entertainment industry coach question 276: Is it possible to be directing a studio feature 2 years out of film school?

Is it possible to be directing a studio feature two years out of film school? Anything is possible. Is it likely? Well, that depends on a lot of important factors. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Are you closely related to the head of a studio?

2. Did you make a film in film school that won Sundance?

3. Did you get at least 20 studio executives, A-list directors, and A-list writer mentors while in film school who are deeply invested in your talent and success?

4. Do you have a blackmail video featuring the head of feature development at a studio? (I don't condone this, but I had to ask)

The bottom line is there are politics in the studio system that go beyond the entertainment industry. Why do you think we see GE commercials every time we watch 30 Rock? It's not because Alec Baldwin thinks they bring good things to life.

So it's important that you get an understanding about studio politics, what it takes to get a director "greenlit," and the amount of money that gets invested in a film with a first time director.

Whatever you do, keep directing, everything you can (except blackmail videos of studio executives), learn from other directors who were successful early after film school, and stay focused on the most strategic path toward achieving your goals.

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

entertainment industry coach question 275: I know I lack confidence and I need it in this business, what do I do?

First, I want you to focus on what you do have confidence in. Pick something that you feel 100% confident in: that you can tie your shoes, that you take a shower, that you know what direction the sky is. When you are sure that you have thought of something that you are 100% confident in, I want you to feel those feelings of confidence at 100%.

If you were unable to do that exercise, you may have something blocking your ability to feel confident that runs deeper than I can go with you as a career coach.

However if you were able to do the exercise, congratulations! You now know that you only lack confidence in specific situations. Now, because these situations are work related, if it has to do with your craft, then keep working on it. Preparation and practice will build your confidence. If business is the area where you're lacking confidence, it too is a practiced skill. Business and networking skills take practice just like your craft or tying your shoes.

Look over the topics of my past blogs to find the areas where you need practice. If you can't find the answers you're looking for, be more specific next time you contact me and I'll give you some techniques to work on.

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

entertainment industry coach question 274: I'm planning a Dec vacation to New Mexico where they shoot a lot of movies. How do I maximize my trip?

Mixing work and pleasure are you? My answers will vary depending on whether you know industry people in New Mexico. If you do, make plans to see them. Perhaps plan a meet up at a restaurant where they can invite other industry people you don't know.

If you don't know anyone, you can research who lives there, whom you'd like to meet. Reach out this week for some advice about what to do while in New Mexico and ask if there are any industry events/holiday parties happening. If you feel you've built the foundation for a relationship, you can ask if he/she will be in town and you can offer to take him/her to lunch.

You can also call the film commission to see if anything will be filming while you are there and perhaps drop by for a set visit, if it's appropriate.

It would be great to mix in a little business, but don't get down on yourself if it doesn't work out. It is the holiday season and people are busy with family. You can still contact people after your visit to discuss what an amazing vacation you had.

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

entertainment industry coach question 273:Do you have any good news for us in this bad economy?

Yes, the good news is that you're sticking with your entertainment industry career (otherwise you wouldn't be writing to me) and that means that you know what you are truly passionate about. This IS good news. I've met many people over the course of my life who feel they have no idea what they are "meant to be doing." I always wondered "is it better to have no clue what to do with your life or to have a dream that may never come true?"

The answer to that is for you to decide. I will tell you, I've answered it for myself. It's my dreams, the big picture that keep me inspired and motivated everyday. It's what keeps me in class even though I have my own business. It's what always pulls me out of a funk, no matter how long I'm in it (and the funks do get shorter and shorter as you develop the skills to stay focused on the possibility of your dreams).

People who don't have that dream spend years, sometimes a lifetime, in frustration. Not knowing your purpose can be truly traumatic. So to answer your question again, the good news is you will always have your dreams to return to, no matter the state of the industry or the economy. Passion is not to be underestimated!

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

entertainment industry coach question 272: What kind of wardrobe do I need to be an extra?

The first thing to determine is your type and what kind of scenes you'd be brought in for. Unless money is not an issue, start with 5 wardrobe choices that you are most likely to be brought in for. Examples are: business attire, upscale party attire, hip student attire, average Joe (or Jane) attire, and mom or dad (decide your money bracket).

Some background artists, after many years in the industry and knowing their type, make specific wardrobe purchases, like: nurse, cop, or security guard uniforms. Just know, that in many of these castings, they will have that specific wardrobe for you.

Your best bet is to sign with an established extras casting company and ask for feedback from them. You may also want to ask advice from the established background artists you meet on your first few jobs.

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

entertainment industry coach question 271: I just got an offer for a job the same week I planned my Christmas vacation. WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN?

I feel your frustration, I've been there. Because I can't answer the question "why does this always happen?" I will answer the secondary question buried within this question: how do you choose between a job and a vacation?

You have to weigh the pros and cons of both. Here are some questions. Answer them for yourself and them based on what you value the most, make your decision:

1. Are you planning on going on vacation alone or with significant others who are looking forward to time with you?

2. Can the vacation be rescheduled?

3. Has it been a long time since you worked or do you work regularly and fear saying no?

4. If you were to choose the vacation, do you have a trusted colleague you could recommend in your absence?

5. If you could cut to: your life 10 years from now, which decision do you imagine would have the greater positive impact on your life?

Decisions like this are not easy. There's a running joke in the biz that if you want to book work, book a vacation. But when you're the butt of the joke, it's not funny. Let me know what you decide and how it works out for you.

