question 153: Does the same apply to TV? There's so much to watch and so much of it's bad!

This was a comment/question in response to yesterday's question. And the answer is a little different. The answer in TV is: YES definitely. That said, you don't have to TIVO and watch every episode of every show (except 24. YOU MUST watch every episode). But, you have to watch just enough to know the genre, pace, characters, style, etc. (pertaining to your classification).

If you're a camera operator and you get called in to day play on Desperate Housewives, it's going to be a very different style of operating than 24 (yes, that's 2 plugs for my favorite show). An actor going in to audition for House is different than auditioning for MadMen.

Even in reality, there's a difference between editing The Housewives of Orange County and Top Chef. Like yesterday's post, it's research. It's your job to know what you're talking about in your area.

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

question 152: I work in movies but I don't go see movies. Is that bad?

I suppose it depends on a few factors. I recently coached an editor who spends most of his time in a dark room editing movies and in his spare time wants to do something else. Can you blame him? That said, you are the CEO of your company and you have to make the best decisions for your company. If the CEO of McDonald's wasn't staying current on what was going on in the fast food industry, he wouldn't have kept it competitive. Now McD's serves coffee drinks and "healthy choices." So, do you want to be up to date and current in your industry?

I love romantic comedies, but to me, the classics are Pretty Woman, Working Girl, and While You Were Sleeping. When some of my clients hear this, they reprimand me for missing the classics of their generations. If I'm going to continue to market myself as the "romantic comedy girl," I have to at least give these older classics a chance (even though nothing can beat Pretty Woman!)

Unless you have a specific reason, like the editor, why wouldn't you support the people and the medium that keeps you working?

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

question 151: should I be telling people about a movie with a great cast but didn't do well in the box office?

You should always talk about anything you're proud of. If there was an exact science to a box office success... but there's not. Accentuate the positive.

The same goes for movies/TV you've worked on that you're not proud of, yet monopolize your resume. In those cases, you focus on something that was wonderful about the project. Was it shot in a cool location? Did you meet your wife on the set? Was there a scene that was a great challenge or that you "saved the day" on?

When your credits come up, you're either making conversation or you're in an interview. If it's the later, they already know your resume. In both situations, people are just trying to get to know you, so be yourself and talk about the moments you cared about.

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

Question 150: Should I lie about my age?

Yes!!! Just kidding.... no I'm not... yes I am.. not, yes.. no... Okay enough of the Eddie Izzard impersonation. Should you lie about your age? I always dreaded the day I'd get this question.

Here's what I say (with irresistible charm), "I'm young enough to tell you and old enough to know better."

Some people will know when you get a job and you have to give your drivers license (like agents, etc.) The question is when do you tell them? Before or after you sign on the dotted line.

Look, plenty of people do it. Is it right for you? Only you know the answer to that. Do people judge you by your age? Some do and some don't. You can't predict. Borrow my line and pray they let you get away with it.

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

Question 149: How do I follow up with someone after a networking event?

Did you get contact information? If so, contact the person based on something you discussed that you want to follow up on. If you didn't actually speak, but the person gave out contact info to the group, send a thank you note (with some depth referring to what you got out of the evening) *NOTE: never ask for work in a thank you note. Let it be a genuine act of appreciation.

If you did not get contact info (why not?), look them up on IMDB pro and repeat above instructions. AND for the future when you meet someone:

1. Ask a question or find a common interest that sets up a reason to follow up

2. Ask for contact information and how they prefer to be contacted

3. Whenever possible, tell them when you plan to follow up

Be sure when you follow up, you're calling for something specific that they can say YES to. Don't ask for work before they 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 148: I've been looking for work as a PA and I wonder if you have any advice.

PA work is usually the easiest to get because people are willing to take a chance on someone to do their coffee runs and grunt work. So here are my suggestions:

1. Send out an email to everyone you know (Blind CC) and let them know you are looking for PA work. Ask if they can directly help you (hire you) or if they know someone to introduce you to. This person may work on a set or in an office that may need a PA or this person may in turn, know someone else who does. And so goes the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.

2. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for PA work.

3. Ask your entertainment friends on Facebook to put in their status that they have a friend who is looking for PA work and how to contact you.

The bottom line is, even to get a PA job, it's going to be through the people you know. Because you live in Hollywood, tell EVERYONE you're looking. You never know who your meditation teacher, your Trader Joes buddy, or your bus driver knows. Keep an open mind and be willing to ask!

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

question 147: Should I change my name to sound like someone famous to get in the door?

You mean like change your name from Alexis Whisenstoneawitz to Alexia Jolie, so people may think you're related to Angelina and bring you in? I can't say it will get you in the door, but I can say, it could be to your advantage to change that last name, simply to make it easier for people to find you.

I've had clients with common names like "Smith" or "Jones" joke about changing their name to something foreign to give them an edge. Then I've had foreign clients seriously want to change their foreign last name so they'd fit in locally.

A name is not going to get you hired, unless you are actually related to a celebrity (and that's still no guarantee). Like the first example, if your name is too complicated it could hurt you. For example, as an actress, I've had to slate my name (when you say your name for camera at an audition). Because my name is a bit unusual, I've changed the way I pronounce it, specifically for slating, when I found people got more caught up in "what my name was" than my audition.

Be sure to check with the union you are in or may potentially join, to make sure there is no one else with the name you are choosing. While it may be tempting to get confused with an established celebrity, the pain in the butt to change your credits on IMDB, is NOT worth it. And people DO NOT take it lightly when people try to ride their coat tails, nor do the people hiring appreciate finding incorrect credits for you when they research you.

Changing your name is like creating a new brand--- CHOOSE WISELY.

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

Question 146: You always say that creating relationships is the key to success in this industry. Is this true?

Yes.

Thanks for the easy question. A nice short one... live from Vegas. I'll give you a meatier question tomorrow after the long drive home.

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

Question 145: 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 thethe 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 coach, the Greenlight Coach, visit www.thegreenlightcoachblog.com

Question 144: What is the first thing a student should do upon finishing film school?

Kick him/herself in the butt for not asking this question before finishing school. Sorry if that’s harsh because there’s no point in looking back at the shoulda coulda wouldas, BUT there’s so much to do while you’re in film school, starting from the day you get accepted. (By the way, for those of you about to start or already in film school, this is a hint to start asking me questions.)

Too late now, so let’s address your question. Here are some tips:

1. Research the film school’s alumni base and start contacting them as business mentors
2. Start an accountability group with 4-10 classmates where you set goals and keep each other moving forward
3. Join 3 networking organizations

If this opens up a whole new set of questions for you, GREAT! I want you thinking differently and asking questions. Bring ‘em on!

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

Question 143: What do you do when you've worked at 3 places and everyone burns you? It's hard to trust people in this industry.

Okay, there's a lot of stuff going on in this question. A couple of, what I refer to as... red flags. First, you've only worked at 3 places. If you're passionate about what you do, are you going to let 3 bad job experiences end your career? Second, "burned you," I'm not sure what you mean by that but it doesn't sound good. Third, you said, "Everyone," which makes me ask, "Everyone?" That's a HUGE generalization. Fourth, "it's hard to trust people in this industry." That's a major limiting belief. Trust them with what? Your ideas? Your talent? Your self-esteem?

I will answer this with a generalization. There are good and not-so-good people in EVERY industry. You get what you expect. If you expect people to burn you, you'll find a way to see that they do. If instead, you expect to find like-minded people whom are trustworthy, creative, and kind, you will.

I invite you to be aware of your language. If you speak negatively around trustworthy, creative, and kind people, they're going to be turned off. BE the person you want to attract. Like attracts like.

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