Question 76: You say I'm 100% responsible for my career but I feel I can't control anything. What do I do?

True, there are very few things in the entertainment industry that you can truly control. When you look at other industries, though, I'm sure you'll find plenty of people who struggle with the same issue; the stock market, changing technology and trends, etc. Since I focus on entertainment let's address what you CAN control:

1. Your commitment: I always say you have to act like the CEO of your own company. Are you committed to the amount of work that goes into running a company? Are you committed to creating new relationships and maintaining old ones? Are you committed to investing in your business knowledge, marketing materials, and craft? If your answer is yes, you can control how much of a commitment  you make in each area.  

2. Your attitude: Politics, economy, natural disasters, work slow down, runaway production, others working when you're not, no agent, etc.,- you can't control. Your attitude toward all of the previous- YOU CAN CONTROL. Educate yourself on the nature of our industry, so you can have a good attitude, despite what ever the world throws at you. This is not about positive thinking, this is about taking control of your outlook regarding your career. If you're not optimistic about your future, then why pursue it?

   

3. Your choices: You have control over the friends/colleagues you make and keep, accepting the jobs offered to you, your reactions to what happens to you, and the decision to stay in this industry.

Our industry is no different than any other industry where there is potential to make big money. There is risk involved and in so, a lack of control. That lack of control is also the loophole that allows, unknown, unconnected, unexperienced people, to get their foot in the door and potentially make it big...

So embrace what you can and cannot control.

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

Question 75: Why do your answers sometimes contradict themselves?

This is what I get for asking for something to sink my teeth into. Here goes...

While it may seem that my answers sometimes contradict themselves...

For example:

In one situation I inform you how to be extremely prepared

In another situation I suggest that you fly by the seat of your pants

... they, in fact, do not contradict each other because I'm speaking to different people. 

You see, there is no 1 correct way to do something. One person's obstacle may be a walk in the park for someone else. What someone needs to do early in his/her career is very different than someone who has a track record that can be turned into a marketing campaign.  

What's important is not focusing on the "contradictions" but instead figuring out which answers apply to you at this point in your career.  

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

Question 74: How do I deal with the resentment I feel towards people who are working?

You've made the choice to feel resentment. You could have chosen to feel inspired by them, happy for them, excited for their success, motivated by their success, curious as to how they accomplished their goals...

But instead, you've chosen resentment. How does this choice help your career? I'll tell you - it doesn't. Quite the opposite. Resentment eats away at you causing you to have this tinge of a nasty edge, when meeting new people, answering people's questions, interviewing for jobs, etc. And then you wonder why you can't get a job, maintain a relationship, or create new ones, which then makes you MORE resentful.

So how do you deal with the resentment you feel? You don't. You make a better choice. This may not come naturally at first, but eventually, it will become second nature to celebrate other's success, and in doing so, they'll be celebrating in yours as well.

For those with an abundant mindset, there really is enough to go around.

More tips and articles by top entertainment industry coach, The Greenlight Coach at

www.theGreenlightCoachBlog.com 

Question 73: Why should I go to the LA Film Fest if I don't have a project in it or know anyone who does?

Well, let me count the reasons:

1. You need to meet people!

2. It's an opportunity to research the filmmakers beforehand and craft specific questions for them in order to start a business relationship

3. You need to meet people!!

4. People always ask me where to meet first/second time directors- this is a great place

5. You need to meet people!!!

This film festival happens once a year. It is a gathering of industry people at all levels. It is your job to be there. 

If you were a toy manufacturer, you would attend toy conventions. Consider this YOUR convention. LAFilmFest.com

Don't know how to maximize your time at a film festival? Put your question or concern in the comments and I'll address it tomorrow...

For more tips and articles by top industry career coach, the Greenlight Coach, visit

www.thegreenlightcoachblog.com  

 

Question 72: I've recently suffered the loss of my spouse, is this something I should share?

First, I want to express my sincere sadness for your loss. And that is what will happen, either people won't know what to say, or they'll immediately feel sympathy. How can we not? As humans, losing someone we love is one of our greatest fears. So, allow people, to express their sympathy, empathy, and even allow them their discomfort. 

That said, you are going to be experiencing feelings that as a career coach, I'm not qualified to help you with. However, as a career coach I can tell you, that my gut reaction is to offer help. I believe this would be most people's gut reaction.

