How to Get an Entertainment Job
Competition in the entertainment industry is fierce. To make matters worse, in order to secure an entertainment job, you often have to have prior experience in the field. With a flooded market and this Catch-22, it can seem impossible to break into the film or music business. However, you can take steps to increase your chances of getting a job in entertainment. By honing your skills, meeting the right people and working your way up, you can realize your dream of a career in the entertainment world.
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Instructions
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Take courses in the field you wish to pursue. Major in theater if you want to be an actor or in music if you want to be a musician. Hire an acting or vocal coach. The entertainment industry is flooded with well-qualified individuals, all hoping to pursue the same careers and get a big break. Distinguish yourself by fine-tuning your particular skill set. This will give you an edge over your competition. Enrolling in an academic program may also help you make connections and provide an advantageous medium for finding entry-level jobs or internships.
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Apply for a low-level position as an unpaid intern or a volunteer at an entertainment company like Warner Brothers, MGM or your local news channel. Move to a big city like Los Angeles, New York or Nashville if there are no positions in your hometown. Entertainment careers generally require prior experience, so you have to be willing to take whatever you can get, and you have to be in a good location to find those types of jobs. Low-level positions may also act as a stepping stone to the next level in the company that hired you, especially if you demonstrate integrity, talent and determination.
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Perform wherever you can. Sing in local competitions. Act in school plays or local theater productions. Apply for any gig you can find. Performing helps develop your skills and gives you information that you can put on your resume to make it more appealing for a talent agent. Give yourself as much exposure as possible to heighten your chances of being seen by a talent scout. Send postcards to talent agencies inviting them to come watch you perform. Post your performances on websites like YouTube and have your friends share the link to generate even more exposure.
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Cold-call members of the industry whom you admire and ask them how they got where they are today. Don't ask them to help you get a job; ask if they have any general advice. Try to build a rapport by praising their work and requesting a meeting or future call. Much of your success in the entertainment industry will depend on whom you know. Talk to friends and family members to see if they know anyone who can hire you or help you find a job. Ask your teachers or your school's career service agency to help you find a position.
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Send tapes of your performances, headshots and your resume to agencies like William Morris, Creative Artists or United Talent Agency. Search a website like Talent Agency Match, CFTech or the Association of Talent Agents to find agencies in your area. A hired agent will then be able to find jobs that you can audition for. Resend your information after six months if you do not hear from an agency.
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Prepare your lines or music thoroughly when you are asked to audition. Hire a coach if you feel you need help preparing. Perform your lines or music in front of your family and friends to overcome any nervousness you may feel. Be prompt and professional, and do not be discouraged if you do not get the part. Keep auditioning until you get a role.
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References
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- Photo Credit Singer image by Ilija Mitrevski from Fotolia.com
