entertainment industry coach question 363: Is it okay to walk up to someone you know from Facebook but never met?

Is it okay? It's the beauty of social media. On Friday I was at a networking event and a guy walked up next to me and I instantly thought I knew him, like he was my buddy. Before he could introduce himself, I said, "Facebook friend!" We talked for a while, and it was so easy because he does comment on my posts so we know things about each other. Isn't that what a friend is? Someone who knows what's going on in your life and cares enough to talk to you about it. These days it doesn't have to be a phone call or an email. It can be someone in your Facebook friends who was once a stranger, telling you that he/she sends good thought to you when you've lost someone, or tells you to eat when you post that you haven't eaten all day, or has an Anchorman quote showdown with you on your wall.

I find the industry getting much smaller thanks to Facebook. I attended the SOC awards at which many of the members in attendance were at the time, only Facebook friends. Nw they've become friends and business associates.

Absolutely walk up to the person and say, "hey, we're Facebook friends!" BUT as always, be professional about it. If the person appears to be having an important business lunch--- not the time.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 362: How can I meet Casting Directors?

This was a question asked of me last night at a networking event, by a very charming young man. Our conversation didn't start out about his acting, it started out regarding his book which became a best seller. It's subject matter, imitates what my favorite writer did 30 years ago, so I was instantly pulled into the conversation. As we got further into the discussion and he brought up acting, I asked him the first question I always ask, "how many people do you know in the entertainment industry." His answer was 300 (that's 100 more than the "sweet spot"). Now I knew something was missing. How can he know so many people and not be making any progress.

Naturally I asked him my next question, "how many casting directors do you know." He floundered for a moment then said, "one, sort of." AH HA! Mystery solved. So naturally he asked me how he was supposed to meet casting directors. I told him I'd answer him in my blog.

1. Ask the people you already know to give you referrals to the casting directors they know

2. Build relationships through casting director workshops (there's a whole strategy to this, but you have to coach with me... I can't give you all of my secrets for free)

3. Offer to do an internship in casting directors' offices

4. Attend networking events that involve casting directors

5. Join philanthropic organizations that casting directors are a part of

Yes, you have to do research for 4 & 5. Remember casting directors are people, treat them with respect and always look to create a win/win.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 361: Can't post the question it involves nudity...

Question: What do I do if I'm asked to show my boobs for an audition when they've posted "requires nudity?" My friend had to do this today and she was mortified and left. Was this the right decision, should I ever be asked?

Ah, I remember the days when I swore I'd never show my boobs. Then you reach an age when you're so excited someone wants to see your boobs, you flash the casting director when he actually said, " show me your moves."

Okay, so that didn't really happen to me BUT, because this is a very touchy (bad choice of words?) subject, I thought I'd open with a little humor (lame as it may be.)

Here's the thing... You have to trust your instincts. If it's a Craigs List posting and the casting office is in some weirdo's garage, RUN. If it's in Deb Aquilla's office and they want to make sure you don't have any crazy scars that will not work for the shot, then you show them. Look, you agreed to go to an audition that clearly stated your part had nudity. If you think, "I'm going to go there and be such a great actress that they'll cut out nudity just to have me," you're going to piss off the casting office.

Be clear with your representation if you don't want to do nudity. If it's okay with you, expect that they are going to want to "check you" for "deformities." Only you can tell by your gut instinct if it's something fishy, so trust yourself.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 360: How do I know if someone has un-friended me on Facebook?

You just go to their page and if it says, "add so-and-so" as a friend, and he/she had been a friend, you've been unfriended.

There are many reasons why someone "un-friends" you, other than their significant other no longer wants you writing on their wall or you're a stalker. I chose to answer this question today, because 4 TIMES this week, I've had people put their dang links on my wall without my permission. The first three I un-friended immediately. The fourth, I wrote on her wall "my rules" if you will. She just became my friend so she hasn't seen my rants about Facebook Etiquette. Maybe she won't like my rules and un-friend me. But here's the deal people.

BE PROFESSIONAL ON FACEBOOK!!!

1. Quit hitting work colleagues with pillows, sending them prayers, and offering to plant crap in their garden!

2. DO NOT ADVERTISE (yes advertise because that's what you're doing when you put your link on MY wall) without permission. Anyone want to check out Juliet Landau's documentary on Gary Oldman http://www.julietlandaustakeflight.com./ go ahead, and she can post on my wall, because she's my client and has my permission.

3. DON'T POST your party pictures that make you look like a moron or a slut (even if you think you look hot in the picture). Now I post my pictures from Halloween or with heavy metal groups because people in the industry who like heavy metal, connect with me on that.

