entertainment industry coach question 750:I wrote & self published a book.I have been told it should be a Liftetime movie.how do I go about doing that

There are many ways to go about the process:

1. A literary agent can represent the project and take it to Lifetime

2. You can write a treatment and along with the book, pitch it to Lifetime

3. You can actually write the script and have it read by Lifetime

Sounds easy enough right? Except, that Lifetime won't read unsolicited material and unless you have an agent, or an entertainment attorney, there's "grass-roots" work that needs to be done.

My first question to you is: Is Lifetime the only network this book/movie is right for? If so, you're going to have to create relationships with people in development there, because they are literally the only people who would make your movie. Therefore, you may or may not want to spend the time going after an agent to rep the project.

It's difficult to answer this question more specifically, because I don't know your relationship to the industry (this question comes from Twitter). If you have no connections at all, I'd give you a very different answer than if I knew your self-published book had sold a million copies and you have interest from agents.

And then finally, there's a query letter that you can send. You can google how to write that, and research the right person to send it to at Lifetime. If they have an interest in the book and the synopsis of your story to be made into a screenplay, they'll ask for more.

entertainment industry coach question 743:How can you get yourself known on the web, without seeming annoying or cheesy?

Sometimes the way y'all phrase your questions, cracks me up! Let me address the later part of that question since it's what's helping me fill my laugh quota for today...

If you are not annoying or cheesy, you will not be perceived that way. I'm going to go out on a limb, and guess that you're neither of those. Because if you were, you wouldn't recognize the annoyances and cheesiness of others, and therefore, you wouldn't recognize the need to NOT be like them. So, go easy on yourself, and don't do anything that you find annoying or cheesy.

Ways to get yourself noticed on the web that are professional, effective and a smart way to market:

1. Create a website that honestly represents what you do professionally, makes it easy for people to find the information on you that they want, and showcases your best attributes.

*NOTE: if you are not website building savvy, and will spend a lot of time learning as you build, I suggest what my mentor Loral Langemeier says, "Strengthen your strengths, pay for your weaknesses." It's better to spend money on a professional web designer, so you can spend YOUR time generating money with your professional strengths. I recommend Kathy Hoffman athttp://www.hoffmansites.com. Tell her you're my client. She's very reasonable and very reliable.

2. Get on Social Networking Sites like: Facebook, Twitter, Linked in. Make informative or inquisitive posts on people's walls.

For example: a camera operator needed an AC. He posted his request on my wall and on my Greenlight Coach Group wall, and found his AC through my friends network. (hint, hint, if you're reading this you should be friend requesting me on FB, joining my fan page, LinkingIn with me, and following me on Twitter.

3. Write an informative blog or create a podcast.

4. Post videos of yourself (demonstrating /teaching/ working) on YouTube. No dancing to a montage of music from the 80's... that's cheesy (the only exception is: if you're a professional dancer).

5. Post informative comments AND success stories on other people's blogs, like this one! Or www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com. This gets you recognized as an expert in your field, in a community of like-minded people.

If you have more detailed questions about any of the above, post it on my comments section and I'll answer it as a separate question.

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entertainment industry coach question 715: 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.

I do my best to keep up with the changes by speaking to Centers of Influence in the Industry and communicating what I'm hearing and how you can prepare for changes. 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, LinkedIn, Twitter, & YouTube" 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.

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entertainment industry coach question 587:I'm just wondering what you think about actors being on linked in? something I need to do?

It can't hurt to be on LinkedIn, but so far, it's more the "suit" version of social media, whereas Twitter is for Flip flops and Facebook is a Gap sundress that can be dressed up or down. I'm on it, I'm also on Plaxo, but so far the only thing that has come out of LinkedIn is my ex boyfriend finding me and turning my life upside down for about a month ;-)

To really create relationships go with Facebook, set up a profile on LinkedIn just in case someone on it is looking for you, but I wouldn't spend too much valuable time on it, unless you learn of some new way to use it that is of value to freelancers. One thing you can do if you're on it, is join some of the entertainment industry groups and comment on the conversations. Again, that is a strategy used in the business world, I don't use it because it's not where I choose to focus my time. IF their were three of me (not as in multiple personalities but more like Multiplicity), I'd have one of my "me's" commenting on blogs all day long.

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entertainment industry coach Question 516:I've been posting videos on Twitter and no one's watching. Why?

Well, after researching this, your title was "Watch This Strange Video." That screams SPAM!!!! CLICK ON ME I'M A VIRUS!!!!!

You need a better title. I've received videos from trusted clients and friends that say, "Watch this, it's funny." And I've written back and asked if it was really from them or a virus. Opening links and downloading files can be very risky. If a virus attacked my computer... I can't even think about what it would do to my business.

Okay, I need to breath and shake that thought off. SO you need a new title. The video is your reel with sci fi and horror, so yes, it is strange and I get you're trying to brand yourself that way BUT, a title like "feedback on my reel please," may get more views.

