WRITING MOVIES FOR FUN AND PROFIT

A hilarious and helpful insider’s guide to launching a successful writing career in Hollywood.

The co-creators of the TV series Reno 911 and such films as Night at the Museum Garant and Lennon take a gut-busting stab at the published world in their first book. Unapologetically designed as “a guide to writing hit movies that make you and the studio piles of money,” the authors offer invaluable advice that much of Hollywood would shudder to reveal. And they would know—the pair has grossed “$1,467,015,501.00 and counting at the box office.” Garant and Lennon take on the Goliath-like task of explaining the entire screenwriting process from pitching to selling, studio development to a practical guide to writing with a partner (which they swear will have “you writ[ing] twice as fast as you would without”). They emphasize the importance of both humor and practicality, both of which are imperative tools to a successful career working in “the Dream Machine.” The authors demystify the secretive world of screenwriting in Hollywood by offering tips on everything from sequels (“Never discuss the sequel before the movie comes out!”) to, arguably, the biggest question of all: “Why does almost every studio movie suck donkey balls?” Their answer: “Development Hell.” They even provide helpful hints on how to discern one’s importance to the studio, suggesting that “the easy way to tell what the studio’s opinion of you is where…they let you park.”

The only compass readers will ever need to navigate the treacherous waters of filmmaking.