Allow people to help. More than that, tell them what you need. If you need to get working again, so that you'll be out of your house, surrounded by passionate people- tell them. 

What's important is "who you're being" when you ask for help. Many people become victims, and while understandable, it's not a quality people are looking for when they're hiring. Therefore, ask from a place of strength, even if you're crumbling inside.  Powerfully ask for help in regards to work. When you are hired, stay focused and professional. After the day is done, turn to your support system, those who create the space for you to be fragile and vulnerable. 

Don't share what's going on in your life if you are so fragile that it will guilt-trip people. But when you are ready, when you can handle it, I think it's okay to share what's going on in your life if you're coming from a powerful place of wanting to keep going and stay connected to what you love to do. 

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

Question 71: Is it appropriate to approach someone after they've spoken on a panel or Q&A?

It is appropriate IF you are being professional. 

Consider these tips:

1. Know what your objective is before approaching the person (be sure it's something he/she can say yes to, or a comment that is appropriate and MEMORABLE).

2. Be aware of the body language. If he/she keeps backing up, don't keep moving forward. GIVE PEOPLE THEIR PERSONAL SPACE!

3. If you ask a question, listen and accept the answer, whether you like it or not. DON'T debate someone in order to meet your agenda.

4. Know when it's time to say goodbye and walk away.

5. Take note of all of the mistakes the group around you is making. (I just threw this one in so you can meet the person and learn a huge amount about networking in a miniscule amount of time)  

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

Question 70: Would you represent me? (asked at the agent panel I spoke on tonight)

Even though this isn't my typical format (taking a question someone asked a panel of agents as opposed to submitting directly to me), I felt compelled to address it, so that you will learn from this mistake.

The actress who asked the question, prefaced it with a little history about her past agency and how it was closed and then asked... and then there was the "uncomfortable pause..." you know the one-- when you've just put someone (or in this case a panel of experts) on the spot and he/she doesn't want to say yes, but doesn't really know how to say no politely... 

This is no different than meeting someone at a networking event, talking to them for an hour, and then suddenly asking for work. It's that same "wall" that goes up. The hour that you just spent, building a relationship, just went down the drain.

Resist the urge to ask a new contact for work. People need to know you, like you, and trust you, before they will hire you, or take you on as a new client. If you're talking business, they know you're looking for work, if they want you, they'll ask you. If an agent sees something in you during that first conversation, believe me, they'll approach you.     

Before asking for something, put yourself in the person's shoes and think, is this something they can say YES to? Remember, people's jobs, reputation, and paychecks are on the line. It's not personal, they simply have to 

KNOW YOU, LIKE YOU, AND TRUST YOU..

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

Question 69: Should I do a sex scene for a non-union production?

I have to apologize to the girl who sent this, for making her wait until Question 69... I couldn't resist.  

Wow, this is not the kind of career advice that I ever thought I'd be giving. Definitely NOT in the career coach manual.  Just goes to show, you never know what kinds of questions you'll get when you open it up.  So, back to the question at hand...

When I first entered the world of acting, I chose my roles based on if I'd be able to sit on the couch next to my dad and watch with him. If the answer was no, I didn't take the role. 

No one can answer this question for you. Non-union, union, A-list director, unknown director... the bottom line is, how do you feel about doing a sex scene? Plenty of actress' careers soared after doing nude scenes. Others can't be found anywhere on Mr. Skin's website, yet have outstanding resumes. It comes back to making that list of the pros and the cons. Here's some questions, hope they help:

1. Is it an EXCEPTIONAL script? 

2. Will the scenes you're in (other than the one in question) be defining for your reel? 

3. How will the scene be shot?

4. What do you know about the producers, director, writer, other actors? 

5. How would you feel if the scene was splashed all over YouTube and Facebook?

We've come a long way from Leave it to Beaver (sorry... I don't know what's gotten into me tonight). Good luck with your decision. 

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

 

Question 68: What do I need to know about the Upfronts?

Here's the Wikipedia description of the upfront: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upfront

In the North American television industry, an upfront is a meeting of television network executives with the press and, more important, with major advertisers. It is so called because it signals the start of an important advertising sales period, allowing marketers to buy commercial airtime "up front", or several months before the season begins.

