How did they break into Hollywood?

Breaking into Hollywood often involves strategic perseverance and leveraging unique approaches. Here are insights from various experts:

1. Ryan Holiday emphasizes finding career paths where you have personal agency and understanding the "peculiar logic" of the industry you're trying to break into. This includes recognizing the gatekeepers and hurdles you need to overcome to succeed 1.

2. Jay Samit shared a clever method he used to get a start in Hollywood by placing a blind ad in the Hollywood Reporter to gather insights on resumes and job openings, eventually securing his first job this way. He stresses that problem-solving and data-driven approaches can tackle almost any challenge 2.

3. Tom Bilyeu detailed his journey of relentless hard work and dedication to get into film school, despite initial setbacks. His approach involved intensive studying and self-discipline over four years to achieve his goals 3.

   Finding Success and Breaking Through

   Ryan Holiday

   Cal Newport

   Ryan and Cal discuss the importance of seeking out career paths where you have agency and the challenges of breaking through in the world of fiction writing. They explore the role of gatekeepers and the need to understand the peculiar logic of the industry you're trying to break into.

   

   Deep Questions with Cal Newport

   Ep. 215: RYAN HOLIDAY: Discipline Is Destiny

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4. Seth Rogen offered advice for struggling creatives, highlighting that persistence and hard work are crucial. He also points out that being likable and building good relationships are vital, as Hollywood heavily relies on connections and luck 4.

5. Nell Scovell shared her transition from magazine writing to TV scriptwriting. Her breakthrough came after a friend recognized her visual storytelling skills and suggested she write a spec script, which she did for a cult favorite show 5.

These stories reflect that breaking into Hollywood requires a combination of strategic thinking, persistence, creativity, and leveraging personal strengths and relationships.