They say that the one rule in Hollywood is there are no rules. There are, however, a series of "conventions" that exist, that if properly adhered to, will significantly smooth that otherwise rocky road to a career in film and television. While there's no substitute for talent and just plain old perseverance, there's also no excuse for handling yourself naively in a pitch meeting or acting like an ass when meeting a Really Big Star. The truth is, Hollywood is held together by a very delicate yet complex fabric, and the surest way to get in the inside is to know what's expected of you, and to behave accordingly. Compiled from the personal experiences of dozens of accredited writers, directors, producers, agents, and studio executives, the Rules would probably take you ten years to master on your own. Here, with this insider's guide, you'll be able to avoid the traps and pitfalls that have stymied so many other creative people and realize your full potential as a writer, director or producer.