And...Action!

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

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 878: Any suggestions on Philly vs NY? cont'd...

I live in a small city outside of Philly, my plan was to work the Philly theatre/film scene for a while then possibly move to NY. Problem is the Philly market is very scarce right now, so I'm debating if I should just move to NY or wait till I can actually afford to move there? I have more connections in NY than i do in Philly. Any suggestions?

My suggestion is dependent on the connections you have in NY. Are these connection with people who can and will hire you if you move? If not, my suggestion is that you create a plan for a move. That plan should include a budget plan, (including how much money you need saved before making your move), a target list of people who can hire you whom you will take the time to create relationships with before you move to NY, and the research of entertainment industry networking organizations in NY. You can make the trip to NY once a month to network.

It is very expensive to live in NY and if you don't have a plan for survival, the stress will hurt you more than living there will help you. The good news is that relationships can be created from Philly by phone, SKYPE, and email.

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

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 878: You commented on Facebook "tech-etiquette." What are the rules?

What are the rules to Facebook tech-etiquette? I have no rules, only opinions. And here are my opinions:

1. Facebook is a great resource (and now a necessity since people are asking you to list the number of Friends you have on your resume) for creating business relationships in our industry.

2. Treat people with the same respect on Facebook with which you would treat them in person. If you wouldn't be sneaky and calculating in person, don't do it on FB.

An aside: what I was referring to in my Facebook status about "tech-etiquette" was in regards to a "FB friend" who I did not actually know, posting a link to his business on my wall.

First of all, I think it's rude to post a link for your business, without permission, on someone else's wall. But second of all, and what I found most offensive, was that he tied in my previous status in order to do it. I posted that my mom baked cookies for me. He then posted on my wall something like: I'm going to a concert with my kids tonight, how would cookies tie into that? And if I can help you with your business let me know (with his link attached). HELLO!!! TRANSPARENT!!! If he genuinely wanted to help me he should have sent me a private email.

So what does this have to do with you? Don't go on other people's FB pages and post a link to YOUR reel/website without their permission.

3. People don't necessarily check their FB inbox/page as often as you do. So if you need something in a timely manner don't contact them through FB. If it's your only link to them, don't take it personally if it takes them a while to get back to you. Personally, I have over 1000 messages in my FB inbox that I have not read or responded to. I get 300/day to my business email account. I just don't have time to correspond with people on FB. Not personal...

4. What is FB good for then? Building relationships with people to whom before you had no access. I've built business relationships with people on FB, whom I'd heard about for years. In the past year I've met many of them in person.

How did I build these relationship? I post statuses and links that are helpful to others and informative about me (ie: I don't tell them when I'm going to the bathroom or that I'm "just being"). I post pictures that represent what I like and what others can relate to (ie: I have dogs, I like 80's hairbands, I like macaroni & cheese) because these are conversation/comment starters. I help others by posting job leads. I comment on other people's statuses that I relate to (I will jump on any Anchorman quote status I see!!).

5. Know your audience! If you have a mix of professional and personal friends, be aware of "who you're being on FB." While your friends may find it funny that you went to a "sexy lingerie party," that's probably TMI for your business associates.

And no, I don't think you need separate FB pages for your business and for your personal. I think it makes it too confusing. If you are an overactive party person who enjoys over-indulging in drugs, alcohol, sex clubs, and streaking, and must share it with the world... all power to you. Just know that you are narrowing the people who will want to work with you. They may want to party with you, but they won't want to trust you with their 100 million dollar project...

And REALLY remember, that people have long-term memories. So what might be funny to you now at 23 may hurt you in five years when someone remembers your crazy FB antics.

Just my opinions. They could change tomorrow, in which case, I'll blog about it...

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

Monday, July 25, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 877: 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

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 876: How do I reinvent myself as a director?

One of the best resources is mentors. I interviewed a director for Greenlight Mentor Series who moved up from being a Steadi-cam operator. Another came from the movie-of-the-week & promo world. There are many ways to break in, so you want to learn about the politics of it all.

If you have a DGA branch where you live, go in and meet with them. Also, network with their members so you can go with them as guests to DGA events.

