entertainment industry coach question 752: Is it better to pursue multiple areas of entertainment or focus on just one?

That really depends on you, your talent, and your ability to manage your time. There are plenty of slashers ( / / / ) out there. People run into trouble when they become Jack of all trades, master of none. But look at how many talented people out there act, direct, write, produce, shoot, etc.

If they can do it, maybe you can too. Only you can tell if you are mastering the arts or spreading yourself too thin.

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 complimentary 1-hour MP3 on The 5 Fastest Ways to Get Work In Entertainment

www.theGreenlightCoach.com FIND ME

www.twitter.com/GreenlightCoach FOLLOW ME

www.facebook.com/TheGreenlightCoach LIKE ME

www.GreenlightMentorProgram.comJOIN ME

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

entertainment industry coach Question 508: How do I reinvent myself?

As a long-time radio exec and current morning DJ who is trying to reinvent himself at Forty-(mumble) years old...I'm trying to get myself out there to direct episodic TV. Just finished a TV pilot I shot on my own dime that I want to get to the right folks. Have a number of good contacts, but still feel a little...unfocused. What's the best way to start accessing the resources out there.

One of the best resources is mentors. I interviewed a director for Greenlight Mentor Series who moved up from being a Steadi-cam operator. Another came from the movie-of-the-week & promo world. There are many ways to break in, so you want to learn about the politics of it all.

If you have a DGA branch where you live, go in and meet with them. Also, network with their members so you can go with them as guests to DGA events.

You say you have good contacts. You have to be specific about that. Are they people who can hire you as a director, refer you as a director, or something else?

What specifically are you feeling unfocused about? How to direct an episode of network TV? If so, that would be a mentor question. Or are you unsure of how to get your pilot seen by networks?

If you can give me some more details I can better answer your question. (just put the deets in the comment box below)

www.theGreenlightCoach.com FIND ME

www.twitter.com/GreenlightCoach FOLLOW ME

www.TheGreenlightMentorProgram.com JOIN ME

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!

entertainment industry coach Question 429:Is it possible to have a full time job and pursue a career in entertainment?

Is it possible? Of course. You definitely have to master the art of the 80/20 principle in that you want to be doing 20% of your work for your entertainment career and have 80% results coming from that focused work. I had a full time job for 11 years and wrote screenplays, auditioned, produced 1 pilot and 4 episodes of a television show, acted in projects, directed a short, and on and on.

It's about time management. When you get to the point that your entertainment career needs more time than your full time job permits, that's what I refer to as an A-list problem. Give me a call then and we'll work it out.

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!

entertainment industry coach question 292:How about getting a TV series as a DP after working as an operator for 20 years?

This was a comment on question 283. Absolutely, that's possible. It's probably one of the most traditional ways to get a DP job on a television series. After 20 years, I sure hope you've developed relationships with the executive producers and network execs on the shows you've worked on.

In some cases, your DP will move you up when he/she gets the opportunity to direct an episode. Either way, it's about the relationships you have. If you're ready to make the move up, you have to start talking to the contacts you've made through the years.

In some cases, you may be asked for a reel. If the only reel you have is an operator reel, you're going to have to create a reel as a DP. As all the name talents will tell you (and I'm sure you know already), lighting is crucial to a show. Directors may change around every episode, but the DP creates the look that sets up the show. In some cases, the lighting is literally a "character" in the series.

So, before network execs take a chance on you lighting a show that hasn't been "set" by another DP, you're going to need a reel, that proves you can do the job.

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

entertainment industry coach question 284: How do I make it as a director if I have controversial political views that I'm outspoken about?

This person went on to say, "I'm a conservative republican. And that will never change. I've had many friends tell me that 'you have to leave that to make it in this industry.' However, I'm not willing to. I'm not willing to sacrifice "me" to get that next directing job."

Fear not, some of my best friends are conservative republicans others are liberal democrats. This industry is so huge. You have to find the people with like-minded sensibilities. And also have the good sense to know when, and when not, to discuss politics.

