Wednesday, April 21, 2010

entertainment industry coach Question 413: How do you find out if an acting agent is legitimate?

The internet is a great resource to investigate. When in doubt, have Sag check it out. There are SAG branches in so many cities across the country. www.SAG.org. For those of you who do not know what SAG is, it is the Screen Actors Guild, a union that represents actors. If you're a member, they have a list of agents. If you're not a member, you can still call, because if there is a suspicious person out there claiming to represent actors, SAG will want to know about it.

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

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Tuesday, April 20, 2010

entertainment industry coach Question 412: How important is it for me to separate the different things I do (act, direct, produce, write, edit)?

It depends on the conversation you're having. If you're talking to a casting director whom you don't know very well, you want to present yourself as an actor. It's not important to them that you edit because that's not what they're hiring you for.

If you're talking to a producer as a writer/director, be careful about mentioning that you're an actor because the first thing they'll be concerned about is that you want to connect yourself to the project and it will be a deal breaker.

If you are talking to someone about partnering on an independent film that you've written, want to direct, and have a small acting role in, it would be advantages to mention that you edit because so many projects fall apart in post.

The bottom line is, you have to assess the circumstances and the relationship with the person, before revealing all of your hats.

Whatever you do, make sure you have separate marketing materials. Any business card that has all of those slashes can make someone think that you do a little of everything but don't have fabulous talent in one area.

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

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Monday, April 19, 2010

entertainment industry coach Question 411: How do I use my film credits on my film resume when the producer/director is a shady user type...

"... and I can't trust him for a work reference. Do I add the film to my resume, but explain to the next prod exec the nature of the shady producer even though that can put them off on me?"

No, No, No, No.... and in case I wasn't clear.... NO! You put the credit on your resume but you DON'T list the producer as a reference. If they need a reference from the production, find someone who will sing your praises. In most cases, if they are looking over your resume and they don't recognize the production or the producer, they're not going to be asking for a reference anyway. It's up to you to create that relationship in the interview and prove why you're the one for the job. Bringing up negative working experiences will do just the opposite. It's a total turn off!

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

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Sunday, April 18, 2010

entertainment industry coach Question 410: Based on what you said in Q 408, can I take some time off? I’m burnt out!

Yes, you can take time off, in fact, if you’re burnt out, it’s a terrible time to be looking for work. People can sense your lack of passion. Do something exciting that you can keep people up to date on so you stay in contact with them.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

entertainment industry coach Question 409: I want to cut my hair but I don’t have $ for new headshots, can I just write “short hair now”, on...

"... my current pictures?"
NO! If you want to be a professional, you have to present yourself as one. Either save up some money for new pictures or hold off on the haircut. Nothing pisses off casting directors more than calling you in for a particular look and then having you come in looking completely different. Well, maybe some things piss them off more, but that’s up there.

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

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Friday, April 16, 2010

entertainment industry coach Question 408: I gave up on my camera career 10 years ago and now I want to come back and everything’s changed. Help!

Okay, first of all you have to get up to speed on technology. Once you feel you’re ready to use the equipment then get back in touch with your old contacts. Have a really passionate story about your desire to return to the industry. I’ve coached MANY people back in. It’s totally doable.

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

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Thursday, April 15, 2010

entertainment industry coach Question 407: Should I have a separate Facebook page for business and personal?

I personally don’t think so. Different people have varying opinions, but my feeling is the point of social networking is so that people get to know the personal side of you so they can learn who they relate to on a personal level. That said, don’t 0ver share. It is business. And don’t turn your FB wall into an “available list” that just makes you look desperate. I have lots of blogs on Facebook advice, so check them out.


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

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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

entertainment industry coach Question 406: I’m doing a scene where someone shoots me. Can I get hurt?

I will never forget the horror I felt when I heard that the gorgeous young actor Jon-Erik Hexum was accidentally killed as a result of a firearms accident. However, that was a fluke. Is it possible? Obviously. But safety precautions have tightened up because of the tragedy. Ask the stunt coordinator or firearms wrangler questions. Don’t let it get in the way of your acting.

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

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Tuesday, April 13, 2010

entertainment industry coach Question 405: How do I go from being a big fish in a small pond to Los Angeles?

Strategically! Do some ground work in LA before making the move. If you’re doing well where you are, save your money and start building relationships with people who live in LA. If you move here cold, with no contacts, you’ll literally be starting from nothing and it can take 2-5 years to build up your career and that’s if you’re working strategically.


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

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Monday, April 12, 2010

entertainment industry coach Question 404: What if I only want to make Christian value movies?

What’s stopping you? There are lots of likeminded people out there with the same values wanting to make the same type of movies. Use social media to find them, word of mouth, and research. Join organizations that combine filmmaking and Christian values.


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

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Sunday, April 11, 2010

entertainment industry coach Question 403: How can I get my dog in movies?

Believe it or not there are agents for animals. Research them and find out the guidelines. Oh, and be sure your dog is well trained.

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 www.TheGreenlightCoach.com and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

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...