getting Jobs in Entertainment question 784:Do you have to live in Hollywood to have a successful career in entertainment?

You don't HAVE to do anything. How successful do you want to be? If you wanted to be a ski instructor and you lived in Miami, Florida (snow ski, not water ski), how successful could you be? I don't recall the last time there was snow in Miami.

If you're an actor, would you be satisfied doing community theater? If you're a producer or director, would you be satisfied making movies with your own camera using local non-union crew & talent? If you're a writer, would you be satisfied writing your heart out and not having access to the people who can buy your scripts?

Are you getting the picture? When you are breaking into an industry, you want to be in the heart of it. Now, there are other 2nd, 3rd, 4th, place markets where a union member can make a decent living. So, it's up to you. How successful do you want to be? How committed are you to that success? What sacrifices are you willing to make? I grew up in NY, perceived as the #2 market. Two top agents told me to move to Los Angeles. I left everyone I knew and loved, and it's paid off.

The flip side is that the smaller the market the less the competition. Here's what to evaluate for where you live:

1. Is there a market for your skill/talent that has the level of jobs you want and the pay scale you desire?

2. What are the rules for you to work in your local market?

3. What is the level of talent and connection of your local competition?

Because of tax incentives, there are many places to work successfully in the US at this time. If you don't live in a production city and plan to make a move, there is a lot to consider.

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The choice is yours for the making.

entertainment industry coach question 713: Somebody told me there are writers on reality shows. Is this true? Is it all fake?

I could tell you... but then I'd have to kill you. Here's the thing, Hollywood is all about fantasy and creating imaginary worlds. I don't want to burst anybody's bubble, so if you're interested in writing for a reality show, there may be some possibilities out there for you. Email me privately for a more detailed answer. I'd hate to have all of my college friends screaming, "What?!?!? It's not ALL 100% real?!?!?"

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entertainment industry coach question 577: While I target my 10 contacts should I continue to mass email the other hundreds of companies out there?

That is a question that only you can answer. To make that decision, ask yourself these questions:

1. How much time out of your week does the mass mailing take?

2. What are the results of your mass mailings?

3. If the answer to number 2 is "low results," does the time you spend on the mailings warrant continuing with this "cold-call" method, or would your time be better spent on focused work and relationship building?

I know what I would do, but only you can make that decision for your business.

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entertainment industry coach question 540: Do you have to live out of a car to make it in Hollywood?

His question was longer but basically along the lines of "everyone who seems to make it has a rock bottom moment that gave them the determination to make it" time in their life.

Personally, I don't like terms like "everyone." Last I checked Julia Roberts never lived in her car. You have to believe in yourself and what you do. Some people are motivated by discomfort; it pushes them. But if you are motivated and live in a penthouse on the Wilshire Corridor, all power to you. Some of these stories are also what publicists call "spin."

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entertainment industry coach Question 456: I'm an actor in India, is that a roadblock?

You have to work with what you're given. If right now you're living in India, and want to train and work as an actor, do your research as to what's available to you. If you can get to Bollywood, it's a great place for you to start. If eventually you want to work in Los Angeles, then create a plan for making your move here. There are roles for every type on the planet (and even some non-humans although that's usually done with make-up and prosthetics).

If you don't have any training and would like to start by working on your craft, acting classes may be limited where you are, but YouTube has videos that can get you started and rehearsing on your own. Type in Acting Training Videos

Also you want to be clear on your type. You may fit into a different category in Bollywood than you do in Hollywood.

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 426: Why don't people help each other in Hollywood? They're always looking out for themselves!

Wow! That's a limiting belief if I ever heard one. Who are these "people" to whom you refer? Because I've met lots of people who like to help and aren't looking out only for themselves. A typical coaching question is: What are you doing to attract people who don't want to help you? Or who are you being that people don't help you?

I know, I know, you don't want to hear that. You don't want to take any responsibility for what's happening because these "people" to whom you refer are awful and only looking out for themselves.

