Breaking Into The Movies

How to get jobs in Hollywood that range from actor, director, and producer, to gaffer, grip, manager, and talent scout.

First published in 1921, this book provides timeless advice and insider knowledge on how to make it in Hollywood. John Emerson, a successful screenwriter and director, shares his experience and wisdom on how to break into the movies, including tips on writing screenplays, getting noticed by producers, and navigating the film industry. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This classic guide to Hollywood screenwriting, written by two of the industry's most influential figures, is a must-read for aspiring writers and film historians alike. Loos and Emerson provide valuable insights into the technical, creative, and business aspects of writing for the movies, drawing on their own experiences as successful screenwriters and producers. This is an essential book for anyone interested in the history of American cinema. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Provides answers to hundreds of questions about acting in Hollywood.

This is a comprehensive, jargon-free guide for all budding screenwriters. Its aim is not just to guide you through the techniques and skills you need to write for the screen (film and television), but also to give you guidance on how to approach the industry as a whole. Focusing on every aspect of screenwriting, from how to set about the writing process to how to develop your characters, plot and structure, this book will give you all the guidance you need to break into this highly competitive industry and make a career for yourself as a screenwriter. NOT GOT MUCH TIME? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. AUTHOR INSIGHTS Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. TEST YOURSELF Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGE Extra online articles at www.teachyourself.com to give you a richer understanding of screenwriting. FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. TRY THIS Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

Breaking Into The Movies is a humorous true story, of the life of a kid from Inglewood California. Somehow, most likely, just through dumb luck, he made it up the food chain to become a Quasi, world famous Motion Picture Key Grip. No, the common person on the street would not have heard of him. And no, other motion picture personal, don't recognize him on movie sets. Hell, his kids, hardly recognize him! So, how is this some so famous, you ask? He is the author of the "Grip Book!" A.k.a. the Grips Bible, now in it's fifth edition from Taylor-Francis. Why it's even been translated into Korean. (That's really gonna' help all the aspiring grips here in Hollywood!) Here's the kicker, Mike can't spell... or type... nor does he have any command of the English language. None of that has held him back. Actually, not much holds him back. Not even having a half-inch shorter left leg. Courtesy of a motorcycle jumping accident while serving eight years in the Marines. So after, staff sergeant's Uva's medical discharge, he decided to become a Licensed, FAA - Aircraft Mechanic at LAX, in California. If that wasn't enough...he later wanted to be a State Licensed Building Contractor. How selfish was this guy? He wanted to, "follow his bliss..." whatever that is, and make it to Hollywood? There, he actually, found bliss. Richard Bliss, who gave him street directions to Paramount Studios. He made a left... or right turn, or maybe just went straight. But I digress. The point being, he did go on, through twenty miles of snow... this high... Okay, he became a motion picture Key Grip in the film industry. He had arrived! Well, one would think that one would have been content... not Mike. He decided to author a book, (Remember... can't spell.) Not surprising to Mike, just the rest of the world, it did relatively well... eventually. So then he decided to teach at U.C.L.A. at the Extension course. He has been there; seen that, and most likely broke it. But yet, you say, you have never heard of any of the things that he has been part of? That's because Hollywood has a huge respect for each other. We never have leaks, we never squeal, or write tell all books. Most stories are all closely held and guarded set secrets... until now! Mike has worked with the Lone Ranger, Elvira, Val Kilmer, Al Pacino, and a few really famous people as well. So why would he break tradition and give away these secrets of how to get in the unguarded, unlocked, back doors, you ask? I posed that very question to him. "Mike, why did you give away all these secrets that you have had, tucked away, upstairs in that melon head of yours for over thirty-five plus years?" His answer was quite simple... "Ah... What?" (He's a grip; dare I say more?) I rewrote the question, "Why now?" His amazing answer... "It's time!" (I reiterate; he's a grip!) There, you have it folks, literally straight from the horses mouth... or the bulls other end! You will just have to read it and decide for yourselves. See you all in Hollywood very soon... or not!