We are all here because we love movies.  Right?  We love the film industry, and maybe even the idea of doing something with our writing skills in the film industry.  Good so far?  Now, some folks, perhaps myself included, have always just loved the idea of doing something which would get them involved in the industry in any way, and writing may be the best, or only way.

Now, with all that being said, I was talking to my oldest son in the car the other day (he's 12), and I asked him if he has any special idea of what he would like to focus on in his studies in college, or maybe like to do for a living later on in life.  He says he would like to be a cinematographer, or maybe be involved in stunt-acting.  Hmm.  That's a ways apart in career choices, I think, so I started hunting around the internet tonight, trying to find information on cinematography or the industry in general for him, and I came upon this: What I Really Want to Do On Set in Hollywood: A Guide to Real Jobs in the Film Industry

This looks to be an awesome book for anyone even considering becoming involved in the industry.  Have any of you encountered this book?  Do you have any opinions as being one who has read the work, or what are your thoughts after following my link and taking a look?

I will probably buy this book for my son so he can take a look at the inner-workings of the film industry, once I have discussed it with my wife, but I am curious about your thoughts.

Not to say that reading isn't good, but what you want to do is not going to be decided by a book.  It's going to be decided by yourself.  It's just that simple.

Well, that's kind of what the book seems to be about, in a way.  It gives you an insight into the working of the industry so that you can play to your strengths or focus your drives in a direction you feel interests you.  The idea is that so many people just know, from their couch or local theater, that they just HAVE to be a part of that exciting business, then rush off with no idea of what's really in store for them, and fail.  It seems to be a life primer for interested folks.

Fuck Hollywood!  If I had what I wanted I would write a couple a feature scripts for independent studios that get made into a movie that picks up a bit of a cult audience then by pass movies altogehter, hire an artist and turn my scripts into graphic novels.

Graphic Novels is where's it at for me in the long run.  it's getting there that is the hard part.

Why would you start with films to move into graphic novels, when graphic novels usually aspire to be made into films?

Graphic novels are quite talky by the way.  The characters don't move.

Quoted from Shelton Why would you start with films to move into graphic novels, when graphic novels usually aspire to be made into films? Graphic novels are quite talky by the way.  The characters don't move.

At best they're a bit 'choppy'.

Quoted from tonkatough Fuck Hollywood!  If I had what I wanted I would write a couple a feature scripts for independent studios that get made into a movie that picks up a bit of a cult audience then by pass movies altogehter, hire an artist and turn my scripts into graphic novels. Graphic Novels is where's it at for me in the long run.  it's getting there that is the hard part.

Couldn't you find people to do it for you and sell it independently?

I had a friend who drew these wicked pictures for me based on ideas I had and if I ever find them I should post them somewhere because they were the type of artwork you'd charge money for.

We were thinking of animation as an end goal.

This is going back to late 90's. We lost touch for a long time and I think we both moved on.

I kind of agree with your first four letter word. For me, it's about the audience. If they are happy, my job is done.

That's all I wanna DO. Entertain people and go home with some self respect. Whether it's a script that 10 people read or a film 500 people see... the goal doesn't change for me.

I've never read the book in question, but I do know that my preference has always been to be a writer. Can I do other things? Sure. At the end of the day, do I really want to? No, not really. I'd rather write what I want to write and watch someone else bring it to life, primarily because I know there are people with different creative strengths than I have, and I know they could bring things to my ideas that I never considered.

Why do people have this fixation with Hollywood? It's not the only place in the world that movies or television is made.

I'd say, if you know you want to be in the film/television industry, do everything you can to get started and get your foot in the door. Start by working as an intern (if you can afford it). People working for free are always welcome. Doesn't really matter what the project or job is. Do a good job. Make sure people notice you doing a good job. Become known to be reliable and dependable. Learn as much as you can. Talk to as many people as you can. Network network network. If you do this, you will most likely be recommended to work on another job/project. Learn more, meet more people, network more.  Also be open minded. You never know where things might lead. If you want to be a cinematographer don't turn down a chance to learn just because you're being asked to work on a commercial. Never turn down a chance to learn. People with skills above the average will always be sought after.  

Just my $0.02  and I'm nobody.

To me, Hollywood is not just the location in California where the big movie players tend to be. Hollywood is also a descriptive term for (at least) the American movie industry as a whole. Yes, there are a lot of independent moviemakers and they're not all in Hollywood (actually, a good deal of them aren't), but when a movie is released into general distribution, it's generally considered to be a "Hollywood" film, especially if it feels like little more than a summer popcorn flick. It's just the place that is synonymous with moviemaking and where movies made their first real home.

If something feels like a Hollywood movie, I would take it as a compliment since whoever is saying such a thing says that it feels like a movie made by professionals.

I want to slap Paris Hilton's face off her head in front of a crowd of paparazzi.  I'm hoping to make it as a screenwriter to get close enough to her to do it.

In regards to making a movie and having it adapted into a graphic novel:  that's just doing things ass backwards.  A graphic novel would be easier and cheaper to produce and distribute than a movie.


Phil

That's why I'm converting my Fempiror Chronicles series into a series of novels at this point. I figure it will not only show off the story line and give it a better chance at production, but it will also secure me the rights to the stories (so only the script is sold to a producer), and solidify the plot and characters as I have them, so some overzealous Hollywood hack can't rape them too badly.

If you can write a book, write it. Never have I found an easier thing to self-produce, and if it's actually good enough to make into a movie, it should be good enough to see in print.

I wouldn't recommend going to a vanity press, though.  Atleast not right away.  A publishing house can get you on a shelf at the Barnes and Noble a lot easier than a lone writer can.


Phil

Dear steven8,

Hollywood? Independent Movies? They seem too far for me. I don’t dream with them any more. Graphic Novels? I’ve tried it once. Desperately, I tried to hire a boy in the nursery school to draw my short scripts but he refused saying that he had more to do in his early life than draw my silly stories. To achieve the movie industries is so hard task, dude! The best way I’ve find to be reading and be known a little was writing for SimplyScripts and for my blog and my local books. I’m happy with this, that’s all!

For tonka http://www.dimestoreproductions.com/content287.html