I'm not trying to be mean, and the girl who posted on my wall has already apologized. I just want you to realize how these actions can REALLY HURT YOUR CAREER. She's still my friend. The other 3... got the boot (steel tipped for my heavy metal followers).

And to think, my questionee was just wondering who was de-friending him. Don't worry about who doesn't want to be your friend, focus and nurture the friends you have by being respectful and professional.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 359: Do people have careers in entertainment anywhere else besides Hollywood?

Yes. I don't know how old you are or how small of a town you live in, but entertainment happens all over this country... all over this world. You must have access to the internet because you emailed me. There's a search engine (www.google.com). Put in where you live and entertainment organizations and see what comes up.

For more tips and articles by Top Entertainment Industry Career Coach, The Greenlight Coach visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 358: How does being on a set differ from being in class?

It's a whole other world. Class is nurturing, it's practice, it can be "time-indulgent." On set, things happen fast. People aren't necessarily giving you feedback or positive reinforcement. You have to be at your most confident on set. You have to make your choices and leave self-talk and self-doubt behind. My coach Brad William Henke, a successful working actor, says to think about how much work goes into preparing for an audition and then the actual audition takes minutes (This applies to preparing for interviews for other classifications). IT can go just as quickly on set.

Sometimes on set you don't get a second take. Do your work before hand and be prepared to do your best and do it fast. There are also a lot of distractions on set that aren't in class (unless you're in Brad's class where it's all part of his teaching). You can be in the middle of your scene and see people walking around in the background, a cell phone can ring in the middle of your line and you have to start over, or you can do an amazing take and the focus was soft so you have to do it again. You may not even be told that's why you're re-doing the take.

This is why you see the same people hired over and over, because they know how to work on set. That's why I recommend set visits so you can familiarize yourself with the pace, and the lulls.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 357:I have a relative in the biz who I don't know. Can I call him up for help?

You have an inherent relationship because he is family, and therefore, yes, you can just call him up. The key is what you say when you call. DO NOT say that you are his cousin/nephew/half-sister who wants to break into the industry and can he give you work.

Instead, introduce yourself. Bond on the family level for the first minute or two (or longer if he steers the conversation that way). Then tell him you are breaking into the industry and wanted to know if he'd be open to giving you advice. Because he's family you can offer to take him to lunch or dinner (if he's local).

Treat him professionally by being respectful of his time and make sure you follow up. My first roommate in LA had a powerful Hollywood cousin. He met with him once, got some great advice, and then never called him again. Not only is that not cool for his "business," but he missed out on the opportunity to have a relationship with family when he was across the country from his own. Bad move.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 356: is it hindering my networking by not publicly letting people know where I am?

It only hinders you if you can't be where you're wanted when you say you're going to be there. If your contacts think you're in LA and give you a 9am call, and you decide to fly in from Texas but your flight gets cancelled because there weren't enough reservations, that will certainly hinder you.

On the other hand if you are in an area where there is a lot of production and you have the opportunity to work as a local there and you are not creating relationships there because you're afraid "word" will get back to your other contacts, that can be hindering as well.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 355: How do I get noticed without dressing like a hooker?

I wish this was from a guy, that would have been even funnier. Usually when you're "getting noticed" for what you're wearing (unless it's because the person is in rapport with you because you have the same style) it's a bad thing.

SO how do you get noticed? By talking to people about what you're passionate about, opening up about yourself, and sharing personal stories. That's how you get noticed because you're being yourself and people can connect to you.

I know, I make it sound so easy, but you know what? It really can be that easy... so start talking!

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 354: How do I walk up to someone at an event who is bombarded by people?

You come up with something specific and unique to ask (that you really want answered), and push through the crowd, and say, "I don't want to keep you too long with all of these people waiting, so a quick question for you___________." The person gives you the answer and you're on your way.

Then you follow up with him and remind him that you were the guy/girl who asked him the question about ___________ and you've implemented his advice and could he answer a question about what you should do next...

It takes 3 conversations to create a relationship, so walking up to someone after a screening, a Q&A, or at an event, and simply telling him/her that you're an admirer and then walking away is a complete waste of time. Sure it's fun to tell your friends back in Jersey that you spoke to Robert De Niro, but it doesn't help your career if you have no plan for follow up.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

CASTING CALL FOR ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

Casting Call: A new competition series starring Hollywood’s top entertainment career coach, is seeking skilled professionals in the entertainment industry, who know their craft and want to supercharge their rate of getting new contacts and jobs. Casting is looking for outgoing, driven, above and below the line candidates; actors, directors, writers, production designers, camera department, editors, costumers, etc. Participants must be available form April 27^th –May 10^th. Everyone chosen will receive prizes as the competition progresses, and the winner will receive a year of platinum coaching and a cash prize. The producers want to make it clear that this is an educational and empowering show, putting success tools in the hands of entertainment industry professionals. Participants must live in Los Angeles. To apply email casting@TheGreenlightCoach.com and include name, age, classification(s), and why you would be great on the show. Also include a recent photo and your contact numbers.

entertainment industry coach question 353:I've been in the biz for 35 yrs how can you coach when every thing's changed?

