entertainment industry coach question 764:How do I deal with finding work in such a bad economy?

Finding work is always about one thing- relationships. Instead of focusing on the economy, focus on relationships. For some people the economy has turned around and they are working. Like beauty is in the eye of the beholder so are the circumstances of life. If it weren't the economy putting obstacles in your way of finding work, it would always be something for someone. Do you get what I mean by that? For years people were affected by run-away-production, then came fast changes in technology, then productions were leaving major production cities and going to other states in the US, and the economy struggle on top of all of this.

I'm not trying to bring your down, I simply want to point out that with the nature of our industry there will always be something that presents a challenge for someone. So back to my first sentence. Finding work is always about one thing- relationships. As long as there are people working out there (which there are) there are jobs to be had. Therefore, consider our time not working at your craft, time to be working on your business. Which means expanding your relationships with people who work.

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entertainment industry coach question 653:Should I be building my reel in film school or taking business classes?

It depends on the business classes your film school offers. You should absolutely be focused on the business side of the industry while in film school, however if the marketing, sales, and business classes are not directly related to the entertainment industry, you will have to get really clear on how what they're teaching, applies to you.

Film school IS for building your reel, perfecting your craft, building relationships, obtaining mentors, and preparing for entering the industry armed with an understanding of the business.

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entertainment industry coach question 529: Can I ask people I don't know but want to know to be friends on facebook?

Of course. That's one of the great ways that Facebook helps people connect! If you are going to make a friend request of someone you don't know here are some tips:

1. ALWAYS send a personal message with the request

2. If you have mutual friends, you can mention a common friend or two in the message

3. Give a reason in your personal message, as to why you're reaching out

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entertainment industry coach question 528: How do I know if I'm bugging people?

I get this question all the time. It prompted me to write a short e-book titled: Are You a Pain In The Ass? The quickest way to answer this in a blog, that is general enough for anyone to relate to is:

1. It is your job to follow up so people expect it.

2. Put yourself in the shoes of the people you're reaching out to. If you were working a 70 hour week, had a family, hobbies, and a garage door that needed to be fixed, in addition to 50 "I'm available" calls on your answering machine, how would you like to be followed up with?

3. Are you coming from a place of confidence or desperation when you get in touch with people? I'm not asking what you "think" you're showing to people, I'm asking how you really feel deep down. Because despite what you think you're masking, it is coming through!

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entertainment industry coach question 527: What's the worst thing you can say to a person you just met who can hire you?

"Your breath stinks." "I had that shirt, but I gave it to Goodwill... oh wait, that is my shirt." "Is that your wife over there? I slept with her in film school." Seriously, there are too many bad things you can say to keep throwing them out there.

What I will say is, other than the previously mentioned, if you want to stop a budding relationship in it's tracks, ask for work. Nothing kills a conversation faster than asking a virtual stranger to hire you.

Not really sure where you were going with this question so if you want a more detailed answer, please elaborate on where the question is coming from or what is it that you're trying to sort out.

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entertainment industry coach Question 500: Would you take a 500 day challenge that would change your career?

I don't know why the number 500 seems so meaningful. Maybe because I've never actively done anything for my career for 500 days straight. Have you? 500 days straight? No weekends off? What if you did? Choose one action from the following list that catches your attention:

1. Send a business email

2. Make a business call

3. Post a branding statement on a social media site

4. Blog on something that pertains to your career

5. Post a comment on an entertainment industry forum

After you make your choice, close your eyes and visualize the possibilities that can occur from you taking this one action for 500 days straight. Give yourself at least 5 minutes to visualize...

From my experience, taking an action for my business for 500 days straight has reaped tangible results like money, new contacts, and jobs (speaking engagements). It's also given me results that you can't measure like industry credibility, expert status, deeper connection with industry people, rewarding feedback from people I've helped, and a major sense of accomplishment and commitment to my business.

I invite you to take the 500 day challenge. For my question 1000, I will ask, "What have you done for 500 days straight and how has it affected your career?" I look forward to your answers as well as hearing about your journey along the way.

Feel free to add a comment about what your 500 day commitment is. Putting it out there in the public eye makes you accountable-- another great lesson I learned from this experience.

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entertainment industry coach Question 475:I'm a man. Is it appropriate to send flowers to a woman who got me a job?

Sometimes. The note has to be crystal clear that it is a professional thank you! Also, check the internet for appropriate flowers. Red roses are the obvious no-no. In fact, from a woman's POV, roses of any color, not appropriate.

Some women like to get flowers, but because it could be misconstrued, why not stick with something safe; a treat that can be shared with her staff, a gift certificate for a basic store like the Gap or Coffee Bean, a luxury gift certificate for a spa treatment (my personal favorite, hint hint).

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entertainment industry coach Question 466: Can someone with no connections in the industry make it as a director?

Someone with no industry connections can make it in any classification. If you have talent, drive, and a willingness to learn how to run your business like a business, then absolutely.

I know that's a really short answer, but the fact is, the answer is yes. If you have more questions about how to make it, start by reading this blog from questions 1. Then as questions pop up for you, send them my way. Happy to help.

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entertainment industry coach Question 443: I worked with a director not knowing how big he is. Can I compliment him after the fact?

Of course! If you haven't sent a thank you note yet, start there, and then follow up with a letter regarding the work you want to compliment. Be specific about why you're addressing the work, and it should have questions that require you to follow up with a phone call to get the answers.

This is an in depth question that really requires a very specific strategy per situation. I gave you a general answer, so others could make it their own.

