This post is in paid partnership with LSEO.
You have the talent, passion, and drive, but you don’t have the experience. The good news is that while experience is helpful, it’s not critical for becoming successful. There are many things you can do to prepare yourself for a career in the industry, whether you want to act, sing, make films, or do anything else.
While only a small percentage of people become famous, many find work in the industry, with the latest figures as of January 2021 showing that around 257,000 were employed in the U.S. motion picture and sound recording industry alone.
While it will take some effort, by following these tips, you might just land that entertainment job despite a lack of experience.
Embark on Personal Projects
To build experience and learn what you like and don’t like doing, embark on some personal projects. Depending on the career path you’re interested in, you might write your own song and make a music video, uploading and sharing it on YouTube. Videos that showcase your skills and personality give viewers a special backstage pass that helps increase your fan base and can get you noticed. Or, if filmmaking is what you’re after, create your own short film.
Intern
One of the easiest ways to get industry experience is to offer to work as an intern for free. If you can afford to go without a paycheck for a short period or find work part-time outside of the internship, it can be a great opportunity to network and get hands-on experience. If you’re located in an area where television shows or movies shoot, walk up to someone on the set and ask if they know about any opportunities for volunteers. From the makeup department to the camera department, most find themselves short-handed and are likely to be happy for the help. If you don’t live near any of the major entertainment cities, contacting your local film commission can help you learn about any TV shows or films being produced in your area.
Make Connections
Remember that it’s all about who you know. While interning is a great way to meet people in the industry, there are also conferences and other events, particularly in hubs like Los Angeles and New York, where you can meet people who are doing what you want to do. It can take you far when it comes to landing an entry-level job.
Put Yourself Out There
Many people, including industry leaders, have booked talent without going through a talent agent, using an app to find what they’re looking for instead. That means you’ll want to put yourself out there so that talent buyers can find you, whether it’s for a small gig in your hometown or a big event in another city. It’s a great way to improve your odds of getting discovered and increase your fan base at the same time. It’s possible to find work not only as a musician, singer, or actor but as a comedian, dancer, impersonator, musician, and more. There have been lots of performers, including those with little or no experience, who found it was impossible to get paid on a regular basis doing what they love, but everything changed after putting up a profile that showcases what they do best on a talent app.
Of course, you’ll want to put yourself out there in every way possible, which means having a website and social media accounts are a must, too.
