Thursday, June 21, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1199: Is there a Union for the people who are building the sets in Hollywood?

Yes. check out http://www.iatse-intl.org/home.html. "The IATSE is the labor union representing technicians, artisans and craftspersons in the entertainment industry, CLICK TO TWEET including live theatre, motion picture and television production, and trade shows."

I'm not sure if you want to be a carpenter or a production designer or what state you live in (sometimes there are different chapters depending where you live), so IATSE is the place to get your specific questions answered.

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Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1198: I'm on location and I miss my kids terribly. How do people do this?

Skype. Seriously, Skype. If there is internet access on your location, get a laptop with built in camera and microphone, (be sure your kids have a computer with the same technology) and download the free Skype application.

Is it the same as being there and giving them a hug? No, but it's an awfully good compromise. I used to talk to my parents everyday on the phone. Now we Skype, it is SO different. I feel like I see them everyday (well I do "see" them). Now if only I could get my dog to respond to the sound of my voice when my scent isn't present, for when I'm on location!

Shooting on location falls under the category of "the nature of our industry." Like pilots, truck drivers, military personnel, it comes with the job. Coming up with solutions to make the best of the situation is the way to balance the best of both worlds.

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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1197: I would like to work on set! I would love to develop projects!

This is a continuation from yesterday's blog. He's narrowed it down to working on set and development.

We must narrow it down further.

For working on set, what are your skills that are transferable? Are you computer savvy (DIT), can you do hair? Makeup? Can you build (sets)? Can you paint? Are you organized and a stickler for details (script supervisor)? And on and on I could go.

Your best bet, reach out to everyone who knows you personally, and see if you can find a connection to someone who works on set and can have you visit for the day. Then you can see how many people are working and what their jobs entail. Those that look interesting to you, you can inquire about. Find out what training you need, what union covers that classification, etc.

Now development. Skills: Can you write script coverage? If your answer is, "What's script coverage?" time to Google it and find out. How long can you push a rock uphill and not get frustrated? (an important question for someone working in development). Are you prepared to work at a REALLY low starting salary?

Your best bet, join an entertainment organization like FIND (Film Independent) and talk to people who are developing projects. Or, getting an unpaid internship at a production company that doesn't require you to be doing it for college credit.

And then of course there's throwing your arms up to the fates and telling everyone you know personally that you want to work for free on a production and seeing what you get thrown into. Who knows where a day of lugging sandbags can lead...


For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
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Monday, June 18, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1196: I'd work for free to show what kind of worker I am doing anything in entertainment. How?

The challenge with answering "how do I get a job doing anything in the business" is it's way too general. There are literally hundreds of different jobs in entertainment. It's really important to narrow down your search in order to research where your skill set could be a good fit. For example:

1. Are you executive material?
2. Do you want to work ON set?
3. Do you want to develop projects?
4. Do you want to be involved in the post production process?
5. Are you interested in sales, marketing, or promotion?
6. Do you want to drive a truck, cater food, do hair?

I can go on and on. I don't want to limit you by saying pick an area and stick to it, instead I'm suggesting you pick the area that sounds most intriguing to you, research it, and if it turns out to be underwhelming, choose another area.

Once you've done your research and have 3-5 jobs or areas that you know you're interested in, you can reach out to people who hold those jobs and ask them for business advice and guidance. A question you certainly want to ask is, "Where can I find an opportunity to offer my services for free?" Or in more corporate settings, an internship.

The more specific you can be, the easier it will be for people to help you.


For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
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Sunday, June 17, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1195: Do I have to watch all the new cable shows? I don't want to get sucked in

YES! You have to watch Suits, Burn Notice, White Collar, Drop Dead Diva...


Oh wait, that's me. Well, speaking as a complete television "sucker" (I have my double DVR working overtime, On Demand is in demand at my house and Hulu is saved under favorites), only you can control how much TV you choose to watch.

Working in television, there are specifics that you need to know about the shows, based on your classification; the tone, the characters, the writing style, the look, etc. You can watch a show twice, get a feel for it, and then when you get a call for work, do a quick re-watch on Hulu or read up on the show's website.

If you don't want to waste time on shows that may be cancelled, just ask my sister which shows she LOVES... they always get cancelled. (That's a joke.. sort of).

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Saturday, June 16, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1194: How should I dress for an interview with an agent?

"Dress the part." This is not an interview for corporate America. I recently coached a beautiful young girl who'd had a terrible meeting with a commercial agent. She had a meeting with a second one and wanted better results. I asked her what she thought went wrong. The biggest problem she felt, was that she wore a dressy dress, and for the next one, planned to wear a pencil skirt (corporate look). I told her NO WAY! Dress the way you will be cast. She's right for Sprite, cell phones, and everything young and hip. So she wore a cute polka dotted sundress, and Viola, the second agent wanted to sign her on the spot.

