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Show Biz Survival Techniques

A Teflon Coat Comes in All Sizes

Anyone who’s been in this business for a while or any “how to make it” book you pick up will tell you that if you’re going to work in this industry, you’ve got to develop a thick skin. Linda Buzzell (author of How To Make It In Hollywood) calls it “rhino skin.” For the sake of being different, I’ll call it a Teflon coat. It’s guaranteed to keep anything negative from sticking.

As exciting and fun and rewarding as this line of work can be, none of us is immune to some measure of rejection, disappointment, ill-tempered personalities, sure-thing deals and jobs that fail to materialize or any combination of such. To survive these assaults, you cannot take it personally! Ever! It’s part of the business, part of the so-called game, plain and simple. It happens every day, and as discouraged as you may feel at times and as much as you’d occasionally prefer to just climb into bed and barricade yourself under the covers for weeks on end, if you let each setback chip away at your spirit and determination, you’ll eventually crash and burn. If you can’t pick yourself up (in a reasonably short amount of time), dust yourself off and move on to the next possibility, you might as well go out right now and find yourself a nice, secure nine-to-five job at a bank where you’ll always know what to expect. If you’re going to stay in the game and stick it out, be sure to get yourself a Teflon coat to help repel any of the bad stuff that comes your way.

Preserving Your Motivation and Confidence

Jackie Jaye-Brandt is a communications specialist, organizational psychotherapist, lecturer and author. I knew her name through the lectures she gives at the Motion Picture Industry Health centers; and a couple of years ago, I asked her to be a guest speaker at a Film Industry Network meeting. At the time, film production in Los Angeles had hit record lows, jobs were scarce, layoffs were rampant and runaway production was taking way too many film jobs out of the country. Many of our members were doing everything they could to find work, but few had much success. Frustration levels were high and bank balances were growing lower by the day. I asked Jackie to talk about how, in light of the current circumstances, people in our industry could retain their confidence, motivation, passion and self-esteem. How were we to stay positive in such a depressed work climate? Her very motivational lecture has continued to stay with me.

Jackie explained that one of the most counter-productive things we can do to ourselves is to think negative thoughts such as, “I bet I’ll never get that part.” “They’ll probably hire someone else for that position.” “They’ll want someone younger, thinner and prettier.” “I don’t think I can compete with him.” “In this competitive market, it’s doubtful I’ll ever sell my script.” “They probably won’t like my music.” She said when our minds keep going to the same negative thought, a groove forms in our brain just like a scratch in a record, so when you put the record on, the needle just automatically slides to the scratch. These grooves/thoughts become so embedded, they eventually become beliefs. So no longer are they just thoughts, but now they’re convictions: “I’ll never get that part.” “They’ll hire someone else.” “I can’t compete.” “I’ll never sell my script.” “They won’t like my music.” These beliefs will gradually turn into feelings, and believing you won’t succeed, it stands to reason that your feelings/mood would most likely turn toward some degree of depression, insecurity and disappointment. Jackie then explained that our feelings affect our behavior (makes sense) and our behavior affects the results and outcome of our lives (which makes even more sense). So to reverse this entire counter-productive cycle, start thinking new, positive thoughts and create some new grooves in your brain, ones that will evoke positive beliefs, feelings, behavior and results: “I will land a good job.” “I will sell my script.” “I will have the career I want.” “I will be successful.”

Jackie shared several valuable mantras with us as well, such as:

• If I don’t program life, life will program me.
• I focus on my goals at all times.
• I keep my dream in front of me.
• I cannot afford to be negative.
• I feel great about myself.
• I replace the word “fear” with “excitement.”

Getting Past the Disappointment and Depression

No matter how many positive messages you repeat to yourself over and over and over again, sometimes it’ll happen anyway—you’ll get depressed. You’ve given it your all (you’ve worked hard, you deserve it, and this opportunity should have been yours), but it just didn’t happen. You’re terribly disappointed and your spirits have taken a major nosedive. My response to your dilemma would be to offer about five minutes worth of empathy, but then I’d recommend you not spend too much time feeling sorry for yourself. My advice (an utterly conventional, but true platitude) is that it wasn’t meant to be, so get on with your life and your career. I know, I know, easy to say, hard to do. I know that! But it’s the only way you’re ever going to survive on planet Hollywood.

