Thirteen-year-old Sean has an innovative concept that he believes will transform the entertainment industry.
Sean’s goal is to present his concept to a major entertainment company. Baron’s wryly humorous tale depicts how the determined eighth-grader approaches this endeavor, reviewing the thicket of hurdles facing industry newcomers. When Sean discovers that major entertainment companies are nearly inaccessible to those without representation by either an agent or manager, he is undeterred. Instead, he becomes embroiled in a comical, although improbable, series of events in which he masquerades as his own manager. To further complicate matters, another prestigious entertainment company responds to Sean’s inquiry and expresses interest in his impromptu movie idea. Suddenly, Sean must deal with industry executives and bewildering legal contracts. Through Sean’s misadventures, Baron examines such issues as navigating the complex world of movie screenwriting and maintaining artistic integrity. He deftly juxtaposes these scenarios with Sean’s ordinary life. Interspersed throughout the tale, Sean’s reflections and witty observations regarding middle school life and friendship add a pragmatic yet humorous note.
An engaging and educational primer on the workings of the movie industry. (Fiction. 10-14)
