Entertainment Industry Blogs | Entertainment Articles - 4Entertainmentjobs

Don’t Believe the Talk That No One is Hiring

2012-04-19T11:04:28Z

The numbers are out and we wish they looked better…it appears U.S. hiring slowed in March. According to the Department of Labor, employers only added 120,000 jobs last month –half the December-February pace and well short of the 210,000 economists were expecting. With news like this, it is easy for many to shrug off their job search or blame their lack of success in landing a job on “no one’s hiring!”

But is this really the case?

It’s a false assumption to say that “no one’s hiring” – regardless of how bad the economy and job market may seem. Even in times like these, people are hiring. Don’t believe it? Well, then how do you explain the 5,000+ entertainment jobs listed on 4entertainmentjobs.com? Wherever anyone is conducting business, there are jobs and potential job openings. Companies are always looking for productive, solution-oriented people that can help their companies grow.

The fact is that every company is hiring all the time. Approach your career search from this angle: you can offer precisely what they need, when they need it. Remember that you are a potential asset to any employer, particularly in the entertainment industry. They need you as much as you need them. If you can demonstrate to the employer how you would address their issues successfully – and in the process make their company more productive, efficient or profitable – you’ll be able to land a good job in ANY economy.

So don’t believe the hype. If “no one is hiring”, particularly in the entertainment industry, then there wouldn’t be any job listings posted on entertainment job boards. But with thousands of open positions looking to hire talented individuals like yourself listed on 4EntertainmentJobs.com, I think you can see companies are hiring…big time! So don’t get discouraged by what you hear in the news, and don’t throw in the towel…because the reality is, your dream entertainment job is awaiting your application today!

To your success,

Jason Armetta
President, Founder
www.4EntertainmentJobs.com

CBS Radio to Stream Over 40 Stations on TuneIn

2012-04-05T11:04:08Z

A key element in landing an entertainment job is knowing what’s going on in the industry, and being able to confidently discuss industry news in your networking conversations and job interviews. Thus, we’d like to highlight this news tidbit for those of you looking to land a broadcasting or radio job.

TuneIn and CBS Radio have signed a long-term partnership to stream content from over 40 CBS Radio news, talk, and sports stations to markets across the country. TuneIn is a free service that lets over 30 million people listen to music, sports, comedy and talk from around the world through a variety of different platforms including smartphone apps, connected vehicle dashboards, Internet home entertainment systems and online through their website.

Some of the better-known radio stations now available include WFAN-AM (New York City), WIP-FM (Philadelphia), WBZ-FM (Boston), 1010 WINS (New York), WCBS 880 (New York), WBBM (Chicago), KCBS (San Francisco), WCCO (Minneapolis), KMOX (St. Louis), and KDKA (Pittsburgh). The new partnership will allow TuneIn to leverage new content from CBS Radio, while CBS gets greater distribution and access to a wider audience base.

Of course, successful partnerships like this one don’t happen without the right support staff in place. Whether your dream career in the radio industry is a show host, DJ, promotions manager, producer, editor, or director, 4EntertainmentJobs.com has over 490 jobs you can apply for today in the broadcasting sector. In fact, we even have some open positions posted from CBS Radio…so come snatch ‘em before they’re gone!

To your success,

Jason Armetta
President, Founder
www.4EntertainmentJobs.com

Ten Great Questions to Ask at a Job Interview

2012-03-27T01:03:26Z

It’s guaranteed that near the end of an entertainment job interview, the interviewer will always ask, “So, do you have any questions for me?” Show your interviewer how interested you are by preparing great questions to ask during that conversation.

Remember, an interview is not a one-way street. You’re not only selling yourself as the best candidate for the job, but you also want to make sure you’re sold on the company and its people. The interviewer’s answers to your questions will give you a lot of food for thought.

Since it’s impossible to predict what will come up during your conversation, you’ll want to be prepared with a range of questions to pose. The following is a list of example questions (just to get you started), but we encourage you to develop 2-3 additional questions based on the specific industry, job, or company you’re interviewing for.

1. How would you describe your management style, or the management style of the person I’ll be reporting to? (Try to determine if you will be a good fit with whatever style they employ.)

2. Would you be able to tell me why this position is currently available? (If you are replacing someone who didn’t work out, determine if you resolve the associated issues.)

