entertainment industry coach question 554: How do I get on tv, radio, in magazines, etc.?

This is a question asked after yesterday's blog.

The answer is you pitch yourself. Emailing pitches to reporters and producers. The pitches should pertain to what's current and your "brand's" twist on it. There has to be a hook and it has to be relevant.

Make sure you're pitching to the right reporters and producers. If you're a horror film director and you have a child in preschool, and want to pitch a story, "Scary Daddy, Spooks Preschool Parents," you wouldn't pitch it to Dateline, but the View might find it entertaining.

Also, if this is new for you, start with local stations and local publications. It takes research to find the right fit, but it's worth it.

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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

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at the top of the page and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

entertainment industry coach question 313:What should my next step be from corp videos to producing TV, Film, and Docs?

The next step will have to do with researching the market. As you can see by the complete question below, it comes from someone in England... Liverpool to be exact.

"I've been spending the last 5 years producing corporate videos for non profit orgs. But my dream is to produce either documentaries or dramas and work in TV or Film. What should my next step be? As my showreel is mostly corporate videos"

As a coach, my job isn't to know the market in England or anywhere else. I happen to know it in Los Angeles because that's where I live and work. I have a pretty good idea of it in other larger production cities in the US, because I've either done seminars there, or have clients who work there.

My job is to give you universal tools, so here's the next steps for you, no matter where you live:

1. Research the market; who is doing what you want to do successfully?

2. Research the people; who are the people who've transitioned from Corporate Video to TV, Film and Docs?

3. Start building a reel of narrative work. As someone who wants to produce, seek out projects that you believe in.

4. GET MENTORS!!!!

5. Join entertainment organizations for filmmakers, for TV, and for documentary, and start establishing new relationships. Each medium has different "players" and you need to know them.

Even if you had no background in corporate video, and wanted to break in, these are the steps you would take. You have an advantage because of your background so use that in your conversations. Know what your background brings as an advantage for producing the type of work that interests you.

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

question 211: If I've been an actor for 10 years and now want to direct TV but I haven't had a hit show so no one knows me, can I do that?

The beauty of this industry is anything is possible. There are no rules. That said, breaking into tv as a director is a HUGE undertaking. You will need:

1. An outstanding director reel

2. A-List TV director mentors

3. TV Studio Executive advisors

4. A clear understanding of the job and the politics

5. (The outside-of-the-box method) a hit show that you direct independently

Obviously, there is a lot more than this simple answer, but if you're not committed to fully going for those 5, there's no point in going into it further. If you are committed, contact me and we can get you started on a plan of action!

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 130: I'm not in the "biz" can your tools still help me?

I appreciate you reading my blog even though you're not in the biz, and yes, my tools are applicable to anyone who works and beyond... While I've found my niche in entertainment, it's because I'm passionate about movies and tv. The metaphors I use are from my favorites shows from the big and little screen. The tools I use are the same for any business I just use creative terminology to appeal to the storytellers in my business. The lessons and strategies I share can apply to love, health, family, money, etc.

So, if you're looking for shifts in your life, created with a little Hollywood flair, keep reading and keep sending me questions.

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