As a "person" in Hollywood, who not only looks out for others but has blogged for 426 days straight, to help you (I don't get paid for this), who has interviewed people who want to help you (and didn't get paid for it), and who's met hundreds of people who've helped me along the way, all I can say is this: YOU'RE HANGING OUT WITH THE WRONG PEOPLE!

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 359: Do people have careers in entertainment anywhere else besides Hollywood?

Yes. I don't know how old you are or how small of a town you live in, but entertainment happens all over this country... all over this world. You must have access to the internet because you emailed me. There's a search engine (www.google.com). Put in where you live and entertainment organizations and see what comes up.

For more tips and articles by Top Entertainment Industry Career Coach, The Greenlight Coach visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 357:I have a relative in the biz who I don't know. Can I call him up for help?

You have an inherent relationship because he is family, and therefore, yes, you can just call him up. The key is what you say when you call. DO NOT say that you are his cousin/nephew/half-sister who wants to break into the industry and can he give you work.

Instead, introduce yourself. Bond on the family level for the first minute or two (or longer if he steers the conversation that way). Then tell him you are breaking into the industry and wanted to know if he'd be open to giving you advice. Because he's family you can offer to take him to lunch or dinner (if he's local).

Treat him professionally by being respectful of his time and make sure you follow up. My first roommate in LA had a powerful Hollywood cousin. He met with him once, got some great advice, and then never called him again. Not only is that not cool for his "business," but he missed out on the opportunity to have a relationship with family when he was across the country from his own. Bad move.

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

entertainment industry coach question 351: Somebody told me there are writers on reality shows. Is this true? Is it all fake?

I could tell you... but then I'd have to kill you. Here's the thing, Hollywood is all about fantasy and creating imaginary worlds. I don't want to burst anybody's bubble, so if you're interested in writing for a reality show, there may be some possibilities out there for you. Email me privately for a more detailed answer. I'd hate to have all of my college friends screaming, "What?!?!? It's not ALL 100% real?!?!?"

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

entertainment industry coach question 285: Where are inexpensive and safe areas to live in Los Angeles for someone right out of college?

Not exactly a career coach question, so I'll give it a shot and ask that my readers chime in. This is what I know about renting in Los Angeles:

Expensive and safe: Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Westwood

Reasonable and safe: Beverly Hills adjacent, Studio City, the college area of Westwood

Cheaper and safe: Burbank

Cheap and sketchy: certain areas of Hollywood & the valley

Sorry I couldn't be more specific. Again, I ask my readers to comment.

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

Question 201: What's the best time of year to move to LA to pursue a career in Hollywood?

Well, it's been a little hot this summer, but otherwise, the weather's always great so I say, anytime. But really, if you're asking me that question, I'm going to assume you're starting from scratch. Therefore, whenever you've saved up enough money to put down first and last month's rent and have enough left over to leave you enough time to find a job to cover your bills, the cost of any classes you'll need for your craft, the cost of joining networking organizations, and the cost of investing in learning how to run your business, it's time.

You're going to have to build relationships. The story about stepping off the bus and being discovered was in Bofinger-- but that's a movie, not real life. So be prepared to spend time growing your contacts and your business.

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

question 148: I've been looking for work as a PA and I wonder if you have any advice.

PA work is usually the easiest to get because people are willing to take a chance on someone to do their coffee runs and grunt work. So here are my suggestions:

1. Send out an email to everyone you know (Blind CC) and let them know you are looking for PA work. Ask if they can directly help you (hire you) or if they know someone to introduce you to. This person may work on a set or in an office that may need a PA or this person may in turn, know someone else who does. And so goes the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.

2. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for PA work.

3. Ask your entertainment friends on Facebook to put in their status that they have a friend who is looking for PA work and how to contact you.

The bottom line is, even to get a PA job, it's going to be through the people you know. Because you live in Hollywood, tell EVERYONE you're looking. You never know who your meditation teacher, your Trader Joes buddy, or your bus driver knows. Keep an open mind and be willing to ask!

