The Big Deal: Hollywood's Million-Dollar Spec Script Market

by Thom Taylor

Book Overview

The Big Deal takes you right inside the Hollywood movie machine with behind-the-scene stories from hundreds of players--writers, agents, directors, producers, and studio execs who share their secrets of success and cautionary tales of woe. Whether you're a genuine scribe or diehard fan who craves the real dish, The Big Deal will put you in the picture.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688161715
• ISBN13: 9780688161712
• Release Date: March 1999
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Loved It!

My friend gave me this book as a gift, and I can't thank her enough. This book was like an adrenaline rush. The way Taylor weaves his behind-the-scenes tales held me for every page. Taylor inspires writers to press on with their craft, and paints an intriguing picture of the script sale world. For screenwriters looking for a great book that goes beyond the usual How To information, you have found it.

A Window to the Inside Offers a Refreshing Breeze

Hundreds of aspiring writers flock to LA every month. Their goal: to make a name for themselves in an industry that is as mysterious as it is naked to the public.Well, wonder no longer as Thom Taylor does a magnificent job of removing the shroud when he takes us on a tour of the inner workings of America's favorite industry. (Sorry dot.coms)Mr. Taylor, an insider himself, brings his first hand experiences and personal stories to life on the page in a way that can only be described as motivational.Aspiring artists, such as myself, should all give this book a read as it sheds some much needed light on the politics and behind-the-scene processes that make Hollywood work.We as Americans are conditioned to place people of fame and notoriety on an invisible pedestal, yet by reading and understanding Thom's book we are able to see that these same people are no different from ourselves.And to me, this is the greatest gift a book could ever give to an aspiring artist.If you have ever chased a dream, thought about chasing a dream or even just had a dream, this is a book for you.Take my word for it. It doesn't cost a lot of money and it's written so clearly that it's guaranteed not to take a lot of your time. Unless, of course, you do as I do and read it over and over and over and... You get the picture. Now get the book.

It's not about the money.

This is an absolute must for anyone serious about writing for Hollywood, but not because it tells you how to land the million-dollar deal hinted at in the title. No, this book gives hope to those who live by the old industry adage 'good writing will be discovered.' In fact, this book warns against the pitfalls of doing this for money. Through all the amazing tales of double-dealing, poor decision making and strange coincidence that goes into these deals, this book reminds us that as a writer you must write what you love. Do that, and not only will you survive, but you will succeed. Should be required reading in film school.

A good source to find specific agent's names!

The Big Deal helped me to become familiar with some of the big names in screenwriting marketing (i.e. Peter Scott), who can get MORE than a foot in the door in Hollywood. I learned about valuable screenwriting competitions, which allow a writer safe exposure to experienced "inside" readers. A MUST for all screenwriters!

A must-read for any serious screenwriter.

What a jewel this book is! As screenwriter, just starting to hit my stride, I find Thom Taylor's book work's as a "how-to" as well as a "how-not-to" book. It is fascinating to read about the evolution of such films as, "While You Were Sleeping," "In the Line of Fire," "Seven," and others. The detailed stories of heartache and passion make for more then just a good-read. He makes you appreciate the process.As a founder of a non-profit organization, I found a strong connection with first-time writers trying to get someone to recognize their exceptional work. (Jeff Maguire's 9 year struggle with "In the Line of Fire" had more ups and downs, twists and turns, than the film!)This book makes you want to rush to your video store and rent the movies mentioned, to look at them again from a technical aspect.With my goal of writing a winning spec, and keeping a non-profit organization going, I don't find much time for sleep. I gladly give up an hour a two a night just to read another chapter, another story of hollywood dreams.I almost walked past this book. I'm glad I didn't.