3. What type of person succeeds within this company and/or position? (Make sure you are that type of person.)

4. After this conversation, I feel confident I understand the primary responsibilities of this role, but what are the secondary duties of the position? Things that might occur, for example, only once a month or twice a year? (If you’ll be changing light bulbs and getting coffee in addition to running the publishing division, this is the time to find out.)

5. What is the biggest challenge facing the company and/or your department today? (Find out if you’ll be excited to tackle what lay ahead)

6. What are the company’s (or the division’s) plans for growth and/or cutbacks? (If you’re interested in advancement or promotion, this might be a very relevant inquiry.)

7. I’m excited about the open position, but I know eventually I’ll want even more responsibility. Are there paths for advancement? (Be careful on this one. You want to make sure you’ll have the opportunity to do new things in the future, but they are looking for someone to do the available job now.

8. How would you describe the culture of the company? (If there is a beer-bash-Friday type of culture, you should probably be okay with that.)

9. Why did you choose to work for this company? (This is a great question because it gives your interviewer an opportunity to talk about themselves while giving you some insight into what he/she thinks about the company.)

10. What do you like best about working here? What do you like the least? (Again, everyone likes to offer opinions, so this question should hit the mark. It will also provide you with an indication of how open/transparent the interviewer is.)

It is often said you can tell more about a person by the nature of the questions they ask than by the statements he or she makes. That’s because well-focused questions give insight that is not only intellectual, but instinctual as well – that goes for both the interviewer and you!

Get on your way to landing an interview (so you can show off your smarts with these questions) by applying for your dream entertainment job listed on 4EntertainmentJobs.com today!

To your success,

Jason Armetta
President, Founder
www.4EntertainmentJobs.com

Internships: Are They Worth It?

2012-03-27T01:03:04Z

No doubt that at this very moment there are thousands of students off playing on a beach somewhere, hiking in the mountains, or just lounging around at home enjoying their Spring Break. As students get refreshed during their Spring Break and return to finish out the school year, many have summer entertainment internships on their mind.

Internships are great for many reasons:

1. Internships let you “try on” your intended career field and see how it fits. Many students come back from an internship finding their exposure to their real on-the-job experience really excited them and they can’t wait to graduate to do it full-time. On the flip side, after doing the job they thought they’d be doing post graduation, many students find out that it wasn’t what they expected and end up changing their major before it’s too late.

2. Internships give you experience & new skills. Getting work experience while you’re still in school is not only valuable for getting you ready for a career, but it also gives you training on some of the practical skills you won’t learn in a classroom. Because internships are great for learning and training in trade-specific skills, they are an invaluable tool for setting yourself apart from the competition after graduation.

3. Internships can lead to a full time position. Many companies prefer to hire from within, so internships are a great way to network and prove yourself as a valuable employee…especially when they have a job opening around the same time you’ll be graduating. Internships give you a chance to show your awesomeness to your boss and exhibit your smarts, creativity, and outstanding work ethic. Plus, the company has already invested time and training in you. So when you apply for that upcoming full time position at the company, along with 50 others, you have the advantage of your boss already knowing your capabilities and what a great fit you are with the company culture.

Unsure where to get started? There are thousands of employers in the entertainment industry seeking interns – from TV & video production to magazine publishing to marketing and publicity. Employers are looking to fill internships across the board, and many of them post open internships on industry-specific job boards. In fact, we have over 350 listed on 4EntertainmentJobs.com! So while you’ve got a little extra free time on your spring break, log on and start your search today.

To your success,

Jason Armetta
President, Founder
www.4EntertainmentJobs.com

A Short Guide to Production Jobs

2012-03-14T02:03:14Z

The Media & Entertainment World is bursting at its seams. The phenomenal growth of this industry has lead to the formation of new careers which was unheard of before. These unique jobs not only offer promising future but also provide immense creative satisfaction. The buck doesn't stop here. Surveys show that this industry will continue to grow in double digits which translate into more options and better pay packages.

One category of jobs which require creative as well as physical capabilities is production. Production jobs in film and television typically demand a lot of time, commitment and hard work because of its very nature. Production manager, assistant production manager, production controller are some of the jobs that are available to aspiring individuals. The working hours are long and erratic; but if you are one of those people, who likes challenges and mingling with creative individuals then this job is for you.