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

question 130: I'm not in the "biz" can your tools still help me?

I appreciate you reading my blog even though you're not in the biz, and yes, my tools are applicable to anyone who works and beyond... While I've found my niche in entertainment, it's because I'm passionate about movies and tv. The metaphors I use are from my favorites shows from the big and little screen. The tools I use are the same for any business I just use creative terminology to appeal to the storytellers in my business. The lessons and strategies I share can apply to love, health, family, money, etc.

So, if you're looking for shifts in your life, created with a little Hollywood flair, keep reading and keep sending me questions.

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

question 87: Which city has the best potential in terms of finding a job (LA, NYC or Chicago)?

In order of entertainment "capitals" it goes: Hollywood #1, New York #2, Chicago #3. That said, the number of people pursuing careers are relative. The majority come to LA, next NY, and then Chicago.

Which city has the best potential? That's not really a question that can be answered. In which city do you have the strongest relationships? If none, I'd say one certain advantage LA has over the others is that everyone here is 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon to someone in the industry. Your gardner may mow Brad Pitt's lawn, your gynecologist could be married to the producer of Twilight, and your next door neighbor who you walk your dog with could wind up winning an Emmy when you didn't even know he was a director. 

New York and Chi Town, you never know who you're walking next to. 

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

Question 66: Is Facebook a good place to network?

This is a question that came up at a networking breakfast I attended yesterday, and the speaker steered the participant in another direction. 

In the famous words of Ron Burgundy AKA Anchorman  "AGREE TO DISAGREE!"

I think Facebook is a GREAT resource for networking ESPECIALLY for all of you shy people out there who hate going to networking events.

Here are just a few reasons to use Facebook for networking: 

1. Helping your social network:

- A client needed a DP to shoot his short film, starring recognizable talent. I posted it on my status, and he received more than enough responses, set up interviews with some, and hired his DP.

- A Camera Operator needed a Camera Assistant ASAP. I posted it on my status. The job was filled within minutes.

2. Creating deeper relationships with people:

Facebook gives you the opportunity to post about work/business, while also allowing them access to your personal life. Post photos of your family, pets, hobbies, etc. so people can learn what you have in common. 

They also get a sense of your personality. By reading your status updates, they will see if you have like-minded interests, similar sense of humor, share a love for Jack Bauer, etc.

3. Overcoming the distance obstacle:

If you don't live in Hollywood, you don't get to be in people's faces as much as necessary. This allows you to be a part of people's lives, wherever you live. 

4. Meeting people you want to know:

I "friended" a large number of Camera Operators who had mutual friends. I'd known their names, from my years of being the Career Coach at The Cinematographers Guild, but I'd never met them. This year, at the SOC Awards, I met them in person, recognizing them from their Facebook pictures, and walking over saying, "Hey, Facebook Friend!"    

I say GO FOR IT! 

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

 

Question 52: Do you have to live in Hollywood to have a successful career in entertainment?

You don't HAVE to do anything. How successful do you want to be? If you wanted to be a ski instructor and you lived in Miami, Florida (snow ski, not water ski), how successful could you be? I don't recall the last time there was snow in Miami. 

If you're an actor, would you be satisfied doing community theater? If you're a producer or director, would you be satisfied making movies with your own camera using local non-union crew & talent? If you're a writer, would you be satisfied writing your heart out and not having access to the people who can buy your scripts? 

Are you getting the picture? When you are breaking into an industry, you want to be in the heart of it. Now, there are other 2nd, 3rd, 4th, place markets where a union member can make a decent living. So, it's up to you. How successful do you want to be? How committed are you to that success? What sacrifices are you willing to make? I grew up in NY, perceived as the #2 market. Two top agents told me to move to Los Angeles. I left everyone I knew and loved, and it's paid off.

The choice is yours for the making.

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