Meaning: This quote by Joe Eszterhas, a renowned screenwriter, provides an insightful comparison between the inner dynamics of Hollywood and politics. Eszterhas draws parallels between the decision-making processes in the entertainment industry and those in politics, shedding light on the complex and often cautious nature of both environments. By likening the scenario of presenting a script to Hollywood executives to the dynamics of a political group, he highlights the prevalence of hesitancy and the tendency to wait for consensus before voicing opinions.

In the context of Hollywood, the reference to giving a script to a group of executives reflects the initial stage of pitching an idea or screenplay to key decision-makers in the film industry. This process often involves presenting creative works to a panel of executives who hold the power to greenlight projects. The executives' cautious approach and reluctance to voice their opinions align with Eszterhas's comparison to politics, suggesting a climate of apprehension and waiting for consensus.

The analogy to politics underscores the notion that decision-making in Hollywood, much like in politics, can be influenced by a desire to maintain a sense of consensus or unity within the group. This inclination to avoid dissent and await a collective agreement mirrors the dynamics of political environments where individuals may refrain from expressing their views until they perceive a consensus forming. It also speaks to the potential impact of group dynamics and the influence of power structures within both industries.

Eszterhas's comparison to focus groups, opinion polls, and cabinets further emphasizes the cautious and consensus-driven nature of decision-making in Hollywood. Focus groups and opinion polls are commonly used in market research and audience testing to gauge public opinion and preferences. Similarly, the reference to a cabinet alludes to the collective decision-making body within a government, where members may deliberate and seek consensus before making significant decisions. By drawing parallels to these mechanisms, Eszterhas highlights the prevalence of seeking consensus and the hesitancy to voice individual opinions in both Hollywood and political settings.

The quote also hints at the potential challenges and dynamics that creatives and industry professionals face in navigating the decision-making processes within Hollywood. The portrayal of executives sitting around, hesitant to voice opinions, offers insight into the power dynamics and the significance of consensus within the industry. It suggests that the fear of expressing dissenting views or taking creative risks may be prevalent, ultimately impacting the types of projects that are greenlit and the creative freedom of writers and filmmakers.

In summary, Joe Eszterhas's quote provides a thought-provoking comparison between the inner dynamics of Hollywood and politics, shedding light on the cautious and consensus-driven nature of decision-making in both realms. The parallels drawn between presenting a script to executives and the dynamics of political decision-making offer valuable insights into the complexities of navigating these environments and the prevalence of seeking consensus before voicing individual opinions. This quote serves as a compelling commentary on the intricacies of decision-making and power dynamics within the entertainment industry and the broader parallels it shares with the world of politics.