Development Girls : The Hollywood Virgin's Guide to Making It in the Movie Business

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Summary: To the mother of the D-Girl
Review: Like everything else about Ms. Davis' resume, even that "plum tv job" appears to be false. Friends in tv land tell me that Hadley is hardly the "staff writer" she claims to be, but actually an assistant to a writer. Again, big surprise coming from a woman who claims that Tina Brown has her old "office" where Hadley was an assistant. Do cubicles have Central Park views?

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Summary: Dumb and dumber
Review: To the reader from West hollywood who asked everyone to take a breath and calm down... well, I still think the book's awful. I bought the book before reading all the reviews, and now I wish I'd read the reviews first. an insulting book.

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Summary: Everyone just take a breath and lighten up.
Review: So it's not Day of The Locust. The book is obviously not intended to be high art or an exhaustive guide to making in the industry. It's a light snack; if you think it's going to be a big meal you'll wind up hungry and grumpy at the end, like so many of the previous reviewers. I agree we could all do without the sychophantic 5-star reviews by the author's loyalists, but do the rest of you really need to get your collective panties in such a twist? I guess it should come as no surprise that reviewers from the development world, the agencies and the studios resent this woman for getting a book published -- what is Hollywood about if not resenting the success of others, who naturally did not work as hard, put up with as much, etc. -- but the vehemence of it all is a little over the top. Has it crossed anyone's mind that some of this stuff might be tongue in cheek, that the author might not be quite so stupid or oblivious to the silliness of it all as some of the debunkers suggest? I thought parts of it were genuinely funny, and on purpose. Literature it ain't, but can we all please get down off the self-righteous barricades? I'd give it two and a half if there were half-stars.

Rating:
Summary: A poorly written book
Review: Perhaps the reason some reviews by people who are currently in the development industry are so negative in their comments is because they know what the reality of the job is, and find the book lacking in offering people who want to get in some solid info and a skewered reality. The fuss over Warner Brothers/Bros. is perhaps not so silly as it seems. If I had someone working for my company and never learned how to write my company's name correctly, I think I'd take issue. Also, if a person is interested in entering the industry, it would be a service to present them from the outset with the correctly written official wording of a major studio. Otherwise, the book might as well give the reader info on Walt Disneyland Studios, DreamWorks-Speilberg Productions, and Paramount Co., Inc. Many people in the industry are as bubble headed and image conscious as the book lets on, true enough. But there are some wonderful examples of women who are just the opposite-- who are symbols of class, and serious no-nonsense work. Sherry Lansing. Lucy Fisher. Gerry Layborne. Why aren't their words of advice in the book? I'd rather listen to them.

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Summary: A stupid book
Review: There are much better books out there for people who are trying to break into the motion picture or television industry. William Goldman's book of course, comes to mind. Also, Dawn Steele's book provided some interesting insights and advice as well. I think that what it comes down to when you are looking to break into an industry is the advice and suggestions you are given. And its the wise person who listens and takes the advice of those with intellect and experience. If some readers feel they found it here, perhaps it is because they are silly, giggly, superficial and (I'm sorry to say) stupid as the author. For all of you who feel MTV equals brain power, this will suit you just fine. People with a bit more substance (and no trust fund to their name) will most likely find this book offensive.

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Summary: Informative!
Review: As a makeup artist in the independent feature realm, I have been looking for a way to break into the "above-the line" world. Makeup is a great business, but I feel that I can offer much more! I am going back to school in the fall to learn the business end of The Industry, and "Development Girl" helped fill in some mysteries for me. I feel better prepared (God knows that Makeup hates to be unprepared!!!) for my future role as a producer, and I have suggested this book to my friends as it was recommeded to me. BRAVO, Ms. Davis!!! P.S. ......Do you know anyone in need of help? ; )

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Summary: The Best Use of 3 Hours Since The Godfather Part II!
Review: The best use of 3 hours since The Godfather Part II! This book is absolutely hilarious, excellent, and insightful, I read the whole thing in one marathon sitting. Hadley Davis manages to give the pro's, con's, ironies, and quirks of the movie industry without ever letting the reader question her enthusiasm for it or discouraging anyone from trying their hand. Everyone who likes movies should read it.

Rating:
Summary: Hey You
Review: You who wants to be in the biz, wonders about the biz, or has any curiosity at all about how the whole movie thang works, you will totally dig this book.

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Summary: (D) GIRL POWER
Review: I bought this book after I read in Entertainment Weekly that Development Girl's "extensive glossary is a neophytes must-read." And, it did not disappoint. As far as a guide book goes this one is of the sugar-coated variety. Extremely digestible and quite yummy!

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Summary: I found a job!
Review: The straigh tforward information in this book landed me a great Hollywood assistant gig. What more proof positive do you need? This book is for people TRYING to break in (not those who are already in) and all I have to say is thanks HADLEY!