INTERVIEW:
FREDERICK LEVY

InVision: How did you get started as a Writer? Did you have a mentor? How did the process work?

FL: I started writing for my college newspaper, The Daily Trojan at the University of Southern California (USC). I really did it for fun because I had just moved to LA and I figured writing for the entertainment section of the paper would allow me access to Hollywood. And it did. I was one of the first student journalists ever admitted to the Oscars. I also covered the Emmys, MTVs, Peoples Choice, Golden Globes, etc. This led to celebrity interviews with everyone from Leonard Nimoy to Rick Schroeder. But really, the writing ended there. Upon graduation, I got a job in television as a guest coordinator on LOVE CONNECTION and a few years later transitioned to feature development.

Cut To: A few years ago I was sitting in New York with a lit agent who repped a lot of book authors. I was telling her about a movie we had in development that was set at a cigar club. She told me she repped a client who wrote THE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO CIGARS...and could I put a copy of it somewhere in the movie. I asked if anyone had ever written THE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO HOLLYWOOD. She told me it was a great idea and thought I should do it. Jokingly, I told her I would if she could get me a book deal.

So this agent pitched the IDIOT'S who passed, and pitched the DUMMIES who also passed. Then she sent me a copy of a sample book proposal. She asked me to come up with a slightly more intelligent take on getting into the business. So I put together what I thought would make an interesting look at breaking into the film business. She sent that off to publishers, got me some meetings with editors, and from that Renaissance Books made me an offer to write what became HOLLYWOOD 101: THE FILM INDUSTRY.

It's funny...three books later...I still work in feature development...and I really don't consider myself a writer. But people have responded so positively to the books, I continue to write.

InVision: What is your typical day like as a development Exec?

FL: Every day is different, but I can typically divide the day into two parts. Part One: Looking for new material. This encompasses dealing with agents, managers, other producers, and writers seeking out material that I think may be right for our company.

Part Two: Moving our current projects forward. This may involve packaging the scripts with directors or actors, sending material to studio executives, finding alternative sources for financing, reading new drafts of development projects and giving notes, etc.

InVision: Typical day for you when one of your films is in the different stages of production?

FL: Once a film goes into production, I am off to find that next movie to make. So it's back to the grind of looking for material.

InVision: Is there such a thing as a 40hr-work week for you or is it a creative process at different times?

FL: It's a lifestyle, not a career. There is never a time when I'm not at least partially working. Sad, but true. BUT don't feel too bad. The business is also a very social one. Many hours are spent at fancy lunches, movie screenings, and industry parties...so don't feel too bad for me.

InVision: What is the most important resource for you in your job?

FL: The most important resource is being resourceful. Never take no for an answer. You can find anything if you put your mind to it.

InVision: What is the toughest part of your job?

FL: In development, it's the waiting. It is a really tedious process. Getting a script into production can sometimes take years.

InVision: Do you have a part of your job that is most rewarding?

FL: I love seeing a movie for the first time with a real audience. Their reaction makes it all worth while.

InVision: What advice do you have for someone who wants to do what you do?

FL: If this is your passion, if this is your dream, if you cannot picture doing anything else other than this, go for it. Don't let anyone tell you you can't. Dreams do come true. It may not be easy, you might have to work at it, but it is possible and you can do it.

InVision: What pitfalls in the industry did you have to watch out for to get where you are today?

FL: Work with reputable people who have a proven track record and credibility.

InVision: What is your best advice for getting your foot in the door in this industry?

FL: Be open to anything. Don't narrow your interests so much that you turn your nose up at other opportunities. There is no one direct path to any Hollywood career. You might even discover you really love another part of the filmmaking process that you never would have known about had you not been open to other opportunities.

InVision: How long have you been in the industry and has it always been as a writer?

FL: I've bee in the business for over ten years.

InVision: In the past ten years what big changes have you seen?

FL: The Internet has become an important and necessary tool for doing business in Hollywood.

InVision: What changes do you see coming?

FL: Digital filmmaking is very interesting. I think this will factor in more and more in years to come.

InVision: How do you deal with difficult personalities?

FL: Don't take anything personally.

InVision: And difficult egos?

FL: Ditto.

InVision: Is there someone or something that has influenced your work the most?

FL: Watching great movies and great filmmakers at work.

InVision: Is there any person who has influenced you in the business?

FI: I admire the great leaders past and present. Everyone from Michael Eisner to Bradon Tartikoff. Creative individuals with superior business sense.

InVision: How did it feel the first time you sat down in a theater to watch your own film with an audience?

FI: It's the greatest feeling in the world. Very rewarding and satisfying.

InVision: Did your friends and family encourage you or are they still waiting for you to get a real job?

FI: Once they saw the first book come out and my first onscreen credit, it suddenly was real to them.

InVision: What kind of story would you like to write that you haven't already written?

FI::I have a new book coming out in May called THE HOLLYWOOD WAY (St. Martin's Press). It's an examination of the skills that make one successful in Hollywood and shows how you can use those same skills to find success in any career.

InVision: Any last comments for our readers?

FL: Please visit my web site at www.hollywood-101.com

InVision: Thank you for the time and insight.