You say you have good contacts. You have to be specific about that. Are they people who can hire you as a director, refer you as a director, or something else?

What specifically are you feeling unfocused about? How to direct an episode of network TV? If so, that would be a mentor question. Or are you unsure of how to get your pilot seen by networks?

I need more information on you as an individual and it would be a coaching call. The answers in this blog post are general ways to change classifications, and they work.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 875: Is it worth it to make my own film with my own money?

You'll never know unless you do it. All I can tell you, as someone who's produced many of my own projects, is that in my experience, each one has led to more opportunities, more exposure, more credibility, and more amazing people that I want to work with over and over again.

I can tell you when I produced my own, I had amazing mentors and I surrounded myself with department heads who were all more knowledgeable than me AND I LISTENED TO THEM. Put your ego aside and do what's best for the project to get the most professional work you can create.

If you can get someone else to produce, someone who's really good at it, that's a great experience too.

Be sure to manage your expectations, which means: decide what you want your outcome to be. If it's to make money, you better have amazing development mentors who can tell you if your script is up to par. You'd better have outstanding talent in every department.

The odds are not on your side as far as being a break out indie, but that doesn't mean you can't be one of the exceptions to the rule if the story is there and the talent is there to back it up.

Good Luck!!!!

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

Friday, July 22, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 874: I've been at this for 12 years. How long does it take?!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this question seems like it's more of a frustration than a question. If you've been at it for twelve years, you know there's no time frame. My question to you is: Have you read my blogs? My newsletters? My book? You've been at "this" 12 years, does "this" include treating your career like a business, to which you've committed at least 5-8 hours per day, 5 days per week, on focused business that moves you forward? Do you have more than 200 contacts? Are more than 40 of them working and in a position to hire you?

Most people I coach who are frustrated, have been doing the same 3-5 things for years, expecting something to click. There is SO much more you can be doing. People who treat their entertainment career as a business, are always trying new strategies. and constantly meeting and building relationships with new people, don't have time to be frustrated-- there's just too much inspiration around them.

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

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 873: Seriously, it's summer and everyone's on hiatus or on vacation. How do I get motivated to network?

Go with the slow summer flow, my friend. Take the pressure off and enjoy the networking process. How you ask? Like you say, many people are on hiatus, so a great way to network is to get them all together. Plan a get-together at the beach. If your contacts have families, make it a family day. If your contacts are competitive, make it a beach volley-ball day.

If you don't live near the beach, invite your contacts over for a bring-your-own_____ BBQ. Or host it if you'd like. Don't have the space? Organize a night where everyone can cool off in an air-conditioned movie theater. Then go out for coffee and dessert afterwards.

I think you get the picture. Get creative, have fun, and be cool this summer...

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

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 872:I'm trying to get into film scoring, any advice?

Based on the many genres of film, there are many different composers scoring films. It's like in dance where there are different choreographers for different styles. To start, you want to research the types of films you'd like to score. Then, check IMDB, to see who the composer was on each project. Once you have a list of 3-5 composers, do your research on them. Google them, and check their Guild's website to see if there are any interviews or articles involving them. Perhaps there's a bonus interview on a DVD with the composer.

Research will give you many clues about how composers get started in entertainment. In the mean time, look for projects in your area, if possible. Perhaps a film school or an independent film group may have opportunities for you. You want to build your demo.

In addition you can research agents who represent composers and call to ask what the industry standard is for marketing materials for a composer.

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

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 871: How do I reenter the biz after taking time off to caretake a parent?

You start by putting together a list of all of the contacts you had before you left the business. People are understanding, and when you're honest about why you had to leave, they will get it. However, be careful not to "over-share." In your message to me, you explained the affect care-taking had on you, and while it's okay to share with a coach, you wouldn't want to share anything more with your contacts than you were taking care of your mother. The reason being, any adverse effects it had on your health can be a concern to a production company that you are not fit to work.

Once you re-establish relationships with your old contacts, you will need to research who the new people are and ask for referrals to them.

Depending on the relationships you had before you left the industry, where they are now, what positions they have available, and how up to speed you need to get with updates in technology, the time table for breaking in varies. Where there is a will there's a way.