Best/Worst Advice

October 13, 2003

John Lee Hancock, director:
Best: Pay no attention to the marketplace. By the time you think you have an understanding of what Hollywood is looking for, the wave has passed.
Worst: You should take the California bar and practice here while you're writing and waiting for your break.

Bryan Belknap,media editor for Group magazine:
Best: Write every day.
Worst: Buy stock.

Gavin Black, Providence Entertainment:
Best: From Frank Yablans, my CEO and former president of Paramount and MGM, who told me no matter what I see people being like in Hollywood, the only person I ever need to be like is me.
Worst: If something is meant to be, it will just happen. The truth is that if you want something, you have to make it happen.

Jeff Coates, producer:
Same response for both: I asked a relatively well-known TV writer/producer and respected Christian if he had any advice for a newcomer. He recommended I pack up and go back home. He explained that it is such a tough and ruthless business, that if there was anything else I was interested in, then by all means I should do that instead.