Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1246: Can YOU teach an "old dog" new tricks?

Yes I can, and yes I have. The key is that said "old dog" is willing to learn the new tricks. Like most dogs, if he likes treats, he has to obey to get them.

Okay enough with the dog metaphors.

Back to your question. Many industry veterans have come to me when they got to a point where they realized they had been fighting against change and lost. They wanted me to teach them new ways of generating work. Most took the new tools and ran with them and because of their stellar career had no problem re-emerging into the industry. Others, however, preferred that I do the work for them, or give them a magic bullet. They really didn't want to have to do things differently than they'd always done it. Why? Because who wouldn't like to have a career where the phone rings because people are seeking you out. Unfortunately, these industry veterans are still sitting by their phone waiting for it to ring... and it's not ringing.

Don't make the same mistake. Be open to learning new ways of generating work. Embrace fabulous, free ways to network like Facebook. Be willing to ask for help. And continue to ask questions.


For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
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Monday, August 6, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1245: How do I get a job as an extra in music videos?

Central Casting is one of the biggest Extra Casting Agencies. You can also look at la411.com and newyork411.com to find additional Extra Casting agencies. Union productions require a certain number of Union background artists before they can hire non-union extras. You will need a headshot and eventually a resume. To build your resume, volunteer to do extra work for student films and short films where you live. Some Extra Casting Agencies only require a picture which they take themselves and put in a book for people who are hiring extras for TV, Film, Music Videos, & Commercials. If you don’t live in an entertainment hub such as NY, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, or one of the other city/states where there’s a tax incentive, you may consider moving to where the work is.

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Sunday, August 5, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1244: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?

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Saturday, August 4, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1243: 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.

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Friday, August 3, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1242:I have an idea for an episode of a show that I'd like to present to the producers, how?

That's taboo. When people want to write for a show, they give a spec of a different show. Unless you get a pitch meeting with them to pitch your idea. They wouldn't be allowed to read a spec script of their own show. Reason being, what if they had a similar story line already in the works. You could say they read your spec or pitched your idea and they stole it. There's a lot of politics around discussing an idea for a show with the show producers. That's why most people do it through agents. I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm just saying that the majority of the time, that's how its done.

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Thursday, August 2, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1241: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!

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Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1240:What would be the best way be to stay in contact with the production regarding release dates and screenings?

The second part of yesterday's question is. "What would be the best way be to stay in contact with the production regarding release dates and screenings as I'm still unrepresented and dont have an agent or manager to speak to about this. So while I attempt to get represented, I don't want to lose the opportunities this has given me to connect with so many great people. I was already left off the wrap party invite list!"


It sounds like you found out about the wrap party from someone. Ask that person who is the person you should contact to be on the crew list. If you heard about it some other way, start with the people you have contact information for, and call to say hello and then ask who the person is who you should contact to be on the crew list.




For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1239: Is it OK to send a thank you card after I have already said a rushed thank you in person?

She continues... "About a month or so ago I landed a small speaking part in a really big movie with my favorite director and a great cast. It was two short scenes with the lead actor who is such a famous guy at the moment. I received really great feedback from the director and crew at the end of the two days I was one set. Upon leaving the set I thanked the director really quickly for the opportunity as he rushed passed me. I wanted to send him a thank you card now that the film has wrapped."


It's better than okay, it's encouraged! Too few people send personalized thank you notes. Now that the film has wrapped, the director has time to fully appreciate a heart felt note, so by all means DO send one! 


Be sure in a thank you note that you are not asking for future work, you are simply expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and sharing what made the experience so memorable for you.



For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com  
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Monday, July 30, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1238:New to LA, How do I prove myself when nobody out here knows me?

Here's how the question read: "I am fresh in LA after working as a producer & editor for 20 years in Florida. How do I prove myself when nobody out here knows me and it seems like everybody out here fudges their level of experience when looking for work?" 


You start with the fact that nobody knows you. In order for them to know you, you need to be out networking with people. It takes 3 conversations to create a relationship, so while you're having those conversations, your experience and credibility should be revealed through the stories you share.


People who are fudging experience are out of your control. You can't monitor or change what others are doing, all you can do is be grateful that you have 20 years of legitimate
experience to speak from. The fudgers will reveal their lack of experience one way or another.


At this point you want to:
1. Research your market
2. Target people who you want to work with
3. Reach out to them NOT for work but instead to start a relationship
4. Get referrals Get referrals Get referrals!


Because you're new to town, you get "new guy" privileges which means you can contact people and say, "Hey, I'm new in town. I see you are a producer on (a particular project you liked). I'd love to get some advice on local watering holes, restaurants, movie theaters, etc. Again, instead of going for "work" ask for things that people love to talk about; their favorite beach hangout, theater, hiking spot. Then once you get a relationship started you can start talking business.


No, it's not the fastest way to get work, but had you sent me this question before you moved, I would have had you doing months of groundwork before you made the move.


That said, it can also happen over night. There are no rules and it just takes one great new contact to change everything! 


Keep the questions coming on your journey! 




For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
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Sunday, July 29, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1237: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 the 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 career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
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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...