entertainment industry coach Question 472: Do I have to live in Hollywood to get my screenplay read?

No, but you do need to do extensive research, protect your intellectual property, and submit through the proper channels.

First, you want to research which companies are producing your genre (and literally call the office to be sure they are still looking for that genre. Just because a producer made it big in horror doesn't mean she is still looking to make horror films twenty years later).

Second, you want to register your work with the WGA (you can do this on line). You may also wish to register it with the US Copyright office.

Third, research the submission policies. Some companies accept an unsolicited synopsis, some will only read a script when submitted by an agent or an attorney, and others will listen to pitches at writers' conferences and pitchfests.

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 471: Is there a Union for the people who are building the sets in Hollywood?

Yes. check out http://www.iatse-intl.org/home.html. "The IATSE is the labor union representing technicians, artisans and craftspersons in the entertainment industry, including live theatre, motion picture and television production, and trade shows."

I'm not sure if you want to be a carpenter or a production designer or what state you live in (sometimes there are different chapters depending where you live), so IATSE is the place to get your specific questions answered.

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 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 469: I know I need to watch all of the new shows since I work in tv but I don't want to get sucked into them.

Well, speaking as a complete television "sucker" (I have my double DVR working overtime, On Demand is in demand at my house and Hulu is saved under favorites), only you can control how much TV you choose to watch.

Working in television, there are specifics that you need to know about the shows, based on your classification; the tone, the characters, the writing style, the look, etc. You can watch a show twice, get a feel for it, and then when you get a call for work, do a quick re-watch on Hulu or read up on the show's website.

If you don't want to waste time on shows that may be cancelled, just ask my sister which shows she LOVES... they always get cancelled. (That's a joke.. sort of).

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 468: I need help with time management!

Check out the article I wrote for my newsletter list THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION How to make the most of your time at http://theGreenlightCoachBlog.com

It's the second one down after mentors. If you have any questions after that, let me know!

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 467: If I had a paranormal experience, is this a story I should share?

I know the person who asked this, and I know he's referring to the story-telling exercise I do in my 5 Keys to YOUR Success at a Networking Event and in the Interview section of my Greenlight Your Career Bootcamp.

The answer is, you would share this if it is appropriate to the material you are interviewing for, if it has to do with paranormal activity, and you would share it in a way that is professional as opposed to weird. Practice it on some confidantes before using it in an interview.

If you're at a networking event, as with any story, know you audience, and know why you're telling the story. How is this story going to help the people you're telling it to connect to you on a deeper level, or what will they learn about you that will make them want to hire you?

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 466: Can someone with no connections in the industry make it as a director?

Someone with no industry connections can make it in any classification. If you have talent, drive, and a willingness to learn how to run your business like a business, then absolutely.

I know that's a really short answer, but the fact is, the answer is yes. If you have more questions about how to make it, start by reading this blog from questions 1. Then as questions pop up for you, send them my way. Happy to help.

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 465: How are people with no talent working and I'm not?

Ah yes, the harsh question of the frustrated entertainment professional. Sometimes talent isn't enough... hey, that would make a good book subtitle- oh, that's right, it already is... Mine.

Listen, the bottom line is that talent is certainly important, though as you can clearly see, it's not a prerequisite. Plenty of people who are (how do I say this nicely?) sub-par, work consistently because they are well connected.

This is an industry of who you know and who knows you. So if you're not working you don't know the right people, and the only one in control of that, is YOU.

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 464: I've been reading your blogs and there's so much to do I'm overwhelmed!

I call that an A-List problem. Most people have no idea what to do, and continue to do the same 3-5 things over and over with disappointing results. Now YOU are filled with ideas and action plans. That's GREAT! Feeling overwhelmed... not great.

Here are some tips:

1. Make a list of all of your ideas/actions

2. Analyze which ideas/actions will get you the results you want in the shortest time

3. Prioritize your ideas/actions in the order of quickest results to long-term seed planting

4. Chunk out your days for 1 week on a calendar. Schedule a specific number of hours for quick result actions and a shorter amount of time to plant seeds.

5. See if using a schedule works for you and if so, do it again next week.

You are a business so it's important to treat your time the way you would if you worked in an office, with the knowledge that you have the freedom to come and go as you please.

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 463: How can I pursue my career as a movie still photographer?

Being a movie still photographer is a completely separate business of photography. Your marketing materials are different, your contacts are different, and you have no control over the lighting.

Start by understanding the purpose of your job: it's to create publicity photos. Therefore it's not about getting the most creative shots necessarily, it's about getting the shots that capture the emotion of the scene and will compel viewers to go to the theater.

In the beginning, you will most likely start on independent films and student films. You have to target directors and producers who make the films. Your goal here is to build your portfolio with set stills.

You should also research other Still Photographers by checking out their websites.

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 462:What are those "techniques and etiquette" to get set or post house visits?

This is a follow up question from yesterday's blog. Let's start with the techniques:

1. Know the sets/post facilities you want to target

2. Ask your contacts if they can refer you to someone who works on the show/at the facility

3. If you can't get a referral, take a step back and focus on building you contact list/relationships first. It's important that you know enough people who "know, like, & trust" you and will therefore be willing to invite you to a set/facility or refer you to one.

4. When you do get a referral, call the referral within 48 hours to request the visit.

This leads nicely into setiquette or post house visit etiquette

1. Be clear on your objective for going; to "take the temperature" of the set/facility, in other words, know the atmosphere so should you be called to work, you are familiar with the way things work. OR in the case of a post house, you may literally want to know the room and be familiar with the equipment they use.

2. You are there to observe and when possible create new relationships. Use your judgement to decide how relaxed or how hectic the day is and either quietly stay out of the way, or politely introduce yourself to people when appropriate.

3. Remember, you are there to help them. When they need someone who does what you do, they want to call someone they know who knows their set/facility. By you giving them the opportunity to get to know you, you are making their job easier when they are stuck in a bind and all of their "regulars" are busy.

4. DO NOT politic for work. You're there to create relationships NOT steal the jobs of the people who are already working there, so don't go with the objective of getting work, go with the objective of building relationships, in order to be an asset to their team when they need someone.

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!