Co-ordinating with crew, artistes and back office, distributing and creating shooting script, liaise with various agencies, location hunting, and maintaining expenses are some of the tasks a person from the production department needs to handle.

Film, television and radio form the three pillars of entertainment industry all over the world; be it London or Los Angeles. Entertainment jobs Los Angeles offers an array of openings such as production assistants, actors, administration & marketing, celebrity manager etc. This industry works in a peculiar way. As an aspiring individual you have to start from the bottom, working as an apprentice for few years before finding a solo task. This may include one-on-one mentoring, by working as an assistant to various entities such as directors, producers or musicians.

Even today mentoring forms an important option for finding a foothold in entertainment industry.

Los Angeles is the entertainment hub of America. Therefore, music jobs are aplenty in this city of angels.

At the very outset you need to understand that it takes lot of perseverance and rigorous practice to get an entry in music industry, which is brimming with creative people. Music arranger, promoter, singer, manager to a celebrity are some of options which this industry offers to new comers.

Music jobs Los Angeles is the most popular search term with people who aspire to enter this industry, and the reason is only too obvious.

Whatever may be your objective you need to pursue in good earnest and at the same time horn your skills. Education in music or music related course will help you in understanding the finer nuances of this extremely creative field. Production companies and records labels are some of the entities who offer a myriad of openings for aspiring candidates.

To Your Success,

Jason Armetta
Founder, President

www.4EntertainmentJobs.com

Four Tips for Creating Your Online Identity

2012-02-27T10:02:37Z

In this Internet age, it is smart to have an online presence. However, you want your online identity to showcase you as a professional (and those pictures your friend posted on Facebook of your Vegas trip aren’t exactly sending that message). Fortunately, there are easy and safe ways to establish and manage an online identity that any employer would be happy to see.

Create a Profile on 4EntertainmentJobs – One of the best places to create an online presence is by using online job boards specific to your entertainment career. These sites are focused on only offering job content from employers that are relevant to you, so you can save time in your career search. Furthermore, since it is a hotbed of employers in your specific career field, it is a good networking spot as well. Entertainment job sites like 4EntertainmentJobs.com allow you to post your resume for employers to find, search and create a list of positions and internships you want to apply for, get career advice and more.

Google Yourself – Google yourself and see what comes up. Hopefully it’s good stuff. If not, edit the bad stuff from your personal website or social media profile page that you don’t want an employer to see. However, if you are one of the many that finds nothing comes up…keep reading!

Create a LinkedIn Profile –LinkedIn is a professional networking site with millions of users. You can create a free professional profile where you control the content. Then your name and profile are indexed on all the major search engines like Google, Yahoo! and Bing. So when someone Googles your name, this profile showcasing your skills and experience will show up in the search results. Furthermore, because it is a professional networking site, you don’t have to worry about your boss thinking you’re looking for another job if and when it’s found. Include a link to your profile in your resume and other web properties, like 4EntertainmentJobs.com, so employers can see additional info on your skill sets.

Start a Blog – Think about creating your own blog. Your resume is the document that states what you claim to know. A blog is an in-depth forum showcasing and proving it! It sounds intimidating because many think it requires extensive technical expertise or a commitment to typing away all day, every day – but neither are true! Blogging is a fresh way to get noticed and put your industry knowledge and expertise to good use. Again, don’t forget to include links in your 4EntertainmentJobs.com profile and resumes so employers can easily click through and see your blog come to life.

So, if you haven’t done so already, go ahead and start expanding your online presence by joining 4EntertainmentJobs.com. Search our database of thousands of entertainment jobs and employers seeking talented people just like you. Land your dream career today!

To Your Success!

Jason Armetta, CEO & Founder

www.4EntertainmentJobs.com

And The Oscar Goes To…

2012-02-20T10:02:56Z

In the entertainment industry, there is certainly no shortage of award ceremonies. However, of the thousands out there, none seem to compare to the grandeur, glamour and reputation of the Academy Awards.

Whether you are someone who camps out on the living room floor all night to see if your winner predictions pan out, just watch it for the fashion, or could care less about the whole thing…if you’re serious about a job in the entertainment industry, there’s a few things you can learn from this awards show.

