entertainment industry coach Question 460: How many years do I have to work as a loader before I can move up?

That depends on how many years film is around for you to load... oh, bad joke. Sorry. Seriously for you and for everyone who wonders about how long you have to work in a classification before you move, there's no standard answer. There's no rule book. It's time to move up when:

1. people are asking you to

2. you know enough people who are willing to hire you in the new classification

3. you are confident with your skills and ready (and have 1 or 2)

You can also look at demand. Do you want to be a big fish in a small pond and make a living working because the competition is slim? Or do you want to move up into a very competitive position? The other question is what is your ultimate goal? If you are trying to move up the ladder to be "politically correct" that model has been smashed. You're welcome to spend ten years in each classification working your way up the ranks the way the old schoolers did, but if ultimately you want to operate or DP, you have kids in high school making movies who will be light years ahead of you.

Just some stuff for you to ponder.

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entertainment industry coach Question 459: I'd like to work on movies as a costume designer & don't know how to start.

The first place to start is at the union. IATSE Local 892 www.costumedesignersguild.com/ You can call and ask a member services representative any questions you can't find answers for on their site.

The second thing I would suggest is to order their magazine.

These two resources should give you a good amount of information to start. Eventually, I would have you pursue mentors, but for now get yourself a strong enough base of knowledge to show any mentor you should choose to pursue, that you're serious and have done some homework.

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 458: Why do so many crew members wear Hawaiian shirts on set?

I just found out the answer today since I've always joked around that the "dress code" for a camera operator is a Hawaiian shirt. Apparently there's a reason. And that reason is... drum roll please.

bdbdbddbdbdbbdddbdbd (that's a drum roll)

Because you can't see all the food stains they get all over themselves when they eat. Apparently stains just blend right in with the patterns on the Hawaiian shirts.

See? It pays to attend networking events. You learn useful information like this. After all you wouldn't want to be the only grip wearing a white collared shirt with spaghetti sauce splatters all over 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 457: Does doing a web series help an out of work actor get more work?

Any opportunity you have to act and be around people who can see that you are directable and a joy to work with can lead to numerous opportunities including work.

Last year, a handful of web series were made into network shows. I haven't checked the background on this years pick ups, but you never know where a web series can lead.

It's also your job to maximize on the opportunity of working on a webisode. Meet the cast and crew, create relationships. This town is 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon. You never know who they know. The young PA whose first job it is could be related to a series regular on a series who'd be willing to mentor you.

Acting is your work, so if you're on a web series you're working. Work leads to more work. And when people ask actors' most dreaded question, "what are you working on?" you'll have an answer that you can be passionate about.

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 456: I'm an actor in India, is that a roadblock?

You have to work with what you're given. If right now you're living in India, and want to train and work as an actor, do your research as to what's available to you. If you can get to Bollywood, it's a great place for you to start. If eventually you want to work in Los Angeles, then create a plan for making your move here. There are roles for every type on the planet (and even some non-humans although that's usually done with make-up and prosthetics).

If you don't have any training and would like to start by working on your craft, acting classes may be limited where you are, but YouTube has videos that can get you started and rehearsing on your own. Type in Acting Training Videos

Also you want to be clear on your type. You may fit into a different category in Bollywood than you do in Hollywood.

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 455: What is a DP to do when no one values my craft anymore?

I just had this conversation yesterday with a composer. While to each classification it feels like they are the only ones being affected by the shifts in technology, the desire to get workers for "cheap," and an overall lack of respect and value for what they do, it's not so. It's across the boards.

Here's the thing. In the entertainment industry, there are cycles. Speak to someone who's been in the industry for 40 years and you'll hear about the ups and the downs. Yes, right now technology is changing and the economy is affecting budgets. Many producers are sacrificing "craft/art" for budget cuts, thinking it's okay because the cool cameras will make up for it. But it's part of a cycle.

