Chapter 32

Industry Survival Tips

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Since the last edition of this book came out, I’ve written another book called Hollywood Drive: What It Takes to Break In, Hang In & Make It in the Entertainment Industry, which was published in 2005. Based on the USC course I created and teach each summer, the entire book is devoted to breaking in, establishing a career and surviving in this incredibly competitive, unpredictable and roller coaster ride of a business. And now, while writing this chapter — at this exact period of time, industry jobs are at an all-time low due to a worldwide financial crisis and contentious union issues that have greatly affected the industry. Are films and television shows still being made? Of course they are. But not as many and not in the same way. Studios have become trimmed-down versions of their former existence, investor dollars are harder to come by and investors are being uber-cautious about the projects they put their money into. Things will of course get better again, but it’s volatile times like these when survival skills (and truly understanding how the industry works) come in so handy. And once learned, they’ll help you throughout your entire career. So let me give you a chapter’s worth of good advice and (forgive the self-promotion) — urge you to pick up a copy of Hollywood Drive for an entire bookful.

Learning how to do your job, being bright and being talented make up only half the battle in establishing an industry career. The other half will hinge upon your ability to make valuable contacts, build a strong network and successfully sell yourself. It’s essential to have the right attitude, temperament and personality, be willing to play the game and do what it takes to not only succeed — but to survive. The competition is enormous, and for every opening, the line of people vying for that job is a mile long. Being able to get those jobs is just as important to your success in the business as are all of your other skills and abilities.

Unless you’re fortunate enough to land in the exact right place at the right time, find the perfect mentor, count on nepotism, afford to start your own production company, possess needed skills that few others can provide or are just lucky — finding jobs and staying employed takes a great deal of continuous effort.

We need all the help we can get — rookies and veterans alike. Hopefully, this chapter will provide you with some useful tips and insights into both entering and surviving in the film industry.

 

KEY INGREDIENTS TO A SUCCESSFUL CAREER

 

#1: Passion! Passion! And More Passion!

Passion excites, it attracts and it sells. It’s contagious, inspirational and motivational. It’s the single most important ingredient to propelling your career. It’s the enthusiasm that makes the difference between a terrific interview and a mediocre one. It’s the catalyst that often makes the difference between selling a project or not. It’s the irresistible characteristic that differentiates you from your competitors. It’s the magnet that pulls others toward you. It’s the motivation needed to keep you in the game. And it’s the driving force that keeps you going when the going gets tough. No matter what book you pick up on this topic, what seminar or course you take, what speaker you’re listening to — everyone agrees: nothing launches or propels a career (in any business) as powerfully as does passion.

 

#2: Being Prepared

It’s been my experience that unless you’re born into the industry, few people are truly prepared for the “reel” world, regardless of whether they’ve been to film school. It’s not like film school, and it’s certainly not like any other business or job you’ve ever had. Newcomers are transported to another planet where the words “no” or “I can’t” are never an option, extreme behavior is accepted, creativity and politics are equally valued, people work and talk at breakneck speeds, you work just as hard on the projects that aren’t successful as you do on those that are, where anything is possible and the unimaginable happens every day.

Upon landing your first job, no matter what you’ve heard it’s going to be like or what your expectations, it will most likely be different than anything you expect. It’s so hard to prepare someone for the mixed bag they’re about to encounter — the best of it, the worst, the competition, the vast variety of personalities and temperaments, the politics, the magical moments. It can be confusing and overwhelming at first — unless you know what you’re walking into to ahead of time. The better prepared you are, the shorter your learning curve, the more of an advantage you’ll have over your competition, the more confident you’ll be, the faster you’ll be able to jump right in and the more you’ll impress those around you.

How do you get prepared? Well, you’re reading this book, and that’s a great first step. Read as much as you can, and sign up for reputable seminars and workshops that relate to what you want to be doing. Join networking organizations and (if you’re a college grad) alumni groups and talk to people who are already in the biz. Volunteer to work for free to gain some practical experience and make new contacts. Observe, ask questions and be a sponge — soak up as much info as you can.

 

#3: It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You

Some will tell you that the only way to make it in such a competitive industry is to have the right connections — whether it be a relative, a friend or a friend of a relative. You’ll hear plenty of stories about the guy who got his job because his brother–in–law is a bigwig agent, a producer who was able to package her project because her best friend is the personal chef of an A-list actor, an actor who got a part because his neighbor was the director or the PA who got his job because he’s the production manager’s dentist’s son. Understandably so, industry professionals help their family and friends get into the business all the time. It’s such a tough line of work to break into, any help one can get is beneficial. And while there’s no doubt whatsoever that personal connections are like gold, once in, the politically connected are more often than not required to carry their own weight just like everyone else. Many will in fact work twice as hard to earn the respect of their co-workers and to prove they’re not prima donnas.

There’s no doubt, however, that you can make it without someone pulling strings for you. If you put yourself out there, are good at meeting people, make a lasting impression and use new contacts to form further contacts, you’ll soon be creating your own solid connections. It’s not going to be as easy as having Uncle Charlie pick up the phone to arrange a job for you, but it’s done every day.

Okay — so I’m sure you’ve heard the expression “it’s who you know” a million times. And it’s true. You can never know enough people in this industry. Those in positions of hiring want to work with their friends and the people they like — individuals who are not only creative, talented and hardworking, but who are also fun and pleasant to be around. If they don’t know anyone to fill a specific position, they’ll ask their colleagues and friends for suggestions. It stands to reason then that the larger your network, the better your chances of landing at least meetings and interviews, if not jobs.