Always Dress for Success – When a celebrity steps out of the limo onto the red carpet, are they dressed in sweats and sneakers, or in an expensive couture gown? We’re not suggesting you need to show up to a networking event or job interview dressed like a movie star (unless that’s actually appropriate for the job you’re seeking), but you should present yourself to employers in a way that makes a good first impression. Neat and reserved clothing that fits correctly, a smile, and a clean appearance go a long way in helping you land the job you want.

It’s About Your Skills – Just as Tom Hanks landed his entertainment roles for his acting abilities, you too will land your job in the entertainment industry because an employer recognizes your unique skills and capabilities. Thus, make sure your resume showcases what you’ve done and makes your unique skill set stand out, and that your in-person pitch conveys the value you bring to the table. We can’t guarantee it’ll win you an Oscar, but when done correctly, it will get you your dream job.

The Employer Made the Dream Possible – Listen to just a couple of acceptance speeches during the show, and you’ll hear sentiments of gratitude to the film production company or boss that “made this award possible.” ABC will host this year’s 84^thAnnual Academy Awards this Sunday, February 26^th. And while it’s unlikely that you’d have to give an acceptance speech to land a job at ABC, you too could be working for this entertainment giant. ABC is hiring a Publicity Coordinator in their news media relations department. Check out the online media job listing, and the thousands of other entertainment companies looking to hire talented people just like you on 4EntertainmentJobs.com.

Don’t forget to tune in this Sunday…you could learn a thing or two for your job search from the Academy Awards!

To Your Success!

Jason Armetta, CEO & Founder

www.4EntertainmentJobs.com

Halsey Management seeks Executive Assistant to Music Executives

2012-02-11T09:02:39Z

www.4EntertainmentJobs.com is assisting Halsey Management in seeking an Executive Assistant to Music Executives.

Job Description:

A-list management and production company with offices in Los Angeles, Tulsa, and Nashville is seeking TWO EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS to work under the President and Vice President of the company. We seek ambitious candidates who are interested in all aspects of the music business. Previous Entertainment industry experience and bachelors degree required. Candidates must be motivated, extremely detail oriented, have excellent communication and organizational skills and a desire to learn and grow in the business. This is a very demanding environment with excellent opportunities to work in Music, Film, Television, New Media and Entertainment Marketing. Proficiency with Microsoft Office software is mandatory. Experience with Photoshop is preferred.

Let www.4EntertainmentJobs.com help you land this job and many others!

Ali Fee PR seeks Fashion PR / Media Freelancer

2012-02-11T09:02:59Z

www.4EntertainmentJobs.com is assisting Ali Fee PR in seeking a Fashion PR/ Media Freelancer.

Job Description:

A boutique fashion PR firm representing high end contemporary brands is seeking an experienced PR/Media Freelancer. We are only accepting resumes from applicants who have existing relationships with fashion stylists, celebrity stylists, fashion editors, and fashion journalists.

Please do not apply if you do not have at least 2 years of PR experience.

Duties include:

- Devising and implementing PR strategies

- Writing press releases

- Pitching brands to editors and stylists

- Continuously nurturing existing relationships with editors and stylists

- Planning, managing and executing events

- Media monitoring

- Reporting activity to CEO on a weekly basis and to client on a monthly basis

In addition to existing relationships with key members of the media, the ideal candidate will be a creative thinker, exceptional writer, team player, deadline- and results-driven, and proactive.

Let www.4EntertainmentJobs.com help you land this job and many others!

Four Things Your Entertainment Resume Should Not Say About You.

2012-02-01T03:02:26Z

The good old-fashioned resume has been around for ages and is still the core tool for professional development (aka landing better and better jobs). However, people are still making the same basic mistakes (not just in entertainment but in all fields). So here’s a gem that was much-shared early in the year: “Four Things Your Entertainment Resume Should Not Say About You.” It is a great article from “Your Industry Insider” and should be read by anyone looking to break into the entertainment industry or advance their entertainment career.

“Four Things Your Entertainment Resume Should Not Say About You."

Even though it is not literally a person, your resume speaks. Loudly. It tells people everything they need to know about whether to consider hiring you. Say one of these four things and the answer is likely to be “no:”

“I am boring.” Longtime YII readers will recognize this oft-repeated refrain coming from me. It is the cardinal sin of resumes. No personality, no pizzazz. ZZZZZ…. “Next, please!”

“I am careless.” One type-o can be ignored. A bunch of them says something about the quality of your work. Not formatting your resume so it is pleasing to the eye is also a no-no. Put some TLC into this vital document, people!

