entertainment industry coach question 615: how can I get a referral to an agent. Should I try the mentor approach?

Getting referrals to agents and managers is the same as getting a referral to anyone: you have to ask for it. A referral is an introduction from a mutual friend or work associate. It is not a recommendation (although those are good too.) Basically, you ask the people you already know if they are represented, and if so, if they would refer you to their representation for an informational interview or a meeting. The more referrals you can get to a specific agent, the better.

So if you're going after an agency that reps more than just actors, see if any of the writers or directors you know are repped by them. Aim for 3 referrals before making the call. Then there's the strategy of having 3 people make calls on your behalf to the same agent until the agent wants to know, "Who is this person I'm getting calls about and why don't I know him/her?"

Finally, you asked about mentorship with an agent. One of my first mentors in Los Angeles was an agent. It made sense; I wanted to study at the most respected schools, know the legitimate casting workshops, and get advice on which casting offices to target. It worked for me. And as a bonus, my mentor sent me out on auditions.

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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 310: How do you pitch an idea?

I asked him to be more specific and he shared that it is a reality show idea that he wants to pitch to a specific television network. This could almost be two questions:

1. How to create a pitch

or

2. How to get in the door to pitch

I'll focus on 2, because you can google "how to create a pitch," or buy a book on it. It's a skill/art that is too long for a blog post.

So how do you get in the door to pitch your idea to a network. There are so many ways. Here are a sampling:

1. Get a literary agent or manager to represent the project and set up the pitch meeting for you. **You may need to have connections to get you a meeting with an agent or manager. If you don't, you'll have to pitch yourself on the phone and convince them that you have a truly unique idea.

[aside- speaking of truly unique ideas, protect yourself. Register your treatment with the WGA]

2. Attach yourself to someone who already has a track record. There are many smaller reality show production companies out there with established track records who can get in the door at networks. **from #1 applies here too.

3. Reach out to everyone you know and ask if they have connections to anyone at the network you are interested in. Even if it's someone in the mailroom, establish a relationships and then let him/her steer you to the right people.

4. Go to the website or call the development department to see what the submission policy is for a synopsis. Some companies won't look at your proposal unless it's submitted through an agent, manager, or entertainment attorney. Others will have you sign an agreement before accepting your synopsis.

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

entertainment industry coach question 296: Should I let someone produce my feature film without paying me for the script?

I feel like I've answered this question before or maybe I've just lived it. Either way, you always want to create a win/win, without biting off your nose to spite your face. If given the choice, everyone would be paid for their art/talent. That said, if you are trying to build your credits, you have never had your writing produced, and you are suddenly given the opportunity, it may be worth it to you.

As I started with, you want to create a win/win. I'm assuming you're not being paid because it's a low budget, non-union production company. They want to produce your script because they believe in it. Therefore, talk to a literary agent, manager, or entertainment attorney, who can give you some advice on signing a contract to receive money should it sell. You may also be able to add a few more things to the contract in the event that the movie "takes off."

The reason I advise you to speak to a professional, is because, without contract experience, you could end up losing a lot of money. Number people can be very tricky, and it may not even be the production company you're dealing with now, but the one that they sell to.

Approach it like you would a pre-nup, with love, trust, and "a teensy need for insurance." You appreciate the opportunity, you believe in the producers, and therefore, you want to know that they are just as invested in your success in the end, since you're willing to sacrifice in the beginning. If a contract is going to be a deal breaker, you have to decide if getting your first screenplay produced is worth it. Either way, congratulations on getting this far.

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

entertainment industry coach question 261: Are there scams I should be watching out for?

In an industry filled with people who desperately want to work, there is a higher risk of running into scam artists. Perhaps the community can chime in with some of their experiences. Personally, I have not experienced a scam, though I can certainly give you some things to look out for:

1. An agent or manager who tells you that you have to pay to be a client.

2. When someone insists that before they hire you, you must pay to have pictures or reels redone by the person they recommend.

3. Someone who guarantees they will get you work once you pay them.

Are you seeing a theme here? I know there have been some scams on Craig's list that escape me right now. When in doubt, check it out. Trust your instincts, be smart (don't put yourself in a dangerous situation), and decide how much you're willing to risk.

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

entertainment industry coach question 248:I'd like more advice on how to be my husband's manager.

This is in response to a previous post. Okay, basically, you want to create a strategy plan together for targeting people and companies. You can help by:

1. Making calls and follow up calls on his behalf

2. Being his "ice breaker" at networking events

3. Doing the research that he doesn't have time to do

4. Creating your own letter head/logo to send out letters and emails on his behalf

5. Create/deepen your relationships with the people who hire him

6. Take meetings with him (other than interviews)

7. Doing the tasks that need to be done, but make his stomach queasy

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

entertainment industry coach question 238: How can I help my husband get work when I'm not in the industry?

That depends on your skill set. If your husband isn't working and he has the talent to be working, he needs help in a number of possible areas:

1. networking

2. marketing

3. selling

4. maintaining relationships

5. follow up

I have coached many couples, where the wife acts as her husband's manager. You also may want to read books on the industry so you have a better understanding of the business.

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

Question 48: How do I find representation?

Before spending valuable time on seeking representation,  do an honest evaluation of where you are in your career.

Are you making enough money to make you attractive to an agent and/or manager?

Are you so busy with work that you can't manage your own career?

Are you highly marketable (examples: just won an award, created buzz at a film festival)?

If you answered YES to any of those questions, then it may be time to seek representation- if they're not already coming for you. Here are some tips on seeking representation:

1. Do your research: choose 10 agents/managers that are a smart fit for you

2. Find out who else is represented by them, to see if you have a contact on the inside who can bring you in/refer you

3. Have contacts make calls on your behalf

Just as a note:

Agents get +10% because they do +10% of the work. YOU are 100% responsible for your career! Don't expect an agent to be the magic bullet who will propel your career. An agent is a great team member to have and a "stamp of approval" on your resume & reel. Keep doing your "business." 

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