I ask this because I've heard too many negative opinions about the industry. I've heard the phrase, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." I've also heard the phrase of "You have to play the game to win." Hahahaha! And maybe it's just the rebel in me that refuses to accept such hand-me-down sayings, but I also acknowledge that the people who have told me how much Hollywood sucks, are people who aren't exactly in the industry anymore. I won't go so far as to say that they've failed or are now "washed up", but what I'm saying, is that I'm sure Hollywood doesn't suck for everyone? Yeah, I'm sure that being in this business, you're gonna run into producers who are blunt with you and may come off as assholes. But being in their line of work, I'd expect them to be. I know I can google some article about it, but in such articles you have to be politically correct and make sure nothing can come back to bite you in the ass. Right now, we're gathered around a polished table in a dimly lit lounge. There's a pianist throwing down a jazzy tune. I'm pouring you a drink and asking you flat out..."Tell me your thoughts? If you could, would you create another Hollywood in another city outside of New York and California? Tell me about it."
Screenwriting : As a screenwriter, can you say that you respect Hollywood? by Rock Kitaro
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You better, or you won't sell your work! Dude! WE LOVE HOLLYWOOD. WE LOVE MOVIES. WE LOVE THE STARS AND PRODUCERS! DON'T FORGET IT!
Alright fellas. Now let me ask you this. Even though it may be daunting, difficult and even may seem impossible...What if I were to tell you that I plan to change the game. They say, "you have to play the game to win", but what if I created my own game? All of the games we're supposed to win have already been won, conquered and dominated before I was even born. And I'm just not the type to accept things as "just the way they are". Life's too short and I only have on to live to go by that principle. Sure...We could be related to someone famous, or even live by the philosophy of "not what you know, but who you know." But what if someone were to rise up out of no where, and drop something so profound, so interesting, that the millions who are staring at Hollywood waiting for the next best thing, just can't help but to turn around and see what that other guy is doing. That nobody. That upstart. Yeah, one can turn their noses up to that person, thinking they should just fall in line like everybody else...but I say.. Why not?
Nice! That actually makes sense. Maybe when they say, "it's not what you know, it's who you know." Its true but inaccurate at the same time. It's what you know that hones you in to who you're supposed to know. You guys made some pretty good points. HAhha! UK's the place? That new Sherlock Holmes, I have to admit is masterpiece all on it's own. I'll probably have to start out in hollywood, but I plan to build an empire in Tampa Bay, Florida.
London is sort of the new Hollywood in a way, there is lot of work being produced and collaborated in London.
@DiBacco! Alright then! I'm gonna go! I'm gonna do it! lol @Dan, that's whats up man. I'll have to use those figures to explain to some of my alumni! But I think you're spot on. I just wished my instructors explained it to me that way. That way I wouldn't hate them so much. :)
This question still bothers me, why? Because Hollywood is nothing more than "People", Each project is made up of a bunch of people doing their best to bring an entertaining and of course profitable product to the public. If you don't respect Hollywood, you don't respect people. Respect is one of the keys to any good relationship externally and internally.
@ Dan. Most definitely man. I'll probably come to you often for more insight. @ Hollywood is more than just people. Hollywood is as you said, a source of entertainment, but most importantly, Hollywood is influence. Hollywood has the power to set trends on what's cool or not, what's socially acceptable, and what's morally right and wrong. Now, I'm sure most creative types don't have that in mind when it comes to thinking about hollywood, but I find it hard to believe that the ones with money don't.
Hollywood is a business and as corporate America, can be very cruel. Stories must be good but also marketable and yes, as in life it is often about who you know.
IN THE MID WEST I DO A HAND SHAKE FOR A MILLION DOLLARS HOLLYWOOD RIPPED ME FOR 10 MILLION FOR A FILM THAT TOOK YEARS TO MAKE. HAD A MOUNTAIN OF PAPERWORK. ARTISTS ARE STEPS TO BE BROKEN AND BURNED AFTER THEIR USED, BELIEVE IT, WAS THERE 30 YEARS.
It's easy to complain that the playground isn't open to everyone, but the best way to handle it is to build your own playground. So my answer to your question is "yes." If I could build a new Hollywood, I would. Hollywood is controlled by a very narrow vision of what is marketable and movies are made to appeal to limited audiences. I believe there is gold to be found outside of the hills, but you'll have to be a prospector.
@ Marianne bows exactly how I feel. @ Dan, wise words. An agent once told me that with this industry, you have to clearly identify what it is that you want. Success and fortunes are such broad terms. What is success? What is a fortune? lol. I know exactly what it is that I want. But I'm already perceived as arrogant, so I'll keep it to myself until I'm higher up in the ladder. evil grin Ahahahhaha!
WE CAN BUILD A NEW "FILM PLACE" BUT OUR PROBLEM WILL ALWAYS BE DISTRIBUTION. WE ALWAYS HAVE TO GO TO THE SUITS TO GET OUR MONEY BACK AND OUR LOW WAGE PENNY'S. HOW MANY GREAT WEIRD NEW MOVIES ARE OUT THERE BUT CINE MAX HBO SAME OLD @@@@.
Dan I like you.. well not in a sexual way.. not that there's anything wrong with that,,, I mean I like girls.. well except when they burn my house down.. but.. well.. I like you!!!
Hollywood is a Film Market and the big studios that control everything can also distribute everything. And if I could I would build a new Hollywood, but on the East Coast either up in the New England area or Florida. Build a new Film Market a new place where business gets done.