But knowing a whole lot of people isn’t quite the endall, be-all it’s cracked up to be — it’s only half the battle. Making sure a whole lot of people know who you are is the other half. Whether it’s by helping others, creating a good reputation or by creating a memorable logo, business card, website and/or demo reel for yourself — getting your name out there, being well liked and being remembered is the other part of this game.

 

#4: It’s Also What You Know About the Industry

If this business is going to be your life’s work, then learn as much about it as you can. You should be reading the trade papers (The Daily Variety and Hollywood Reporter) and other industry publications and websites whenever possible. Know who’s who, who’s popular, who just started his or her own production company, what types of movies are currently the rage, who are the newest upand- coming actors on the scene, what television shows are getting the best ratings. Know the vocabulary, who the power players are and what the latest trends are. If someone should ask you what your favorite movie is, who your favorite director is, your favorite actor, composer or cinematographer, have an answer and know why. Have an opinion. And see as many current releases as you can, whether they’re your favorite genres or not.

Learn about the industry from the inside and from its history. Keep up on the latest technology and newest platforms, but also work your way through the American Film Institute’s 100 Years — 100 Best Films (online at: www.afi.com). Watch those great old films and learn why they’re considered classics and read books on the industry. Having passion is great, but a keen knowledge of the business combined with passion is unbeatable — talk about magnetic!

 

#5: Understanding the Power of Networking

Networking and schmoozing are not dirty words, and they do not represent a practice reserved exclusively for slick, self-serving, disingenuous hustlers looking to further their own careers and ready to mow down anyone who gets in their way. Networking is part of the way we (all of us) do business, and when done the right way, it’s an extraordinarily essential element to any successful career.

It’s scary at first, especially if it’s not something you’re used to doing, but the more you do it, the easier it’ll get. This is not a profession for the shy and timid — you’ve got to get yourself out there. Start by making friends and staying in touch with the people you’re going to school with and working with. Stay in touch with your teachers and supervisors. If you live in a major film center like Los Angeles or New York, take advantage of the innumerable opportunities available to you — networking functions, entertainment-related organizations, seminars, classes, workshops, theatre groups, industry-supported charities. If you live in a smaller community, check with your local film commission office to see what’s available in your area. If it’s not much, start your own networking group or film club. No matter where you live or how large or small the gathering — everyone should have their own community of people who have the same interests, some of the same goals and are going through (or have gone through) the experiences you’re living. Help each other, pool your resources and share information. Networking is more about building relationships, giving and sharing than it is about taking. If you get into it for the sole purpose of what you can get from other people, it won’t work. Be there to help and support others, and others will be there to help and support you, usually without you ever having to ask. Networking is the lifeblood of the business. And it’s a key capable of unlocking many doors if done willingly and with an open heart.

 

#6: Having a Plan, and Committing to Your Success

If someone should ask you what you want to do in this industry and your answer resembles something like: “Well, I’m really not sure yet. I was kind of thinking of being a writer. But then again, I enjoy performing … and editing, too.” Or: “I think I’d like to be versatile and do a lot of different things — maybe be a location manager, a script supervisor and an assistant cameraman.” Well, that’s not going to cut it. Not knowing exactly what your goal is or being wishy–washy about it will get you nowhere, and no one will take you seriously. Knowing what you want, why you’d be good at it and how you’re going to achieve your goal will impress the socks off of anyone who asks. It shows passion and determination for something you love, and it’s an impressive quality to possess. You can change your mind tomorrow, but when asked today what it is you want to do with your career — have a definite answer and be enthusiastic about it. Oh, and while you’re erasing “I don’t know” from your vocabulary, also avoid sentences like, “I want to be a ….” Instead, use: “I’m going to be a ….” Turn all those wishful statements into declarations. It’s much more powerful.

Deciding which direction to take should never be based solely on what sounds like fun. It also involves honestly assessing what you’re good at, your temperament and the lifestyle you’re up for. You should be researching exactly what each position entails, how difficult each might be to break into, and in the long run, how secure (or not) each might be. It also takes talking to people who do what you think you might want to do and gathering some first-hand perspective and insight. Once you know what it is you want, the next step is figuring out which path you need to take to get there. Set goals for yourself, write them down and tack them up somewhere where you can see them every day. A constant reminder of where you’re going and how you’re going to get there will help keep you on track. Also remember that life will not go according to plan if you have no plan.

 

#7: Standing Out from the Crowd

If you don’t stand out, you’ll get lost in the crowd. With all the thousands and thousands of people vying for the same positions, you have to figure out what it is that makes you special, and then capitalize on it. Why should someone choose to help or hire you instead of one of the others standing in the same long line waiting to get their feet in the same door? Perhaps you have a distinguished background and can offer much needed experience, you’re fabulous at pitching and selling, you’re brilliant at making movies on a shoestring budget that look like they cost millions more, you’re a great writer, a creative genius, an inspired actor or musician, a whiz in the office, you’re more organized, a crackerjack deal maker, better at dealing with difficult people, will work harder, care more, will work for free or will be more fun to have around. If you don’t know what it is that makes you unique, ask friends and family members; because sometimes they can see things in you that you might not be able to see yourself. If you still can’t figure out what it is that sets you apart, develop a specialty or find a need you can make the most of. Whatever it is — find something that will allow you to stand out and be more than just another wannabe standing in line waiting to get in.

Your passion, abilities, accomplishments, goals and whatever it is that makes you special are all elements that should be woven into your personal pitch and used to distinguish yourself from everyone else. This is a selling tool you can’t afford not to use.

