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How to Successfully Fail in Hollywood

  • 2023
YOUR RATING
Adrian Gilbert, Deniese D.B. Garner, C.M. Conway, and Karla Acosta in How to Successfully Fail in Hollywood (2023)
Ellie (C.M. Conway) is a bottom-feeder actress at the end of her rope in Hollywood, when a life-changing event happens with her gay, Latinx friend Ben (Adrian Gilbert). A surreal twist unfolds with comedic results, blurring the lines of fantasy and reality, as she unwittingly becomes the key to a new take on Tinseltown where failure is the star.


"How to Successfully Fail in Hollywood" is the little indie that could. The film made in Sonoma County, the Bay Area and Los Angeles features friends, fantasies and fails. Visit FunnyFailureFilm.com to find it on your favorite platform. 


This feel-good movie spills the secrets of Tinseltown and was inspired by bodacious blunders of the local filmmaker. 


A cinematic ode to the enduring power of friendship; and the huge, unknown population of bold dreamers trying to make it against all odds. Failure has a societal stigma. The witty and poignant film looks it dead in the eye and laughs. 


Quotes:

"... true, funny and enlightening..." Dan Taylor, Pulitzer-Prize winning Press Democrat.


"Conway brings so much life to the film each moment she is on screen." Noah Abrams, NPR (KRCB).


"... very touched by Conway's characterization of both grit and vulnerability."  Eleanor Nichols, Executive Director, Sonoma Film Institute.


"In terms of raw guerilla filmmaking talent, C.M. Conway has few contemporary rivals." Gordon Durich, The Hollywood Times.


A remarkable community grassroots effort made this indie possible and a champion of women, diversity, and gender equity with multi-award winning cinematography by Lisa Stoll. Additionally, authentic representation of the Latinx, gay communities.
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ComedyDrama

Ellie is a bottom-feeder actress at the end of her rope in Hollywood, when a life-changing event happens with her gay Latinx friend, Ben. A surreal twist unfolds with comedic results, as she... Read allEllie is a bottom-feeder actress at the end of her rope in Hollywood, when a life-changing event happens with her gay Latinx friend, Ben. A surreal twist unfolds with comedic results, as she unwittingly becomes the key to a new take on Tinseltown where failure is the star.Ellie is a bottom-feeder actress at the end of her rope in Hollywood, when a life-changing event happens with her gay Latinx friend, Ben. A surreal twist unfolds with comedic results, as she unwittingly becomes the key to a new take on Tinseltown where failure is the star.

  • Director
    • C.M. Conway
  • Writer
    • C.M. Conway
  • Stars
    • C.M. Conway
    • Adrian Gilbert
    • Trevor B. Nagle
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • C.M. Conway
    • Writer
      • C.M. Conway
    • Stars
      • C.M. Conway
      • Adrian Gilbert
      • Trevor B. Nagle
    • 1User review
    • 7Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    How to Successfully Fail in Hollywood | Trailer
    Trailer 1:57
    How to Successfully Fail in Hollywood | Trailer

    Photos6

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    Top cast96

    Edit
    C.M. Conway
    C.M. Conway
    • Ellie
    Adrian Gilbert
    • Ben
    Trevor B. Nagle
    Trevor B. Nagle
    • Len
    Karla Acosta
    • Kiki
    Deniese D.B. Garner
    Deniese D.B. Garner
    • Dee Dee
    Vilma Vega
    • Alexandra
    Anne Hallinan
    Anne Hallinan
    • Shirley
    Janet Lynn Saunders
    Janet Lynn Saunders
    • Fiona
    Harris Warren
    • Harry
    Violet Jade Weill
    • Young Ellie
    Amna Vegha
    • Donna
    • (as Amna Mehmood)
    Rae Lane
    Rae Lane
    • Penelope
    • (as a different name)
    Francis Perry
    Francis Perry
    • Lorenzo
    • (as David Francis Perry)
    Mario Martinez
    Mario Martinez
    • Papá
    Angeli R. Fitch
    • Mamá
    Jo Ann Andrus
    • Maggie
    Elena Estér
    Elena Estér
    • Elena
    Jennifer Koman
    • Liz
    • Director
      • C.M. Conway
    • Writer
      • C.M. Conway
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews1

    Featured reviews

    10pathmoser

    New Take on Hollywood

    I really enjoyed this film! It's funny, touching, and adds new teeth to the old saw of Hollywood success films. You'll love Ellie and her band of friends as they take on all the challenges of life and trying to make it big in Tinseltown.

    I liked seeing all the places that I've visited in Los Angeles, and in and around Hollywood: the famous sign, the beach, the streets that make the area so special.

    It was especially heartening to see diversity of people also represented in a positive way in the cast and storyline. We need more films that highlight the issues and challenges of women, gays, and people of color.

    Oh, and loved the dance scenes!

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    • Trivia
      This feature film is led by women in key leadership positions and features a diverse, minority cast and crew inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community.
    • Soundtracks
      My Best Friend (Mi Major Amigo)
      Written by C.M. Conway and Hope Levy

      Performed by Hope Levy

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • April 1, 2023 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Official site
      • Trailer
    • Language
      • English
    • Production company
      • Showstoppers
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

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      • Color

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    Adrian Gilbert, Deniese D.B. Garner, C.M. Conway, and Karla Acosta in How to Successfully Fail in Hollywood (2023)
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