How to Break Into the Entertainment Business

By Monda Webb (BLN)

Let's face it. There are many jobs that just aren't listed in the classified section of your local paper. Especially when it comes to jobs within the entertainment industry. Whether you aspire to work in front or behind the camera, how do you break in?

Many of us have heard it's not what you know but who you know, and that holds true in most professions, but it should not serve as a deterrent. If you're just getting started, the majority of your time will be spent on the phone. Initiating contact, sending the required materials and follow-up phone calls (of which you'll make plenty) is par for the course.

You'll also spend several hours with your nose in a trade publication. The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Billboard, Entertainment Weekly and Vibe are just a few publications that will keep you abreast of industry news as well as provide job listings. Most of these publications can be picked up at almost any bookstore.

Whether your interest lies in music, television or film, it can be helpful to read the credits. Get to know the major record labels, see who's producing what, call information and track them down. If that individual can't help, then maybe they know someone who can help you. You may not always receive a warm reception, but the key is persistence. Know the difference between being a pest and a determined individual.

According to Stacey Adams, an independent producer who is currently conducting a series of seminars about how to break into the entertainment business, getting started and staying on track are the first steps. In the first seminar, which she gave at Howard University in Washington, D.C. recently, Adams offered the "basics" to getting started in the entertainment business. Here are some of the suggestions she made:

Get out of your comfort zone.

Although Los Angeles is considered the entertainment capital of the world, New York, Atlanta, Florida, and Washington, D.C. are closely following. Even if you choose to stay where you are, stay true to your art. By taking classes, workshops, auditioning or doing whatever it takes to bone-up your skills, you increase your competitive edge; thus, your skills become more marketable. So, take the time to experience things that you would not ordinarily have thought about experiencing before - it may be the lift that you need to keep you going in the right direction!

Pay your dues.

Humility is an extremely important factor in the entertainment business. No matter what position you acquire, whether it's making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, running errands, or working 15 hour shifts, it's imperative that your job is done well. Being willing to do anything asked of you will quickly be noticed, and remembered. And always have a good attitude regardless of what you're asked to do - it will take you a long way!

Take advantage of your surroundings.

Take advantage of every opportunity that you can. Ask questions, seek out mentors, volunteer your time, learn the "ins and outs" of the entertainment business and how it relates to what you're trying to accomplish. Stay on top of things by keeping your knowledge base of information current and keeping in touch with people. Remember, those whom you meet today, may be the very resource that you will need later down the road.

Be creative.

Learn how to market yourself by discovering the power from "within." Ask yourself, "What makes me different or stand out from everyone else?" Search yourself and find those hidden talents. Then, package and sell your talents, by any means necessary! And remember, don't be afraid of rejection. That's a given. Use rejection as a motivator to try harder. Above all, believe in yourself! If you don't, who will?