I have found myself profoundly disappointed several times during my career, like when I was up for a fabulous job at HBO that I wanted very badly, and I came in runner-up. Or when I was up for the job of administrator of the Assistant Directors Training Program, and out of countless numbers of applicants, I was again the runner-up. Or like two years ago, when I joyously landed my first deal as a producer, only to have the deal fall through before the contracts could be drawn up. Or like just recently when a project I’d optioned and had been developing and trying to sell for three years completely fell through. But honestly, would it serve any purpose whatsoever for me to walk around sullen and grumpy for days on end? No! And besides, it would drive everyone around me totally nuts. After a big disappointment, I understand the need to get it out of your system and to mourn the loss, but don’t make it into a major full-blown melodrama. Life is too short! I’ve had my share of successes and also reasons to doubt that some of the lost opportunities would have been right for me anyway, so dwelling on past disappointments is a complete waste of time and energy. Besides, we don’t have time machines and can’t go back and change anything anyway, so we just have to move forward.

So what to do when you’re really down and depressed? Well, many experts will tell you to keep going—keep making those calls, setting up those meetings and sending out those resumes and demo CDs. Keep writing, creating, networking, searching for the next award-winning project, lining up your next client, performing in workshops, planning your next film. Keep thinking positively, and remember that those who never give up are the ones who are most likely to “make it.”

Well, I never give up, but I do give myself permission to take a few days off once in a while. I’ll do things like go to the beach, spend time with old friends I haven’t seen in a long time, work in the garden or on projects around the house. Or sometimes I just lose myself in a novel. My hobby is still photography, so occasionally I’ll just take off for a photo shoot. My friend Michael says every once in a while he needs a day at home to watch Laverne & Shirley reruns. Returning to my normal routine after a short break, I generally feel recharged, recommitted and ready to jump back into the game.

I also find that being with my show biz friends—people who have been through what I’m experiencing—is extremely therapeutic. They just get it, like no one else does. They’re honest but sensitive and not overly judgmental. (If your friends are too judgmental, find yourself some new friends!) So instead of barricading myself under the blankets or bingeing on double fudge brownie ice cream, I’m often making plans with my industry buds who understand how I’m feeling. No matter what’s going on at the time with any of us, we have a way of bolstering each other’s confidence like no one else can. And whether we get together for coffee and just visit and laugh, go to a movie or end up brainstorming new ideas over dinner, it always helps. That’s why they call these people your “support” system.

Another way to pick up your spirits when this business has you down is to stop thinking of yourself and do something for others. Become a mentor to a younger person, help someone else who’s looking for a job, volunteer to lecture at a local school or get involved with any charity or worthy cause you believe in. Find something that interests you: work with kids, animals, the environment or slam nails for Habitat for Humanity. Helping others is not only incredibly rewarding, but once you step out of your own little world and focus on the lives of others, you realize just how insignificant your problems really are.

One evening last summer I was driving to USC to teach my class. I had had an absolutely awful day, was late in leaving the house, was stuck in horrendous traffic, was anxious knowing I’d be arriving late and then couldn’t find a parking space once I got there. Let’s just say I was in a thoroughly rotten mood. But once I walked into class, that nasty mood that had taken all day to incubate just evaporated, because my being there was all about the students, and my personal dramas became totally insignificant. The students were excited, ready to get going and eager to absorb anything new I had to offer them; and all I wanted to do was to make the next three hours as meaningful for them as possible. It absolutely works. Spend time helping others, and your troubles will temporarily disappear . . . poof!

There may be times when no matter how hard you try to convince yourself not to take rejection personally and how intensely you struggle to retain your self-esteem, your confidence will plummet. There will be times when you absolutely dread having to tell anyone that your deal fell through or you didn’t get the job you’d been wanting and talking about for months or that you’re still not working. But you’ve got to work past that and get yourself out there, because turning inward and feeling like a loser is only going to intensify and prolong the situation. It’s this business—not you! Lose the self-pity routine and remember Jackie Jaye-Brandt’s valuable mantras: I keep my dream in front of me. I cannot afford to be negative. I feel great about myself. Write these out on index cards and tape them up where you can see them every single day.

Understand that most of us who have been in this business for any length of time have been there and gone through that. It happens. So acknowledge your feelings and get out there.