And, really, is Twitter the most effective way to get your reel seen? Maybe not at this point in Twitter world. Do you really want feedback from people whose credentials may not be up to snuff? A targeted campaign to people who can effectively contribute to your career is something to highly consider.

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entertainment industry coach Question 514: How do kids/teens get acting jobs?

I have two very eager Twitter Followers with lots of questions about getting into acting. One excited young lady would like to be on the Disney Channel and the other is a mom who wants to get her son into the biz. Because they are both starting from scratch, I will give some basic starter-uppers:

1. Location: One lives in Alberta, Canada the other in NY, although I don't know how far from NYC. For Canadians, visit ACTRA and for my young New Yorker, you want to go to SAG. The Unions will give you and your parents valuable information, list of agents, and advice on steering away from scams that take advantage of artists looking "to be discovered." Many parents whose children have an agent, take them to Los Angeles during pilot season to audition for television pilots. Although these days it's possible to put yourself on video and send the link to Casting Offices.

2. Agents: Is it important to have one? Yes. They give you the "stamp of approval," have connections with studios and casting offices, and have access to the breakdown services that announce the roles for auditions. Is it something that you go after first? Not necessarily. You may want to research the "business side of the business" first, so you can approach an agent in the most knowledgeable and professional way.

3. Headshots: If you visit IMDB.com and put in a actor/actress' name (not the most famous ones because they don't need headshots. Try a secondary character on a show you like) you will see a a picture. This is a headshot. Click HERE to see mine. They are submitted to agents and casting directors. These are NOT glamour shots. You want to look like your headshot. Nothing upsets people more, than when they call you in based on your picture and it looks nothing like you. Call an agent and ask what they require as far as a headshot if you don't live in a place where there are professional photographers. They may suggest you send some personal photos and if they want to work with you, they may make arrangements for you to work with a photographer they know.

4. Unions: I mentioned them in #1. Unions protect child actors. They are very informative and have business representatives and member services departments who can answer questions before you make any decisions.

5. Attitude: While there are union regulations that monitor child actors' work hours and study time, child/teen actors are expected to be professional, know their lines, be directable, and have a good attitude. While acting looks like fun (and it is), it's also hard work. There are many adults doing jobs that you won't understand. Their jobs and reputations are on the line if a shot/scene isn't done on time. Therefore, they are depending on you to know what you're doing.

There is a lot more to learn. Obviously I can't fit this all in on a tweet, so feel free to visit my website at www.TheGreenlightCoach.com. There is another blog there, as well as the 513 questions answered before this one. I'm here to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources.

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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 365:How do you do anything (business related) for 365 days straight?

WELL OF COURSE I HAD TO CHOOSE THIS ONE! Thank you everyone who contributed your questions for the 365th day of my blog! I will answer all of them that came in. You have to admit, this person was savvy. He knew I was going to choose his. Why? It's timely, it ties into the theme of today, AND he specifically put in "business related" so I couldn't remind him that he eats, drinks, and possibly showers every day. So, well played, my friend. YOU are the one-year-anniversary question.

How do you do something business related for 365 days straight? Here's how I did it and will continue to do it...

1. I made a decision to commit to the business related task

2. I built in MAJOR accountability

3. I knew people needed my help and were counting on me

Let's take each one individually so you can apply it to your career:

1. Make a decision to commit to a daily business task that you KNOW will improve your business. It can be committing to 1 business phone call or email/day, saying a daily power statement, posting on business contacts' walls on Facebook, a daily business tweet, etc.

These are easy examples. You can commit to more complex daily business tasks, like committing to 1 power hour of focused business work, posing a daily video on YouTube branding you as an expert, etc.

2. Building in accountability was KEY for me. As you may recall, there were about 3 blogs that I posted after midnight, dating the blog for the next day. I would write, "Because I haven't gone to sleep yet, this still counts for Tuesday." As a career coach, I am setting the bar. To miss a day, may have been human, but I prefer to be a superhero for my followers. My readers are important to me and I didn't want to disappoint them.

Whose opinion is important to you? Who can hold you accountable for your daily business task. Can you post a status on a social media site daily so you know people are watching and seeing how consistent, dependable, and professional you are?

3. What's bigger than you? On those nights that I was falling asleep after speaking for 11 hours straight after my Greenlight Your Career Bootcamp, a voice would pop into my head and say, "wake up, you forgot to blog!" I could have answered the voice, "it's just one day, they'll understand." But it wasn't about me and it wasn't about how understanding everyone would've been. It was about making a commitment to something bigger. Sleep could wait a few more minutes.

Who do you care about so much that letting them down is not an option? You may not know them personally. They may be the people who need the message of the work you want to produce. How can you get your work out there if you're not doing the "business work" it takes to get your work seen?

Or maybe you do know them. Maybe it's your family; parents whom you want to see you succeed, children whom you want to be a role model for, a spouse who always believed in you who you want a better life for.

