Writer's Guide to Hollywood Producers, Directors, and Screenwriter's Agents, 2002-2003: Who They Are! What They Want! And How to Win Them Over!

By Skip Press

Book Overview

Now You Have a Friend in the Industry! So you want to get into show business? In Hollywood, it's not what you know, but who you know that counts. Whether your dream is to become a Hollywood writer or find the perfect producer to buy your script, at your fingertips are the insider hints and secrets you need to get discovered and succeed in this ultracompetitive industry. Hollywood guru and screenwriter Skip Press introduces you to hundreds of producers, directors, and agents and tells you how to reach them-by mail, phone, fax, or e-mail. You'll learn how to: ?Market screenplays, novels, or short stories to the right people ?Tailor your proposal to the preferences of each producer, director, or agent ?Understand the real Hollywood and everything show business ?Find the best agent or manager "Thoughtfully written, clearly laid out, and of great value to beginners and old-timers alike. This book combines fearless opinions and invaluable hard facts-both of which are hard to find in Hollywood." -Gareth Wigan, co-vice chairman, Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group "An entertaining and valuable tool for anyone interested in show business." -Paul Mason Sr., vice president of production, Viacom "An invaluable resource for breaking into the movie and television business." -Barbara Anne Hiser, Emmy-winning cable and network television producer "An insightful guide to the intricate Hollywood network." -Oliver Eberle, founder and CEO, ShowBIZData.com "The bonus for readers of this book is that Skip Press is a good writer-accessible, clear, persuasive, motivating, and easy to understand." -Jerry B. Jenkins, coauthor, the Left Behind series

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761531874
• ISBN13: 9780761531876
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Prima Lifestyles
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 7.4" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A great place to start

What started as a reference book quickly became a workbook. I purchased my first copy in '99 and found it to be more than a guide to the desks of production companies, agents and directors. It also served as a map of encouraging steps. Soon after, I subscribed to Skip's newsletter and found that he was diligent in keeping the information current, and that's always been greatly appreciated. At that point in time I was new to the INZIDE community --- way back when Zach Tann was a mere webmunster. After a quick email session with Skip, I recommended to Zach that he get in touch and shortly there after, Zach indicated that hits to the website had nearly doubled.Skip Press plays an active role in bringing writers to the gates of Hollyweird. He personalizes that role with monthly emails and communications with his subscribers. Certainly the information here can be found in a variety of places. (I don't think it would be a credible source of information if it couldn't be cross referenced.) But if you're like me, a person who would rather not be attached to a laptop during lunch or in those late evening hours of pre-sleep reading, this a wonderful 'take anywhere' work book that will encourage you to take the next step as well as pointing the way.

Skip the Savior

As with all of Skip's books he holds nothing back, provides endless information and valuable advice. Hollywood enjoys keeping the doors closed to the outside. Thanks to Skip Press the doors have been opened and as a result many who wouldn't otherwise have a chance, now do.

THIS BOOK PAYS FOR ITSELF! DO THE MATH!!!

UP-FRONT DISCLOSURE: Since Skip's last book was published, I was so impressed with it (The Complete Idiot's Guide to Screenwriting), I started e-mailing Skip telling him how much I loved the book (it's the ONLY screenwriting book that doesn't take itself too seriously, and has lots of cartoons -- very important to me!), and since we have exchanged e-mails hundreds of times in a very short time, and I've even taken him and his lovely wife Debbie out to dinner once, in appreciation of his book.And truthfully, I would never have bought the "Writer's Guide" if he hadn't told me to. As a multiple-award winning screenwriter, I thought a book like that would be "beneath" me. (I had also bought the "other" book on the market that purports to me similar.)Okay, bottom line: I like the book. A LOT. It may already be making me money -- maybe a LOT of money.You'll see WHY in a moment, but first I'll tell you how this book is FREE, if you want to do the math with me: The book is 20 bucks. Inside the book are names and addresses of agents, managers, and production companies, and more importantly, their E-MAIL addresses (Skip tells you up front to e-mail people instead of writing, phoning or faxing!). If you were to MAIL a query letter about your script to 100 people (the LEAST amount you should do), the postage alone would cost you $34.00, the letterheads and envelopes about $6.00 (if you buy in bulk at Office Depot or Staples), and the typical inkjet printer cartridge costs about $20.00, out of which you can expect 200 pages worth of ink (divide that by 100 letters, and you have used up $10 worth of inkjet cartridge). Total cost: $50.00.As I said before the book has E-MAIL addresses, so this afternoon, I decided to give it a try to a sampling of about 20 people (Saving all that postage, stationary, inkjet cartridge, etc.).TWELVE MINUTES LATER: I had my first response from a prodco who wants to read my script. (This particular prodco had NEVER answered my letters!)TWO HOURS LATER: I had SIX prodcos who want to read my script. (BTW, I do write a kickass query letter, IMHO, the BEST in the business!)And I only sent out 20 e-mails. I may send more tomorrow -- and remember: As I write this, it's the 5th of July -- a lot of people are on vacation, so that number can only go up!If that doesn't convince you, then maybe you SHOULDN'T buy this book.

A great guide book that puts you in touch with Hollywood

A Screenwriter's Bible? You bet it is! Chock full of interviews, addresses, websites and contacts; This is a book every hopeful screenwriter needs. Not only informative, and helpful, Skip shares amusing stories and tips that add insight to how the game is played in Hollywood. This book is a must for the novice writer who needs up to date information on how to get their scripts read. And if you're looking to find an agent, that is covered too. I found my agent through the listing provided. I keep this book next to my keyboard. I have found it to be an invaluable guide. It is worth every dime.

The book you need to buy after all the "how to" books.

The book tells what genre or audience each agent or producer is looking for up front, so time is not wasted writing queries at 66 cents each to get a form-letter rejection. Since I had a script for a live-action family film, I wanted to know this right off. It was helpful to have a name to contact without having to call to ask.