Question 201: What's the best time of year to move to LA to pursue a career in Hollywood?

Well, it's been a little hot this summer, but otherwise, the weather's always great so I say, anytime. But really, if you're asking me that question, I'm going to assume you're starting from scratch. Therefore, whenever you've saved up enough money to put down first and last month's rent and have enough left over to leave you enough time to find a job to cover your bills, the cost of any classes you'll need for your craft, the cost of joining networking organizations, and the cost of investing in learning how to run your business, it's time.

You're going to have to build relationships. The story about stepping off the bus and being discovered was in Bofinger-- but that's a movie, not real life. So be prepared to spend time growing your contacts and your business.

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

question 200: what does it take to make it in the entertainment industry?

Though this is a general question, I waited until today to answer it, in order to do so, in a specific way. As you can see, this is my 200th day in a row of blogging answers to your questions. I made a commitment to you, 200 days ago, and I have done whatever it takes to keep that commitment. At one point, I had to pre-answer 30 questions for the month of June because I was in an intense training and knew it would be overwhelming for me to have to come up with answers everyday.

What does this have to do with your question? Well, if you haven't started making the connection already, my answer is "commitment." This industry doesn't have specific steps that lead to specific results in a specific time frame. It is your job to set up goals for yourself and commit to them FULLY. Will there be moments when that commitment is tested? Yes. It's how quickly you reconnect to that commitment that counts.

"Commitment" is a mindset. There are many tools, strategies, and systems that I can coach you on toward "making it." However, if the commitment is not there, making it is unlikely. I can give you the roadmap, and then you must take action and drive!

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

question 199: Then how DO I make my resume stand out?

This was a follow up question to my answer to #197. I told him why having a picture wasn't a good idea but I didn't answer what DOES actually make a resume stand out. So here's my answer:

If you're an academy award winner and/or have worked on top box office grossing films, that's going to make your resume stand out. Although usually at this level, you won't need a resume.

So what really makes a resume stand out if you have basically a number of unrecognizable credits with semi-unrecognizable talent? A REFERRAL. In other words, sending out hundreds of resumes cold, is pretty much a waste of time and money. Instead, target specific jobs, speak to your contacts to find out if they know anyone involved with the project, and then send a cover letter with your resume stating that you were referred by _______. That's what makes you stand out, having a connection to someone involved.

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

question 198: How do I talk to people naturally? I feel like I have nothing to say when I meet people.

First question: Can you talk to anyone naturally? If you can't, then it sounds like it's out of my realm. You need to speak to a professional therapist.

That said, I'm going to answer this question as if you do have friends and family members who you can talk to easily. If you can talk to them easily, you can talk to anyone easily, you're just getting in your own way.

Most people's problem is that they don't think that they're interesting. You are- to like-minded people. The rest don't matter. It's like dating. You don't connect with everyone and that's okay.

Here are some tips:

1. Know some subjects you feel confident about so you know what you can talk about.

2. Ask questions. Instead of worrying about what you will say, get them to answer a question about a subject you're interested in, so you'll be able to join in.

3. Read the trades and stay current on industry happenings. This way, you'll either be commenting on a subject they're already aware of or giving them new news.

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

question 197: How do I make my resume stand out? Should I put my picture on it?

That would make it stand out all right... but not in a good way. My rule is: don't give them any reason to say NO. A picture could do just that for a number of reasons:

1. It makes you look "green" because people don't do that, so it looks like you just stepped off the bus and thought it was appropriate to put your picture on a resume.

2. They might not like the looks of you. Despite giving people the benefit of the doubt, there are still those who "judge a book by it's cover.

3. You may remind them of someone they don't like, appear to young, or too old. Bottom line, you just may not look "the part" of whatever they think your classification should look like.

Now, the ONLY exception, (and I even think this trend may be over) is actors putting their pictures on their resume. But, before you do, check in with casting directors, agents & managers, and working actors to see if they're still doing it.

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

question 196: I've been calling my contacts over and over and I need something new to do. Any suggestions?

I have at least 20 off the top of my head, but here's the thing. You're doing what EVERYONE does when they're looking for work (that is everyone who hasn't coached with me). You're calling your contacts every week, month, hopefully not day, to tell them "I'm available." This is NOT strategic. This is not good business. How would you feel if you were working and in the position to hire people, you already hired the people you need, and then get 50 "I'm available" calls each week. What would you do? You wouldn't have time to call everyone back and say that you're sorry but you don't have anything for them. So, that is why you find yourself where you are now.

Okay, suggestions. First of all, because it seems as if you don't know enough people who are working and you are their #1 or 2 call, this isn't necessarily going to be a quick process, so it's important that you're patient.

