Hollywood Drive: What it Takes to Break in, Hang in & Make it in the Entertainment Industry 1st Edition

This book is a great addition to this author's other work - a fact-filled compendium of documents and advice for producers and production managers that's simply the best single book about making films professionally.This book is a bit different, dealing with the other things - personal drive, character, etc.If you are in the business, you will find something here you didn't know!My friend Mark Hansson wrote to me recently to recommend Eve's other book - The Complete Film Production Handbook (3rd Edition, Book & CD-ROM). Mark is a busy guy in `the biz,' having done almost a hundred films and TV shows, including episodes of Murder She Wrote, Fat Actress, Six Feet Under, as well as the features Dreamgirls and The Quickie (overlooked and much-recommended) - so his advice is key.Turns out that Eve and Mark have been friends for a couple of decades, since they met on a film when Eve was a Production Coordinator. Mark read the first edition in galley form, long before it became a standard reference book at most studios and at many film schools. Eve's got another book out too: Hollywood Drive: What it Takes to Break in, Hang in & Make it in the Entertainment Industry.While Hollywood Drive deals with more `esoteric issues,' The Complete Handbook is worth its price for the production forms alone: a CD Rom of almost 200 templates that can be customized and adapted for any film or TV show. Mark says, "I still use some of them today, such as the `Walkie Talkie Checkout List,' an active Word document that you can type into once it has been downloaded."Eve herself has helped thousands of our industry colleagues, through classes and the group she founded - the Film Industry Network (FIN), which still meets once a month at Sony studios. Mark again: "I'm very proud of Eve and the second career she has found as an author and teacher. She's an extraordinary person. And no - I don't get royalties from the book!"I don't get royalties either - in fact I bought both books right here on Amazon, and I am glad I did. The Complete Film Production Handbook is a must-have for any producer, director, or production manager.

I am currently in a smaller state school going for a degree in video production (technically film production, just with DSLRs instead of film cameras). We have one professor here that has worked in the "Hollywood" industry, one who's worked for major TV networks, and one who is more familiar with independent/international films. The one professor who knows a bit more about Hollywood has told me some things that are in this book, but not nearly to this extent and this is taught in none of my classes. When I began reading, I got through the first chapter and had to stop. My initial reaction was, "I love this book, but it's going to give me an anxiety attack." As you get into this book, Eve really clearly illustrates how tough this business really is, and for me it made me even more excited to get into this industry. This is a great book for anyone in film school because it is really a reality check which may put off some people who have rose colored glasses on when it comes to this industry. it is also great for anyone who is just starting out and thinking about if this is really the career for them. For some it will be overwhelming and make them decide not to, and that's good too, because this really isn't an industry you can "kind of" be interested in, because it is so tough.A really enjoyable read!

As someone who wants to work in the entertainment industry, this book pretty much covers everything that I wanted to know and what I need to know. I also love how she talks about everything in the book in a way that’s not preachy or condescending. In the sense that she keeps it real and honest in a way that makes you understand. I would only recommend this book if you’re looking into breaking in the entertainment industry as someone who wants to work on the production side of things. Things like being an intern, a production assistant, and not someone who just wants to test they’re lock by going to Hollywood and just crossing their fingers hoping they’ll get lucky. If you plan on getting this book, I highly recommend chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 19, and 20. All ranging from presenting yourself, pitching, and above all, understanding what you’re dealing with. Highly recommend buying it if you want to know how to start out in entertainment!

I’ve just finished reading this book, it took just under a week to finish it as I simply couldn't put it down for a second.It was so insightful, inspiring, Eve really broke everything down and spoke bluntly about what it takes to break into the industry however her tone was never discouraging. Her realness, passion and endless love for the industry shines through each chapter and the hard work and dedication she's put in over the many years leaves you feeling that you can take on Hollywood!I would recommend this book to anyone who's starting out, changing careers or that has been working in the industry for many years. Eve's words will lead you to think differently/realistically and give you that extra push that will propel you forward.

Hollywood Drive is essentially the Holy grail of what everyone should know of the entertainment industry. I had the privilege of speaking with Eve and her insights were truly valuable. Everything that you read in her book is exactly what she knows is the reality of such a business. I highly recommend this book to anyone trying to pursue a life and career in the entertainment industry.

There is so much information packed into this book. The most important information is really about yourself, and it transcends the entertainment industry.The tips in this book will help people wanting to become accountants, scientists and even entrepreneurs, not just those wanting to get to Hollywood!Give it a read!