How Hollywood Works (Part 2)
A few weeks ago I started a series on how Hollywood works where I collected quotes from friends in the entertainment industry sharing their insights on breaking in and becoming successful. I’ve discovered that an enormous number of projects fail – not because they’re not good ideas from talented people – but because the filmmakers, writers, or other creative people simply don’t know how the industry works. So from time to time I’ll continue dishing up some great advice from talented professionals about producing, directing, acting, writing, and all the other avenues to making your dream happen:
“If you’re coming to LA to be an actor and you’re coming without your SAG card and no agent, it’s time for a reality check. Los Angeles is a union town and yes, having an agent DOES make a difference. Simple as that. Every “real” job that pays a decent wage is more than likely to be a SAG job. It’s a myth to think you can build an acting career in Los Angeles as a non-union actor. There are no agents that I know of who aspire to represent non-union actors because there is no money in it for them. So what to do? Try to get your SAG card in your local market before you come to LA. Get yourself a local agent and get their help in finding local commercial or film production (many smaller markets still have union work.) Build some professional relationships where you are. If you do come to LA before these major hurdles have been jumped, set your focus on these two things. (BTW, If you’re doing background work, do it only to try to get your 3 SAG vouchers and then get out of it – unless you really like cheese sandwiches. It will suck up your time and lull you into thinking you’re pursuing your career when you’re actually lost in a hobby.) You’ve got to have the tools of the trade.”
– Kim Dorr-Tilley, Associate Pastor, Bel Air Church; Founder of Defining Artists Agency, and leader of Beacon Hollywood.
“If you live on planet earth, you can work in Hollywood. Excellence is your passport, boarding pass, and rental car to Burbank. Write until your fingers fall off. Find out if you’re good, and then rent that triplex in downtown Des Moines. Geography is not destiny. God’s plan, plus the gift he gave you, plus diamond mining hard work are.”
– Todd Komarnicki, Producer of “Elf”, writer of “Sully: The Untold Story Behind the Miracle on the Hudson”, and writer/producer of a new NBC dramatic series.
“If you have an idea for a movie or TV series, #1 is to find financial backers who will get behind you. As a producer, do you need an agent? Not initially. See answer #1. #2 – What are the real odds a studio will spend millions on developing your idea? One in a million. And even if they agree to, you wouldn’t want them to because if your story has any faith or political elements in it, they won’t know how to develop it properly. #3 – Do you need to actually live in Los Angeles or New York? It helps. If you’ve already produced an independent movie and need it distributed, see answer to #1. Once that’s secured, distributors will be happy to talk with you.”
– Mark Joseph, Producer, “The Vessel” and “Silence Patton”
“Hollywood is very much like an exclusive country club and like any private club there are 3 requirements; 1. Membership 2. Fees 3. Relationship.
1. Membership – To become a member of the working Hollywood entertainment community you should live in the Hollywood area. Also…you will pay “dues”…over and over again!
2. Fees – Once you are here and willing to suffer for your calling (and it better be a calling, not a dream or even a passion), you must have something you bring to the table that meets other people’s needs. You must have something to offer in exchange for position/membership. It can be in the form of high-level skills, expertise, ownership of IP’s (intellectual Properties), connections to investors, etc. The sooner decision makers see that you can help them meet their goals, the sooner you will be invited to join the club. This is your power!
3. Relationship – Most private clubs require that someone who knows you personally will invite you to join. This is the key to truly belonging. Membership and fees might get you in the club, but authentic relationships will keep you there.”
– Cassie Byram, Executive Creative Director, OodlesWorld
Phil Cooke, PhD. has been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.” As a media producer, writer, speaker, and consultant, his client list includes major film studios and TV networks as well as major Christian organizations like Voice of the Martyrs, The Museum of the Bible, The Salvation Army, and others. He’s also coached and consulted with many of the most influential churches and nonprofit organizations in the world, helping them use media to tell their story. You can hear his podcast here.
