Thursday, August 23, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1262: How do you answer the question: "What are you working on?" when you're not working on anything?

My sister works in ad sales. There are some days that she sells an ad space. Let's equate those days to the days that you are working on a job. The rest of the days, if her boss were to ask her, "What are you working on?" her answer would be all of the appointments she's making, the new business she's working on breaking, the relationships with clients she's developing. I could go on and on about everything my sister is doing when she's not on "the" call getting the news that a client is buying ad space.

So, what do you mean "you're not working on anything"? If you aren't doing business when you're not on a "job" then you're not working right. If you are working right, then you can answer the question based on what you're working on. People know this is a freelance industry. They don't expect you to be on a project at all times. But if you're not confident about what to do when you're not on a job, then you should get coaching, because you can be "working" all of the time.



For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
at No comments:

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1261: What does it mean when a casting director says, "great job" and then doesn't give you a call back?

It means different things from different casting directors. YOUR job as an actor/actress, is to go in prepared, and do the best audition you can do. An audition is a job. Your acting in front of people, right? So you're doing your job. Treat an audition with as much respect and hard work as you would if you booked the job you're auditioning for. Show up on time, do your job, then leave and let it go. If someone say's "Great," then great. If they don't call you in, it doesn't mean you weren't great. It could mean you get called in 7 years later, for a part that you're perfect for. You just don't know. Sorry...

Analyzing what people mean is futile. Even if you asked, you have no guarantee that they'll tell you truthfully what they meant. Confidence must come from within you, NOT others' opinions of you.



For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
at No comments:

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1260: At what point is it advisable or necessary to become a "page" instead of a person?

The question is referring to Facebook. Some celebrities and business owners (including yours truly) have a separate personal page and business page (once referred to as a "fan" page).

The answer is different for everyone. A personal Facebook page can only have up to 5000 friends. Many celebrities and big names in the business have many more people than that sending friend requests, so they need a business page.

I started a business page so I could have a page where I only address Greenlight business. It is another social media page to maintain. I don't advise it for people who don't have enough time as it is for social media. There are also issues with showing up on people's time streams when you have a business page.

If you are an industry professional who doesn't have thousands of friend requests coming in, there really isn't a reason to have a separate page. You can use your privacy settings if you only want family to see certain pictures.

Just remember that being professional on FB is of the utmost importance no matter what type of page you have.



For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
at No comments:

Monday, August 20, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1259: I get motivated for a short time and do stuff and then I take off and then get motivated again.

.... How do I take action consistently?"

This is an obstacle that many independent contractors encounter. People who have 9-5 jobs have a set schedule, an office destination, and accountability. Because you don't, you have to put systems in place. Accountability works for me. You have to figure out what works for you. Ask other successful independent contractors what they do, and try different methods until you find the one that works.

at No comments:

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1258: If I live in a small town and don't want to move to Los Angeles and want to work in the entertainment

...where can I move?"

It depends on the level/quality of work you want to be a part of. While Los Angeles is the entertainment hub, you can also find union work in New York, Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, and Chicago. Some cities in New Mexico, Colorado, North Carolina, Hawaii, Utah, and Louisiana have union work. Don't be fooled by the term "right-to-work state." Florida, which is a right-to-work state, has a very strong union presence. When in doubt, call your union. And check fro state incentives to attract entertainment work.

If you're not in a union (yet), and the quality of work doesn't matter to you, there are filmmakers in most cities. Even in a small town, with a little bit of equipment, you can create content and a presence on the internet.

This is a pretty general answer, as I don't know what you want to do in the entertainment industry. If you have further questions, put them in the comment section.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
at No comments:

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1257: what if people are discouraging me from sitcoms because it's too hard to break into?

What high demand job where you can make a lot of money isn't hard to break into? People who are successful are successful for a reason: Determination!

Okay, for more than one reason:
1. Determination/drive
2. Perseverance
3. Action in spite of fear
4. Willingness to do the work
5. A strong support system

And in many cases:
6. Talent/skill
7. Strong people skills
8. Willingness to learn
9. Going the extra mile
10. Belief in themselves

Feel free to add your own in the comment section. People can find reasons to tell you that you can't do something... that's easy. Your job is to find the people, who knowing your challenges, support your dreams and help you figure out "how" to make them come true.


For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
at No comments:

Friday, August 17, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1256: What happens to the people who get voted off reality shows?

Besides being recycled into shows like Bachelor Pad, Survivor Redemption Island, and Road Rules vs Real World?

There are so many reality shows, it's impossible to say what they're all doing. My gut is that you're asking me because you're considering doing one and want to use it as a career vehicle. There have been some reality contestants who've gone on to have successful acting careers. There are others who've literally made a career as reality stars. Still others have gone on to publish books and become speakers.

There are many positive things that can come from being on a reality show. I would suggest you have a clear vision for what you want your end result to be and make sure the show is in alignment with your values.


For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
at No comments:

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1255: How do I know if I'm being a pain in the butt?

He didn't use the word butt... if you know what I mean. The quickest way to answer this in a blog, that is general enough for anyone to relate to is:

1. It is your job to follow up so people expect it.

2. Put yourself in the shoes of the people you're reaching out to. If you were working a 70 hour week, had a family, hobbies, and a garage door that needed to be fixed, in addition to 50 "I'm available" calls on your answering machine, how would you like to be followed up with?

3. Are you coming from a place of confidence or desperation when you get in touch with people? I'm not asking what you "think" you're showing to people, I'm asking how you really feel deep down. Because despite what you think you're masking, it is coming through!

4. At a certain point if a person isn't responding, you have to make a gut judgement. How does it feel? Do you feel like you're being a professional and staying on the person's radar because you know he is busy OR do you feel like you're getting to the point that if this person finally got back to you, resentment would be taking over.

Finally, consider your follow up. Are you asking for something they can say yes to? Or are you "just checking in." Many times people don't have time to get back to all of the people who are checking in. So, know your objective for calling and have your expectations match your objective. In other words if you were "just checking in," then your mission is accomplished, but don't expect a return call.


For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1280: I grew up in India and as a result English is my second language (cont'd)

"I grew up in India and as a result English is my second language. I  am looking to improve my comprehension when I read my text book...