The Real World by Michael Davis: Straight No Chaser 93

November 21, 2008 Michael Davis 7 Comments

I know a lot of established people. I’m real good friends with some of them. Of the people I know some are actors, singers, CEO’s, publishers, toy designers, racecar drivers and other professions where they are at the top of their game. I am sure that 99% of the established people I’m friends with- the readers of this column will know by name.

I work in Hollywood. This ‘town’ is hard on a creator. It’s hard because there are a lot of talented people here all trying to chase the dream. What a lot of these dreamers don’t realize is relationships and professionalism is what makes you last and excel in Hollywood. Gimmicks may work for a second, being the ‘new kid’ may work for a moment getting ‘lucky’ may get you a shot but talent and professionalism gets you paid.

Talent and professionalism gets you paid and gets you a career.

I was told a few days ago that there are a lot of college students looking at this site. I was told this by a pretty young co-ed. She then told me she has a friend who is a big fan of mine. After finding out her friend was not Asian (DAMN!) she told me her friend is trying her best to screw her way to the top.

I wonder if this young ladies’ friend thinks that’s really a smart move or is she just lazy? Lazy and stupid. In this town that’s a lethal combination.

I talk a lot of smack but when it comes to education and business I’m deadly serious. So with that in mind I’m addressing that young lady and those like her who think that their assets (pun intended) is all they really need. This is the real world…MOTU style.

I mentioned that I know I a lot of famous people, I did so not to impress you (no they know me, THAT’S what impressive. Hello MOTU here!) but to impress upon you that fame is not what puts them at the top of their game, nope it’s those two words again; relationships and professionalism. There are a lot of ‘famous’ people who burn brightly and snuff out fast.

Shit, Gary Coleman is famous.

There is no magic bullet that will enable you to skip building relationships and professionalism. There are some people in Hollywood who think that being seen with the right people is a sure way to get a deal. There are many ‘hot spots’ that young professionals flock to in the hopes that they can be ‘discovered.’ Among those are some young ladies that assume that their looks will enable them to find a meal ticket. They show up at the Hollywood haunts with their mini skirts and fake boobs and try to hook a Hollywood big wig. These women are, let’s see how should I address these ‘ladies’ with the respect they deserve? I know…

Whores.

There are some women whose goal is to find a man who will take care of them. I have no problem with that, I really don’t. If that is how you want to live your life then it’s on you. Let me be clear-if a man wants to pay some ladies way so he can get some grade A ass-then have at it. I am the biggest supporter of live and let live that I know. I could care less how people live or who they screw. If you desire to sell your ass to catch a man then that is entirely up to you. If you want to buy some ass that’s up to you to. The people who do this deserve each other.

The real tragedy and my point that has taken me 600 plus words to get to is this; like the young lady I mentioned before there are many young women who think this is a viable career option. They really THINK this is a practical career option.

In the real world you can score a basketball player who will take care of you. That does happen and it may happen to you. As long as you are married to or dating this ‘playa’ people will treat you with the semblance of respect. The moment, no the very second your meal ticket has let you go you are nothing but the girl so and so used to bang.

Nobody wants to read your screenplay nobody wants to hear you sing. Nobody gives a damn about you and because you have no real skills you are left to fend for yourself in a world where there is always someone prettier and younger.

Always.

I knew a great Hollywood manager (maybe the greatest ever) named Jay Bernstein. If you get a moment you should Google him. Jay and I met at La Dome restaurant a once true ‘power broker’ hang out. I was lucky enough to become a friend and be invited to his home to just hang out many times. Trust me when I say he represented some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Jay was known to Hollywood as Starmaker because that’s what Jay did, he made stars.

One night we were hanging out at his home after having a meeting about a show I created called Starmaker named after Jay. Starmaker was an American Idol type show that Jay was to be the host of. On this particular evening some 5 or so years ago we were having drinks and I asked Jay why he no longer represented a certain actor. Jay said; “He left. They all leave.” I asked why and he quietly said; “Once they get to a certain level they don’t need you any more.”

This bit of wisdom from a man who made people famous and made them and himself MILLIONS.

They all leave. This from a man who had value and talent. So what fate awaits you if your only talent is how well you moan?

They don’t need you any more. Think about that the next time you want to hang your tits out at a hot spot bar instead of working on your craft.

If you always have to depend on someone else for ANYTHING important in your life then you are the textbook definition of poor. You have NO power if someone can change your life by simply changing his or her mind. That’s a terrible way to live, hell that’s a terrible way to work.

You combat this by being the best you are at what you do. My mother told me when I was in the sixth grade (10 years ago) that I should shoot for the stars and even if I fall short I would still be flying high.

Or you could star in a show called, The Real Whores Of Orange County. Your choice.