Isn't Hollywood always looking for the next big thing?

This week, there was an explosion of debate on the internet surrounding an editorial in the Village Voice by Josh Olson, the screenwriter on A History of Violence, entitled "I will Not Read Your Fucking Script. To check it out, click here: http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/archives/2009/09/i_will_not_read.php

Basically, Josh's editorial boils down to the idea that folks showing up in Los Angeles and sharing their talents for the first time expect a helping hand from the established community, and he's right. He calls it crass and unprofessional, and he's right about that too. Whether you're asking for a critique on a screenplay, a performance, a business plan, or anything else, you're really asking someone who has poured years of work into their own careers to help shape your pet project for free.

Asking for something like that is, at best, gauche. Expecting it makes you King of Asshole Island.

Huh?

Don't people need new actors? Don't they need new screenplays to shoot? Isn't Hollywood always looking for the next big thing? In short, aren't you doing them a favor?

No. Hell no.

Against all probability, this attitude isn't a product of the corporate culture that's eaten away at Old Hollywood. While that process has certainly had nasty consequences, Hollywood has always been this exclusive.

Breaking into film takes more commitment and drive than you imagine possible. To get anywhere in this industry, you need to know what you're doing. You need to have a vision, and you need to have a community that supports you.

Anybody who has done anything in this business has both. Know what that means?

First, it means that drive came from somewhere. Everyone in Hollywood has stories inside them, trying to get out. Everyone's got several movies they've been struggling to get made for years. What do they need your movie for?

Secondly, it means these people are surrounded by other people in whom they believe, and who have helped them get where they are. That's what a community is! If somebody needs an actor, and if for some reason the producer is open to casting a unknown talent, then every single person on that production knows at least two people who would be perfect for the role, who would be great to work with, and who are more than likely working harder than you.

Even with less flashy positions, the network comes first. While I don't know any assistant directors for Sam Bailey, I've got friends who make some very impressive movies on very meager budgets. When I give some guy a chance, it'll be some guy who helped my friend. He deserves it at least as much as that schmoe off the street, and I trust his work.

This is going to be hard to hear, but Hollywood doesn't need you. If that's what you were hoping to find here, pack your stuff and go home.

Or...

Bring something new to the table. If you're creative and dedicated enough, you can make a movie and get people to watch it. If people are watching your movies, you're suddenly very interesting to Hollywood. Suddenly, everyone wants to know who you are.

Some people are scared. They don't want people watching your movie instead of theirs, so they'll try to make sure you're working on the same projects.

Other people are excited. Creative people like to see one another succeed. They know how hard you've worked for it. Those people will work with you because they think you're cool.

Either way, making movies and showing them to people makes you important to Hollywood. In the meantime, we've all got projects and people we're committed to getting out there. Personally, my actors and collaborators are my family. Every year, that's who I have Thanksgiving with.

Do you really think I'm going to recommend you to a casting director over them? Do you really think I'd produce and direct your script over the one I've been polishing over the last year? Would you just help yourself to my plate at Thanksgiving dinner?

Are you crazy, or just King of Asshole Island?

Anyone in the business will back me up on this. Most people in Hollywood have their hands full with the family they've got. Nobody here needs you. If you're the next big thing, don't tell Hollywood. Show Hollywood.

Then, we'll read your fucking script.