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

Question 99: I tried creating rapport like you suggested in Questions 28 & 29 and it felt weird and obvious. What am I doing wrong?

What makes you think you're doing something wrong? 

Did you read # 30? When you're conscious of creating rapport, it feels weird at first, but once you put all of your attention on the other person and really listen, it will happen naturally. I love watching my dogs. I've always had two at a time. No matter what breed they are, they always end up having the same mannerisms. They lay down in the same position, their tails wag in harmony. 

Instead of matching or mirroring the big and obvious, like hand gestures, start with head tilts, facial expressions, speed of speech. Get comfortable with it. By the time you are comfortable, you won't even notice how easily and deeply you naturally go into rapport.  

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

question 98: I feel stupid approaching a person after they've done a Q&A, but I see others doing it. Should I do it despite how I feel?

I addressed this in Question 71. I can tell you in addition to what I wrote about in that blog, that your feelings are stemming from a lack of objective and preparation.  Of course you would feel stupid if you were walking up there with nothing to say but an insincere compliment. The fact that you're asking this question means you see there is value in creating relationships with people who volunteer their time to give back to the community. So instead of worrying about "feeling" stupid, worry about not "being" stupid.  To do that:

1. Research the person speaking and find a genuine reason to create a relationship

2. Watch the person's work and figure out a genuine reason why this person would make a great mentor

3. Let go of the judgement you're putting on yourself and take a risk

 

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

Question 97: What do I do if I'm in a remote state like Alaska to generate Union work if I'm not in the Union?

Depends on what union. SAG has different rules than IATSE, etc. You may be in a Catch 22 situation where you need union days to get into the union or enough non-union days (which are probably hard to accrue in a remote state). If you're trying to get Union work in Alaska and are not in the Union, there are Union rules that may inhibit you from being hired. After working for a union for 12 years, I can tell you that unions want to help. If the state you're in is remote, maybe there's an opportunity to organize a group of experienced workers and strengthen a union. 

If you live in a place like Alaska, want to work Union and there isn't Union work in your area, you may want to seriously consider relocating. 

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

Question 96: Is it cool if I don't live in LA but have a friend moving out there, to ask my friend who lives there to make my friend feel at home?

Whoa... let me re-read that....

Okay, I think I get it. Yes, it's more than cool. You have a friend who is settled in LA. Ask him or her if you can give your friend his/her number to have someone to show them the ropes.  I've never turned that request down.  I remember how it felt to move out here knowing three people, two of whom left LA within a week of my arrival (the Northridge Earthquake hit 12 hours after my plane touched down). Having someone who can discuss neighborhoods, restaurants, the business, is a huge relief.  

Go for it!

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

Question 95:What if I know people are talking about me at Union Networking events? Should I still go?

Look, this is business, not high school. I have no idea if people are talking about you or not. What I do know is that there are SO many people in this industry that you should ignore the catty group and meet other people. Your union is providing you with the opportunity to do this. Focus on creating strong bonds with new people.    

Pursuing relationships in this industry is like dating. You're not going to connect with everyone and that's okay. The problem is when you only know a few people and you desperately try to force relationships that aren't worth it. Find the like-minded people and surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you! 

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

Question 94: 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!

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

 

Question 93: What do I do when I have to work and "life" shows up?

Okay, I'll be honest. This wasn't one of your questions. This is what I've been asking myself all day. 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.