How to Build a Career in the Entertainment Industry

Are you fresh out of film school? Are you over the age of thirty with as many career attempts under your belt? Do you love movies and/or television? Perhaps a job in the entertainment world is your next endeavor! The following are five easy pointers on looking for an "industry" job in Hollywood (and you don't know anyone famous).

Let's begin.

1. True or False: I need a college degree to work in Hollywood.

FALSE. You do not need a college degree, but it is helpful. If you have proof of higher learning, you may be able to get a better job right off the bat, but not necessarily. You could work as an unpaid intern at a production company, or work in skilled labor via grip and electric work. Actually, there are variety of options available to you, depending on how much of your life you are willing to waste volunteering your soul. (Personally I suggest going to film school because a) it's a fun time, despite the life-long debt b) I hear a film BA is the new BS, pun sort of unintended and c) hopefully it will teach you many valuable skills, half of them social if I know my audience.)

2. "Working for free?! Why would anyone work for free? Did you say UNPAID INTERN back there???"

I did. This is why it might be helpful to get a degree, so you can justify an unpaid internship with college credit. Or, if you have never been on a set, and have never had physical contact with the world of production, then sure... PA on some student films if you can. After that, I do not believe anyone should work for free. Many people agree with me, concerning these "plain as day" matters of self-worth.
Can you imagine starting in the pharmaceutical industry and working for free, even as a beginner? I can't. As unbelievable as it is in the entertainment industry to begin this way, the result, hopefully, will be equally unbelievable. If you can work your way up, you will make an obscene amount of money doing what most people, especially pharmacists, would not call "work". They might call it "hanging out" or "abusing power" or even "surfing myspace while your assistant does the same". Don't be fooled by those "starving artists"!! There is a CRAP TON of money to be made in Hollywood. That's right-- producers and agents and editors all make a CRAP TON of money. But before you can make this income, some people require you to start BELOW the bottom rung.

3. Let's talk about those OPTIONS.

It is true that everyone has to start somewhere. These places can include: receptionist, runner, PA, assistant (be it 2nd assistant director, assistant editor, office assistant, or assisting in any on-set department like lighting, electric, wardrobe, or art). I mention these because it may seem overwhelming in your job search, looking at all the different postings and not knowing the real job description or what you're qualified to do. Now, I can not delve into every positions I just mentioned, but I can give blanket advice about each general arena so you do not waste any time!
a. Receptionist/Office Manager/Runner: Anything office related can be a passport into a company. You can learn everything about what goes into production. The key here: find a company you want to grow in. It's that simple! ...and yet so utterly difficult. Good luck!
b. Assistant Editor: If you want to be an editor, this is the only way in. Make sure you want to be an editor, otherwise you will waste 16 hours of every day deep inside Final Cut Pro, unprotected.
c. On-set Departments: Get in there, get on a great team, and get in a union. You will be on set for 20 hours a day, but you will be over-fed and over-paid.

4. "Hm. 20 hours? I don't know... That's a long day..."

I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you... you have to LOVE film/television. I mean LOVE it, like you want to DIE for it. (Cause you kind of will.) Not willing to die for this industry? Awesome! I hope the whole fucking city sinks into the ocean. Until then, this is what we have to work with here, now.

5. Now, actually looking for jobs.

A recent poll in Los Angeles estimates there are one million billion people looking for the same jobs you are seeking in LA. Because of this fact, there are systems in place online to assist your search. Entertainmentcareers.net and mandy.com are great resources. Another would be craigslist.org, in their "tv/film/radio" or "crew" or "writing" sections. You can use craigslist.org if you don't mind working for people who can't spell, or do not even pretend to understand syntax.

That's it, future co-workers!! This is just the beginning for you. Here you go, off into your new careeer in the entertainment industry!! Aren't you excited? It might take years and years and you still may never ever be satisfied with your work, and you might give up way before that, but here's hoping you get that lucky break!

What?

Your own projects? Cre-? Creative control? Hmmmm.

Saving your mind, body, and spirit in LA will be in my next blog. I haven't published it yet because I actually have no idea what to tell you. I just told you this crap cause no one told me.