 

#8: Developing a Thick Skin

Unless you are very lucky, you’ll undoubtedly encounter your share of shark-like creatures, disappointment and rejection upon entering Tinseltown. Unfortunately, there’s no inoculation you can take that will keep you immune from the worst aspects of the industry. So you have to find some way of developing a thick skin if you want to protect your self–esteem, motivation and your passion and keep yourself from getting too discouraged and giving up on your dreams. Don’t let the sharks get the best of you, and learn to let the negativity, the frustration and the fear of failure go. If you’re working on a particularly grueling show, if you don’t get the job or the show you wanted, there will be other opportunities. If someone you’re working for is abusive, you learn to deal with it, or leave the job — but not the business. If you can’t seem to catch a break, hang in there — have faith that it’ll come. You can’t take “no” for an answer, and you can’t let someone else’s bad behavior rule your life or your decisions.

 

#9: Perfecting Your Craft

No matter how much you know and how talented you are, never stop learning. Technological advances are changing aspects of our industry every day, trends change, procedures change — there’s always more to learn. Staying on top of the curve will keep you sharp, in the game and in demand.

There are always classes and seminars to take (several of which are available online or on DVD) and new books are continually coming out. If you belong to a union or guild, they often offer seminars for their members. You can also access a lot of good information from the Internet. Don’t get in a rut. Keep expanding your horizons.

 

#10: Having Good Interview Skills

We’re sort of back to standing out from the crowd here. If an employer interviews ten different people for the same job in one day, a week later, she’s going to be hard pressed to remember one from another — unless one of them really stood out in her mind. You want to be that one person. The ability to do well on interviews is a skill that will serve you well no matter what stage of your career you’re in, no matter what business.

It starts with doing your homework and finding out as much as you can about the people you’ll be meeting and their companies. What are their backgrounds? What type of projects have they been associated with? What’s the company known for? What have they been successful with? Knowing about the person you’re meeting will first, illustrate your desire for the job, and second, it says you’re the type of person who will put in the extra effort without being asked.

You want to walk into an interview well prepared. Not only should you come armed with the research you’ve gathered, but also with your personal pitch down pat and also some well thought-out questions. More than anything, this is a chance for you to let the person you’re meeting see and feel your passion and get to know you on a personal level — no matter what your experience level is. It’s an opportunity for you to shine and to differentiate yourself from the nine other people who were met with that day. It’s your opportunity to convey that you have the right attitude and are willing to go the distance. If you’re engaging, can convey a sense of who you are and what you’re all about, if you’re the type of person your interviewer would like to have lunch with or have around the office or set, you’ll have made a connection (and possibly even an advocate), whether you get this particular job or not. If you walk into a meeting without having done your homework, without much to say, without a way to let this person know how special you are, you run the risk of being forgettable.

A terrific interview can often tip the scales when a decision has to be made between someone with more experience and a subdued personality versus someone with less experience who’s brimming over with passion and determination.

 

#11: Being Able to Ask for What You Wan

Because few of us have ESP, it helps when you can be specific about what you need help with. My entire jobsearch approach improved once I learned how to ask friends, contacts and previous employers to help me get meetings with individuals I didn’t yet know (people they knew), so I could personally introduce myself and make new connections. Until I was urged to be more explicit when asking for help, I would have been too uncomfortable taking what I thought was such a forward approach.

A busy industry professional isn’t going to seek you out to come spend 20 minutes with him in his office so he can give you his best advice. But if you ask for the meeting, there’s a good chance you’ll get it. Similarly, I don’t know many people who would take the trouble to seek out someone who needs a mentor, but if you were to come right out and ask, he or she might very well say “yes”. If there’s someone you admire — someone whose advice you’d appreciate — pick up that phone, and make a call. Talk to this person’s assistant, and enlist the assistant’s help in setting up a 15- or 20-minute general information meeting for you. (These meetings are also known as informational meetings or meet–and–greets.) You’re not asking for a lot of time, and you’re not asking for a job. You just want to introduce yourself, ask a few questions, get some advice — and hopefully make a connection. So don’t assume that your request will be turned down, and don’t be intimidated by the fear of rejection. Sure you’ll face rejection from time to time, we all do — but not always. You can’t take it personally, and you can’t let it stop you. It’s worth taking the risk and asking for what you want, because eventually you’ll get your “yes.”

 

#12: A Winning Attitude

Those who possess a winning attitude know how to say “No problem!”, moves with a sense of urgency and a “can do” spirit, don’t whine or complain, treat others with respect, check their ego at the door, are accessible, reliable, team players and are always willing to help out. They give more than what’s expected and are a pleasure to have around. These are characteristics that should become ingrained in your personality and never abandoned no matter how high up the ladder you reach. It’s one more element that will elevate you above your competition, and it’s the stuff good reputations are built on.

 

#13: A Willingness and an Ability to Play the Game

Before you sign on for the long haul, have a pretty good idea what you’re getting yourself into before you start your journey. If you’re not sure, then it’s time to do some more research, get some insight from people who have been in the business for a long time and seriously evaluate your decision. It could save you years that would be better spent in pursuit of a career that’s more fitting to your personality and needs.

Be honest: “How important is a steady paycheck?” “Are you outgoing enough; and if not, do you think can you learn to be more outgoing?” “Are you too sensitive to work around intense personalities and situations?” “Can you deal with the competition and find a way to stand out among the crowd?” “Are you up for constantly having to sell and prove myself?” “How will this career affect your desire for a family and a family life?” “Do you have what it takes to go the extra distance?” This is one game you don’t want to get into unless you’re fairly certain you can win; you really, really have to be up for it and thoroughly understand the potential risks as well as the rewards.