“I don’t know where I’m going.” Regurgitating your entire career history without editing or shaping the document leaves it to the reader to interpret your career path. Don’t make the reader work that hard! If you want to be a Story Editor, write your resume so that it highlights the relevant jobs and relevant duties from those jobs you have had in the past that qualify you for the Story Editor position. Use the job description for the position you want to help you identify what to include from your career history.

“I don’t know when to stop talking.” Ten bullet points for each position or an over-long resume overall is also a no-no. And don’t think widening the margins all the way to the edges of the page makes it all better. Have the appropriate-length resume for your career length and edit, edit, edit.

In summary, especially in a competitive job market in an always-competitive field, you want to give yourself the best advantage on paper to get you the interview that will get you the job. The last thing you want is a recruiter or hiring executive looking at your resume and deciding to set it aside for later, not to mention dropping it into the “no” pile.

Make it compelling, carefully-crafted, directed, and as short as it can be while still properly promoting you for the position you seek. You want your resume to sing your praises, not stick its foot in its mouth.

John Lewis-Marketing Executive, Major Ad Agency

2012-01-17T02:01:54Z

In your own words, what is the role of a VETERAN professional in your field?

Like music, the past 10 years has remade marketing based on socialization of media and content distribution. Now - people can have direct conversations as they engage with brands/artists and define & customize the user experience.

Thus, brands must exude authenticity - and hold space for their customers in ways never thought possible. Amazon as one example. THe trojan horse was books - but vision married to strategy has put them on many playing fields.

Based on this, a good CMO or marketing person must hold a very strong vision, actively engage creativity with strategy and have some guts...real guts.

What is the main responsibility of someone in your role?

Futurist + Conversationalist

What is the typical path to attaining such a role?

Typically, ad agencies were always the “foot in the door” but now brands want new media experience, SEO, web analytics, and traditional ad agencies are still trying to catch up...although if you have both, even better. Now it seems the best way is to have an opinion and a blog [kidding, but not really...]

What inspired you to get into the media and entertainment industry?

To affect popular culture - because in the end, it's all about creating. Banksy said it best:

"The thing I hate the most about advertising is that it attracts all the bright, creative and ambitious young people, leaving us mainly with the slow and self-obsessed to become our artists."

What inspired you to pursue this area of the industry?

I like creating. I like selling. Marketing is the art of selling creativity.

I also took a class in college where we got to create our own product, brand, and then sell it on campus competing against other groups. From name and brand creation to revenue generation - the whole process was fueled by competition...it was like a drug to me. I just kept on going....

What was your “path” to your role?

NYC ad agencies - Nike - SF startup - Burton Snowboards - Santa Barbara footwear and apparel conglomerate - now creating my own projects. I agree with Steve Jobs - you can only trace it back, never forward.

What is the most important skill set one needs to excel in this role?

Visionary + diplomat + ass kicker.

What do you like the most?

Process. Like taking a black and white image on an old SLR camera. Every part of that process involves elements of technical and intuitive creativity.

Also...collaboration [as fuel]. I find energy in working with photographers, artists, designers, and people who just enjoy the art of process filtered through creativity.

Like the least?

Short term thinking that is applied to long term ideas.

I once worked for a CEO of a $300M+ company who would broker ANY deal to move more product. It was a disaster. A brand is more than ads and websites - it's your distribution strategy, your hold music, and the paper you print your letterhead on. Think it through long term.

What is the best thing someone could do to truly become educated, trained and to understand your industry?

Look at the brands you love and see how they inspire you or read a marketing book and see what THINKING moves you. Identify what feels authentic to you and see how the best companies do it. Also, look at the “glorious mistakes” - thats the best education. Remember the Newton? Starbucks selling music and books? Nike and child labor? Look at how brands fail and success immediately follows.

What is the best thing someone could do to get a foot in the door in your industry?

Find a person you can learn from - and watch what they do. It's pretty much that simple. Sometimes that person might be your age, or even much younger. It doesnt' matter - just be hungry to learn and the rest takes care of itself.

Any parting advice?

When you feel that thing that scares or challenges you, and you get nervous and maybe a bit sweaty....it's called growth. Do it over and over and over ... It's hard to push yourself into that zone, but you have to to really feel alive.

Steve Jobs ended the famous Stanford speech with "stay hungry, stay foolish." I think of that everyday.

