Thinking of Changing Careers in the Entertainment Business?
Posted on May 20, 2013 by Erin Yates, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
Obtaining a dream entertainment industry career or transitioning out is possible, it takes a solid plan and knowledge about how the industry operates.
Many people flock to Los Angeles or New York City each year in the hopes of starting their dream career in the entertainment business. There are many facets of the industry in which to be employed, some more competitive than others. I see many clients who have a career in entertainment but it’s not exactly what they want and are stumped as to how to move forward to the next level. While others have labored in their show business job for years and have ultimately decided it is not for them. Those particular clients struggle with how they can use their skills developed from a very unique business into another industry.
Here’s my story, in 1993 I relocated to Los Angeles from Virginia, frankly because it seemed exciting and had the added bonus of being far away from Virginia. I had no ambitions to have a career in the entertainment industry but I was lucky and fell into the production side of things. I started with film and television and then transitioned to theatrical productions. My career was successful and lasted for a total of 13 years. Although I loved the once in a lifetime experiences and perks I received through my career, I wasn’t entirely fulfilled. I needed to be in a position where I could directly impact (for the better) people’s lives. That is when I began career and life coaching.
Some advice for those embarking on a career in the entertainment business:
• Any entrance one can get into ‘the business’ is a good one as it teaches you how the industry works as a whole and you’ll more easily begin to make contacts. Networking is extremely important in this industry; you will need to master the art of it. So great, you’ve obtained your first career in the entertainment business, now how do you transition to the entertainment industry career of your dreams?
• Actors aren’t the only ones who get ‘type-casted,’ production professionals do as well. It is vital that you keep expanding your knowledge and experience base towards your ultimate career goal. You are doing yourself a great disservice by remaining complacent in your entertainment career.
• If you desire a career in the more creative side of the entertainment industry, you must be prepared to put in some (well perhaps a significant amount of) time into honing your skills and creating your own content. The dawn of the digital age makes it much easier for you to get your work out there and seen.
For those whose who are burned out on traveling around the country on various productions and crave either a local only entertainment career or want out of the business entirely, there is hope. Regardless of what capacity you worked in the industry, you have transferrable skills (trust me, I know, I’ve been there) and with some determination and guidance you can transition out easily into something that makes you happier.
If you feel as if you need some help either getting in, moving up, or getting out of your entertainment career I can help. Contact me for a free consultation at www.ErinYatesCoaching.com