 

#14: Being Well Liked and Having a Good Reputation

It doesn’t quite seem fair that while most of us endeavor to be hard–working, polite, tolerant, honorable, reliable and pleasant, others are allowed to exhibit the worst behavior imaginable. But unfortunately, that’s the way the showbiz cookie crumbles. If you have a proven track record of successes, a creative brilliance that’s always in demand, a certain status or the ability to generate mega bucks or mega ratings, you pretty much get a free pass when it comes to conduct. I’m not suggesting that all power players are nasty, sleazy, backstabbing, abusive, egodriven, intimidating game-players — because some are the best people you’ll ever meet. I just want to point out that it’s okay for some to act that way should they choose to, while it’s not okay for others. For most of us, to get ahead, we need to be well-liked and have a fairly good reputation. And just so you know (if this makes you feel any better) — should “they” ever start slipping from upon high, their inappropriate behavior will no longer be tolerated either.

Forgive the redundancy, but all of these elements are interrelated, and those who are the most well–liked and have the best reputations are generally the ones who stand out among the crowd, possess a great deal of passion and have adopted a winning attitude. It’s also about earning the respect of others by doing a good job, no matter what your job is; by being a team player; by helping others without expecting favors in return and by being able to work with all types of personalities under all sorts of circumstances.

No one’s got the patience for bad attitudes and bad manners or wants to work with and deal with anyone who’s high-maintenance unless they absolutely have no other choice. So the easier you are to work with, the more pleasant you are to have around and the better you are at your job — the more in demand you will be.

 

#15: A Game Plan for Getting Through the Rough Times

You’re bound to have setbacks, disappointments and times in between jobs when you’ll wonder if you’re ever going to work again. And there will be occasions when your self-confidence, commitment and bank balance will all be wobbling at the same time. But if you have your emergency preparedness kit in place and ready for deployment at a moment’s notice, you’ll be back up and running in no time. Surviving the tough times involves that thick skin I mentioned earlier. It’s also having a Plan B to fall back on, reversing the doubts and negative thoughts that run through your mind, developing some new positive mantras, learning how to quickly get past the disappointment and depression and being able to slightly change your course when facing a brick wall. Your survival will be a result of being persistent but realistic, having the courage to do what’s uncomfortable and avoiding all comparisons to others (because there will always be someone who gets a better deal, a better job or a better opportunity; and you can’t fight a stacked deck). And last but not least, a healthy sense of humor will see you through almost any challenge — big or small.

 

#16: The Seven Ps

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been touting the five Ps to my students. But I’ve recently added a sixth and seventh that beg to be part of this list.

It’s all about being:

 

• Pleasant: letting your affable personality open doors for you.

• Patient: the tolerance needed to get you over the rough spots and through the journey.

• Positive: a winning attitude, and a conviction that you’re going to make it.

• Passionate: the motivating force you never want to lose.

• Persistent: refusing to take “no” for an answer, and refusing to give up.

 

And it’s also essential to:

• Keep your Perspective

• Remember to stay on Purpose

 

MORE ON GETTING THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES

As exciting and fun and rewarding as this line of work can be, none of us are immune to some measure of rejection, disappointment, ill-tempered personalities, sure-thing deals and jobs that fail to materialize or any combination of such. In order 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

One of the most counterproductive things you can do to yourself is to think negative thoughts such as: “They’ll probably hire someone else for that position.” “I don’t think I can compete with him.” “In this tight market, it’s doubtful I’ll ever sell my script.” “Just like last time — I’m convinced the investors won’t come through.” It’s been well-proven that negative thoughts can subconsciously turn into beliefs that become feelings that eventually affect our behavior — thus affecting the results and outcome of our lives. So if you keep sending out those negative vibes and telling yourself that you’re not going to do well at that interview, you most likely won’t. So reverse this counterproductive cycle, start thinking new, positive thoughts 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. And if not now — then soon!” Think it, feel it and know that it’s going to happen. Also:

• Stay focused on your goals. Write/type them out. Tape them to your refrigerator door, to your medicine cabinet, to your bulletin board. Put them in your pocket. Carry them around with you.

• Replace the word “fear” with “excitement.”

• Don’t spend too much time feeling sorry for yourself. No one has much patience for drama queens.

• Never stop being creative, busy and involved. Never stop meeting new people, looking for that next project. Never stop planning and dreaming.

• Understand that if you don’t get the job you wanted or an opportunity you were hoping for doesn’t materialize, it’s because it wasn’t meant to be, and something else is waiting for you.

• If you find that what you’re doing isn’t working, you’re getting nowhere and constantly hitting your head against a brick wall, figure out how to pick yourself up and walk around to the other side of the wall. Take another path, and find something else that will work for you.

• Have a Plan B to fall back on. Know that you can earn the rent money when you’re in-between projects. I do workshops and seminars, my husband fell back on his hobby of custom woodworking, a friend fixes computers, someone else I know makes jewelry. Whether it’s working as a bartender, driving a limo, walking dogs or becoming a personal shopper, a market researcher, a party planner, a trainer or a headshot photographer — figure out what you’re good at and how you can earn a living when you’re not working on a show. 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).

• Give yourself a day or two off once in a while. Go see an old friend, go to an afternoon movie, plant a garden, go to the beach, clear your mind.

• 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.

• I once saw Anthony Hopkins being interviewed on an episode of Inside the Actors Studio. A student in the audience had asked him how he deals with self-doubt and daunting challenges, and he said “Just do it!” And then he added a quote from Goethe: “Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid!” 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.