Walking Around the Brick Wall

Contrary to what I’m telling you not to do, I spent several years feeling resentful and carrying a chip on my shoulder because I couldn’t get into the DGA and become a union production manager. I had been a production coordinator for ages, having worked side by side with a production manager who not only taught me well but gave me a great deal of responsibility. I had been a staff production executive, supervising production managers on multiple company shows. I had done a couple of small shows as a non-union production manager. And I had producers who wanted to hire me as their production manager on larger projects, but they couldn’t, because I wasn’t in the Guild. I had trained the sons of many producers and directors who miraculously found a way to get their kids into the DGA, but I never seemed to have enough hours to qualify. Again, another case of “life isn’t fair.”

Lamenting my situation over lunch one day with Phil Wylly, the production manager/producer and friend I had worked with for many years, Phil looked me in the eyes and said, “When you’re through hitting your head against that brick wall, you can figure out how to pick yourself up and walk around to the other side.”

Resentment isn’t so easy to lose, but I’ve got to admit, Phil’s advice has served me well. As soon as I let the shoulder chip fall by the wayside, my career started opening up in directions I had never even thought of before. I think my biggest revelation came when I knew that if I couldn’t be successful as a production manager, then I would be successful at something else. And I have been! So if one path isn’t working for you and you’ve reached that brick wall, don’t waste too much time banging your head against it and getting all bruised up. Be willing to reinvent yourself. You don’t have to get out of the business, just alter your course. Who knows, it could eventually lead you back to where you wanted to be to begin with, or you may decide you prefer being where the new path has taken you.

“Be Bold and Mighty Forces Will Come To Your Aid”

Attributed to the German philosopher, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832), I first heard this quote from Anthony Hopkins, who was appearing in an episode of Inside The Actors Studio. He was answering a question from a student in the audience, and he said he keeps this quote in mind when plagued by self doubt or up against a daunting challenge. John Wayne had another good quote with a similar message. He said, “Courage is being scared to death . . . and saddling up anyway.” In other words, don’t let the fear stop you.

Fear is a natural emotion: fear of failure, of rejection, of what others might think of you, of making a fool of yourself, of making the wrong decision, of overstepping your bounds, of not sounding smart enough, of not being taken seriously, of making calls to individuals you don’t know and of meeting new people. It’s what keeps most people glued to their predictable little comfort zones and what keeps them from succeeding.

Take a chance! Be bold! And ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?” It’s scary to put yourself out there, but it’s not as though you’re facing a life or death situation. If it doesn’t work the first time out, or the second, you need to keep trying. You’ll survive. I promise! And just like the fable of the young woman who had to kiss a whole lot of frogs until one of them turned into her prince charming—sometimes you have to encounter a lot of “nos” before you get to that all-important “yes.” Just shove your insecurities aside, put on your Teflon coat and go for it. Don’t let your fear of not succeeding keep you from making it!

Reverting to Plan B

Not everyone in the biz is fortunate enough to be able to climb progressively, one step at a time, up the ladder of success. Some of us find it necessary to take a step or two down, or sideways, before starting back up again. It’s rarely preferable that way, but sometimes necessary. If you’re flexible, willing to take a lesser position or slightly change directions without resentfully feeling above it all, it could prove worthwhile, because you never know what you’re going to find or who you’re going to encounter once you embark on Plan B.

A question I’m often asked is, “If others see me in a lesser or different position, will they ever think me capable of more or take me seriously?” While some firmly believe one shouldn’t go backward, I think it’s perfectly acceptable. I’ve done it myself and have been pleasantly surprised. When you’re capable of more, it quickly becomes evident to all around you. And besides, you never stop making contacts, no matter what you’re working on or which position you’ve taken. You wouldn’t be the first who has taken a job you’re overqualified for because you wanted to keep working, or needed the paycheck or the hours to keep up your health insurance or because you wanted to be involved with a particular project.

As mentioned earlier in Chapter 8, it stands to reason that you need to generate enough income to cover the basics: eating, maintaining a vehicle, health and car insurance, having a phone and paying the rent. So what do you do to earn a living in between shows or while pursuing your dream? Here are some suggestions, including jobs that offer a great deal of flexibility.

