Question 110: I am always amused when you say everyone needs to know directors. I'm a director. Who do I need to know to get work?

Everyone. See question June 18th. That said, you specifically need to know the people who hire you. That differs from medium and budget range.

Studio Films: By the time you're being hired for studio films, you'll already know the people you need to know.

Indie Films: Independent Producers, or anyone who will give you money to direct your own film.

Commercials: Commercial Production companies. Many big ones have in-house directors. Advertising Agency Execs.

Television: Executive Producers, Network executives, UPMs, Line Producers

And of course, get yourself some director mentors!

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

question 109: I have a new baby who's taking up a lot of my time. Should I admit this to people?

The person who asked this question is a woman, however, I want to go on record as saying that a male client asked this question recently, as well.  I'll give you the same answer I gave him...

Absolutely! Do you know how relatable you will suddenly be to every person who's a parent? This is a business of relationships. People don't want to talk business 24/7. They want to share in your joys both professionally and personally. Especially if the baby is taking up a lot of your time, people with kids will completely understand. People without kids can still imagine what you're going through.  The important thing to realize is that if people know you're out of touch because of a baby, they have a lot more respect for you than the person who's out of touch because he's sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring and work to fall into his lap. 

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

Question 108: How do I get an acting job on a TV show this fall?

I haven't gone to bed yet, so this still counts as Friday's blog.  Technicalities out of the way... on to the question. I like your specificity. You're focused on TV. I'm going to give you some tips. Usually, I don't say "don't" because if I tell you DON'T think about a purple elephant, what do you think about? However, when I use "don't" below, it's not an embedded command to do it, I'm saying "don't" because so many people "do" these things, that I'm using your language instead of "coaching language." If that was confusing, it's just because I'm blogging at 1 am.

Okay, here are some tips: 

1. Be union ready. Most shows are SAG or AFTRA.

2. Know your next step. If you have never worked on a tv show before, pursue co-stars/under 5 lines. If you have a long resume of co-stars, start pursuing guest stars, and so on.

3. Know your type. Don't market yourself against your type. Don't submit for roles you're not right for. Actors like to argue this point, reminding me of the exceptions. While I'm the first to agree that there are exceptions to every rule, if 200 actors submit for a part that they want to "break the type" for, it makes the Casting Director's job harder. It's the Casting Director's job to get creative with the exceptions. Concentrate on building relationships with CDs as opposed to making their job harder. 

4. Do your research. Know what shows hire your type and target them.  

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

question 107: You said "know everybody." Isn't that really general?

Ah, trying to catch me contradicting myself, are you? Well, no go. I stand by my theory and here's why...

I say everybody, because you never know who you're going to connect with, who they're connected to, and how you can help each other. 

A big mistake people make is to judge people by their appearance. This isn't junior high. A guy in a plaid shirt, with pocket protector, and glasses could very well be a Simpsons writer. The flashy guy with the designer clothes, expensive sunglasses, and fancy car, could be a wanna-be in debt.

Another reason to know everyone is because people in other classifications may know people who can hire you. Because they're not in direct competition with you, they're more likely to give you referrals and make introductions.

There are certainly strategies when you want to get specific with who your target (the people who can most directly get you where you want to be the fastest). For all other times, be open to the people you meet, searching for people with like-minded sensibilities.

 

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

Question 106: I have your book, I've read your blog, and I'm still procrastinating on getting a mentor. What's my problem?!

Right back atcha! What is your problem? You tell me. You want a mentor, you have the tools to get one and yet... So, you don't have a mentor. How is that a problem for you? The costs have to outweigh your CHOICE to procrastinate. 

Here's what mentors have to offer:

1. Real world experience, success "footprints," and practical advice.

2. Inspiration. It's SO amazing to listen to stories from people who are doing what you share a passion in.

3. A track record of what works and what doesn't work.

4. Invitations to sets, parties, and industry events.

5. Tips, tricks, and secrets about your trade.

So, why wouldn't you want to be talking to mentors? Have you heard the saying, you're as rich as the sum of the 5 people's incomes you're closest to. I believe it's the same as your level of success. If you surround yourself with people who are at the same level as you or below, you're not going to be exposed to the possibilities and the realities of the next level. 

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

Question 105: How are all of these people getting themselves seen on YouTube?

I put myself on YouTube...

It's actually quite simple. You set up an account and then upload your video material. Some people put a lot into the production of web series, others just use a home recorder. A Flip camera makes it REALLY easy. You shoot, plug in to your computer, and the software is in there to upload it straight to YouTube or you can edit it first. 