1. Target and meet at least 5 new people per month

2. Meet 10 people per month who are in the industry no matter what classification

3. Ask the people you already know for referrals

4. Review the previous 195 blogs for new ideas

If this seems like a huge amount of work, you're either making it harder than it actually is, or you don't fully understand how to successfully run your business. If you're making it harder than it is, sign up for my FREE newsletter at www.TheGreenlightCoach.com to find out when I'm giving FREE seminars, so you can find out how easy and fun it can be. If you don't fully understand the business, I recommend you invest in yourself and get coaching. The longer you wait the harder it gets.

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

question 195: I'm in school and want to know if I have to specialize in film or commercials?

There was a time that people specialized in one area (TV, Film, Commercials, Docs, Industrials, Sports, etc), but now people can move from genre to genre with more ease than in the past. That said, if you have a long term goal, you want to start setting yourself up for that now. If in 20 years, you see yourself in feature films, start building your resume, reel, and contacts in that area.

Many people have worried about getting "stuck" in one area. I say, get known in one area and once you're well known it will be easier for you to move around. People who try to do a little of everything and never make a name for themselves in any area, have a tougher time maintaining a long term, rewarding career.

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

question 194: I know you're a coach but your bio says you worked in development. How do you know if a script will be a good movie?

Whose definition of good matters to you? What you think is good will be different than other people's opinions. Even movies that win academy awards have naysayers. You can't please everyone.

I've heard Hollywood compared to Vegas many a time in my career. There is no science to what makes a successful movie or they'd all be blockbusters. Different people have different taste. Why was Private Benjamin a huge hit and no one's heard of Major Movie Star (basically same concept starring Jessica Simpson?

When I worked in development I only gave 2 scripts a Recommend. Both films were made (not by us). One was on screen exactly how I'd pictured it in my mind. The other, one of the scariest thrillers I'd read, turned out to be a joke on screen.

There are so many people involved in making a movie that the script is just the leaping off point. Unless it's your script and you direct it, there's no guarantee your vision will be what's on screen. If you're reading it as an actor or as a department head, what looks great on paper could turn out completely different by the time the director, movie stars, editor, and studio execs (after a few focus groups) get their hands on it.

My advice if you like the script: trust your gut, see who's involved, do your research on them, do the best work you're capable of, and see what happens.

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

Question 193: Is it really possible to be Bi-Coastal or should I establish myself in either NY or LA?

Anything is possible. Obviously someone who is established in their career has it much easier because when it comes to getting jobs, they're already a "name." The goal is to create relationships and maintain them. If you can do that from either coast, great. If someone calls you for a job in the morning in LA and you're in NY, that's going to be a problem. I need more information to advise you fully on this. Are you choosing to be bi-coastal or is an obligation keeping you tied to one city?

For more tips and articles by Top Entertainment Industry Career Coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

question 192: How do I motivate to get out of bed in the morning when I don't have a job?

The bottom line- Discipline! I know how you feel. I work from home and have no one to answer to. Some days there would be nothing better than to stay in bed and snuggle with my dogs BUT I made a choice to be an independent contractor JUST LIKE YOU. Therefore, I recognize I have to respect my business the same way I respected my work environment when I worked in the corporate world. When I had a boss to answer to, I had to be at work at a specific time, work for a specific number of hours, and give my all. Aren't those the same requirements of YOU when you're hired on project?

What you must realize, is when you're not on a specific project, you still have work. If you don't know what that work is, I'd be happy to coach you.

Here are some tips :

1. "Forced" motivation- schedule meetings/phone calls for 10 am (you can make it earlier, but hey, working for yourself has to have some perks right?)

2. Throw you hat over the fence- tell someone you respect you'll have something done by a specific date. That will force you to get out of bed and get to work.

3. I've said it before and I'll say it again- get yourself into an accountability group with people whose opinions of you matter.

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

question 191: I feel like I might be being pushed out of the industry. What are some ways to push back and say I am still here?

You can't be pushed out of the industry. That would imply that the industry has control over you as opposed to you having control over your career. Never give away your power like that. There are more people in this industry than you could meet in your lifetime. Everyday new people flock to Los Angeles to work in our industry. Look how many people's careers should have been over for seemingly unforgivable things, and yet they come back even stronger. For Pete's sake, even The Hoff is still on TV, tormenting us with song!

So let's chunk this down. Who specifically do you think might be pushing you out of the industry? Identify that person or people first, so you can diffuse the overwhelm of feeling like an entire industry is pushing you out.

Once you've identified the source(s) of your concern, you can:

A. Evaluate the circumstances and decide if it's "real" or if you're making mountains out of molehills.

B. Choose to move on and create new powerful relationships

C. "Push back" as you put it. (I don't particularly care for this option. Why waste time "pushing back"? I say PUSH FORWARD!)

Once you've decided which way you want to go, let me know if you have further questions regarding your new strategy.

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