By Andrew Cunningham

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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