Doing For Others

It is inevitable in this business that you will feel used at one point. Though, you will also be using. And therein lies a balance you must strike with people you will deal with.
A writer once said that there are no friends in Hollywood, only people you want something from. There is some cynical truth to that. A lot of times, that thing isn't even tangible. Perhaps it's just to put off loneliness, but people in power like to dole out favors because they'd like to be remembered. Harvey Weinstein comes to mind how that level of power really corrupted his Jabba The Hut brain. Had Harvey done his business without all the bluster, he'd still be in business. He's been stripped of his crown of indie cinema, but is now putting together a defense. Can't wait to discover how the actresses who used him to get what THEY want.
See how that works?

This could lead to deep resentment. Resentment is a commodity in town. I have some friends who say they would never be resentful for another person's success. I find this to be disingenuous. If a person who just stumbles into town suddenly becomes the next big thing whilst you've been toiling for decades  and end up nowhere, doesn't get you in the gut, you probably need to find a new business. Because, here's the bitch of it, talent and time doesn't get you the prize. It's a crapshoot how it works and the odds are slightly better than the lottery. But this is where the predators come out. There are some in the business who simply prey on that hope. This is despicable behavior and, frankly, life would be better if they were killed off. These people know how young and dumb come to Hollywood daily. It's like a war. Fresh meat for the grinder. To me, I pity those people, because they have no clue. They think they understand but they don't really. Anyway, what these predators do isn't necessarily exploit for their benefit but perhaps give them side work while they toil. In terms of crew work, it's grip work with some odd Israeli production that ends up stiffing everyone after the picture wraps (how would I know that? heh heh heh). In the talent arena, probably porn.

To be honest, people are more savvy these days. Though that makes them paranoid to everything (in which case, don't come to Hollywood). There is a certain naivete that is required to show, maybe a little bit of enthusiasm for the business (Did I mention I hate being on set?). Like prison, you can tell the new people by how over eager they are to get involved (this is a dumb move since, overeagerness tends to be the person who makes the simplest, dumbest mistakes...how would I know that? heh heh heh).

So, look, go ahead and do people favors who need favors, but don't think of it as favors. This is precious time you cannot get back. And if you live in a Thunderdome existence, this will grate on you. This is why most people here are self-centered egotists. Now how would I know that? Heh heh heh.