Biz takes tentative steps amid big changes

2011-11-30T10:11:54Z

Understanding the ever changing landscape of the Entertainment Industry is critical for your search to landing that entertainment job. We recently found a great article written by Cynthia Littleton that outlines and explains the areas of notable activity that could set the stage for bigger changes to come for the entertainment industry. Understanding these changes could give you a leg up on your competition and set you apart in your entertainment job quest to finding your niche in the Entertainment Industry. The post is titled "Biz takes tentative steps amid big changes." We have included the post below:

For showbiz, 2011 has been a year of movement in fits and starts, rather than great leaps forward, as the industry grapples with a fast-changing, increasingly global business landscape.

There haven't been any transformative transactions on the scale of, say, Comcast-NBCUniversal (although that union was formally sealed in January) or Disney-Marvel. Time Warner's unsolicited $1.4 billion bid for Endemol marks the biggest bucks that any of the biz's major congloms have put on the table (at least publicly) for an acquisition.

Despite the lack of blockbuster developments, however, there have been areas of notable activity that could set the stage for bigger changes to come:

• Windows, windows, windows. In TV and film, the biz has been acting like a menopausal woman in a stuffy room who can't decide whether she wants the window opened wide, halfway or just a crack.

The tug of war between studios and exhibitors on the issue is emblematic of the struggle to balance the demands of various stakeholders in the theatrical business -- particularly the changing habits of younger moviegoers. Even more than Universal caving on its plan for an early "Tower Heist" premium VOD window, the bigger surprise has been the lackluster showing so far from the $30 PVOD window that Warner Bros., Fox and Universal carved out with DirecTV, amid much drama with exhibs and some high-profile creatives.

No one has released any numbers, but it's common knowledge that the studios have been disappointed with the results.

Is it a marketing problem? Is it the titles being offered? Only time and more market research will tell.

• The rise of Netflix. The netcaster has been part of virtually every conversation about the biz's future, but Hollywood still can't quite decide if Netflix is friend or foe.

Most in the biz seem to be leaning toward the friend side, though there has been unabashed schadenfreude as the company's high-flying stock has fallen from $300-plus to the $70-$80 range in recent weeks.

CBS and Warner Bros., the two majors that have been most conservative in making their TV skeins available online, embraced Netflix as the savior of the CW in reaching a path-breaking output deal for the net's programming. Netflix is also seen as filling a big financial hole for serialized and niche-appeal programs that will never fetch big bucks in the traditional cable/TV station syndie market (think "Mad Men").

But now that so many have hitched their wagons with Netflix, the company's fumbles with subscriber relations and its $400 million debt/stock offering last week have raised questions about whether it is in danger of becoming overextended.

n Film-financing follies. As Variety's Rachel Abrams has reported, the climate for film-financing deals has definitely improved during the past year, but the terms and the players are very different than they were before the economic meltdown. The big banks are tiptoeing back in for big studio projects, on a selective basis. And companies like Endgame Entertainment are helping to fill the void in the indie sector with its new P&A fund. A big question for indie players is whether it's possible to make real money on with a VOD release strategy. There's an optimistic feeling out there is that all it will take is one or two home runs (by indie standards) to juice this market.

• International channels finally get some attention. They're massive worldwide operations, yet the majors' international channel operations have for years been largely invisible in Hollywood. But that's changing as Fox, Sony and others have become more ambitious with programming for their clusters of studio-branded channels.

• Gently down the stream. The competition among music streaming services stepped up a notch this year as Pandora went public and Europe's Spotify moved into the U.S. market.

What's interesting is that all this activity has coincided with a period of consolidation among music publishing companies large and small.

'Prime' prospect for Peacock

No showbiz shingle has undergone more of a top-to-bottom transformation this year than the NBC broadcast net. As the sawdust flies on the rebuilding of its primetime lineup, here's hoping the Peacock can find the resources to hang in there with "Prime Suspect," its strongest new drama in years. Much praise has been showered on the writing and Maria Bello's performance, and not to be overlooked is the show's rock-solid supporting cast, anchored by the great Brian F. O'Byrne.

Grant Tinker has often told the story of how at a time when NBC was in bad shape, he and Brandon Tartikoff made the decision to renew "St. Elsewhere" after its low-rated first season because they knew it was a good show.