• Don’t fight a stacked deck, because 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 show you were meant to do; someone who’s luckier, smarter, more creative, more talented. 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’s always been like this, and it always will be, 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 like a major cliché, but always trying to measure up to someone else’s success will only prevent you from being the best you can be. Don’t let anyone else’s achievement detract from your dreams or your belief in yourself. If you don’t get the job, the deal, the show, the sale you were hoping for — something else will materialize in its place.

• Don’t let 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, and ask yourself: “What’s the worst that can happen?” (Nine times out of ten, the answer to that question isn’t nearly as bad as you think it’s going to be.) 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 “no”s before you get to that all-important “yes.”

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

We work too hard, are faced with 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.

 

GETTING WORK

Unlike many other businesses, relatively few people are hired by one studio or production company and remain there until it’s time to retire. Studio positions are typically limited in duration as top management teams come and go (their staffs along with them), and salaries are generally too high for many independents to retain full-time production personnel unless they’re in production. Staff jobs within the industry do exist, but the majority of film related work is freelance. And freelance means that every time the job or show you’re working on is over, you’re back out looking for a new job or show. Unfortunately, no matter what positions we hold when we are working, our secondary occupation is that of perpetually having to look for more work.

Looking for work is uncomfortable, and doing so, often takes us outside of our comfort zone. Selling yourself is scary; and trying to set up meetings with busy, important people who don’t even know you exist can be terrifying. But everyone does it, and it’s an accepted industry reality. So venture outside of your comfort zone and go for it! It’s not going to happen if you don’t. It’s okay to be nervous; but the more you’re out there meeting people and interviewing, the easier and less terrifying it becomes.

Here is how one begins the search process:

• People you meet are going to ask you what you want to do. Know what you want.

• Find your market. Do your homework to discover who’s out there doing the type of work or projects you would like to be involved with — then target the companies or producers who needs what you have to offer.

• Think about your personal qualities, what makes you special and what it is that will make you stand out above the others.

• Develop a personal“pitch” for yourself— a brief summary of the type of person you are, what you’re passionate about, what your special strengths and skills are, your previous experience and the type of job you are seeking.

• Contact anyone you know (including friends of friends) whose recommendations could help you get your foot into doors you might not otherwise have access to. Find out if they would be willing to make a call on your behalf, write you a letter of recommendation and/or let you use their names.

• Work on a concise, professional-looking cover letter and resume. Make sure to run both through spell check, make sure the name of the person you’re addressing the letter to is spelled correctly, and also verify the person’s proper title (call their office if you’re not sure). Then start sending the resumes out.

• Follow up with a phone call a few days after sending your resume. Ask for the assistant of the person you’d like to meet. Using a brief version of your pitch, let the assistant know who you are and why you’re calling. Confirm that your resume arrived and solicit their help in setting up a brief meeting with their boss. If a meeting can’t be arranged at that time, ask permission to check in every couple of weeks. Be charming and be appreciative.

 

Here are some more job–hunting tips:

• NETWORK! NETWORK! NETWORK!!!

• If you have a varied background, prepare more than one version of your resume, so that each accentuates a different area of your experience. Submit the resume that best matches the qualifications a prospective employer is looking for.

• If you’ve gone to film school or have taken related classes or seminars, include your professors and teachers in your network. Use them as references, solicit their advice, and ask for introductions to their contacts.

• In addition to teachers, ask friends and acquaintances to introduce you to, or help you to get meetings with their contacts — people you can’t get in to see on your own.

• Regularly check the trade papers and industry websites for information regarding shows in development or in prep that you can submit resumes to.

• Also check specific industry-related Internet job sites such as Mandy.com, Showbizjobs.com, EntertainmentJobsNow.com (there are a lot of them) as well as specific studio and network job postings. You’ll also often find indie crew positions listed on Craigslist.org.

• Join any organization or group you’re eligible to join (such as Women in Film) that would enable you to network with other people who do what you do and/or with people who might be in a position to hire you. Also consider getting involved with industry–supported charities.

• Send notes and/or make calls to contacts and acquaintances, letting them know you’re available and asking them to let you know if they hear of anything you might be right for.

• When calling the offices of prospective employers, remain persistently charming and charmingly persistent. The person on the other end of the phone may try to brush you off or may be rude, but don’t respond in kind. Remain polite and upbeat.

• Some people drop off resumes in person, hoping to introduce themselves while there. This only works if the person you want to meet is in at the time and is available to see you.

• Follow up all meetings and interviews with a personal handwritten note thanking the person you’ve met for his time. Consider writing your note on a unique-looking card. If it’s special enough, it might not get thrown away. And if left out, it’ll be a constant and subtle reminder of who you are.

• It’s also fitting to send a thank you note to an assistant who’s been particularly nice or helpful to you on the phone. (A nicer gesture might also be to slip a $5 Starbucks card in with the card.) Think of these people as gatekeepers, because they’re often the ones who will get you in to meet the potential employers you’ve been trying to connect with.

• Check out employment agencies that specialize in industry–related jobs.

• Find out if you’re eligible to apply for the Assistant Directors Training Program. If you can pass their exam and are selected for the program, it’s an excellent way to get a start in the business.

• Keep up your contacts by staying in touch, even when you’re not looking for work. Send notes, make coffee and lunch dates and just call or e–mail to say hello every so often.

• Remain friendly and helpful to others. You never know who may be in a position to help or recommend you at a later time.

• Make sure you have a cell phone. If people can’t reach you on a spur-of-the-moment basis, you might lose a job.

