entertainment industry coach question 672:Should I seek interviews at prod. companies for work in films in pre prod or currently in prod to start?

To start? Absolutely. Breaking into the entertainment can be done in many ways. If you are interested in development, interning or assisting in a pre-production office can be very educational, and a great way to create relationships.

If you're interested in production or post, working as a set PA is a great way to learn how the different positions work as well as gain an understanding of what they're shooting and how it fits into the post production process.

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entertainment industry coach question 661:What do you do when a teacher discourages you about your work?

Teachers are voices of authority in our society. They teach because they are "experts." But let's face it, teachers, like development execs, and like agents, don't know everything. Listen to feedback, it's important, but if the voice that is speaking loudest about your work, is the voice in your heart, then THAT is the voice you should be listening to.

If I had listened to every person who told me "I couldn't do that," I wouldn't have a resume. The film industry is a risk. You take a chance that a story that is important to you will be well executed, and well received. It may not be, but if you want to tell your story, then don't let someone else tell you no!

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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 233: Should I seek interviews at prod. companies for work in films in pre prod or currently in prod to start?

To start? Absolutely. Breaking into the entertainment can be done in many ways. If you are interested in development, interning or assisting in a pre-production office can be very educational, and a great way to create relationships.

If you're interested in production or post, working as a set PA is a great way to learn how the different positions work as well as gain an understanding of what they're shooting and how it fits into the post production process.

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

question 203: Am I allowed to write music that I like into my scripts? Especially if I produce it myself?

Not really a career coach question. I should say, "SPEAK TO A LAWYER," and leave it at that... but, I'm me, so here's a little something. When I worked in development, we were told when reading a script, that putting music in a script is a no-no because someone could hate the song and pass on the script. Something to consider. Personally, music inspires me when I write, and there have been scripts where I've written: A classic 70's song like Lola by the Kinks.

Now, actually using it is a WHOLE other thing. You CAN NOT (again, check with a lawyer) use someone else's music without paying royalties or their permission. You can find royalty free music on the internet, but using music that someone owns the rights to, NO.

If I'm off base, please chime in lawyers and such...

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

question 135: How can I make my career transition without reverting back to entry-level wages?

Unfortunately, when you are changing classification, it may be necessary to start at an entry level job. Let's say you are an editor who has worked your way up after being an assistant editor and now you're interested in getting into development. Yes, as an editor you have to have an eye for creating story, BUT, in the studio world that probably won't transfer. You will have to start as an intern or an assistant to learn the skills of doing coverage, giving script notes, observing how your bosses interact with writers, agents, and executives.

Just because you've worked as a production designer on big budget union films doesn't mean you can easily transition into being a post production supervisor. Different classifications have different skills that you learn as you move up the ranks. You don't always have to move up the ranks, plenty of film students come right out of school as directors of photography without starting as a loader.

It's up to the "industry standards" and it's also up to you. Do you feel you'd be a better director if you understood what all the other departments heads that you hire (DP, editor, prod designer, script supervisor, etc) do? Do you think you'd be a better department head if you'd already done the jobs of the people you're managing?

There are no right and wrongs, just choices for you to make.

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

Question 88: Is late 20's too late to join the party? see blog for detailed question

Actual Question: A friend has just moved out to LA from NYC and been offered a job at a great entertainment company but the pay (of course) is low. It's an assistant position with potential to grow but she's wondering if she should take it even though it's not exactly what she wants to do. She's late twenties so she's also worried that she's late to the party so to speak but knows she has to start at the bottom. What are your thoughts? 

You used the word "great" when describing the entertainment company. As a coach I deal with tools and strategies. My strategy for someone in her late twenties, who wants to break into the business, is to meet as many people as she can. Working at a great company gives her access to a lot of great people. If she has the tools to make something of these relationships, as opposed to simply sitting behind a desk for a year doing her job, she can really get into a great position. Then, in a year,  she can pursue exactly what she wants with 200 relationships in her rolodex. That's if she works smart. 

After working in development myself for 8 months as well as coaching clients who work for producers or agencies, I highly recommend this strategy. There are a lot of benefits. I could be more specific about the benefits if I knew what type of company it is.

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

question 65: What is the best way to get into Development and work your way up?

I started as an assistant, became a development associate, and then started my own production company. Others in our office started as unpaid interns. Some people make the move from an agency to development. Then, I’ve met people who’ve come from completely different industries and their interesting skills combined with excellent interviewing has landed them a job in development.

 

This no single “best” way to get in. Therefore:

 

1.    Focus on building relationships with people in development

2.    Master interviewing skills

3.    Read books on script analysis, writing coverage, and studio executive biographies 

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