When someone who really cares about the craft, hires a cast and crew of artists and makes a movie or TV show that breaks out, everyone is going to want to jump on the bandwagon, and talent will be valued and compensated again. At least that's what I choose to believe.

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 454: I've written a short, now what?

Cont'd: "The script is my second; my first goes into production this month. So I have a few contacts I've hit up already, but I don't want to wear out my welcome with anyone and I'm hoping to expand my network. Just looking for fresh ideas!"

This question stemmed from the Greenlight Coach Newsletter I sent out to my readers. And the part of the question I want to address is the contacts.

Never assume people's "welcome" levels. Just tread lightly. Say to them, "I know I've asked you to help on my first short, and I appreciate your time and talent. I'm doing a second, and I know it's a lot to ask, but I didn't want to not ask you first, because I'm loyal to the people who work with me. So if you are interested, I would love to have you on board. If it's too much at this time, do you have a colleague whom you feel would benefit from the opportunity to work on my second short?"

You will most likely get a mix of answers and therefore be able to expand your network while maintaining the good relationships you already have.

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 453: Help I'm at a MD bbq now and I want to approach a director without seeming like a fan.

I feel like I can hear you whispering. Okay, pretend I'm one of those bugs in your ear talking you through this. Walk over to the director and ask either 1. how did he come to be here? 2. If he's having a good time? 3. If he knows if there is a secret 2nd bathroom.

Work with me here, I don't know the logistics, so go with whatever doesn't seem obvious. The third should make him laugh because everyone knows that it's a pain to stand on line waiting for the bathroom at a party and there's always the bathroom no one is privy to.

Then, if he's friendly, acknowledge him and either 1. tell him what you do in the industry 2. even if he's a film director, ask if he was confused by the series finale of Lost (or if he is a she, ask if she watched the season finale of Grey's Anatomy) 3. Tell him you consider this a rare opportunity that you don't want to miss and seeing as he is as successful as he is, you know he understands, then ask him, if he could give you most impacting lesson he has had in the industry that you could learn from.

Wherever the conversation goes, it should somehow lead to #3 before the conversation ends. Then thank him for his time and say that you're going to take his advice and follow up with him in the future to let him know how he helped you. Then shake his hand, look him in the eyes and say, "so remember me, my name is ____ and I look forward to telling you about my success."

Good luck. This blog will self-destruct in 60 seconds.... no it won't.

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 452: Umm what's the obsession with cheezy people from NJ on reality shows?

Alas, a question that has finally stumped me. I have many DEAR friends from New Jersey, NONE whom are anything like the Garfield/Snooky chick from The Jersey Shore, Teresa from the Real Housewives of New Jersey, or anyone from Jersey Couture or Jerseyliscious.

I truly don't understand this new reality phase. I suppose it's the "train wreck syndrome"; something so awful, yet you can't tear your eyes away from it.

I have no answer. In fact, I just have to leave it at this because I find it disturbing (although I am happy for all of the crew members who have jobs because of them, I just hope their brains are capable of tuning out the awfulness of these freaks.. and by freaks I mean everyone on those shows EXCEPT the Manzo Family members- I'd like to live, and Albie's hot).

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 451: Do I have to send a cover letter with a resume?

Unless it's someone who knows you really well and says, "hey, send me over your resume," then YES you must have a cover letter. And more than that, the cover letter should make you stand out from the rest of the pile.

Preferably, you want to have a referral name that will be recognized automatically getting yours pulled from the pile. But if you don't, there is a art to crafting a cover letter that stands out.

Otherwise, you're just one of hundreds of people sending in your cold resume with a standard cover letter. Odds are the amount of time you're putting into sending these is not paying off in the same way that spending less time on focused work would.

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 450: When should I call studio people? Do they have summer Fridays?

Why are you waiting until Friday to call someone? Everyone's hours are different. Call when you think you'll get the person with whom you want to speak in. It's as easy as that.

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

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