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entertainment industry coach Question 442: How and when do I tell my boss I'm pregnant?

I'd love to throw this under "life-coaching" and say it's not my department.

When to tell: I'm not really the right one to speak to about this because there are laws depending on what your job classification is. For example, if you work at a studio, there are protections for you so you can't be fired for taking maternity leave.

Now in other classifications, it can work against you. For instance, a camera assistant, may want to work as long as she can not feeling that her job is putting the unborn baby at risk. However, the production team may feel differently because the camera assistant is carry heavy equipment cases, etc., and may be worried about injury and a potential lawsuit.

My advice, talk to a union rep or someone in human resources.

How to tell: not really sure why you're asking me this. Most people get excited and say, "I'm pregnant," getting all glowy and stuff. Is there any reason why your boss wouldn't be happy for you or that you have to tiptoe around him/her? I'd need more details to be able to help you out with this one.

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entertainment industry coach Question 441: Is it good to meet entertainment people in bars?

Ummmm so many ways I could go with this, but I'll stay strictly business. It doesn't matter where you meet new contacts as long as you are building a genuine relationship and it is clear that all you are interested in is talking business. Many industry people go out in bars so yes, there is great potential to meet people. Just be sure to watch a few episodes of Entourage, so you don't get sucked into anything you hadn't bargained for : )

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entertainment industry coach Question 437: how many scripts is enough to have written?

There's no exact number. You can have one script that is the next big blockbuster/hit pilot that sells and that's it. Just know, if you want an agent, they're going to want to know what else you have because once you sell something it's a great time for them to pitch more of your material.

If you're a television writer, you should have at least 2 spec scripts for current shows. That means if your favorite show is 24 and you have a spec for it, you had better write a new one because 24 has 3 hours left. These days, agents are also interested in seeing an original pilot.

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entertainment industry coach Question 435:How do I find work out of LA market when states offering tax incentives are mandating local crew hires only?

The only way I'm aware of (and if others know of any, please chime in) is to be able to work as a local hire. The point of the states offering these tax incentives is so that their residents can have an advantage over the Hollywood people who have worked out here for so long because that's were the work was. Now it's being spread around.

Recently an actress I've worked with booked a job in the Bay Area because she grew up there and they could hire her as a local.

I personally know this person has already relocated to Los Angeles, so if he's not interested in relocating to a state with incentives that's busy and keeping LA as his production city, then he and everyone in his position are going to have to focus on generating work in LA.

In the mean time, get involved with http://shootmoviesincalifornia.com/ where they are working with politicians to get better incentives and other forms of enticements to keep producers in California.

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

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entertainment industry coach Question 435:Why is it nearly impossible to make friends in LA who hang out like my friends from FL?

Ironically, I've had this conversation twice this past week, with people from Florida. You Florida people must be very cool to hang out with and very loyal to your friends.

Let me start with this analogy, even though many people in the entertainment industry don't fully relate to it because they didn't need to go to college since they were pursuing an art or a trade.

Most kids (excluding those who were moved around a lot) grow up from elementary school through high school with the same friends, give or take a few. That creates a serious bond. Then they are sent off to college where the first people they meet are those who live on their dorm floor. They tend to gravitate to these people at first because they are close in proximity and all going through the same awkwardness of the lack of familiarity they had with their home friends. These are what are referred to as "Freshman Year Friends." Now, in some cases, people stay friends throughout college, but in most cases, Freshman Year Friends are left behind until you find the people with whom you're truly compatible.

That's pretty much what happened to me and everyone I know in LA. The first two years of friendships were total bombs. But eventually, you find the people you click with.

Now this particular question went further by adding, "If someone calls me it's because they want me to work for them, no one wants to just hang out."

I refer to that as an A-List problem. Getting called for work is a good thing. You're going to have to examine the values of your friends back home in Florida and get really clear on them so when meeting people you can easily identify those who share the values and then make the extra effort to create a friendship. If you've tried this and it's not working, perhaps you should seek friends out of the industry.

Keep in mind, as people get older, their responsibilities change, their time is limited by those responsibilities, and therefore it's more challenging to make friends. But when you do find those few (and really that's all you need) they are SO worth it!

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

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entertainment industry coach Question 434: What are good side jobs for making money?

That depends on the flexibility you need, your skills, and your interests. Temp work is always an option. I encourage people to go to temp agencies who place people in entertainment offices or check if any of the studios still have temp pools. Then you can be creating relationships while making extra money.

If office work isn't your thing, it's a matter of looking at your interests, seeing what jobs are in someway connected to your interests, and then deciding if the hours, flexibility, and money work for you.

I've known people who've sprayed perfume at department stores, done handy-work/construction, made jewelry, sold gym memberships, personal trained, or taught exercise classes. Really, there are so many options, it just depends on job availability and meeting your needs.

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entertainment industry coach Question 432: There are so many classes in Los Angeles, how do I find the best?

This was asked by an actor who was writing about acting classes in Los Angeles. The answer, applies to any classification that offers classes to improve skills/art, in any location.

You can interview different teachers on your own, though many teachers are sales people as well, and can be very convincing that they are the best.

When I first moved to LA, I found myself some mentors, an agent, a working actress, and a casting director. I asked them which they felt were the top acting schools/teachers in LA. Based on their answer there were 4 schools that were on all three lists. I interviewed each and made my decision.

Choosing a good school/teacher is important to many casting directors when they look at your resume.

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

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