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

entertainment industry coach question 270: I drank too much and made an ass of myself in front of important people. Now what?

Well, the entertainment industry can be very forgiving... but sometimes it takes time for someone else to make an ass of themselves for "your incident" to become a thing of the past. The good news is, at Hollywood parties, that shouldn't take long.

Seriously, is there anyone that you feel it would be appropriate to apologize to? If so, do it. Be humble about it. If they are people you didn't know well, perhaps just let time heal the wound. As someone who is always the designated driver, and therefore sees a lot of people making your mistake, I can say, my personal level of forgiveness stems from the level of "ass." If someone is nasty to me, I don't forget it too soon. I don't really care or take it personally if he/she is drunk, however, I wouldn't hire them. I'm not saying this to freak you out, I'm saying it as a lesson to those who are reading this. Be aware of your actions when you're out in public around industry professions. Your actions may have consequences.

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

entertainment industry coach question 269: I have multiple interests, but when looking for a job, I'm being forced in one direction. Advice?

If you have multiple interests, there are quite a few things to weigh out:

1. What is your fastest path to making a name and an income for yourself?

This is to be considered if (a) money is an issue and you need to support yourself and if (b) you have the networking skills (or are willing to develop them) to make a name for yourself in one area, and then make a transition to another. For example: television DPs who build relationships on their show and then ask for the opportunity to direct.

2. Can any of your interests be done simultaneously without causing conflict?

Consider this, if one of the interests is an "office job" while other interests can be pursued after work and on weekends and no one is the wiser. For example: A studio publicist with an interest in producing can produce short films on weekends, as well as read scripts before going to bed.

3. Can your interests be prioritized so you can create a long term plan?

When you think about where you want to be in 20 years, can you work backwards and see how the different interests flow into each other? For example: (Years 1-3): an actress who starts out doing indie films, (years 3-5) makes a name for herself, (years 5-10) creates a production company producing as well as acting, (years 10-12) adds directing to her resume, (years 12 and on) has a productive career wearing all the different hats she desires.

4. Do the skill sets compliment each other or are they on completely different paths?

Some jobs in the entertainment industry compliment each other. For example: an editor who tells the story by putting the pieces together (literally) could take those skills and transition to directing. He may even save time in post because he's editing in his head as he creates his shot list.

Or are they completely different paths, like a camera operator who wants to produce. While it's absolutely possible, the skill sets are different. The learning curve it takes to perfect your skills as a camera operator (as well as staying up to speed on the latest equipment) can take just as long as learning how to produce a movie (factoring in development, scheduling, budgeting, and having a knowledge of the different departments). With producing, sometimes, the smaller the budget, the more you need to know. That's because on a studio film there are different people for the many different components to producing a film. With a low budget indie, you could be doing everything from raising the money, to filing in for a boom operator who doesn't show up.

5. Is one of your interests the "big dream"?

If so, consider the skill or craft that needs to be developed. Is that something you can do with a full or part time job? If yes, work on your craft and build relationships while maintaining financial stability. If no, are there opportunities to work your way up the ladder (in a studio system or a crafts department like in camera and production design) to make money and learn from mentors?

The good news is, today's version of the industry allows people to wear different hats and move up in departments. The "less-good" news is that it doesn't make your choices any easier.

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

entertainment industry coach question 268: How do I get more work, better work, or different work?

This was a question asked on my Facebook wall, because as a career coach, that's what I do, and it says just that in my profile. I help people get more work, better work, or different work. Now the question itself is too general to answer in one blog, which is why I'm on day number 268.

My advice to this person is:

1. Read my blog, subscribe to my newsletter and watch my videos. They're all free and will give you ideas.

2. Do an evaluation of where you are right now. Getting work is in direct correlation to the number of people you know who can hire you and how well you know them. So how many people do you know who can hire you and how well do you know them?

3. Once you've done numbers 1 & 2, design specific questions that pertain to where you are in your career and ask them.

People in the entertainment industry work with a career coach because they've spent years working on their craft, yet, have neglected learning the business tools necessary for success as a freelancer. If you're frustrated because you've been doing the same things over and over to get work, and not getting the results you want, it's important to recognize that having business skills is just as important as having the skills of your craft.

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

entertainment industry coach question 267: Should I call contacts on Thanksgiving to wish them a happy holiday?

This is one of those times when I make an exception to my rule (the rule being call people when you think you'll get them in). There's still time BEFORE the holiday to call and wish contacts a happy Thanksgiving. I wouldn't encourage you to call them on the day. Thanksgiving is a holiday to be with family and friends, so to call on the day, could be viewed as obtrusive.

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

entertainment industry coach question 266: Are things picking up in the industry? I heard pilot season is getting back to normal.

"Are things picking up in the industry?" is one of those questions, that is relevant to you specifically. If things are in fact picking up according to what's in production, it's irrelevant if you don't know anyone who can hire you. On the flip side, if things are so slow that there are only 3 productions in town, yet you're working on one, it doesn't really matter if things pick up.

More importantly:

1. How are you educating yourself to find out what's in production in your area?

2. How actively are you pursuing the people who are working on those productions?

3. How often do you let "the state of the industry" be an excuse or something to blame, for you not giving 100% to taking action?

This has always been an unstable industry, so while I won't assume it always will be, I will prepare for (and suggest that you do, too) the ups and the downs that come with the life of a freelancer.

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