entertainment industry coach question 568: Should my headshots be black and white or color?

I have not heard this question in years! This is really a question I would poll casting directors with. That said, in my opinion, the majority of actors have color photos. Black and white could make you appear dated or "not in the know." There is standing out because you "stand out" and there is standing out because you don't know what you're doing.

Color photos used to be cost prohibitive, that is no longer the case.

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entertainment industry coach question 541: Should I pay people who are actors to manage me because they get the breakdowns?

It is illegal for actors to get the breakdowns. I have heard of groups of actors who formed legitimate management companies who pay for and receive the breakdowns legally. Whether they charge to represent you I don't know. I can't advise you to do anything illegal that affects someone's business/livelihood.

You have to do some more research and decide what risks you are willing to take for your career. Just know the guy from breakdown services is a very smart man and finds people who are stealing his product and you could potentially be sued.

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entertainment industry coach question 532:To overcome shyness, do you know of any free improv classes for non actors?

I googled free improv classes in Los Angeles and was amazed at how may places came up. Some of them may be introductory classes, but if you went to a few, learned some techniques, took some notes, and got some books from the library, you could even start your own group.

Another possibility is to post on Facebook that you're looking for an improv actor who would like to practice teaching on a group of non-actors to potentially teach actors for money.

There are so many ways to improv for free. Believe it or not, if you just strike up conversation with someone on line in front of you at the market, you could improv. Just say "yes and..." to everything they say, and you're improving. If you are really shy, make up a character who's not shy and start talking. Who cares what others think. Little do they know they're in a scene!

Have fun with it.

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entertainment industry coach Question 506: Can someone who's worked in the industrial video world transition to tv & film?

You actually have an advantage over the people who want to break in and have zero experience. People transition to all areas of entertainment from all kinds of different industries. Lots of lawyers become writers, cops become actors, and yes, industrial videographers have made the move to tv & film.

Read my previous blogs. It's a lot to catch up on, but not everything will apply to your path so you can skip over those.

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entertainment industry coach Question 505: I've been at this for 12 years. How long does it take?!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this question seems like it's more of a frustration than a question. If you've been at it for twelve years, you know there's no time frame. My question to you is: Have you read my blogs? My newsletters? My book? You've been at "this" 12 years, does "this" include treating your career like a business, to which you've committed at least 5-8 hours per day, 5 days per week, on focused business that moves you forward? Do you have more than 200 contacts? Are more than 40 of them working and in a position to hire you?

Most people I coach who are frustrated, have been doing the same 3-5 things for years, expecting something to click. There is SO much more you can be doing. People who treat their entertainment career as a business, are always trying new strategies. and constantly meeting and building relationships with new people, don't have time to be frustrated-- there's just too much inspiration around them.

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entertainment industry coach Question 436: I've heard of the SAG Film Society. Is there any reason to join?

You have to be a SAG member in good standing, and if you are, then there are many great reasons to join.

1. You get to see at least one movie every other week and bring a guest for $90. If you do the math and factor in that some weekends are double features, during voting season they have TONS of bonus movies, and if you're in the society many movie theaters allow you to see SAG award nominated films for free, you'll see it's a great deal.

2. At some of the screenings they host Q&A sessions with the actors and filmmakers. This gives you numerous opportunities to maximize.

3. Because you can bring a guest, it gives you the opportunity to re-establish relationships as well as deepen relationships by inviting industry people to pre-releases and other blockbuster or art house films.

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entertainment industry coach Question 425: Is now a good time to go after an agent?

Traditionally, May has been an excellent time for actors to pursue agents. This is because pilot season is basically over (though now, pilot season is pretty much all year round), and they are letting go of those who didn't get good feedback and looking for people to replace them.

For other classifications, it's a good time as well, because hiring season is about to begin and some agents may need more clients on their list.

All that said, there are ways to get to an agent that are better than just going after them "cold." So have a strategy.

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 382: What current celebrities have you coached or managed that are in the acting business ?

First off, I don't manage anyone. I'm an entertainment industry career coach. I don't know how other coaches operate, but my client list is confidential. I have testimonials and press where my clients mention me, but I don't share their information with anyone. I know some coaches do, to promote their business, but my clients promote me so I don't do that kind of marketing.

