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"BOOK REVIEW: DOING IT FOR MONEY - The Agony and Ecstasy of Writing and Surviving in Hollywood"
Edited By: Daryl G. Nickens
Book Review by Matthew Terry
Published by: Tallfellow Press
ISBN#: 1-931290-58-X
When I go on to the popular website "PostSecret.com" I don't really go on there to read secrets. I go on there to realize that a number of people are going through the same issues I'm going through. I am not alone in this world and "PostSecret.com" proves that. It is the same with "Doing It For Money." Thank God, I am not alone.
Years ago, I read a book similar to this entitled: "The First Time I Got Paid For It." Basically these are stories from the people who have had some success in Hollywood. Some have created long time careers and have had GREAT success while others are still struggling, going through the hills and valleys that is Hollywood. The stories are a fantastic mix from both young guns who had success early and oldsters who have seen, heard and done it all.
In the pages of this fantastic book, you will find stories about writer's block, annoying actors, pushy producers, loving and caring directors (seriously) and out and out idiots who have no idea how to write a simple sentence - but think they can tell a veteran writer how best to set up a scene.
These stories are quick and, usually, very funny. Some of these stories are surprisingly honest and you will find yourself (especially if you are a struggling screenwriter like I am) thinking: "Wow! I went through that last week!" or "Man, that's tough, but I know when I get there, it will be different."
If there is one complaint I have with the book - it is that some stories revolve solely around television writers while others revolve solely around movie writers (some do both). But this is a MINOR quibble. Again, the stories are so short, you won't realize what you've just read before you are on to the next story.
Are you a writer? Have you hit your head against the "Hollywood" door for a very long time? Have you struggled with incoherent notes, stumbled over your pitch, floundered in a sea of mediocrity while you know, KNOW, that your script is better than 95% of what is being bought and sold - then this book is for you.
If you are not a Hollywood writer but want to be one, read this book. It's excellent.
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