How can I blog everyday for 365 days straight? How can I not? I'm committed to your success, and as long as you're out there reading, and sending me questions I will stay committed to you for as long as I'm physically able. SO KEEP THOSE QUESTIONS COMING!

It's been a pleasure to serve you this past year and I look forward to the many blogs to come...

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

entertainment industry coach question 364: For filmmakers who distribute independently and do it as a national release, how much money do they raise

...on average for distribution an marketing costs?

This is a perfect example of a question you would ask a mentor. There are people out there who specialize in distribution and people out there who specialize in marketing. There are also people out there, to whom the questioner referred to, who have done this before.

Your job is to seek out the companies that independently raised their own marketing costs and have found a significant measure of national success.

Once you have a target list of these companies, you want to either seek out mentors within the company or request an informational interview. You will get different answers from different people and then you will find your average.

You can also post your question on Twitter & Facebook to see if people will share their experiences with you.

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

entertainment industry coach question 254: How do I find someone to write a short film for me?

There are many different ways to find a writer. Here are a few suggestions:

1. If you know people who know writers, ask for a referral.
2. You can post an ad on Craig’s List, something along the lines of: looking for a writer for a short film in the _____ genre. [no pay or some pay]. Please send writing sample for this genre ONLY to: (your email address)
3. Research writer’s groups, websites, and associations and post the ad above
4. Post ad on twitter and Facebook
5. If you already know of a writer who wrote a short that you enjoyed, reach out to him/her

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

Question 128: Doesn't having a Facebook/Twitter link on my website look unprofessional?

I pulled this from an audience question at a panel I attended this morning. It was on web design and how to make your Mac work for your career. (visit www.amacguru.com) One of the participants insisted it made her look unprofessional to have a Facebook, Twitter, or any other social networking site (SNS) icon on her website. As a career coach in the entertainment industry, I couldn't disagree more!

We are not stuffy, suit wearing, hard-nosed professionals. We are an industry of story telling people. In other words we are in a social industry. Most of my clients love social networking simply because they don't have to network face to face (of course I coach them on the importance and benefits of face to face).

Therefore, not only does linking your website to SNSs increase your website optimization, it also shows that you are socially connected. AND if you're using SNSs correctly, a cool person to connect with.

So before you stick your nose up to SNSs, read my blog entry about how they can be used to your advantage. You'll have to check the archives... I'm on day 128 and can't remember what day I wrote about it.

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

Question 117: Should I be on Twitter?

Jury is still out on this one. Depends on your objective. If it's to follow me, yes, because of the value I provide in my posts. Though even I haven't figured out the value of Tweeting. I just post it there and link it to my Facebook page where I do my social networking. There are some great marketing strategies that recognizable "names" are using. You can model them.

This is one of those blogs, that if anyone has had great career success using Twitter, I would love for you to write about it in the comment section.

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

Question 15: How can you get yourself known on the web, without seeming annoying or cheesy?

Sometimes the way y'all phrase your questions, cracks me up!  Let me address the later part of that question since it's what's helping me fill my laugh quota for today...

If you are not annoying or cheesy, you will not be perceived that way.  I'm going to go out on a limb, and guess that you're neither of those.  Because if you were, you wouldn't recognize the annoyances and cheesiness of others, and therefore, you wouldn't recognize the need to NOT be like them.  So, go easy on yourself, and don't do anything that you find annoying or cheesy.  

Ways to get yourself noticed on the web that are professional, effective and a smart way to market:

1. Create a website that honestly represents what you do professionally, makes it easy for people to find the information on you that they want, and showcases your best attributes.

*NOTE: if you are not website building savvy, and will spend a lot of time learning as you build, I suggest what my mentor Loral Langemeier says, "Strengthen your strengths, pay for your weaknesses."  It's better to spend money on a professional web designer, so you can spend YOUR time generating money with your professional strengths.  I recommend Kathy Hoffman at http://www.hoffmansites.com.   Tell her you're my client.  She's very reasonable and very reliable.

2. Get on Social Networking Sites like: Facebook, Twitter, Linked in, Plaxo, etc. For me, Facebook is the priority (this week). Make informative or inquisitive posts on people's walls. 

For example: a camera operator needed an AC.  He posted his request on my wall and on my Greenlight Coach Group wall, and found his AC through my friends network.  (hint, hint, if you're reading this you should be friend requesting me on FB, joining The Greenlight Coach Group, and following me on Twitter.  

3. Write an informative blog or create a podcast.

4. Post videos of yourself (demonstrating /teaching/ working) on YouTube.  No dancing to a montage of music from the 80's... that's cheesy (the only exception is: if you're a professional dancer). 

5. Post informative comments AND success stories on other people's blogs, like this one!  Or www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com.  This gets you recognized as an expert in your field, in a community of like-minded people. 

If you have more detailed questions about any of the above, post it on my comments section and I'll answer it as a separate question. 

For more tips and articles by The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com