Is There Room for YOU in the Industry?

I have worked in the industry for nearly 20 years and every week I meet emerging and established artists.  Singers, songwriters,  producers, directors, filmmakers, actors, models, graphic designers, animators – you get the picture.  Everyone has a website, a business card, a demo, videos posted on YouTube, Vimeo, songs selling on iTunes, registered with this agency, that agency – you get the picture.

Whether you’re making a power move as an established artist or are new to the game, you see artists staking their claim to every stage, spotlight and red carpet and ask “Is there REALLY room for me?”  Between the Screen Actors Guild, AFTRA,the Grammy’s, the students graduating in May/June and every garage band practicing right now, what is it that sets you apart from the millions of others already working in the industry and those emerging every day? Your talent, your dedication, your “it” factor, your love of the game, the business, the driving forces that make you get up to hone your craft at odd hours of the day and night – your body of work?

The good news is that our industry has a revolving door.  Players in.  Players in.  Projects in.  Projects out.  The hot executive/artist today just might be the “what’s his name?” executive/artist tomorrow.  Same thing with athletes, artists, you and me.  Don’t believe me? Look at all the non-talented folk ripping up the airwaves right now.  How did they get there?  Easy. The door was opened and they stepped right in. That’s why EPP believes that there is ALWAYS room for you and and everyone else to work in this business we all love. There are so many doors to knock on, places to work, places to land. Whether you’re moving up or breaking in, keep reminding yourself that there is ALWAYS room for you in the industry!!! Always. The credits scrolling after every tv show and movie prove it.  One more name on that power list won’t hurt at all.  Same thing with CD liner notes, industry party guest lists, film festivals – you get the picture.

Dackeyia Q. Sterling is CEO/Publisher of the Entertainment Power Players® Directory Series. She is a former Hollywood literary agent who specializes in entertainment career development, strategy and acceleration. She got her start in the industry as an intern at National Public Radio in Washington, D.C.  She can be reached at CEO@EntertainmentPower.com.