entertainment industry coach Question 470: I'm on location and I miss my kids terribly. How do I find balance?

Skype. Seriously, Skype. If there is internet access on your location, get a laptop with built in camera and microphone, (be sure your kids have a computer with the same technology) and download the free Skype application.

Is it the same as being there and giving them a hug? No, but it's an awfully good compromise. I used to talk to my parents everyday on the phone. Now we Skype, it is SO different. I feel like I see them everyday (well I do "see" them). Now if only I could get my dogs to respond to the sound of my voice when my scent isn't present, for when I'm on location!

Shooting on location falls under the category of "the nature of our industry." Like pilots, truck drivers, military personnel, it comes with the job. Coming up with solutions to make the best of the situation is the way to balance the best of both worlds.

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 356: is it hindering my networking by not publicly letting people know where I am?

It only hinders you if you can't be where you're wanted when you say you're going to be there. If your contacts think you're in LA and give you a 9am call, and you decide to fly in from Texas but your flight gets cancelled because there weren't enough reservations, that will certainly hinder you.

On the other hand if you are in an area where there is a lot of production and you have the opportunity to work as a local there and you are not creating relationships there because you're afraid "word" will get back to your other contacts, that can be hindering as well.

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

question 151: should I be telling people about a movie with a great cast but didn't do well in the box office?

You should always talk about anything you're proud of. If there was an exact science to a box office success... but there's not. Accentuate the positive.

The same goes for movies/TV you've worked on that you're not proud of, yet monopolize your resume. In those cases, you focus on something that was wonderful about the project. Was it shot in a cool location? Did you meet your wife on the set? Was there a scene that was a great challenge or that you "saved the day" on?

When your credits come up, you're either making conversation or you're in an interview. If it's the later, they already know your resume. In both situations, people are just trying to get to know you, so be yourself and talk about the moments you cared about.

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