And...Action!

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

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 844: Do I have to look like a supermodel to make it as an actor?

She continued "I have talent but feel I will get judged on looks, not skill."

I have no idea what this question-asker looks like, but no matter what she looks like, the answer is NO you DO NOT have to look like a supermodel to make it as an actress. Glenn Close, Meryl Streep, fabulous and successful actresses. Look at the women of Grey's Anatomy, overall, not supermodels. None of the fore-mentioned actresses are unattractive, but supermodels are supermodels.

Now, there is a classification of actresses who aren't necessarily "leading ladies." They are called character actresses and they have great careers, some even cross over into leading lady roles... Whoppi Goldberg, for example.

I also don't know how old you are, and you may be thinking that for a young person, the situation is different and I'm naming older actresses. I don't like to name names with younger actresses, because I would never want to say anything that could damage a young person's self-esteem, even in a simple little blog post like this. I will point out that Disney and Nickelodeon have their stables of character kids.

Looks ARE important in that you "look" the part. And parts are written for every shape, size, age, ethnicity, disability, etc.

Believe in yourself. Believe in your talent. Beauty exudes from within. Have a beautiful spirit, and you can have a beautiful career...

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

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 843: Do I have to live in Hollywood to get my screenplay read?

No, but you do need to do extensive research, protect your intellectual property, and submit through the proper channels.

First, you want to research which companies are producing your genre (and literally call the office to be sure they are still looking for that genre. Just because a producer made it big in horror doesn't mean she is still looking to make horror films twenty years later).

Second, you want to register your work with the WGA (you can do this on line). You may also wish to register it with the US Copyright office.

Third, research the submission policies. Some companies accept an unsolicited synopsis, some will only read a script when submitted by an agent or an attorney, and others will listen to pitches at writers' conferences and pitchfests.

If you're looking for a great resource for writers, check out Jen Grisanti Consultancy

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

Monday, June 20, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 842: 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, 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.

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

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 841: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.

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

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 840: Do I have to watch all the new cable shows? I don't want to get sucked in

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).

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

Friday, June 17, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 839:Can someone with no connections in the industry make it as a director?

Someone with no industry connections can make it in any classification. If you have talent, drive, and a willingness to learn how to run your business like a business, then absolutely.

I know that's a really short answer, but the fact is, the answer is yes. If you have more questions about how to make it, start by reading this blog from questions 1. Then as questions pop up for you, send them my way. Happy to help.

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

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 838: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

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 837: 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

Monday, June 13, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 836: is it SUPER taboo to Facebook message a casting director with a professional question?

If it's a professional question, it's not super taboo. The problem is when people have "ulterior motives" for writing that are transparent.

Ask yourself, "Do I really need to know the answer to this question, or do I already know it?" "Is there a specific reason why I need the answer from this particular casting director?"

If you have an answer to the later, be sure to include it in your message, so the casting director knows specifically why you're reaching out.

So, that's best practices. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Casting Directors are VERY busy and don't always keep up with Facebook

2. Actors bombard CDs with Facebook messages, so if a CD doesn't know you, your message could go unread.

3. If you have access to the CD another way, it may be more effective.

4. You'll never know until you try! Every CD will respond differently. Some will be open to a question, some won't. You have no control over their response, so don't take anything personally.

Your best bet is to be as professional as possible, giving the CD as many reasons to think, "Yes, I want to answer this question."