In the United States, the major broadcast networks' upfronts occur in New York City during the third week of May, the last full week of that month's sweeps period. The networks announce their fall primetime schedules, including tentative launch dates (i.e. fall or midseason) for new programming, which may be "picked up" the week before. The programming announcements themselves are usually augmented with clips from the new series, extravagant musical numbers, comedic scenes, and appearances by network stars, and take place at grand venues such as Radio City Music Hall or Carnegie Hall. Most cable networks present earlier in the spring since they usually program for the summer months; press attention to these announcements is usually much lighter.

What do you need to know once the shows have been picked up?

1. Soon after writers and crew are hired

2. As the writing staff are working, it's a good time for actors to be planning their strategies for episodic work

3. Executives are VERY busy getting everything lined up- not a good time to be asking them for their time

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

Question 67: How do I stay in touch with people while I'm working? I usually get absorbed in what I am doing.

Here's how the actual question read:

You said about looking for work, "the best time to make calls is while you’re working."  Could you talk more about that?  I usually get absorbed in what I am doing and don't think to be reaching out to people during that time.

The reason I say that is because:

1. You're not calling for work, which puts you and the person you're calling at ease

2. You're far more confident when you're working, so it's a great time to be talking to people

3. YOU'RE MORE MARKETABLE when you're working! Suddenly people want you... the domino effect

Back to your question. Like you, when I tell people to make calls while they're working, I usually hear:

1. I'm too busy to make calls while I'm working

2. I don't want to look like the guy/girl who's always on the phone

3. I'm too exhausted from work to even think about making calls

4. If I'm just there for the day (dayplaying) I want to look like I'm totally focused on my job

5. I don't want to make people who aren't working feel bad by calling them to say I'm working

I could address each of these individually (and if you'd like me to, please write that in the comment section), instead I'll give you the bottom line.

If the best time to generate work is while you're working, you must be contacting people despite numbers 1-5. So, here's how you make it happen:

1. Set a goal for the day; the number of people (even if it's 1) you plan to contact. It's like making a list for the grocery store- you're focused on the items on your list, because you wrote them down. 

You're absorbed and not thinking about calling because you're not focused on it.

2. Now that you have a goal, create a plan; decide when you will contact them. Spread it out over your drive to set, your lunch hour, your breaks, your drive home (obviously being considerate of what time it is).

3. Know your call objective, so you can preface your conversation by saying, "Hey I'm on set and only have about two minutes, so I just wanted to...," and then get to your objective.

4. As part of your plan decide HOW you will contact them. If calling them just isn't possible, there's email, texting, social networking sites like Facebook. Instead of staring at obstacles, seek out ways to make it happen!

I'm sure this post has opened up even more questions for you, my wonderful inquisitive readers. So feel free to post them in the comment section and I'll get to them all.

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

Question 66: Is Facebook a good place to network?

This is a question that came up at a networking breakfast I attended yesterday, and the speaker steered the participant in another direction. 

In the famous words of Ron Burgundy AKA Anchorman  "AGREE TO DISAGREE!"

I think Facebook is a GREAT resource for networking ESPECIALLY for all of you shy people out there who hate going to networking events.

Here are just a few reasons to use Facebook for networking: 

1. Helping your social network:

- A client needed a DP to shoot his short film, starring recognizable talent. I posted it on my status, and he received more than enough responses, set up interviews with some, and hired his DP.

- A Camera Operator needed a Camera Assistant ASAP. I posted it on my status. The job was filled within minutes.

2. Creating deeper relationships with people:

Facebook gives you the opportunity to post about work/business, while also allowing them access to your personal life. Post photos of your family, pets, hobbies, etc. so people can learn what you have in common. 

They also get a sense of your personality. By reading your status updates, they will see if you have like-minded interests, similar sense of humor, share a love for Jack Bauer, etc.

3. Overcoming the distance obstacle:

If you don't live in Hollywood, you don't get to be in people's faces as much as necessary. This allows you to be a part of people's lives, wherever you live. 

4. Meeting people you want to know:

I "friended" a large number of Camera Operators who had mutual friends. I'd known their names, from my years of being the Career Coach at The Cinematographers Guild, but I'd never met them. This year, at the SOC Awards, I met them in person, recognizing them from their Facebook pictures, and walking over saying, "Hey, Facebook Friend!"    

I say GO FOR IT! 

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