Rating: Summary: Absolute trash. Review: I'm not fooled by the rave reviews listed here, because I'm sure the only people who could have written them are friends of Ms. Davis. I have rarely had such a nauseated reaction to a book. I've worked in the film business, both in NY and LA for the last 14 years, including Warner Bros., which Davis keeps referring to as Warner Brothers. Everyone who serious works in the industry knows that the studio is always written as Warner BROS. and NOT BROTHERS. But of course, I don't have that Rolodex from graduation that Davis suggests we all have to add to our wardrobe (which of course, along with who you date, is THE most important thing to your career), so what do I know? What did I learn from this book? That Warren Beatty "definitely" checked her out, khaki is "the new black," she does aerobics even though they are no longer the in excercise, and learned how to find a date in only a few hours. What WOULD have been helpful for a person who really is looking to get into the industry as a development girl is a chapter on how to read a script, how to write script notes, and more on the actually nuts and bolts of script analysis and development. What we have here instead is a look at Hadley's life, in excruciating detail, from sessions with her personal trainer to getting her nails done. But as far as what the title promises... is this a book written by a real pro? Ms Davis has had just two low level development jobs, and both only lasted a year to a few years. On the book's publication, it has been revealed that the author was out of her second job. Both companies she worked for lost their studio deals not long after Davis' "tenure." If you are going to buy a book on how to "make it", it would be better to take the advise of someone who's been around for a little longer, and has more of a track record. Perhaps
Rating: Summary: D-Girls or Boys Review: A good look at what it takes to be a development executive in hollywood today. Though, I always thought the term D-Girl was derrogatory.
Rating: Summary: THUMBS WAY UP from Production Head at DREAMWORKS Review: The William Goldman Hollywood adage ("no one knows anything") should now include a parenthesis: (but Hadley Davis). This is an accurate and hilarious guided tour of the film industry.-- Bob Cooper, Head of Production and Development, Feature Division, DreamWorks SKG
Rating: Summary: not what it seems Review: This book is less about how to get a production deal than it is about how to get that M.R.S. degree from the University of the Upper East Side with a major in rhinoplasty and a minor in superficiality. As a book on accessorizing, it is king; but if you love film with your heart and want to put in the hours and sweat the industry requires, it is a misinformed blemish.
Rating: Summary: The best use of 3 hours since The Godfather Part II Review: 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: Previous review may be a warning Review: After seeing the previous review from someone who attests to really working as a development person and questioning the authenticity of Hadley Davis' voice, experience and expertise, I now question the book. Is this akin to a nurse writing about how to be a doctor, or a secretary writing about how to be an executive? I'm sure much of the information presented is accurate, but I now question the level, quality, authority and authenticity from whom it comes. In a sense, I question if this is fair to the reader.
Rating: Summary: Read it! Review: As a D-Girl in NYC, I can honestly say that Ms. Davis' book is both funny and accurate -a great resource for this business and a reminder to take the industry as a whole with a grain of salt.
Rating: Summary: The Ultimate D-Girl -- Brett Ratner, Director,"Rush Hour" Review: Author Hadley Davis is the ultimate "D-Girl": She's smart and talented. Forget about slaving in the William Morris mailroom, just read Development Girl! (Brett Ratner, Director, "Rush Hour")
Rating: Summary: I wish I had this book years ago! Review: I wish I had this book when I was breaking into the movie business 10 years ago! It would have been so incredibly helpful! I am a Hollywood former studio executive turned producer -- and yes, once upon a time I was a "D-Girl." And, this book de-mystifies the entertainment industry like no other I've read (and I have read them all). It is a dead-on accurate, fast, delightfully funny and fun read.
Rating: Summary: Insightful and Witty Review: The smart, savvy advice Hadley Davis provides in "Development Girl" is absolutely invaluable (and certainly a steal at $8.76!). Having worked in film and television for the past several years myself, I only wish this book had come out sooner -- it would have saved me a lot of time. I kept nodding my head in agreement when Davis spoke of the importance of "working" an assistantship, how to play office politics (to win), what you need to read, what you can fake, and what you should be wearing to be taken seriously. The truth is, there are thousands of people who are trying to "make it in the movie business" -- to do so one needs a competitive advantage. "Development Girl" gives you that critical edge by not only defining the terms of the trade but by telling you how and where to begin.
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