Let "Prime Suspect" be the "St. Elsewhere" for this generation.

What Is Your True Passion? Are You Clearly Pursuing It?

2011-10-26T09:10:52Z

Over the course of your lifetime, how many times do you think you have heard or will hear the comment, “life is too short?” It is a common expression that we often use ourselves, or offer to others, in an effort to overcome short term challenges, move forward from long term conflicts, or, in some cases, avoid facing the reality of trying and difficult situations. While the rationale and usage of the expression can range from very productive (some things are too insignificant and detrimental to distract you for too long) to very destructive (sometimes things don’t change unless you make the decision and take the action to make them change), the fact is that it continues to be a very compelling statement. Individual human life, in fact, is quantifiably and relatively “short” compared to the other natural forces and powers at play in the world around us.

On average, depending on gender, we have 78-82 years to experience life in the world that surrounds us. If you consider that you spend 40+ years of that life working in some career, professional or job capacity, then you realize that your life, in fact, will be greatly impacted by the career decision that you make. So, when you consider that 1 out of every 2 days that you spend alive on this Earth will be tied to your career, should that impact your decision on what you should be doing with that day?

Would you rather be inspired and motivated, or bored and unmotivated? Would you rather participate in the creation and evolution of something that you personally believe in and admire, or something that really doesn’t matter much to you? Would you rather “punch in and punch out,” starting the clock stare from your cubicle every Monday at 9:01AM, or would you rather come to work Monday morning with ideas and inspiration from your daily personal life over the weekend? We pose these questions not to state or ask the “obvious” but instead to set your mind on the proper path towards healthy career planning. Career planning begins with career path CHOICE. “Career happiness” is most highly correlated with “personal interest and happiness.”

Consider the professional figures that have become household names over the course of your lifetime. Was their success the result of a “9-to-5 job choice” or a “personal happiness choice” that manifested itself through their career? Was Ted Turner looking for an easy way to watch TV while at work when he created TBS? Was Walt Disney looking for a great part-time job when he created The Walt Disney Company and Disneyland? Was Steve Jobs looking for a great vacation package when he created Apple and Pixar? Was Bill Gates looking for great health benefits when he created Microsoft? Were the Beatles looking for a place to play a gig when they began to put music and lyrics to their thoughts and passions? The answer to all of these questions is obviously emphatically, “No!” All of these individuals were motivated to fulfill a PERSONAL interest and happiness, choosing a “career path” that was more a “personal path.” In making this decision, they were always working and playing, simultaneously.

Let’s visit with some of the great names in history and remember what they offered to each of us as far as career advice:

“It's kind of fun to do the impossible.”

- Walt Disney

“Nothing is work unless you'd rather be doing something else.”

- George Halas

“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.”

Bob Dylan

“Find a job you like and you add five days to every week.”

Jackson Brown, Jr.

“If it falls on your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, like Shakespeare wrote poetry, like Beethoven composed music; sweep streets so well that all the host of Heaven and Earth will have to pause and say, ‘Here lived a great sweeper, who swept his job well.’”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”

Albert Einstein

“Flaming enthusiasm, backed by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.”

Dale Carnegie

“Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas.”

Henry Ford

The entertainment and media industries have been highly glamorized, followed, analyzed, and pursued for as long as modern man can remember. Over the years, the most lasting impressions of human life have been the result of EITHER bearing personal witness to an extremely personal experience (marriage, birth) or the result of viewing a product, creation or telecast generated from the entertainment and media industries (Summer Blockbuster Movies, TV Shows, Super Bowls, 9/11, the US Hockey Team Gold Medal.) Media and entertainment have been as important to most human beings as their own individual daily life.

For this reason, these industries captivate, inspire, motivate, tease, and attract mass followings. Visions of being the first reporter on the scene of an historic event, the face of a major television broadcast, the lead actor or actress in a major motion picture, the most powerful deal agent in Hollywood, the glamorous face of a global brand, or the “lucky ones” walking the red carpet at major industry events, drive many people to these industries. While these motivating factors can be truly authentic and genuine, they can also be very intoxicating and distracting. In fact, you must remember, these industries exist because of the personal interest and passion, as well as the human drama, which drive each of the stories in these industries. From the most recognizable faces and famous names, down to the least known intern walking onto the “set” for her first day of work, these industries are driven first and foremost by personal STORY, PASSION and PURPOSE.

