entertainment industry coach question 614: I wrote a pilot. Now what do I do?

That depends on your long term objective. The person who asked this question is an actor. So, if you wrote it to act in it, you can shoot the pilot yourself. It would have to be the most exceptional, original, well-written pilot in decades in order to sell it to a network without an agent or an established career.

Now, if you want to pursue a second career as a writer, before seeking out an agent to represent you, make sure you have about 3 spec scripts for other shows. Even if you have a great pilot script, the next question you're going to get is, "So what else do you have?" Be professional and have more to show.

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entertainment industry coach Question 512: I have an idea for an episode of a show that I'd like to present to the producers, how?

That's taboo. When people want to write for a show, they give a spec of a different show. Unless you get a pitch meeting with them to pitch your idea. They wouldn't be allowed to read a spec script of their own show. Reason being, what if they had a similar story line already in the works. You could say they read your spec or pitched your idea and they stole it. There's a lot of politics around discussing an idea for a show with the show producers. That's why most people do it through agents. I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm just saying that the majority of the time, that's how its done.

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Question 166: what if people are discouraging me from sitcoms because it's too hard to break into?

What high demand job where you can make a lot of money isn't hard to break into? People who are successful are successful for a reason: Determination!

Okay, for more than one reason:

1. Determination/drive

2. Perseverance

3. Action in spite of fear

4. Willingness to do the work

5. A strong support system

And in many cases:

6. Talent/skill

7. Strong people skills

8. Willingness to learn

9. Going the extra mile

10. Belief in themselves

Feel free to add your own in the comment section. People can find reasons to tell you that you can't do something... that's easy. Your job is to find the people, who knowing your challenges, support your dreams and help you figure out "how" to make them come true.

Like I wrote yesterday: KEEP WRITING. The business part you can learn on the way.

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

Question 165: I'm interested in writing for sitcoms but I need a day job in LA before I move there. It's a Catch 22. I can't even get a PA job. Help!

Okay. The advantage of being a writer is that you can have any day job and write during your free time. So, you can relocate out here, get a job in your current profession, and maintain financial stability while building your contacts to get an "industry" job.

PA work isn't really the most direct job for a writer because production assistants tend to be focused on production work. Ideally, I'd recommend (in this order):

#1: Writers' assistant on a show. This is the "PA" of the pre-production world. Here you'll be delivering coffee and scripts, depending on the show you could be in the writers' room, and you'll be in a good position to create relationships.

#2: An assistant for a writer with a deal.

#3 An assistant/intern for a production company that produces television.

For these jobs, like most, you really need to know someone. That's why I suggest you focus on getting a livelihood job, building relationships, and then going after an industry job. ALL THE WHILE WRITING. Always be writing!

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