Thursday, October 14, 2010

entertainment industry coach question 589: I read yesterday's blog. R U allowed to talk to them or should you just observe?

Well the way I see it is, the only difference between me and anyone else under that tent in video village, is the opportunities they've had. We all have talent, we all have passion, and we all have confidence. Therefore, anyone I wasn't introduced to by the DP who invited me, I introduced myself to. They're just people (amazingly talented and funny people, but still people).

Now, keep in mind, I took the temperature of the set. The people were warm and welcoming, so I knew it was okay to make conversation. There are certainly sets that are far more tense, on which you would have to make your own choice if it's better to step back and observe.

I've found that when sets are that tense and "closed off" people who would normally invite me, tell me that it's not a great set to visit or they're going through a tense time so maybe give it a few weeks.

A few rules I made up for myself and you can feel free to adopt:
1. Never sit on a directors chair unless someone offers it to you (and if someone important comes in and there are no chairs left, offer to give up yours).
2. On the flip side if you're standing and someone offers their seat and you say no, to be polite, if after an hour or so they offer again, take it, because they probably feel uncomfortable that you're a guest and you are standing for so long. Don't make them ask three times :-)
3. Don't eat set food unless it's offered. Even then I don't eat it, but I'm just that way. I eat before I go. Now if they offer you a water or a soda and you're thirsty, go ahead. Dehydrating on set would be embarrassing for both you and the person who invited you.
4. Don't give your opinion on what's going on unless asked for it. Silent laughing when scenes are hilarious is not included. That's not an opinion that's positive reinforcement... unless of course it's a drama.

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

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at the top of the page and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

entertainment industry coach question 588: Why would you as a career coach do a set visit?

This is from a Facebook reader who saw my post about doing a set visit on Modern Family. Well as both a career coach and an industry professional, I practice what I preach. I do set visits to see clients as well as (in today's case) to visit friends who work on shows I LOVE.

I've already blogged on reasons to do set visits, so you can read those in the archives. Here's why I personally love set visits and what I especially loved about today. When you target specific shows you love, you get to meet the people who create the "magic" and learn from the masters of the craft. I was privileged to spend 4 hours in video village observing the interaction, between Steve Levitan (Creator/Exec Producer), Adam Shankman (Director), James Bagdonas (Director of Photography) and the two writers of the episode. To witness the creative process, the "on-the-fly" problem solving which comes with every public location (and closed sets as well), and the professional yet fun way, these men handled every situation was both inspiring and invigorating. There's a reason why shows like Modern Family are great- the team making it happen.

There is so much to learn not only from a technical point of view but in addition, from the confidence of experience, how respectfully they speak to each other, how they handle the "unexpected" and turn it into something spectacular, these are gems that you can apply to your future endeavors.

Anyone with "negative issues" about set visits- you are getting in your own way! Put your ego aside and allow yourself to bathe in the inspiration that is everywhere when you surround yourself with this caliber of talent!

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

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at the top of the page and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1280: I grew up in India and as a result English is my second language (cont'd)

"I grew up in India and as a result English is my second language. I  am looking to improve my comprehension when I read my text book...