There are no shortcuts, no back doors, no “easy ways” to success. The path to success begins by clearly and genuinely finding your personal passion within these industries. The path continues by determining the path that is most clearly aligned with your interests and passions. The path concludes with you enjoying every working and non-working day of your life, because under this approach, your personal and professional life is nearly one in the same. While you might not end up as successful as Walt Disney or as wealthy as Steve Jobs or as famous as George Lucas, you will still end up motivated, inspired and happy. You might even end up impacting the world as we know it or will know it in the future. Find your passion!

Timing can be as important as time…

2011-09-23T12:09:37Z

September marks a particularly important month in the calendar year when it comes to ones job search or longer term career planning. The dog days of summer are quickly departing, vacation season is ending, school is back in session, and the next official holiday stands weeks away. There are no more excuses or diversions to distract us from the reality of our lives: fewer weddings, beach parties, holiday weekends, graduations, and vacations. We are, for all intents and purposes, back to the “grind” of life – family, friends, colleagues, career, job, academia, etc.

Historically, during this time of the year, many significant decisions begin to take form as individuals try to determine the next best steps in their career and life paths. Interestingly, many people think that this occurs mostly near the New Year, typically regarded as a time of personal, professional or spiritual rebirth. However, in fact, the initial seed planting, nurturing, consideration, and planning for year-end or New Year decisions surrounding career normally begin germination around the FALL, prior to the holiday season. The “decisions” then manifest themselves as “actions” nearer to the end of the year or New Year because there is a process that must unfold before the final action can come to fruition.

So, in the Media, Entertainment and New Media Industries, what and how can we take advantage of this phenomenon called “timing” right now? First, realize that whatever TIME you have put forth up until now has not been useless or without value. Any investment in time, energy or action will enhance the overall process down the line. Second, please be aware that the Industry has made very few, if any, major decisions or actions over the past few months. The activity of the past few months, from music tours this summer (planned months in advance) to summer blockbuster movies (produced a year or two earlier) to visible results to venture capital investments in new media companies (Groupon) are the result of work done months, if not years, earlier. You haven’t missed much come September.

Third, embrace the fact that the multi-media industry “energy” has begun to permeate as the summer fades away, beach houses close up, college students return to school, and artists return from sabbaticals. As a whole, this renewed “energy” within the entertainment community will create a NATURAL and shared boost towards job opportunity and career opportunity. Fourth, acknowledge the reality that the stock market, economy, and industry budget analysis have all “cleansed” the industry of the wasteful, inefficient and unproductive resources over the past quarter. Finally, with this renewed energy, efficiency, streamlined status, and refocus, understand that the major industry players and forces in are now back in decision-making mode. These decisions will lead to the new job opportunities, as well as career advancement opportunities, that our 4EntertainmentJobs.com members seek.

In closing, please recognize that past TIME has not been a waste of time. Past TIME spent putting research, work and energy into determining what you would like to do, how you are going to do it, and when you are going to act is critical. You now have positioned yourself to take advantage of TIMING and opportunity. Get organized, update your cover letters and resumes with new and relevant info tied to what has happened in the past few weeks (not years), clean up your social media presence (clean up your Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube), and put a deadline-specific plan in place. Re-connect with your personal professional network to uncover new developments and opportunities. Re-establish your commitment to establishing the foundation required for you to pursue your career goals and aspirations as much as working on your actual job. Time management is the key to this process and, if well managed, should provide you with plenty of opportunity to successfully progress on both ends.

The Most Important Part of Your Job Search Is? (4EntertainmentJobs.com)

2011-08-24T11:08:45Z

The most important thing you can do as part of your quest to land a job is sending thank you emails. Whenever someone goes out of their way, you should acknowledge them for it. There are probably hundreds of people, just as qualified, who want to land that same job as you. Differentiate yourself by sending a thank you note. The thank you email should go out within 24 hours of someone helping you out. If you wait longer than that time frame, the thank you email is useless. I can't tell you how many thank you emails I have received from members of 4EntertainmentJobs.com over the last 10 years. All of them are special to me and I keep them in their own folder that I visit often to remind myself that we are making a difference. Something just as simple as a Thank You will often go a very long way in landing you that dream job!

To your success,

Jason Armetta
President, Founder
www.4EntertainmentJobs.com