I imagine in your 35 years in the business you've seen many periods of change, including multiple strikes, runaway production, ever-changing technology. With all of these changes how can I not coach? You see, the new people breaking in, haven't been through what you have, so they are going after their careers like "this is the way it is." For them, I coach them on the basic business tools to grow their business that EVERYBODY needs, no matter the climate or changes of the industry.

For people like you, who've been in the industry a long time, I must (pardon the expression) "teach old dogs new tricks." Most people don't like change and resist it too long, hoping that the "money-spenders" will come to their senses and keep things as they were. By the time they realize that's not going to happen, a new crop of ____________(insert your classification) have jumped on the "change" bandwagon, and are getting hired on the jobs that used to be yours.

So I coach people who want to embrace the changes, move with them, and keep working. I also coach people who are starting from right now, empowering them with tools that will help them through future changes which they will encounter. As a coach, I change with the times too. Do you think a decade ago I was coaching clients to market themselves with social media? No. The people who are resisting the change, "fighting joining Facebook" are losing out on massive opportunities and losing work because of it!

If you are resisting change, and frustrated that things aren't what they used to be, I suggest you change your attitude and start looking for ways to be a part of the change.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 352: How am I supposed to keep up with all the TV shows when they get cancelled so fast?

Actors are told to know ALL the shows because they need to know the tone when they audition (this was sent to me by an actor). Every classification that works in television needs to keep up with the shows so that you know the tone, the crew, the genre, etc.

How do you keep up? Bottom line is, if you watched every show you'd have no time to pursue a career. Watch the pilots. That will give you a pretty clear idea of the show. Don't get too caught up with keeping detailed notes on everything. Target 20 shows to begin with and if 2 get cancelled, add 2 more.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 351: Somebody told me there are writers on reality shows. Is this true? Is it all fake?

I could tell you... but then I'd have to kill you. Here's the thing, Hollywood is all about fantasy and creating imaginary worlds. I don't want to burst anybody's bubble, so if you're interested in writing for a reality show, there may be some possibilities out there for you. Email me privately for a more detailed answer. I'd hate to have all of my college friends screaming, "What?!?!? It's not ALL 100% real?!?!?"

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 350:What would be the best way to revive contacts without coming across as flaky or too needy?

The background of this question is of a person who has been traveling back and forth from LA due to family emergencies. The contacts in this person's life think that she just disappeared. Because the emergencies will continue taking her to and from LA, she wants to know how to re-establish and maintain her relationships.

In a situation like this, as long as you're not begging for work and feeling needy, you won't come across as needy. Flaky people are those who say they are going to do something and then they don't do it. Hence the term "he flaked."

The concern your contacts will have is that if they hire you, you will be unable to fulfill your duties because you may be called away suddenly for a family emergency. Therefore, you have to decide with whom you have a strong enough relationship to share what's happening in your life, in the hope that they will be understanding and hire you for short term and day playing jobs to keep you working.

For the rest, you can re-establish by sharing the good things that have been going on, complimenting them on something they've worked on, and seeking advice on basic things like networking events to join and charity organizations to get involved in. This way the maintenance of your relationship can be set around your involvement, as opposed to trying to get work from them.

When your family issues reach a resolve that you feel comfortable committing to longer jobs, you'll be in touch with enough people to reach out to.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 349:How old is the oldest person you've ever helped into the industry?

I've coached people of all ages. I know you want to know the "oldest," and I'd ask you why it matters? Whether you're breaking in for the first time or re-entering after a long hiatus, as long as you have talent, a great work ethic, and a willingness to do the "business work," why should age be an excuse?

Notice I did not ask if it would be an obstacle. There are certainly obstacles to breaking into the industry and competing with people your age who have a long work history, but if your DREAM is to work in this industry, then don't let age be an excuse.

Instead ask the question, "What tools do I need to break into the industry at my age?"

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 348: How do I bring up my "career" with someone I work for as a nanny?

Upon elaboration this person shared that the woman whom she's a nanny for is a big producer and her husband is in the industry as well.

