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How To:

So you want to get into the industry huh?
       Why� to get rich? Maybe you want to become famous, showcase your talent or to help others showcase theirs? There are several reasons why a person wants to get into the industry, mainly because of the benefits. The benefits of being in the business can be remarkable and life changing,
but it can also be stressful, highly competitive, and even life threatening (not typical). So if you truly decide to become a member, you may want to consider the pros and cons� I can make a lot of money, but am I willing to spend 16 hours in a studio or on the production set of a movie? Hey, people listen to me on the radio while driving to work or when do I get a break because I�ve been promoting my debut CD, six days a week for the past seven months?
       Its understandable why anyone would want to join the ranks of this exclusive world (and it is a different world). But some of the most important questions you need to ask yourself is� can I handle it, do I know how to follow directions, am I ready for it, can I be led, can I be a leader, do I have the time, can I be dedicated? All of these questions are essential to becoming a member of the industry. Furthermore, these are questions you really need to spend a great amount of time thinking about.

The Business
       The industry is a vast one. There are many fields one can choose from and those fields can be broken into sub-categories, which lead to even more fields to choose from. Most of the categories in the industry include, actors (male and female), bodyguards (yes bodyguards), dancers (professional), entertainers (clowns, magicians, karaoke DJ�s, etc.), lyricists (rappers), managers, models, musicians (instrument players), singers (backup and lead), songwriters, talent scouts, and those with unusual talents. There are other fields like entertainment writers (like me), radio disc jockeys, and those who are in television. I will cover those later.
       As you can see, there are many avenues one can take. The avenue you may endeavor, could lead you to the field you�ve always desired. Or the avenue you may take could lead you to a role that allows you the versatility to partake in more than one field. So, two of the first things you need to determine is can you answer yes to all of the questions above and what avenue do you want to pursue. Keep in mind the questions I�ve asked are not the only things you need to think about. Harder decisions will be required of you as you advance in your chosen field. My questions are a mere start. Okay, time for an overview of some of the fields you have to choose from.

Acting/modeling/dancers-
       This field is highly competitive and can be very frustrating especially if you get the go-see but not the part/role. A go-see is when an agency sends you to see a client who is interested in you for a role. At the go-see you will audition for the client and they usually decide in a matter of hours or days, depending on the role and the amount of people they are auditioning, if they want you or not. Sometimes they call you back for a second audition, in which they want a second look at your abilities or the producer, director or, photographer of the project wants to see you in person. Sometimes the audition is video taped or audio recorded, depending on the role (it could be for a voice over�a voice over is when you the actor is asked to provide dialogue for a television commercial, without your face being seen or for a radio ad). In general, when you become an actor, model, or dancer, you will have an agency represent you. The agency will send you on go-see�s and acting auditions as their clients request you. It doesn�t cost any money up front to have an agent, their fee is deducted when you have a booking (a booking is when you actually get the role, part, or shoot) and your check from the client is sent to the agency repre- senting you. Generally, the agencies fee will not go higher than 15% of the total amount you were paid for the booking and the fee comes off the top of the check. In other words, the check from the client is sent directly to the agency and the agency deducts their fee and then cuts you a check for the remaining amount.

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