Business gets done around the World. The fact is that currently "Hollywood", (the big studios anyway) are making big "bell and whistle" films with 2-3rd grade level dialogue because attendance in USA theaters is not the main Market. The main markets are now India, Brazil China, and others overseas. It is much easier to translate and "Show" with tech effects (3D now) the storyline. The CHANGE will take time and is starting to originate in US/Europe as more people watch films at home and on computers. We are seeing more web-series, shorts. Good scripts are good scripts and good stories are good stories weather they get made or not. The bottom line is the PROFIT for the big studios Creativity amongst independent film makers is blooming Worldwide and markets are starting to open on cable and computers,
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Every week I read about somebody finally cracking through to the big time. That's enough to give me hope that my talents will win through. Say what you want about Hollywood, but they do recognize good work and great talent. I can guarantee you that everybody that bad mouths Hollywood wants to make movies because they were at one time inspired by a Hollywood film. I know I was.
I feel your pain, Rock. I think a lot of us want to be a "game-changer." But, you have to start with where you are. As long as you write good scripts and build solid relationships and are likeable, you'll break through.
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I think "Good Will Hunting" was a great example of talent breaking through, and the fact that there ARE a few truly visionary types in Hollywood who are willing and able to make it happen for a couple of relative upstarts like Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
John makes a good point. Why indeed? I also have a stubborness, I guess all filmmakers that keep making films whether successful or not have that. I also say if I make it there is is because I retain who I am, they can come to me, I won't come to them. maybe my talent will draw them in. But I think then the same old thing happens over and over there. They need our talent, we come into the fold and become part of the system. So if you think about it Rock, people are constantly breaking in their own way. So yeah, lets keep doing it. i am half Sicilian btw, by my Mama.
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Hollywood is a giant factory. Like any commercial entity, Hollywood has a culture and has requirements that you respect, and you play by its market rules, or you find other avenues to sell your product (or life ) to. As Edward Anhalt once said in a seminar of 200 eager-beaver aspiring filmmakers (I was one of the school's camera men that night) — "Most of you here won't make it in this business. Now, for the really determined, let's talk about the best restaurants in Hollywood and the valley that you can go to when you're down and out, when you're stretching out the last $20 to your name." I AGREE WITH SANDRA: As long as you write good scripts and build solid relationships and are likeable, you'll break through. AND, you must control your hunger... hunger makes people crazy. Read my short story (on site. WORD .doc) LOVE, CRAZY LOVE -måx
I've heard it said that there are as many ways to make it as there are different kinds of people. The common ingredients appear to be talent, determination, likability, and luck. Bad luck will test your determination for a longer period of time; good luck for a lesser period. But having the chops to execute well when the opportunities arrive usually gets you in. Likability and professionalism help keep you in. That seems like pretty much it, from what I can tell. Everything else is just different people's stories along the way. For some, Hollywood probably was a terrible place, but I agree with what I think is Rock's observation: that you can't separate the experience from the person who is going through it. Some people brush off rejection well, others let it destroy their dreams ... and then they blame "Hollywood". I agree with Max's post, with only the slight exception in that I would say you need to write "great" scripts ... only then should you feel confident that you WILL make it. Writing "good" scripts forces you to rely more on luck and those relationships. But really, I sense that Max is right on target with what he is saying. Rock I think you are right in dismissing those dogmatic statements about Hollywood. It's never just one thing and not the other. And "playing the game" is not always required. But respect for Hollywood in general I would be hard-pressed to agree with. My impression was that it was maybe 5% to 10% people with originality and creativity. The rest are all just copy-cat opportunists. I respect the former and not the latter, and in that sense Hollywood "in general" does not get my vote. It is those truly creative individuals who happen to work within the Hollywood "machine", and in my opinion are the hard workers that really keep it running ... it is those people whom I respect. It is those people I want to work with, ultimately.
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While there is some truth to the saying "It's not what you know, but who etc." as a Hollywood Veteran I can honestly say there is some truth to it, but it's only a small percentage. For the ones who have longevity, whatever success they achieved, and I include myself, it comes from a defined purpose, a passion for whatever you do and above all, alot of faithh and PERSISTENCE, PERSISTENCE AND MORE PERSISTENCE. I would also have to ask you, what have you done to meet those people who can guide or mentor you. I've just established my own site, for many people who post on this site, having navigated the Hollywood waters. www.aspectsofentertainment.com
What Ron Greenfield says is what I keep hearing over and over from the best professionals in all aspects of the film making business. And I think his emphasis is well placed too.
One of my Mentors who really helped me was Nat Parin the writer of many Marx Bros. Films. Great Guy and Friend.
In response to the last three comments that were posted to me, I find the whole concept behind stage32, intriguing and useful, something I wish I had when I began my career in the industry. So much so, in fact, I posted a new blog about it today on my site, www.aspectsofentertainment.com/blog
Hollywood is just a money giant. They mainly produce block buster films that will make them a lot of money. Most of what they produce is remakes and prequels to already successful films. They are looking for the next big idea so why question it. Just write.
I've said it before when I got to Hollywood I could not believe the brain trust. Men and woman that were so so so smart and totally in love with their craft. It is a unbelieveable place that if you get on board will help turn you into your dream "a film-maker".
I work in Bollywood and the Indians are on a different planet. American movies are the best as far as money makers for a reason. Big Union problems between producers and distributors right now in India.
When your in the edit bays and/or picking out equiptment.... Hollywood is really a place. You tell your editor what you want and he givesyou that anda lot more on equiptment only in Hollywood. When you need an actor and you get to choose 15 people that fit per part, it's a place. Special effects great audio and 1 on 1 with your film processor, it's a place. No Hollywood is a place when if your a writer it may be Rome. LOL