The Code

"He that lives upon hope will die fasting." Benjamin Franklin.

The Code is a set of imaginary Hollywood rules that perhaps don't exist.

1. Deny the code or that obstacles are significant, say instead you're just happy to be in the game
2. Don't call us, make us call you
3. Befriend upwards, have friends who are upwardly mobile
4. Always say yes, even when no, stars have assistants to scrape off any unwanted yes
5. Arrive exactly 5 minutes early
6. No excuses, avoid being right or wrong, avoid situations that will require apology from you or anyone
7. Be ready for a star to visit your office, home or car without notice
8. Don't leave money on the table unless you can afford a big ego
9. Show up, have passion and doggedness
10. Always be positive, especially when others would panic
11. Character is measured in adversity
12. Cast a broad net, use marketing wisely
13. It's not who you know, it's who takes your calls or calls you
14. Don't climb in the ring if you can't take being hit
15. It takes seven years to make a film, ten is the new seven
16. TV is now or next season
17. Your most powerful ally is who Mr. Big trusts
18. You're only required to have an agent or entertainment attorney if you don't have one
19. You only need one hit
20. Get the wind at your back, avoid exhausting yourself tacking into the wind
21. Nothing succeeds like success, get mentioned in Variety or THR, get solid credits on IMDB
22. Get paid
23. Funny is money, drama is drama
24. If life doesn't seem easy, you're not doing it right
25. Let your winners run and cut your losses
26. Buy low, sell high
27. Embrace change
28. There isn't time to do everything, do first things first, delegate
29. No studio film can afford to report a profit
30. Sell what you have