 

You finally have some meetings lined up. Here aresome interviewing tips:

• Come to the meeting well groomed. The dress is nicecasual (not too corporate) and stylish. Women: don’t overdo the makeup.

• Make sure you’re on time (if not a little early).

• Shake hands, sit as close to the person interviewing you as possible and make direct eye contact.

• Have some idea of what you’re going to say before you walk in.

• If you’re nervous, it’s okay to say you’re nervous.

• Linda Buzzell, author of How to Make It in Hollywood (Quill, an imprint of HarperCollins), insists that the two deadliest sins you can commit during an interview are being dull and/or appearing desperate.

• Another kiss of death would be walking in with an insecure, meek attitude that screams: you-wouldn-twant- to-hire-me-would-you?

• Make sure to mention the person who recommended you.

• Be sincere.

• Ask questions. Don’t do all the talking.

• Without sounding desperate, let your prospective employer know how much you would like this job, and given the opportunity, what a terrific job you would do.

• About halfway through the interview, you might ask, “Are you learning what you need to know about me?”

• At the conclusion of the interview you might ask, “Am I the kind of person you’re looking for?” or if this is just a general meeting, “Am I the kind of person you would hire?”

• Ask those you meet with if they would mind referring you to others and/or ask for their guidance. Whether they hire you or not at that particular time, turn this into an opportunity to secure new contacts (make them part of your network).

If you aren’t having much luck landing a job, another option you might want to consider is working as an intern (for the experience in lieu of a salary). It may not sound terribly appealing, but if you can afford to do so, it’s one of the very best ways to get your foot in a door. Find a person or company you want to work for or a specific show you want to work on, and volunteer your services. Make yourself useful, work hard, learn as much as you can while you’re there, and show everyone how terrific you are. You may be able to exchange your time for free lunches, mileage money and a screen credit on the film. If nothing else, you’ve made some new contacts, gained some needed experience and have a show to add to your resume.

 

DEVELOPING GOOD WORK HABITS AND NECESSARY PEOPLE SKILLS

• Be on time — and early if possible. (I’ve seen too many people get fired for being late.)

• Don’t ask if you can leave early unless it’s an emergency.

• Don’t whine, and don’t complain.

• Keep a pad of paper and pen with you at all times.

• Anticipate the needs of others.

• Move with a sense or urgency.

• Don’t spend time IMing or texting your friends.

• Meet everyone you can — understand what everyone does.

• Do things others wouldn’t think of doing (without being asked) like refilling paper in printers and photocopy machines, washing out coffee cups, straightening up supply areas, etc.

• Never stand around with nothing to do. If you run out of things to do, ask others what you can do to help them.

• Don’t bad–mouth others or voice strong opinions out in the open. If you need to voice an objection to something or someone, talk to your supervisor in private.

• Don’t scream or be rude! Be diplomatic and professional. If you’re working for a screamer — don’t scream back (I got fired for doing that once).

• If you make a mistake, own up to it, and let it be known that it won’t happen again — then get on with it. Everyone makes mistakes, so don’t beat yourself up for too long.

• You don’t have to know everything — you just have to know where to find everything you need to know. You’ll be okay if you do your research, anticipate needs and prepare for various possibilities.

• When you’ve reached a dead end and can’t go any further with a task you’ve been given, ask for help and/or advice, find different resources, know there’s an answer out there somewhere. If you’re absolutely, positively convinced something you’ve been asked to do can’t be done, offer alternatives or a compromise. Try to make it work.

• Don’t lie. It will come back to bite you in the butt.

• Production is a team effort — share information and don’t feel threatened. The better the team or department, the better you look — the more you learn.

• Stay calm when all around you are bouncing off walls.

• Be accessible.

• If you think you might lose your temper, excuse yourself, take a short break and pull yourself together. Don’t fall apart in front of others.

• When dealing with nasty people and short tempers, don’t take it personally. Try to understand the pressure they’re under, and let them know you’re there to support them. If you find yourself in an intolerable situation, you’ll have to decide if it’s worth the experience, credit and/or paycheck. Sometimes it is, and sometimes it’s better to leave. Differences with difficult people or clashes in personality won’t generally affect future employment opportunities; and nothing is worth an inordinate amount of stress or making yourself ill over insufferable working conditions.

• In the words of my friend Cory McCrum–Abdo: “Put your ego in your back pocket and sit on it for a while. Be willing to keep your mouth shut, listen, make the coffee and do the runs. The more you can soak up, the more you’ll learn. Oh … and be willing to work your butt off!”

• When you do work with individuals you genuinely like and admire, let them know how much they’re appreciated and how much you would like to work with them again. Stay in touch.

• Don’t get so caught up with small details that you lose site of the big picture. Spending too much time weighing the pros and cons of every issue may prevent you from being able to make necessary spur-of-themoment decisions when unexpected circumstances arise. Get too caught-up in minutiae, and you’ll lose both valuable time and money.

• Stay healthy and don’t forget to take care of yourself.

• Make time (even if it’s limited) for the other things in your life that are important to you. It’s easy to lose sight of priorities.

• Understand that you’re not your job. Whether your title sounds important or not, you as an individual are important and have a lot to offer. If you’re not being treated with respect, don’t let it prevent you from having a good sense of yourself and your contribution.

• Realize that there are going to be days when you go home at night feeling totally beaten up and stomped on. Be reassured that it does get better.

• Understand that you may not be able to take step after sequential step up the ladder of success. For most of us, it’s often one step up and then one or two steps down before you can continue your ascent. Be patient!

• Don’t ever forget the phrase “IT’S ONLY A MOVIE!”