• Take on at least one roommate and share expenses.
• Work evenings, so your days are free.
• Become an apartment manager in exchange for free or reduced rent.
• Sign up with a temp agency.
• Work as an extra, or better yet, a stand-in.
• Become a limo driver, delivery or valet parking person.
• Become a house-sitter, pet sitter or dog walker.
• Work with a catering company; or if you’re a whiz in the kitchen, find outlets for your culinary delights, like selling specialty desserts to local restaurants.
• If you’re good with your hands, build furniture, do carpentry or handyman work.
• Become a companion to an elderly person.
• Think of teaching, tutoring or coaching.
• Work trade shows and conventions.
• Be a headshot photographer.
• Consider working at a health club and/or becoming a trainer.
• Become an event planner.
• Become a personal shopper.
• Get into market research.
• Become a tour guide.
• If you’re a computer geek, put an ad in the local paper for your support services. (I can’t tell you how many of us need help with our computers!)
• Type and properly format scripts for writers who aren’t comfortable writing on a computer.
• For more suggestions and lots of terrific resource tips, go out and buy yourself a book called Survival Jobs—154 Ways To Make Money While Pursuing Your Dreams by Deborah Jacobson (Broadway Books).

Don’t Fight a Stacked Deck

There’s always going to be someone who gets the job you deserved or wanted more; someone who gets a better break; someone who has better connections; someone who’s prettier, thinner, taller, younger, more handsome, sexier or more stylish than you; someone who makes more money; someone who has a bigger house or a faster car; someone who lands the deal that should have been yours or the funding that had been earmarked to finance your picture; someone else who gets the part you were born for, the show you were meant to do, the client who should have been yours; someone who’s luckier, smarter, more creative, more talented. It’s why you can’t compare yourself to anyone else.

Once again, understanding, really accepting the fact that, as in life, this business is not fair will save you from an immeasurable amount of frustration and disillusionment. It happens the way it should sometimes, but not always; and there are no real rules. It’s always been like this, and it always will be. The deck is stacked. So you can’t afford to lose one moment of your valuable time nor expend any amount of negative energy on being jealous, frustrated, resentful or angry, nor can you let it affect your self-esteem. I know this sounds very cliché-ish, but always trying to measure up to someone else’s success will only prevent you from being the best you you can be.

Concentrate on what you have to offer, on your accomplishments, on your personal style and on what makes you special. Don’t let anyone else’s achievement detract from your dreams or your belief in yourself. If you don’t get the job, the part, the client, the deal, the show, the sale you were hoping for, something else will materialize in its place.

Get It in Writing

Protect yourself by making sure all partnerships, deals, options and decisions are backed up in writing, and preferably with the help (or at least the scrutiny) of an entertainment attorney. Most people you’re going to be dealing with have the most honorable of intentions—but not all of them. Besides, minds get changed, misunderstandings occur, finances run out and grievances, lawsuits and insurance claims are filed every day.

When you start a new job, make sure you have a deal memo, even if you’re working for free. The deal memo should specify your salary (including overtime rates and payment for sixth and seventh days worked); how you will be traveling to location; how much your per diem will be; if you’ll be receiving screen credit, etc. Signed deal memos protect both you and the production company. When you’re working for free, are you getting gas money? Will the company supply your lunches? Will you be getting screen credit? To ensure that you receive what’s been promised, get a deal memo.

In addition, when you’re working a show, cover your ass by:

• Keeping careful inventories and noting when something is lost or damaged.
• Keeping a log detailing dates and incidents when you’re experiencing difficulties with another employee.
• Confirming all major decisions and commitments in writing; and if an official agreement or contract is not drawn up, writing a confirming memo detailing the arrangement.
• Having an attorney review all agreements and contracts before you sign them.
• Treating favors just like any other agreement. Favors involving any type of exchange are nice but can also backfire on you. All such agreements should be backed up with a letter in writing stating the exact terms of the exchange and releasing the company from any further obligations.

The “No One’s-Ever-Going-To-Hire-Me-Again” Syndrome

For those of us who freelance, we’re always relieved when the current project we’re on has wrapped, because by then, we’re drained physically and emotionally. But once you rest up and catch up on all the personal things you didn’t have time to do while on the show, panic generally starts setting in if you don’t have another project lined up within a month or two. Or maybe you worked on a show, you know you did a good job, but the producer isn’t hiring you back again on his next picture (even though he said he would). Or maybe you’ve gotten laid off, and you start going on the interview circuit, but nothing seems to click. Or you’ve had a great interview or reading, and you were sure you had the job or part, but they pick someone else instead. Or someone calls to ask if you’re available (and interested) in working on a particular project, you say “of course,” and then you never hear back from that person. Or none of your leads are panning out. It’s times like these when you’re going to instinctively think, “Oh my God! No one’s ever going to hire me again!” It’s a very common feeling, so universally so that an old friend of my husband Ron’s once told him that one of my idols, Henry Fonda, when he wasn’t under a studio contract, used to go through this. Can you imagine Henry Fonda thinking that no one would ever cast him in another film? I saw an interview with Dustin Hoffman recently, and he confessed to experiencing the same doubts when in between projects.

