The Genre Director - Why Make Movies? Part 1
One day, in a parallel universe, when President Palin declares martial law (now there’s a movie…) I shall probably be indicted for my 39 (and counting) Crimes Against Cinema (I’m an enthusiastic recidivist). The Prosecutor will inevitably ask me the question: “When did you first decide to make films?” I remember that night well… We lived in the small English village of Odiham in Hampshire. 3000 peopl

The Production Manager - Post, reality and advertising
To coincide with my production hiatus I decided to give myself a blogging hiatus too. But the network have said our show MUST be delivered before the end of the year so I’m back to onlining the pilot, scheduling delivery and waiting with bated breath to see whether the series will be picked up. It’s very recently been said to me that our industry is actually devolving and I’m inclined to agree. The show I’m working on

The Manager - Why The Entertainment Business Needs a Reboot
I was just in an interesting situation that reminded me why this business needs a reboot or will fail.  We sold to a network an animated tv idea that “had the potential to be the next Simpsons” (the network’s quote). Excitement! Bubbly champagne! Celebration! Now here is what actually happened: We sold the project with the attachment of a production company that had a deal at - let’s call it Studio A.  B

The Standby Painter - The Etiquette of ‘Standing By’
Today, our “Friday”, we will spend most of the day riding in heated comfort in “follow vans” with a fake city bus carrying camera and cast to shoot several scenes.  The one day on this shoot when I could have read a book without feeling lazy or guilty, and I … Tags: Oscars, Actor,

The Hollywood Career Coach - READER Q: How Can I Monetize My Unpublished Novels?
A FILM INDUSTRY BLOG READER asks: “Hi David, I have written about 5 novels that needs publication but I can’t have the money to work on the publishing, can I sell the story for some money to assist in my publication.” RESPONSE: Hi Nana, thanks for your question. Unfortunately it’s rarely a good time for unpublished writer to get money upfront for the rights to your work. What I would sugges