Customer Reviews

All You Need to Know About the Movie and TV Business, 5th Edition

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a phenomenal guide to the different positions in the film industry. From the small to the big screen, to the credits that roll by unnoticed and unregarded, this book covers every position with a description of each. There is a chapter on contracts. Another on directing. Another on acting. Another on producing. Virtually a plethora of information, and a must-must-read for anyone going into, or interested in television or movies.

I would say that overall this book is an excellent reference for anyone thinking of getting into the Film and TV business. This book breaks down and provides samples of contracts, terms, negotiating points, how to break into the industry, and plenty of other information in regards to Hollywood. I'd say the "meat and potatoes" of the book lie in the last few chapters about negotiating and where the money goes, but it's great.

The only issues I have with this book is that 1) It's mostly directed towards actors. I am an up and coming producer/director, and even though much of the content was still relevant to my interests, the authors are primarily writing to inform actors. 2) The book is for the most part LA-centric. The authors make sure you know this from the book's foreward. I am a New Yorker!

I would definitely recommend this for anyone interested in an above the line position on a movie production.

This book was the greatest. As an aspiring screenwriter and director, it helps to get a large grasp on the industry. This book helped me enormously. It tells everything you could possibly need to know from employment in Movies & TV to minimum wage to contractual issues to what to stay away from. Just an all around great book.

This book is definetly a beginning actor's guide. It focused primarily on the acting business for someone who is new to Hollywood. It was helpful in understanding some other roles in the movie business which are not as pretty,but overall I found it informative but lacking what it really takes to land a first job in TV or film. If you know nothing about the business...this book is for you.

This book has been so helpful in my film studies. Not only is it educational but inspirational. There is a lot to learn and I imagine I will keep this book with me for a quick reference for years to come . I am a better actor on and off the set because I am informed. This book is a must have if you are persuing a film/tv acting career whether it be in LA or Atlanta. This is good stuff!!

This book takes you step by step from getting noticed to signing the contracts to making sure you are not a one hit wonder. It tells you what is going on in both industries and how you can deal with it. It tells what you'll need in the business and what to stay away from. This book covers everyone from actors to producers to writers. This book will tell you what you need to know about the business. Very Good.

This book is a big help to me. I'm learning so much from it.

I usually don't write reviews but I was very happy with the information in this book and the flow of everything. Not a lot of non-useful information and fancy writing skills - just the facts in plain english and to the point. A great overview and understanding of the movie and television business for beginners.
Thanks,
Howard Gatch

This book was recommended to me by my publicist to read, because we want to pitch a story idea that we have for a television series. He said that in reality this industry represents people's dreams, but it is also just a game and whoever plays the game the best gets their work recognized.

He said it's not who has the best ideas, but those who do their homework, and know how the game is played. So I did my homework and read it and think it was an excellent resource guide and I feel really lucky to have a book like this to help me navigate through the maze of Hollywood. Special Dream: Personal Accounts After the Death of a Loved One

While this book does focus primarily on how-to's for beginning actors, it is filled with basic information and tips to avoid scams that can be useful for anyone with an interest in the film business. Don't make this your only film book, but it's worth a read.