Some people go into panic mode if they don’t have something else lined up before finishing their current job, and others enjoy their time off in between projects and don’t really worry about what’s next for at least a few months. I don’t go into meltdown anymore when I don’t know when my next job will turn up, because I’ve been through this too many times before, and I know that something will eventually turn up. It may be when I’m least expecting it, and sometimes it’s just in the nick of time, but something always materializes.

So when you’re feeling as if you’ll never work again, wondering why you’re not being rehired or can’t find a job—take a step back, take a deep breath and remember Henry Fonda. Everyone goes through this! Insecurity is inherent to the industry, but you can’t let it stop you—not for one minute. If you’re doing everything you’re supposed to be doing, your job will materialize.

It’s Not a Business for Sissies

This can be a pretty rough business, and you can’t afford to be too delicate or sensitive, nor too easily offended. I believe in political correctness and am fervently against sexual harassment, discrimination and abusive language and behavior, but I know people who take offense at the drop of a hat, and they create almost as many issues as do the true offenders.

This is a huggy-kissy-touchy business. While not always sincere, a hug or a kiss alongside the cheek (or an “air kiss” as they’re sometimes called) is a pretty standard way to say hello or goodbye to your business associates and co-workers. When you’ve been intensely working together on a project for weeks or months on end, intense bonding often occurs, and with it, a familiarity that breeds hugging, an occasional peck on the cheek and possibly a back rub or two. Obviously, some individuals are more affectionate than others; but in general, this is a business where such behavior is quite the norm. If you’re not the touchy-feely type but are approached by someone who is, don’t take offense unless the gesture is totally inappropriate. As long as it’s just a friendly hug, let the person know it’s not something you’re comfortable with, but don’t make a big deal of it.

When it comes to sexual harassment, if someone politely or playfully comments on how you look or hits on you, thank that person for the compliment (anybody who doesn’t appreciate the flattery should lighten up a little), and nicely let him or her know you’re not interested. If the remarks are offensive or inappropriate, skip the thank you and fast forward to the “I’m (definitely) not interested” part. But don’t make a scene or blow it out of proportion. The line is drawn only when someone starts grabbing body parts. And in that situation, reporting the incident to a supervisor is the way to go. For anyone (but especially for women) in this business, you have to know how to take care of yourself, protect yourself and speak up for yourself. And you also can’t cry “Wolf!” every time some creepy-looking person leers at you.

I feel similarly about bad language. This is a frenetic and stressful industry, and I hear it all the time; but unless it’s brutally offensive, I let it go. It doesn’t change who I am or affect my work. In fact, on a rare occasion, I’ve been known to utter an expletive or two myself (but don’t tell my mother).

Should you be bombarded by flying insults, try not to take them personally. They’re often hurled about by rude, insensitive, insecure people who make a habit of treating others badly. Just consider the source, and go about your business the best you can. Creating a fuss about it will accomplish absolutely nothing.

I was working on a show once, and our post production supervisor was probably in his 60s at the time. He was a sweet guy, knew what he was doing and was extremely personable. One day, though, he walked into the production office where I was sitting with two other women (I don’t remember what their positions were, but it doesn’t matter). Anyway, this guy walks in and says, “So how are you girls doing today?” Well, I thought one of the women was going to take his head off for calling us “girls.” She even tried to have him fired. Now, I know it hasn’t been the P.C. way to address women for some time, but did his remark really hurt us? When he was younger, it was perfectly acceptable to address women as girls, and he certainly hadn’t intended to be insulting. If it was so important to the woman who blew up not to be called a girl, she should have found a nicer way to let this man know.

Something similar happened recently while working with a particular vendor on a show I was on. The sales rep was extremely helpful and accommodating, and he ended most of our conversations with, “Thanks, doll!” It was his way of being friendly, and while not P.C., I’d never say anything to him about it. I could have been rude and told him in no uncertain terms that I wasn’t his doll, but that would have been a big waste of time, would have created hard feelings and I would have felt uncomfortable the next time I had to call him to check on an order. It doesn’t affect me, insult me, or make me less than who I am, so what’s the difference? If anything, it makes me laugh.