Then, you want to kick in "viral marketing techniques." Look up articles on Google for more information on that. Also, use social networking sites. Post your YouTube links on your Facebook page, etc. 

If you are creating a character or a webseries, consistency is really important to prove that you're not a "one-hit-wonder" and that there is room to grow as well as building a following.

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

Question 104: When is the best time of year to switch agents? Part 2

Part two pre-supposes that you've read part one and determined that you do, in fact, believe switching agents is the best choice for you. Therefore, here's some information on how to go about it:

Research your market and the hiring seasons.

For example, while pilot season is not what it used to be, an actor looking for representation from January - March is not recognizing that agents are working to get their current clients on pilots. Pilot season ends around April, and while agents are waiting to hear what pilots will be picked up at the upfronts in May, they are also letting go of clients who didn't do well during pilot season. This could be a good time to get meetings.

After the upfronts in May, writers get hired, as do crew. Pilots that were picked up may be looking to re-cast series regulars. Once episodic season gets going, co-stars, guest stars, and recurring roles are cast regularly. Directors get hired on shows that don't have an exclusive director, and day-playing jobs become available for crew members.

Films shoot all year round. Production reports list films in different stages of development. One way to meet film agents is to attend film festivals where they are searching for talent.

Commercials and Music Videos also shoot all year long and agents know it's a numbers game. Therefore, referrals and buzz campaigns are the best way to get to commercial/MV agents.

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

Question 103: When is the best time of year to switch agents? Part 1

Hmmmmm, for those of you who know me, you know I always get suspicious when someone wants to switch agents. Therefore, this is going to be a two-parter. So first a question for you...

Why are you switching? If your answer is:

1. "Because my agent isn't getting me out/interviews," my answer is that there is no "good" time. My reasoning behind this: if your agent isn't getting you out, it may be because you're not marketable enough at the moment. If so, you will most likely have the same experience at what ever agency you land.

2."Because my agent doesn't have enough/the right connections" then research who has the right connections. Be realistic about an agent who does have the connections you want. Are you marketable enough for them to take you on? If so, then they'll be happy to meet with you at any time.

3. "Because I'm at a new level in my career and directors/producers/etc., are telling me I need a bigger agent" Again, anytime is right because when directors and producers are making calls on your behalf, agents are interested.

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

question 102: Is the "casting couch" real or an urban legend?

I don't know who sent this because I don't recognize the email address. Therefore, I don't know if this person is serious or not. But, because it is a concern of a lot of people, both male and female, I will answer it seriously.

Sometimes it's literal, and sometimes its metaphorical. Either way, it is an obstacle that some people in the industry encounter. For others, it's an actual career builder. No judgement. There are all different ways of making it in Hollywood and some people choose this course.

If it's not the ladder you want to climb, just say no. It may cost you some opportunities, but many people learn the hard way that even "promises made on the couch" aren't always kept. Make choices you can live with.

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

Question 101: What is a smart question to ask at an industry Q & A?

Remember that old saying, "There are no stupid questions." Whoever said that, has never been to an entertainment industry Q & A. Okay, I'm being harsh, but it REALLY bothers me when people ask a question like this: "How would someone like me, who has (5 minutes of rambling off his/her credits) get hired by you?"

CLEARLY a resume sharing, job request, masked by a question. Unprofessional, and desperate, in my book.

A smart question, is a question that:

1. You really want the answer to, that establishes the level you're at.

2. Makes you stand out from the crowd (for example if you're at an event where everyone is asking questions about the editing, ask a question about the lighting).

3. Gives the person an opportunity to share a story.

Understand that the purpose of asking a question at a Q&A is two fold. First, you want the answer to further educate yourself. Second, you want to start a relationship, therefore the question will be a reminder of who you are when you follow up with the person.

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

Question 100: I was top of my field in music photography now i want to get into set photography. How do I do it?

First, I must apologize for FALLING ASLEEP last night before posting question "100." I was so excited that I'd blogged for 100 days straight, and as I sat in my seminar room from 9am - 8pm, I thought about food, sleep, and blog # 100. Unfortunately, I left and did them in that order. Sorry about that. You'll get two today.

Second: answer to today's first question:

The most important thing I can recommend is that you accentuate the positive. Set photography requires specific marketing materials. If you haven't worked on a set shooting stills you need to build your book on whatever projects you can get hired on. Then, be sure to include a few of your most recognizable music photos. You do this because it shows that you've worked around celebrities and know how to handle yourself professionally, that you have the talent to be successful, and the photos make for great conversation starters.

Be sure to have informational interviews so you can learn the similarities and differences between the two industries.

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