Know your signature look/style and brand it in your appearance as well as your art. If you're an "academic" cinematographer, wear your glasses and a sport coat- not a suit and tie. If you're an "imaginative" production designer, be creative and colorful with your clothes. If you're a hip and trendy costume designer, you better dress hip and trendy. 

Your personal brand is reflected in everything from how you dress to the cover on your DVD reel. It should all reflect your art. I work from home in a plush and comfy bathrobe, but I'm certainly not going to be cast that way, so I suck it up and put on the Va Va Va Voom clothes when I have a meeting. Yup, the Uggs have to stay at home and the high heeled boots hit the pavement. That's entertainment!

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Friday, June 15, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1193: What do I do when I have to work and I find out someone in my family died?

First, I'm so sorry for your loss. I have answered a question like this in the past, so I'm going to repost my answer"


At 9:20am, this morning, five minutes before I was supposed to leave to give a seminar for The Actors Fund of America, my 13-year-old Lab had what appeared to be a stroke. I was rushed, confused and torn. I knew I had a group of 70+ waiting for me, but my dog is like my child.

What do I do when I have to work and "life" shows up?

You make choices. Sometimes hard choices. I called my sister, who works across the street, and had her come home and get him so she could bring him to the vet. I told her I'd be turning my phone off, because I couldn't hear any bad news before going on-stage. Once I made the choice, I committed to it, and gave my audience 100%. 

When it was over, I called my sister. I got the update on Jake. It was not a stoke, but he was not out-of the woods. I had a new client to meet. I gave him 100%. I left him, called my sister, she was on her way to the vet and wanted me to meet her. I explained I was driving home for another client, and would come over after. I gave my next client 100%. THEN I went to the vet to be with my boy.  There was nothing I could do for him during the course of the day that my sister couldn't handle. 

What do I do when I have to work and "life" shows up?
1. Make a quick evaluation of the choices
2. Ask for help
3. Use my tools, to be "in the moment" with whatever choice I make
4. Forgive myself for any uncertainty about the decision I made

He's still at the vet who is optimistic. I'll know more tomorrow. 

What do I do when I have to work and "life" shows up? The very best that I can. And that's all you can do.
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Thursday, June 14, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1192: I'm watching the Bachelorette. Is it okay for a child that young to be on TV?

Are you asking because you're a parent of a child who's interested in being on TV or are you concerned about Rikki? I'll answer with the assumption that you are interested in having your child on TV. And if you want to know for any other reason, you'll have to send a more specific question.

Is it okay? Yes, it's okay. There are laws and unions to protect minors. There are even requirements for set teachers so children on sets have time for education.

You are watching a reality show which is different than watching child actors. Last year someone wrote me with a similar question because of The Real Housewives of New Jersey and I wrote, "If RHNJ is your inspiration, I must point out the underlying implication of the "controlling stage mom." The entertainment industry can be hard on a child's self- esteem. There is a lot of rejection that isn't necessarily personal. I don't give out parental advice. What I will say is there are plenty examples of Stage Moms gone wrong. I'll say the same thing to you that I say to my clients: you've got to love it and enjoy the journey, or do something else. So, keep an eye on your child and be sure he/she loves it and is enjoying it." 

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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1191: 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, visit
www.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!
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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1190: I'm an actor in India, is that a roadblock?

You have to work with what you're given. If right now you're living in India, and want to train and work as an actor, do your research as to what's available to you. If you can get to Bollywood, it's a great place for you to start. If eventually you want to work in Los Angeles, then create a plan for making your move here. There are roles for every type on the planet (and even some non-humans although that's usually done with make-up and prosthetics).

If you don't have any training and would like to start by working on your craft, acting classes may be limited where you are, but YouTube has videos that can get you started and rehearsing on your own. Type in Acting Training Videos

Also you want to be clear on your type. You may fit into a different category in Bollywood than you do in Hollywood.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.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!
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Monday, June 11, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1189: Does doing a web series help an out of work actor get more work?

Any opportunity you have to act and be around people who can see that you are directable and a joy to work with can lead to numerous opportunities including work.

Last year, a handful of web series were made into network shows. I haven't checked the background on this years pick ups, but you never know where a web series can lead.

It's also your job to maximize on the opportunity of working on a webisode. Meet the cast and crew, create relationships. This town is 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon. You never know who they know. The young PA whose first job it is could be related to a series regular on a series who'd be willing to mentor you.

Acting is your work, so if you're on a web series you're working. Work leads to more work. And when people ask actors' most dreaded question, "what are you working on?" you'll have an answer that you can be passionate about.

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