I would suggest testing the waters first. Ask, "Would you be open to answering some questions I have about the business side of the industry, or do you prefer to keep that part of your life separate because I work for you?" Then you're being polite and respectful, making it comfortable for them to answer truthfully. This is a business "request" which means you must be prepared and okay with getting 'no' as an answer.

Should you get a 'yes', have questions prepared incase he/she wants to answer questions right there on the spot.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 347: Is it appropriate to ask out someone on set or could I get in trouble for sexual harassment?

I'm not an expert on sexual harassment laws/rules... I'm a little concerned that you're associating asking someone out with it, but perhaps I'm naive and there are far more lawsuits going on than I know about.

If you are on a show that has an end date, maybe you can wait until wrap. If you're on a long-running episodic, trust your instincts. It's about intention. As long as you ask politely and can accept the possibility of "no" as an answer, you'll probably be okay. BUT I'M NOT A LAWYER.

Nor am I a dating coach. You're asking someone whose only dates are with Mac, and yes, I'm referring to my laptop. If only he cooked, he'd be perfect.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 346: How do I get contact information for potential mentors?

This was a question I didn't have time to answer on my tele-class call today. There are many different resources for finding contact information for potential mentors. It depends on their classification.

Start with the people you know to see if anyone is "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" to them and can get you the contact information. If not...

If they are in a union you can contact the union. You may be sent a directory, given information over the phone, or be allowed to send a letter which they will forward.

If they have a production company, you can get that information from IMDBpro, the Hollywood Creative Directory, and in some cases, Google.

Last resort would be to go through their agent if they have one. Before investing the time of researching them, call the agency to confirm that they DO forward their client's mail.

entertainment industry coach question 345:My friend is directing a pilot and I can't get him to call me back. How can I entice him?

Is it an emergency? My guess is- no, because no matter how busy someone is, if it's an emergency, they find time to return your call. Which leads me to my point. I'm not saying that you did this, but I know many people do. They wait until pilot season, see who's working, and then start making calls.

It's fine to let people know you're available, in fact, it's your job, but "I'm available" calls don't usually get returned calls unless there's a job for you. And "just checking in" calls, really don't get returned during pilot season. People get so pissed off about this. They say to me, "Who do these people think they are? No matter how 'big' I get, I'll always return people's calls."

Really? When a production report gets distributed, and a director (and other classifications) gets announced, he/she is bombarded with calls ranging from complete strangers, to people whom they met once (and now think they're friends), to people they know looking for work (who only call when they're looking for work), to good friends in the business (who are not in their 'top 10' top of mind calls.)

So now, the director has 127 calls in his voicemail, from people looking for work, 'just checking in,' or with an "enticing" reason for him to call back.

*note: if the enticing reason to call you back is so that you can build your relationship in order to get work- you should have made that call BEFORE pilot season.

The director is working on a pilot. This is one of the highest pressure jobs, with the most demanding hours, and usually an impossible schedule. On top of the pilot, he may have a family whom needs his attention on the few off hours he has, or maybe he needs to go to the gym to work off some stress, or have the 'check engine' light checked on his car so it doesn't break down on the way to the studio.

Do you see what I'm getting at? By the time a director books a pilot, he pretty much knows who he's hiring. If you didn't get called, left a message for him, did not get a call back, and it's not an emergency, this is NOT the best time to be persistent. He is BUSY. It's not personal.

If when you book a pilot and have 127 people calling you daily, you are able to return every call, PLEASE, write to me so I can interview you on time management.

Give your director friend a break, and let him concentrate on his very important task at hand.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 344: is too crazy to post in the subject line so read on but be warned...

This just goes to show that I do read all entertainment related questions sent to me, although that doesn't mean I have the answer to them all. This one stumped me, but as I'm a fan of the show, would be curious to hear from any loyal readers who may have some insight.

ps. Please don't let this start a trend in wacky question asking (though once in a while I enjoy them). The question read exactly as follows:

"Dear Greenlight Coach, you are so good at answering questions every day, maybe you can help me with one that's been bothering me for a while. If Bear Grylls from Man vs Wild drinks his own pee because he needs to keep his fluids going in, (he said that it may seem disgusting, but your own urine is safe to drink) then why does everyone make such a big deal over washing hands after you pee? Clearly the germs can't be that harmful if drinking it is okay."

Well readers, there you have it. The first question the Greenlight Coach can't answer without doing a little research. Because I don't feel the question will help you move your career further along, I'm not going to bother with the research. BUT just in case I have some reality crew people out there who get themselves into a bad situation during a shoot of Survivor, perhaps someone can enlighten us to this mystery.

I'd have saved it for April 1st, but I don't think he was kidding.