Anyone who knows me knows how vehemently opposed I am to discrimination of any kind. I am, however, incredibly disdainful of any individual who falsely cries discrimination when outcomes are not to their liking. If you are truly being discriminated against, you’ll find a long line of people standing up with and fighting for your rights. If you falsely accuse someone of discrimination, you’ll lose all credibility.

If you should find yourself offended or insulted, consider the source, the circumstances and the business you’re in. Keep your Teflon coat securely buttoned, and learn to roll with the punches. If someone is genuinely out of line, speak to that person privately, and let him or her know how you feel; or talk to your supervisor. Don’t make a scene. If the situation doesn’t change and you find it intolerable, you may choose to walk away from the situation. But whether you’re a man or a woman, if this becomes a recurring problem, you’re finding that your feathers are easily ruffled or you’re easily offended, then maybe this isn’t the business for you.

Humor is Still the Best Medicine

I know I’ve mentioned this several times before, but I can’t emphasize it enough. A healthy sense of humor will serve you well throughout your entire career. Next to owning a Teflon coat, it’s one of the most valuable survival tools you’ll ever possess, in this business—or any other.

We work too hard, face way too much competition and far too many challenges not to be able to have fun along the way and to laugh at what we’re going through. It’s the perfect remedy for lifting your spirits when your confidence is on the decline. It’ll help you through the difficult projects and the unemployment in between jobs. It’ll ease the frustration and heal the disappointment. It’ll supply the boost you so desperately need when working with spoiled, ill-tempered individuals or bring you some relief when working on a God-forsaken, remote location in the middle of nowhere. A sense of humor is also a great gift to offer your friends and co-workers when they need a boost. And as we continue to jump through hoop after sequential hoop, it’s comforting to be able to laugh at the absurdities we must endure just to stay in the game.

Humor will create a stronger bond between you and your co-workers, and if you’re the one dispensing it, you’ll be someone others will naturally be drawn to. Besides, there is nothing like interjecting a bit of fun into a long, hard day to alleviate the stress. When the shows we work on are over, the lasting memories we walk away with are linked to the work itself and to the camaraderie and good times we’ve shared with our co-workers.

Get Real

My friend Andrea has a beautiful daughter named Erin, and when Erin was a little girl, she had aspirations of becoming a movie star. I remember asking her what she wanted to be when she grew up. She had it all figured out. She didn’t just say she wanted to be an actress. She wanted to be a movie star with one home in Beverly Hills and one home in Paris. Nice dream for a little girl. Fortunately for her, Erin’s grown-up ambitions are a bit more pragmatic.

When I start a new class each summer, I ask each of my students what they want to do in this business. Many tell me they want to make movies with moving moral messages, and through this art form, convey stories that will touch the human spirit and shape the consciousness of a generation. Some want to work on projects that will benefit children, others want to make politically charged documentaries and still others want to help bring back the type of classic films that were made in the 30s and 40s. Some want to become movie moguls and there are always one or two who aspire to become household names. All very lofty ambitions, but such dreams must be balanced with a healthy dose of practicality when you’re just starting out and have to worry about making the rent each month.

Sure, once you’ve reached a serious level of success in this industry, you can pretty much write your own ticket and choose (or create) your own projects, but few of us have that luxury. With a modest amount of success, you can afford to be somewhat choosy about which projects you opt to become involved with. But for most of us, the noble cause is in earning a decent living for ourselves and our families. That’s why throughout my career, I’ll occasionally work on a show I’d rather not list on my resume.

You may choose not to work on something you find morally offensive or turn down a project with someone you find objectionable to work for, but short of that, be practical. Unless you’ve got people lined up at your door with job offers in hand, take the ones that will pay you fairly, and work with people you won’t mind spending a great deal of time with. As your career grows, so will your choices.

The trick is to keep pursuing your dream, but be realistic about it. Dreams do come true, fortunes are made (as are very comfortable livings), success and notoriety are possible and artistic freedom is conceivable. But to improve your chances of surviving the journey, be sure to:

• make a Teflon coat part of your permanent wardrobe,
• make wise choices knowing full well that the business isn’t fair,
• find a way to get past the disappointment and depression,
• be willing to alter your course a bit when faced with an immovable brick wall,
• be bold and willing to take risks, but be willing to revert to Plan B when necessary,
• avoid comparing yourself to others,
• get as much in writing as possible,
• hold on to your sense of humor, and
• know that no matter how discouraged you get, it will get better if you don’t give up.