Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1239: Is it OK to send a thank you card after I have already said a rushed thank you in person?

She continues... "About a month or so ago I landed a small speaking part in a really big movie with my favorite director and a great cast. It was two short scenes with the lead actor who is such a famous guy at the moment. I received really great feedback from the director and crew at the end of the two days I was one set. Upon leaving the set I thanked the director really quickly for the opportunity as he rushed passed me. I wanted to send him a thank you card now that the film has wrapped."


It's better than okay, it's encouraged! Too few people send personalized thank you notes. Now that the film has wrapped, the director has time to fully appreciate a heart felt note, so by all means DO send one! 


Be sure in a thank you note that you are not asking for future work, you are simply expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and sharing what made the experience so memorable for you.



For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com  
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Monday, July 30, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1238:New to LA, How do I prove myself when nobody out here knows me?

Here's how the question read: "I am fresh in LA after working as a producer & editor for 20 years in Florida. How do I prove myself when nobody out here knows me and it seems like everybody out here fudges their level of experience when looking for work?" 


You start with the fact that nobody knows you. In order for them to know you, you need to be out networking with people. It takes 3 conversations to create a relationship, so while you're having those conversations, your experience and credibility should be revealed through the stories you share.


People who are fudging experience are out of your control. You can't monitor or change what others are doing, all you can do is be grateful that you have 20 years of legitimate
experience to speak from. The fudgers will reveal their lack of experience one way or another.


At this point you want to:
1. Research your market
2. Target people who you want to work with
3. Reach out to them NOT for work but instead to start a relationship
4. Get referrals Get referrals Get referrals!


Because you're new to town, you get "new guy" privileges which means you can contact people and say, "Hey, I'm new in town. I see you are a producer on (a particular project you liked). I'd love to get some advice on local watering holes, restaurants, movie theaters, etc. Again, instead of going for "work" ask for things that people love to talk about; their favorite beach hangout, theater, hiking spot. Then once you get a relationship started you can start talking business.


No, it's not the fastest way to get work, but had you sent me this question before you moved, I would have had you doing months of groundwork before you made the move.


That said, it can also happen over night. There are no rules and it just takes one great new contact to change everything! 


Keep the questions coming on your journey! 




For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
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Sunday, July 29, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1237:What is the fastest someone’s gotten a job when working with you?


I think I understand what you’re asking and the answer is: within 24 hours of making their first appointment, three of my clients had to reschedule because they got a job from using the preliminary tool I give all of my one-on-one clients before they come in for the first meeting.
I’m curious as to why you ask? Do you want fast results? If so, what actions are you taking? My clients, who want results, get them as easily and quickly as they take the right actions. In other words, do the right things get the results you want.
Another shift in mindset you may want to consider is that comparing yourself to others is wasted time. Shift your focus to yourself; what are you doing? Is it working? If not, what you can do differently? Focus on successful people who can mentor you and give you the tools you need to get your desired outcomes.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
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Saturday, July 28, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1236:How do I reinvent myself as a director?


One of the best resources is mentors. I interviewed a director for Greenlight Mentor Series who moved up from being a Steadi-cam operator. Another came from the movie-of-the-week & promo world. There are many ways to break in, so you want to learn about the politics of it all.

If you have a DGA branch where you live, go in and meet with them. Also, network with their members so you can go with them as guests to DGA events.

You say you have good contacts. You have to be specific about that. Are they people who can hire you as a director, refer you as a director, or something else?

What specifically are you feeling unfocused about? How to direct an episode of network TV? If so, that would be a mentor question. Or are you unsure of how to get your pilot seen by networks?

I need more information on you as an individual and it would be a coaching call. The answers in this blog post are general ways to change classifications, and they work.
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Friday, July 27, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1235: Is it worth it to make my own film with my own money?

You'll never know unless you do it. All I can tell you, as someone who's produced many of my own projects, is that in my experience, each one has led to more opportunities, more exposure, more credibility, and more amazing people that I want to work with over and over again.

I can tell you when I produced my own, I had amazing mentors and I surrounded myself with department heads who were all more knowledgeable than me AND I LISTENED TO THEM. Put your ego aside and do what's best for the project to get the most professional work you can create.

If you can get someone else to produce, someone who's really good at it, that's a great experience too.

Be sure to manage your expectations, which means: decide what you want your outcome to be. If it's to make money, you better have amazing development mentors who can tell you if your script is up to par. You'd better have outstanding talent in every department.

The odds are not on your side as far as being a break out indie, but that doesn't mean you can't be one of the exceptions to the rule if the story is there and the talent is there to back it up.

Good Luck!!!!

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1234:I've been at this for 12 years. How long does it take?!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this question seems like it's more of a frustration than a question. If you've been at it for twelve years, you know there's no time frame. My question to you is: Have you read my blogs? My newsletters? My book? You've been at "this" 12 years, does "this" include treating your career like a business, to which you've committed at least 5-8 hours per day, 5 days per week, on focused business that moves you forward? Do you have more than 200 contacts? Are more than 40 of them working and in a position to hire you?

Most people I coach who are frustrated, have been doing the same 3-5 things for years, expecting something to click. There is SO much more you can be doing. People who treat their entertainment career as a business, are always trying new strategies. and constantly meeting and building relationships with new people, don't have time to be frustrated-- there's just too much inspiration around them.

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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1233:Seriously, it's summer and everyone's on hiatus or on vacation. How do I get motivated to network?

Go with the slow summer flow, my friend. Take the pressure off and enjoy the networking process. How you ask? Like you say, many people are on hiatus, so a great way to network is to get them all together. Plan a get-together at the beach. If your contacts have families, make it a family day. If your contacts are competitive, make it a beach volley-ball day.

If you don't live near the beach, invite your contacts over for a bring-your-own_____ BBQ. Or host it if you'd like. Don't have the space? Organize a night where everyone can cool off in an air-conditioned movie theater. Then go out for coffee and dessert afterwards.

I think you get the picture. Get creative, have fun, and be cool this summer...

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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1232:I'm trying to get into film scoring, any advice?

Based on the many genres of film, there are many different composers scoring films. It's like in dance where there are different choreographers for different styles. To start, you want to research the types of films you'd like to score. Then, check IMDB, to see who the composer was on each project. Once you have a list of 3-5 composers, do your research on them. Google them, and check their Guild's website to see if there are any interviews or articles involving them. Perhaps there's a bonus interview on a DVD with the composer.

Research will give you many clues about how composers get started in entertainment. In the mean time, look for projects in your area, if possible. Perhaps a film school or an independent film group may have opportunities for you. You want to build your demo.

In addition you can research agents who represent composers and call to ask what the industry standard is for marketing materials for a composer.

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Monday, July 23, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1231:How do I reenter the biz after taking time off to caretake a parent?

You start by putting together a list of all of the contacts you had before you left the business. People are understanding, and when you're honest about why you had to leave, they will get it. However, be careful not to "over-share." In your message to me, you explained the affect care-taking had on you, and while it's okay to share with a coach, you wouldn't want to share anything more with your contacts than you were taking care of your mother. The reason being, any adverse effects it had on your health can be a concern to a production company that you are not fit to work.

Once you re-establish relationships with your old contacts, you will need to research who the new people are and ask for referrals to them.

Depending on the relationships you had before you left the industry, where they are now, what positions they have available, and how up to speed you need to get with updates in technology, the time table for breaking in varies. Where there is a will there's a way.

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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...