The Little Careers Book

࢚࢚ Employers look for people who are passionate and committed to the industry; there are many ways to show this, but show it you must. ࢚࢚ The majority of craftsmen, producers and technicians are very happy working literally behind the scenes and their personalities reflect this. ࢚࢚ You’ve got to be determined and resilient, and you can’t give up at the first sign of difficulty. ࢚࢚ A thick skin and a sense of humour help. ࢚࢚ Problem solving is central to the industry, both being a “strategist” and “doer”. ࢚࢚ In journalism, you need to be inquisitive, patient, creative, and quick-thinking. ࢚࢚ It helps to be engaging, modest, and polite. TRUTHS XX You’ve got to be pushy, outgoing, creative and flashy. MYTHS ࢚࢚ You’ve got to love the business to live with its inherent frustrations. ࢚࢚ Be prepared to start at the bottom, and go above and beyond to prove yourself. ࢚࢚ Learning the ropes from the ground up is a good way to establish credibility; the best producers and directors have often come from the production assistant or researcher route. ࢚࢚ You have to be prepared to work for low wages…at least for a while. ࢚࢚ You may need some help from family and friends at the start, because you’re not likely to earn enough to fully support yourself. ࢚࢚ There is often not much job security; most jobs are contracts of various lengths. Don’t be put off by this. ࢚࢚ You can work for yourself and make decent money, but it can be risky. ࢚࢚ You must be prepared for an uncertain financial future, but the offset is a life of creative possibilities and rewards. ࢚࢚ It’s not all glamour. A lot of work is done in draughty sheds against tight deadlines and with limited budgets. ࢚࢚ So much happens during the evening and at weekends; be prepared to give up much of your social life. ࢚࢚ Journalism requires long hours and is not very well paid, but after the first few years, it can offer flexibility and a good work-life balance. TRUTHS XX The industry is all showbiz – talk-talk-talk, parties, travel, money. XX Being in the entertainment industry gives you a stream of endless freebies, invitations to glam events and chances to rub shoulders with the rich and famous. MYTHS REWARDS AND SACRIFICES PERSONALITY TRAITS