question 119: Does it make me look bad if I give someone a testimonial, like I needed help?

People give me testimonials all of the time. I even have a section on my site "Spotlight" where I spotlight clients' successes.

If you're being asked for a testimonial it means that you've had success and benefited from working with the person/company. People who are reading the testimonial are impressed with your success, not judging you for needing help. They're reading the testimonial because they need help and want to know that this is a person/company that delivers.

As someone who receives testimonials all of the time, I can tell you, it's very appreciated. Instead of worrying about what others are thinking about you, focus on contributing to someone else.

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

question 118: I'm not involved in my union other than paying my dues. Does this really matter?

You tell me. Unions have a lot to offer:

1. Contacts in other members

2. Free movies

3. Content on website

4. Networking/family events

5. Educational/Technical seminars and materials

6. Discount tickets for movies, family trips, rental cars, etc.

7. Credit Lines

And much more... see if your union has an orientation that addresses all of the benefits of being a union member

There are also political decisions being made on your behalf. Wouldn't you like to know and even be a part in decisions affecting your income, benefits, safety, etc?

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

Question 117: Should I be on Twitter?

Jury is still out on this one. Depends on your objective. If it's to follow me, yes, because of the value I provide in my posts. Though even I haven't figured out the value of Tweeting. I just post it there and link it to my Facebook page where I do my social networking. There are some great marketing strategies that recognizable "names" are using. You can model them.

This is one of those blogs, that if anyone has had great career success using Twitter, I would love for you to write about it in the comment section.

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

question 116: How do I explain the lapse in dates on my resume?

REMOVE DATES! Most entertainment classification resumes only need the project name, who hired you directly, and the name of the production company.

Dates give people a reason to say no. Why? Because they see lapses in time or they see how old you are (because your first job was in '73 and they weren't born yet!).

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

question 115: What if I don't want to go to a networking event alone but I don't know anyone to go with?

You have to know someone, even if that someone isn't in the industry. Start there, so that you can meet 10 people at the first event you attend. Share with the new people you meet that you're looking for someone to attend events with.

If you literally don't know anyone (maybe you just moved to town) you're going to have to create a strategy for overcoming your fear, just for the first event, so you can meet a few people to start your contacts.

Because it's about "who you know and who knows you" it's essential that you get yourself out there.

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

Question 114: Why does my 12-year-old daughter's acting classes cost so much more than my 21-year-olds?

Supply and demand. There are so many acting schools for adults that to stay competitive, the market price stays relatively low. The more reputable classes tend to be slightly pricier.

For kids, however, there aren't as many schools. Plus, because parents are paying, the schools figure parents are willing to spend a lot of money on their little darlings.

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

Question 113: My parents have given me a deadline to make $ or they will stop supporting me. How can I speed up the process of getting work?

Ummm... well, if you plan to make a career in entertainment, you are going to have to support yourself during the ups and downs of being a freelancer. So, my first suggestion is to focus on your entertainment career AND a secondary source of income other than your parents. Just a suggestion...

How do you speed up the process?

1. You continue to master your craft

2. Create as many relationships as humanly possible

3. Seek out A-list mentors

4. Help others

5. Feel the fear and act in spite of it!

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

Question 112: What schools do you recommend?

Reputable ones. The ones with great alumni and that look good on your resume. There are so many schools that can teach you what you need to learn. That said, the only ones people looking at your resume are going to care about, are the ones they recognize.

When I first moved out here, I got an agent as a mentor. She gave me a list of the top 5 acting schools in town. Through the years after following her advice, casting directors have always commented on the reputable schools where I've trained.

If you have questions about what schools are reputable for your classification, call someone who reads resumes all the time and see if he/she would be willing to speak to you about it for a few minutes.

Note: some recognizable schools are: in Los Angeles (USC, AFI, UCLA, CAL ART, GROUNDLINGS, and more) NY, (NYU, SUNY Purchase, and more) and Chicago (The Second City...I know there are more that I'm not aware of). There are many recognizable film/theater departments at colleges in various states as well. If you have a school you'd like to add, put it in my comments. Thanks!

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

Question 111:How do I get on a show that I absolutely LOVE?

You target it hardcore! How?

1. Do a show breakdown (a list of every actor and crew member on the show). 

2. Send an email to everyone you know to see if anyone is connected to anyone working on the show.

3. Reach out to as many people on the show as you can- as mentors

4. Once you have a connection, get a set visit

5. Create relationships with as many people you meet as possible remembering they must know you, like you, and trust you, before you bring up wanting to work on the show

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

Question 111

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