Saturday, July 7, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1215:Is it possible to meet directors like Spielberg and Scorsese?

Of course it's possible. Depending on where you live, you may have to leave your area. Look, pretty much everyone is accessible in Hollywood. You can see directors speak at Q&As about their films, especially around award time. You can meet them at an awards show. You can get a job working for their company. You can work hard at your craft and business and get famous enough to be introduced. You can bump into them at the Century City Mall. You can buy a star map. Do you see where I'm going with this?

I can go on and on about ways to meet famous people you admire. But why do you want to meet them? What's your objective? Who would you be if you got the opportunity... a professional ready to have a colleague to colleague conversation or a blubbering fan?

Maybe I don't understand why you're asking the question so I'm not giving a very good answer.

at No comments:

Friday, July 6, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1214: How do I convince someone I can direct without going back to school?

Direct something convincing. I know, I know, I sound sarcastic, but I'm not. I'm serious. If you do your research you'll find that many directors have not gone to film school. I've coached Directors of Photography who've moved up to director. They got their "schooling" on set. Others just do it. They write and direct shorts and full length features.

First and foremost-- you must change your own belief. If you believe you need school to convince someone you can direct, then that's exactly the vibe they're getting from you. If you feel unsure of your ability to direct, educate yourself without school; get mentors, do set visits, read books, take courses, practice with a group of actors.

Technology makes it easy to direct a piece. The challenge is finding a good piece of writing to direct.

at No comments:

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1213: How do I get invited to movie screenings?

There are different kinds of movie screenings:
1. Movie premiers- usually you have to have worked on the movie, know someone who's worked on the movie, or win a radio promotion contest.

2. Union screenings- you have to know a member of the union and ask to be his/her plus one.

3. Academy screenings- again, you have to know a member and be his/her plus one.

4. Networking organizations- join the organization that has screenings and you can trade plus ones with people at the Unions and the Academy. Or know a member of the organization and be his/her plus one.

5. Q&A screenings at theaters- usually you just have to know about them and buy a ticket.

6. Film festival screenings- you have to buy passes to the festivals or individual screenings.

If I didn't mention any you were thinking of in particular, let me know.

at No comments:

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1212: I'm not involved in my union other than paying my dues. Does this really matter?


You tell me. Unions have a lot to offer:
1. Contacts in other members
2. Free movies
3. Content on website
4. Networking/family events
5. Educational/Technical seminars and materials
6. Discount tickets for movies, family trips, rental cars, etc.
7. Credit Lines

And much more... see if your union has an orientation that addresses all of the benefits of being a union member

There are also political decisions being made on your behalf. Wouldn't you like to know and even be a part in decisions affecting your income, benefits, safety, etc?

at No comments:

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1211: Is it appropriate to talk business at a 4th of July party?

It's not inappropriate, but I'd encourage you to build relationships on a personal level and if the person with whom you're speaking brings up business, then you can respond.

There are ways to share stories to let people know what you do and what you're looking for as far as work, without coming straight out and talking business.

Remember, if you build a strong relationship on a personal level at a party, it will open up the opportunity for a second conversation and then a third and so on. Eventually work will come up. As opposed to going straight for the "I am looking for work" conversation which tends to bring up peoples' walls.

at No comments:

Monday, July 2, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1210: How do I generate work behind the lens?

This question was asked by an actress who lives in Ohio and is focusing on generating work. This question is extremely broad. In order for me to best answer, I'd have to know what skills/talents she has other than acting. If she doesn't have any skills in the departments; camera, production design, costume, make up, etc, then my advice would be to go after PA (production assistant) positions.

In order to get a PA job, go back to Saturday's blog where I advise you to create relationships in your city's Film Commission. You have to know what's coming to your city and who's coming with production to know who to approach for PA jobs.




For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit
at No comments:

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1209: How do I generate work as an actress out of Ohio?

Living in Ohio and wanting to travel for work elsewhere, can take some time. Why? Because you have to create relationships with the people who can hire you in those production cities. One way to do this is to get business mentors who can advise you on the politics and nature of their city.

Speaking of politics, you have to be very aware of union residency rules when it comes to working in other states. So before you target a city where you would like to work, be sure you're allowed to work there.



For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit
at No comments:

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1208: How do I branch out into the bigger things like major feature films, commercials?

Here's how the entire question read: I am an actress here in Akron/Cleveland OH and there are some really good projects going on independently that I am working to become apart of, but how do I branch out into the bigger things like major feature films, commercials and things?


I wrote back and asked: Are you referring to major projects that come to OH or major projects outside of your area that you would be willing to travel for?


To which she replied: I was referring to both, I'm just looking for genuine opportunities, whether it is in front or behind the lens.


There are actually multiple questions in here:


1. How do I transition from independent work to major projects, as an actress in Ohio?
2. How do I generate work as an actress out of Ohio?
3. How do I generate work behind the lens?


I will answer #1 today and #s 2 & 3 tomorrow and Monday.


To transition from independent work to major projects as an actress in a smaller production city, there are some actions you must take:


1. Get to know EVERY casting director in your area. If there are bigger cities in your state where casting directors work, make the trip and get to know them. There are many ways to do this. For example, many casting directors or their associates teach workshops. 


2. Go (in person) to your city's Film Commission, and get to know the people who work there. Film Commissions know when big projects are coming to town. When you have relationships with people who work there, they can keep you in the know about the who, what, and when of major projects. 


www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com 



at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1280: I grew up in India and as a result English is my second language (cont'd)

"I grew up in India and as a result English is my second language. I  am looking to improve my comprehension when I read my text book...