 

A LESSON IN PAYING DUES

Several years ago, while working at my second job in the industry, I found myself exasperated and complaining to a co-worker. I was spending a great deal of time every day running errands for my boss — getting her coffee, getting her lunch, going to the bank for her, etc. I was bright, had some previous experience and felt that these tasks were a tremendous waste of my time and abilities. Another agent heard me complaining one day. He invited me into his office and called me on it. He said: “There are only two of you in that office. One of you has to make the big deals, and one of you has to get the coffee. Are you ready to make the big deals yet?” I had to admit I wasn’t. It was like a buzzer went off in my head, and I suddenly understood that until I was ready, I would have to be the one to get the coffee.

IT’S THE ATTITUDE, DUMMY

It’s perfectly natural to complete film school and/or get your feet wet on a film or two and feel you’re ready to start moving up. But don’t start your first job or two expecting to make movies, because instead, you’re probably going to be asked to make the coffee — and answer phones and fetch lunch and photocopy scripts and run errands and file and so forth. But just know that no one is asking you to do any of this just to make your life miserable or to torture you. No one is questioning whether you’re bright or have abilities, but they need the support staff, and that’s what you’re hired for. You may be working your butt off for slave wages, but you’ve also been given an opportunity to get your foot in the door, to learn, to make valuable contacts and to prove how invaluable you can be. What people are going to notice before anything else is your attitude. There are a lot of people in this industry with talent and abilities, but not everyone has a great attitude.

Use your time at the bottom to start absorbing information, read whatever you can get your hands on and ask questions when it’s appropriate to do so. Get a good sense of how a set is run, who does what, what goes on in the production office and how the entire picturemaking process works. The exposure will not only allow you to find the one area of filmmaking that really excites you, but it’ll give you a good foundation for becoming a production coordinator, production manager or producer later on.

Once you get your first job or two, remember that your best source of future employment will come from working hard and developing a good reputation on your current job. When the time is right, start asking to take on tasks above and beyond your normal responsibilities. Let the people you work with know your true aspirations and talents, so they can see you in a different light and possibly help you. Build lasting relationships with co-workers and keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities.

 

HOW TO KEEP LEARNING

• Talk to representatives from the equipment houses your company does business with. Ask questions, and if possible, make arrangements to stop by when it’s convenient. Someone should be available to show you the different types of equipment and to explain how the equipment is used. Keep copies of updated equipment catalogs for reference.

• Ask for a tour of the lab your company uses.

• Sign up for production–related classes and seminars.

• Go to annually held production-related conventions. Pick up and keep information on equipment, production services, location services, etc.

 

EASIER SAID THAN DONE

The following may seem a like a bunch of tedious platitudes, but if you’re the type of person who doesn’t have to learn it all on your own the “hard way,” you’ll value this wisdom which has already been learned by those who have walked before you.

• Your job is what you do, not who you are. Don’t allow your title to become your sole identity. In other words, whether your title sounds important or not, you (as an individual) are important and have a lot to offer. Take pride in everything you accomplish, everything you are and in all your relationships. Realize that these elements are also part of your identity.

• Along the same lines as “you are not your title,” this can be your life’s work, but it’s not your life. One day work may drastically slow down or disappear all together, and you could be left with nothing. So make time (even if it’s limited) for the people you care about and find activities other than work to give your life meaning. It’s easy to lose sight of priorities when ambition and titles become too meaningful.

• Always take your responsibility seriously, but don’t overestimate, misuse or abuse your authority.

• Be a person who earns the respect and loyalty of others and doesn’t expect or demand it through fear or intimidation.

• If you’re a person who’s truly talented, smart, special and/or important, you don’t have to act that way — you just are! You show it every day in the way you behave and relate to others.

• Don’t be so ambitious you feel it’s necessary to take advantage of or snub other people to get to where you think you’re going. It will come back to haunt you.

• Willingly share information, and don’t feel threatened. The better your team or department, the better you look and the more you learn. And back up your coworkers, stand up for them and be encouraging (even if it’s not reciprocal). If you treat others well, they will usually be there to back you up when you need them.

• Don’t be phony, overly nice or solicitous when it isn’t felt just for the sake of impressing someone or trying to get ahead. Others can see through the insincerity.

• Prima donnas don’t go over big on teams, so check your ego at the door. In other words: if you’ve moved beyond being a PA, the call sheets need to be photocopied and you’re the only one around, get up and make those copies. If there’s no one around to make coffee and you want a cup, make a pot yourself. Being busy and needing the help is one thing, but don’t have other people doing things for you just for the sake of your ego. Don’t ever feel you’re too important to pitch in and do whatever it is takes to get the project completed.

• Pick your battles carefully, know when you can’t win and fight hard for those you truly believe in.

• You can be great at what you do and be a fair and considerate person, and you may still come across someone who (for some unknown reason) doesn’t like you, doesn’t want to be a player on your team, isn’t going to be cooperative or communicative and/or wouldn’t hire you again. This does happen from time to time, and you may never know why. The best thing to do is accept the circumstances, deal with it the best way you can, and don’t take it personally.

• Don’t gossip or bad–mouth anyone, because you never know who may be listening or if the person you’re talking to may be a friend of the person you’re badmouthing. It also won’t reflect well on you.

• Similarly, there’s a saying I’ve always been rather fond of that goes: “Beware — the toes you step on today may be attached to the backside you have to kiss tomorrow.”

• Take the word “no” and any form of negativity out of your vocabulary. Substitute:

“I don’t know.” with “I’ll find out.”

“It’s not my job.” with “I’ll make sure it’s taken care of.”

“That’s impossible.” with “I’ll find a way to make it work.”