Perhaps you're just wondering about my credentials, if I'm coaching people who are working and recognizable and the answer is yes. I've worked with Oscar and Emmy winners, people "fresh off the bus," and everyone in between. I've coached over 1000 people and that number grows every month. There isn't an obstacle I haven't found a solution for thus far, and should that day come, I'll use all of my resources to find an answer.

As great as it is to have celebrity clients (mostly because they understand how important following through with our work is, and therefore see the payoff faster) it's equally as great to work with someone unknown and watch them grow to celebrity status.

So I apologize if you were hoping for same name-dropping, but you've come to the wrong coach.

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

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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.

question 197: How do I make my resume stand out? Should I put my picture on it?

That would make it stand out all right... but not in a good way. My rule is: don't give them any reason to say NO. A picture could do just that for a number of reasons:

1. It makes you look "green" because people don't do that, so it looks like you just stepped off the bus and thought it was appropriate to put your picture on a resume.

2. They might not like the looks of you. Despite giving people the benefit of the doubt, there are still those who "judge a book by it's cover.

3. You may remind them of someone they don't like, appear to young, or too old. Bottom line, you just may not look "the part" of whatever they think your classification should look like.

Now, the ONLY exception, (and I even think this trend may be over) is actors putting their pictures on their resume. But, before you do, check in with casting directors, agents & managers, and working actors to see if they're still doing it.

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

Question 154: How old do you have to be to break into the business and do you need a degree?

No, you do not need a degree for most areas of the entertainment industry. People who tend to have them are executives, agents, and creative people whose parents made them go to college to have something "practical to fall back on." If you know specifically what you want to do in the entertainment industry, it is very important for you to train in your skill of choice and be up to date on all technology that applies to your craft. You also need to invest in understanding the "business side of the business." That's where I come in www.theGreenlightCoach.com

How old do you have to be? That depends on what area of the entertainment industry you want to be in. Infants and beyond can be actors. Most other classifications that pay, have labor laws that pertain to age. I'm making an assumption that you're young, so I will say, that if you have the opportunity to intern as a youth, it's a great opportunity. If you want to be more specific about what you're interested in doing, I can give you a more specific answer.

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

Question 78: Can I call people for work now, even though I've been out of touch them?

The person who asked me this knows how I feel about re-establishing relationships first. While that is usually the case, that would mean that  you would have had to re-establish in April, before the up-fronts.

This person did not. This person still needs to get work though. Therefore, try these tips:

1. Acknowledge the purple elephant in the room: It's been a long time since we've spoken...

2. Research what they've been doing: I know you've been busy working on Private Practice...

3. Tell them what you've been doing: I was working on XXXXX...

4. Combine the two: It's always such a challenge to stay in touch with the people you like when everyone is working...

5. Ask what else they've been up to (this can be quick small talk, or a serious catch up)

6. Tell them why you're calling: You may have heard that XXXXX was cancelled, so now I'm looking forward to getting on a new show. Do you know of anyone who is hiring or may know someone who is?

Look, is it the ideal scenario? In my book, no. But it is what it is. And the bottom line is, it is your job to look for work and people get that. Project warmth, sincerity, and confidence. 

ps: actors, start re-establishing relationships with people now, BEFORE they start hiring for episodic co/guest stars.

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

Question 68: What do I need to know about the Upfronts?

Here's the Wikipedia description of the upfront: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upfront

In the North American television industry, an upfront is a meeting of television network executives with the press and, more important, with major advertisers. It is so called because it signals the start of an important advertising sales period, allowing marketers to buy commercial airtime "up front", or several months before the season begins.

In the United States, the major broadcast networks' upfronts occur in New York City during the third week of May, the last full week of that month's sweeps period. The networks announce their fall primetime schedules, including tentative launch dates (i.e. fall or midseason) for new programming, which may be "picked up" the week before. The programming announcements themselves are usually augmented with clips from the new series, extravagant musical numbers, comedic scenes, and appearances by network stars, and take place at grand venues such as Radio City Music Hall or Carnegie Hall. Most cable networks present earlier in the spring since they usually program for the summer months; press attention to these announcements is usually much lighter.

What do you need to know once the shows have been picked up?

1. Soon after writers and crew are hired

2. As the writing staff are working, it's a good time for actors to be planning their strategies for episodic work

3. Executives are VERY busy getting everything lined up- not a good time to be asking them for their time

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