This is in direct response to his movie trailer that I watched: Your first directing piece is controversial. If it's controversial enough to make a lot of money, you'll get more work. Keep in mind, that because your first work is so specific, that you may indeed, "pigeon-hole" yourself. That isn't always a negative thing if you enjoy the genre you're being pigeon-holed into.

I always tell people to think about their long term goals and make choices that are in alignment with both their goals and their values. Usually the two don't conflict. If you feel that they will conflict down the line, then you my friend, are at a cross roads, and you must decide... do you want to be known for your political views or your storytelling?

There is no right or wrong answer, just a decision to be made.

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

entertainment industry coach question 276: Is it possible to be directing a studio feature 2 years out of film school?

Is it possible to be directing a studio feature two years out of film school? Anything is possible. Is it likely? Well, that depends on a lot of important factors. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Are you closely related to the head of a studio?

2. Did you make a film in film school that won Sundance?

3. Did you get at least 20 studio executives, A-list directors, and A-list writer mentors while in film school who are deeply invested in your talent and success?

4. Do you have a blackmail video featuring the head of feature development at a studio? (I don't condone this, but I had to ask)

The bottom line is there are politics in the studio system that go beyond the entertainment industry. Why do you think we see GE commercials every time we watch 30 Rock? It's not because Alec Baldwin thinks they bring good things to life.

So it's important that you get an understanding about studio politics, what it takes to get a director "greenlit," and the amount of money that gets invested in a film with a first time director.

Whatever you do, keep directing, everything you can (except blackmail videos of studio executives), learn from other directors who were successful early after film school, and stay focused on the most strategic path toward achieving your goals.

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

entertainment industry coach question 237: What does it mean that I shouldn't work with animals or kids?

It's more of an industry joke because animals and kids are so cute that you get upstaged.

Nothing to cause you any worry. If you're up for a part with an animal or kids, have fun!

Now, if you're producing or directing a piece with kids in it, there are laws to be aware of as well as union rules. Animals can be more temperamental than some A-list stars, so don't under budget your time.

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

question 127: How do I convince someone I can direct without going back to school?

Direct something convincing. I know, I know, I sound sarcastic, but I'm not. I'm serious. If you do your research you'll find that many directors have not gone to film school. I've coached Directors of Photography who've moved up to director. They got their "schooling" on set. Others just do it. They write and direct shorts and full length features.

First and foremost-- you must change your own belief. If you believe you need school to convince someone you can direct, then that's exactly the vibe they're getting from you. If you feel unsure of your ability to direct, educate yourself without school; get mentors, do set visits, read books, take courses, practice with a group of actors.

Technology makes it easy to direct a piece. The challenge is finding a good piece of writing to direct.

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

Question 21: Should I stick to one thing (directing/acting/camera) or diversify?

That depends: how good are you at the different things you want to do?  

These days people are wearing many hats or using many /s.  I think it's great.  I do it myself. The important business question is: 

How are you marketing yourself?

The big mistake I see people make, is putting everything on one resume: editing, camera operating, background artist.  It's one thing to market yourself as a DP who operates, or a writer/director, it's another thing to be "Jack of all trades." People want to know that the person they are hiring is an expert at what he/she does.

I suggest you have separate resumes, websites, business cards, and reels.  If a situation arises, such as a LOW budget film, and they want a director who can also shoot and edit, then put together a package that shows you can do it (if you can deliver).  

Remember to trust your gut about whom you're sharing what, with.  Some old school people don't appreciate those who haven't worked their way up through the ranks. And some traditionalists prefer someone who they believe is passionate about one thing.  

Personally, I LOVE being, Jessica Sitomer, actress/writer/producer/author/speaker/career-coach/blogger/dog owner/chocolate lover/Jiu-Jitsu white belt (with 1 stripe)/"24" fanatic

For more tips and Greenlight Coach articles visit: www.theGreenlightCoachBlog.com