“We can’t afford it.” with “Let me tell you what we can do…”

• No matter how insignificant your job or position may seem at the time, think of it this way: the TV or filmmaking process is like assembling a large jigsaw puzzle, in which many small little pieces and some larger pieces (each representing a person or element involved in the production) slowly come together to form a complete picture. Each piece, no matter how minuscule, is just as essential to completing the picture as is the largest piece. And once totally assembled, this picture is rich in detail, it evokes emotion and conveys a story. So no matter what your contribution, the picture can’t be completed without you.

 

And in the words of some of my friends:

• “Be positive about what you want to do today, but keep your eyes open to new possibilities.” — Matt Kutcher

• “If someone invites you to lunch — go ! Make friends on the job, because your friends are your best asset.” — Susan Hirshberg

• “Keep your promises and follow through.” — Missy Moyer

• “Love it or leave it! If you’re thinking about how much money you can make, or how much time off you can have, or how long the hours are — forget it! If you wouldn’t rather be ‘on the job’ than anywhere else, you probably should be somewhere else.” — Phil Wylly

• “Take jobs based on the opportunity they’ll give you. Don’t get hung up about the amount of money or benefits. Take jobs that will add to your resume, and the money will follow.” — Keith Raskin

• “Be easy to work with and leave the personal drama at home.” — Michael Coscia

 

And here’s some good advice from my friend, Chicago production manager, Vail Romeyn:

 

 

REMEMBERING WHY YOU GOT INTO THIS BUSINESS TO BEGIN WITH

When you were a kid, did you ever take the Universal Studios tour, and as the tram was driving up and down the backlot, fantasize about how incredible it would be to work there one day — to actually belong on that lot or another just like it? If you did, you’re in good company. And do you remember how alive you felt when you made the decision to go for it and finally started taking steps toward a career in the biz?

Whether it’s getting into film school, making your first student film or getting your first job as a PA, there’s something magical about this time when your feet rarely touch ground. You’re full of passion, excitement, creativity and anticipation. You can’t believe you’re part of this amazing, exclusive world, even if its only a tiny part, and you’re willing to do anything it takes to succeed. It’s exhilarating to work with seasoned professionals; to walk onto a real studio or television lot or stage; to walk the halls of famous agencies such as William Morris and CAA; to meet your idols; to learn, to watch and to strive to impress anyone you can. You love reading scripts, going to movies, critiquing movies, talking about the industry and associating with people in the industry. You’ve heard the dire warnings about the insecurity, rejection, competition and uncertainty; but your selective form of tunnel vision prevents you from taking any of it too seriously, because it’s going to be different for you. What a high! You’re starting out on the biggest and most wonderful adventure of your life with the goal that one day, you, too will be discovering great talent; landing substantial roles; writing scripts that create studio bidding wars; marketing and selling films throughout the world or working on shows that will entertain, influence and touch the minds and hearts of anyone and everyone who turns on a television or walks into a movie theatre. No one can dissuade you from your dream; because you live, eat and breathe it.

Now the trick is to find a way to remember these feelings once reality sets in and the harshness of the business hits you right between the eyes. Having the ability to recall those emotions, revisit the thrill, reminisce about what drew you into this line of work and remember what it is you love about the industry will help you get through the tough times.

Director, writer, producer and Action/Cut Seminar instructor Guy Magar recommends that we put all of that passion and excitement and all of those memories into a little box and tuck the little box into our back pocket for safekeeping. Then throughout your career, whenever you’re feeling discouraged, frustrated, rejected, beaten down by the politics or competition — you can just take that little box out of your back pocket and open it up — releasing all those wonderful emotions and reminding yourself why you got into this business to begin with.

I love the little-box-in-your-back-pocket analogy, but you can also write out your feelings and leave them in your computer, in a journal, in a file, wherever — just as long as they’re accessible and easy to get to when you need them. Rereading your notes after a considerable amount of time has passed is sort of like the thrill one gets when rereading old love letters and remembering what it felt like when you first fell in love with your spouse or partner after the demands of everyday life has taken its toll on your romance. Here are a few other ways to recapture the magic:

• Collect DVDs of the shows you work on (or appeared in), watch them from time to time, and remember the good times, the craziness, the locations and the people.

• Save memorabilia from your projects (cast and crew gifts, photos, scripts, etc.).

• Stay in touch with the special people you’ve met and worked with throughout your career, get together with them from time to time and reminisce.

• Help and mentor others just getting into the biz, and share your experiences with them. Teaching definitely does it for me.

 

If you’re in it for the long haul, you’re likely to get involved with projects that will fall through, there will be times when you’re out of work longer than you’d like to be and you might very well end up working on exceptionally tough projects with people who test your patience beyond all reasonable limits. Whatever it is, there will undoubtedly be times when you’ll find yourself disillusioned and questioning what demon ever possessed you to choose this insanity.

I hope you’ll always be excited and passionate about your work and that the sense of wonderment never leaves you, but should you ever find yourself up against it and questioning the path you’ve taken — that’s the time to pull the little box out of your pocket. Open it up, take a deep breath and soak up the memories. Or reminisce with people you’ve worked with, share your experiences with those just starting their careers, watch the shows you’ve worked on or find the love notes you once wrote to this business and revisit the feelings. Find your own magic elixir that will keep you from crashing and burning and will effectively ward off cynicism, frustration and defeat.

No matter how long your career in this business spans, your ability to remember why you chose this profession to begin with should give you the boost you need to keep going and to tackle most of the obstacles in your path.

This chapter is dedicated to all of my amazing students!