This month’s professional spotlight is Micheal HaDera, author of “The Hollywood Assistant: Life Below The Line”. Read on to learn more about Micheal and his incredible journey from a career in Hollywood production to writer.
Could you briefly explain some of your responsibilities in your current professional role?
I am currently working full time as a writer. Since releasing my book on 2.22.2022 I have been fully focused on promoting “The Hollywood Assistant: Life Below The Line”.
What drove you to write Hollywood Assistant: Life Below the Line?
My entire childhood I dreamed of nothing more than working in the movie making business. Once I entered that world it was truly like entering another dimension. I was thrown into a well-oiled machine and it was literally sink or swim. I went from a normal conventional life to working with the movers and shakers. I was instantly surrounded by Ivy league graduates, studio executives, an Oscar winner, a Golden Globe winner and an internationally known pedophilic director. Everyday I found myself in what felt like a movie, from the wild characters, the unrealistic demands and the abusive obstacles they placed in front of me for as a form of punishment. I constantly found myself saying “this is a book”. I promised myself that one day I would sit down and write about my unforgettable experience.
Before becoming a writer, you were an Assistant on sets. Why did you choose that specific area of work?
I went into film school wanting to be a director, but through my education I learned I was suited better for a producer role. Wanting to specifically work on big budget pictures I knew the best real-world education would be learned through working for producers on studio backed pictures.
What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your life as an Assistant in Hollywood?
I would say the most challenging aspect was being thrown into a machine and having to learn as you go. I had to figure it all out on my own while running up a steep hill and simultaneously having massive wave-like obstacles kick me down then having to pick myself up. There really isn’t any training, it’s literally sink or swim. The most rewarding would have to be how resourceful the job made me. I went into the business never having transferred a call, sent a fedex or having been truly tested to my limits. Because of my experiences on movies I am a much stronger person, can handle an enormously full plate and multi-task at a level I didn’t know was possible. But most importantly if an item is needed, regardless of where in the world it is, even with minimal information, due to my assisting experience no matter what, I CAN FIND IT!
What are three tips you would give someone looking to work in Hollywood as an Assistant?
Be prepared to be pushed past your limits. The best education is on set education. If there’s a will there’s a way, that has to be your mantra to survive.
You wrote a book which is a huge undertaking. How did you approach this? What are some practical steps you took to help you complete the book?
I really went into it wanting to write an honest and authentic portrayal of my experience. The good, the bad and the ugly as there was lots of that. I started by writing an outline, I divided the novel into three parts. Pre Production, Principal Photography (Shooting) & Wrap. Then went into each part and made notes of what scenes I wanted to happen, then went into those notes and placed them in the order I wanted them to happen within each section. But once I started writing, it really just poured out of me. I rarely referenced my outline.
To date, what is your greatest professional accomplishment?
My great accomplishment would have to be that I accomplished everything I set out to do. I wanted to move and go to film school, accomplished. I wanted to work in the movie making business for major studios and networks, accomplished. I wanted to work in development for a major studio in Los Angeles, accomplished. I wanted to write a novel, accomplished. Being able to not only go after what I wanted but to actually be able to say I DID IT, there’s no greater feeling than that.
What’s one piece of advice you would give someone looking to transition into your line of work?
The best advice is to go for it. You won’t believe the amazing experiences and all the fascinating people you will get to meet. At times you will feel like you are in a fantasy. But never forget that it’s a business first and foremost. You will have to sacrifice a lot, but if this is your passion like it’s mine even the bad days will feel more like play than work.
Outside of all of your hard work and efforts toward building your brand, what do you do for fun? Hobbies?
My hobbies actually consist of watching movies, documentaries and reading. My perfect day would be getting up early, going to the gym, doing emails while drinking a smoothie, writing for 6-8 hours and then ending my day with dinner followed by a documentary and then light reading before I go to bed. Paradise!