry works, but in my opinion this is the most helpful.

This is a slim book, weighing in at just over 130 pages. That's the power of it. There is no bull, no extraneous info. Everything is spelled out clearly, in a balls-to-the-wall manner that I find refreshing and those unwilling to work hard will find eye opening.

To grab a quote from the back, "The truth is, Hollwyood is held together by a very delicate yet complex fabric..."

This book proceeds to lay out just what composes that fabric, and how to avoid tearing yourself a hole you may not be able to mend. The Hollywood Rules takes you by the ear and says, "Listen, this is how it is. If you wanna play, you need to know the game."

Highly recommended.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars the rules rule, November 27, 2001

By 

"perl10000" (LA, CALIFORNIA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hollywood Rules (Paperback)

I bought this book for a friend who was new to the biz. I thought it would be a funny gift but I started reading it. The ideas and philosophies where amazing. I'm a seasoned veteran of Hollywood and Broadway. I didn't think that I had anything to gain from this type of material. However, it was entertaining and enlightening. I strongly suggest this book for anyone looking for a place in the film industry or any form area show business.