For more articles, tips, and possibly future absurd topics by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 343:Is it appropriate to connect to someone on Facebook who you don't know but share friends?

That's the beauty of Facebook, my friend. In fact you just reminded me to send a note to someone I met because I friended him since we had mutual friends. The irony was, I friended him based on the 3 people, whom I think the world of, so I figured he must be a great person too. Turns out he didn't even know them, but he was still a great person.

The key is to be professional. Don't just send a friend request, add a personal note saying that:

You share mutual friends and/or you're in the biz and/or something complimentary about something they've worked on.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 342:Is the Super Bowl a good reason to reconnect with contacts?

This was a comment on yesterday's post that just came up, so I thought I'd better get back to it quickly since the Super Bowl is only hours away.

Absolutely! While not everyone in our industry is a "sports fan," everyone can relate to the competitive nature of achieving "the big goal." After all, the Super Bowl is really "the Oscars" of football.

So reach out in the spirit of going after that BIG GOAL!

I personally, will be rooting for the Giants, even though they're not playing. What can I do? They're in my blood...

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 341: Is Valentines Day a good reason to reconnect with contacts?

Now, Y'all know I am good at coming up with every excuse to reconnect with people, but I have to say, that with Valentines Day, you have to be VERY careful. Only because the holiday symbolizes love. Therefore, it could send the wrong message.

So if...

New Years = Best for this year

St Patrick's Day = good luck this year

Thanksgiving = I am grateful to you for your business/as a friend/contact

Then...

Valentines Day = _______________

If you can fill in that blank with something business appropriate that can't be misconstrued in any way, then go for it... and please share!

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 340:What's the easiest way to get work?

The easiest way to get work is to be born into an A-list family who support you pursuing your career.

I mean, come on. The followers of this blog would not be very impressed with you if they met you and you asked them that. Life in general, people who are looking for the "easy way" are perceived as lazy, uncommitted, and flaky.

Perhaps you meant "What is the most direct path to work?" The answer to that question is different for everyone. I can tell you to start by looking at how many people you know who are in the position to hire you. If you don't know enough people, start there. If you want to be more specific about where you are on your career path, I can give you a more specific answer.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 339: What do I do about colleagues who are always trying to "one up" me?

In my book And...Action! I have a chapter "The Godfather," where I address 6 different types of relationships that don't serve you:

1. The Non-Supporters

2. The One-Uppers

3. The Physical Drainers

4. The Mental Drainers

5. The Not-So-Expert Experts

6 The Crashed and Burned

As far as the One-Uppers go, these are the people who no mater what you've accomplished, have done something better. They steal your joy.

You want to surround yourself with people who celebrate your success. You can only go as far as the people with whom you surround yourself. If you're not ready to eliminate the One-Uppers from your life because they hire you or refer you, then continue to tell them about your accomplishments knowing what their response will most likely be (to maintain the work relationship) and then REALLY celebrate your accomplishments with the people who care about you.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 338:What's a great method an A.D. can use to quiet a crew on set that gets to talking between takes of scenes?

I've never worked as an A.D. so maybe those of you who read this who are A.D.s can chime in (add to the comment section)

I have worked as a producer, and I've also worked on sets for A.D.s as talent. My personal feeling is you get better results by being a morale raiser than a ball buster.

Therefore, when you get the opportunity, call a quick meeting and tell everyone what a great job they're doing and how pleased you are to have such a great crew. Then tell them, one of the best ways to get more work is by creating strong relationships and the best way to do that is by making a good impression on people who can hire you again and refer you to other jobs.

Let them know that by talking in between shots, it could give the impression to the "higher-ups" that they're not focused, not taking the job seriously, or are just unprofessional. Suggest that they stay focused during the hours of the shoot and then, hang out and have fun with each other after the day is wrapped.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 337: What do I do when people only see me as a film loader and won't let me move up?

If you have the skills to move up, you have to create relationships with people who don't know you as a film loader. Start with indie films (if you can find one that's still shooting on film). Having big loader credits from studio features may help you get onto an indie film as an AC.

I've found that when a DP has a crew he/she can count on, it can be hard to move someone up because you enjoy having the person you rely on. Plus, if his/her AC isn't going anywhere, booting someone out to move you up isn't usually an option.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 336:How do you work while grieving?

I'm asking actually. I lost one of my friends whom I've known since she was in grade school, suddenly this morning, and yet I have to work. I have to blog for you, I have to do a scene with my acting partner tonight, I have to return calls and emails to clients, I have business as usual and most importantly, I have to be there for my sister because she was her best friend.

I guess, you keep it short and do your job.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com