
One of the great places to learn lessons about Hollywood is the commentary section of DVDs. It’s amazing the insights you can gain from filmmakers talking quite innocently about the process of getting the movie made. Sometimes the things they think they’re teaching you about the movie business aren’t what you walk away having learned. [...]
While I was watching American Idol last week, it suddenly hit me—so much of what we see happening on that show serves as a perfect metaphor for Hollywood. I watched as contestant after contestant took their place before the microphone and presented their gift to the world. Then watched again as the judges gave their [...]
Sometimes there are no words to describe the level of frustration you can encounter when you follow your dreams. Especially if those dreams lead to Hollywood. When there are no words, make some up. But, by all means, stay on track.
Here’s a great opportunity for readers of my blog to give to earthquake relief without it costing them a dime. My book publisher has agreed to make a donation of up to $1US to the Red Cross for Haiti Earthquake Relief for each person who joins this blog over the next month. I have nearly [...]
Posted on 16 February 2010
New animation software holds some promise for writers, producers and directors. Continue Reading
Posted on 20 January 2010
In part one of this article we discussed the agent’s job as a salesman of talent and what agents need from artists in order to sell them. We discussed the Hollywood marketplace and the delicate balance of presenting yourself to an agent as both “new and original” and “like another successful artist.” And we discussed [...] Continue Reading
Posted on 14 January 2010
The usual route to finding a talent agent involves sending out headshots or reels (if you are an actor or model) or query letters and screenplays (if you are a writer) or query letters and reels (if you are a director or producer) or CDs (if you are a musician). The key to being represented [...] Continue Reading
Posted on 23 December 2009
The thought of being in the movies might be too unrealistic a dream for many people, but it’s actually easier than you may think. If you live in any city with a significant amount of filmed production, chances are there is a casting office dedicated to casting Extras for movies, TV and commercials. Extras, also [...] Continue Reading
Posted on 19 November 2009
Well, the first show is at Midnight here in L.A. I imagine it’s opening around the country at midnight as well. That would mean that, for anyone on east coast time, it will likely open just as I’m finishing this post. Twilight has become a phenomenon. My daughter is on “Team Jacob”—the werewolf. No we’re [...] Continue Reading
Posted on 11 November 2009
A short time ago, the following message was sent to me via Twitter: “@TRLocke– Morning! I need your feedback. What are your expectations and/or objectives when attending a film festival?” With one of the world’s top four film festival, Sundance, right around the corner (January 21-31st), I thought the answer to that question would be [...] Continue Reading