5 Entertainment Industry Secrets No One Talks About
Number 1 - It’s ONLY about who you know.
I entered the industry a deer in headlights in September 2012. NO ONE in my family or friendship group had ever worked in media, they were all just consumers.
Almost 12 years later having worked for THE BIGGEST in my field (BBC, Global Radio, Bauer) I can honestly say having to build a network from 0 isn’t for everyone. Luckily I get described as a social butterfly so meeting new people - it plays into my presenting, is something I thrive off. But you may not be like that! And having seen all I have, if you asked me to do that now it would be a strong NO. Going to events solo, cycling across London because I couldn’t afford the bus, spending my bartending tips on trying to make my own content with the little resources I had. IT WAS A LOT!
And then I look at some of my graduates who I taught at the Global Academy - I wish I had it when I was their age! And they go from college to career - just like that. Their privilege was attending that school, others around you will be a family member or someone they’re dating.
Now even though not knowing anyone hasn’t held me back from doing what I love, it has definitely taken longer AND staying true to my values have massively slowed things down.
You can become a caricature, sleep with the right person, fall into the right circle, there are so many ways to get ahead quicker because I will tell you this - YOUR NETWORK IS YOUR NET WORTH. I know that because I have 12 years worth of Network that I built solo! So when I send that message, email, DM it gets read and they reply.
Not to sound cocky, it’s not easy, it’s exhausting! Looking back should I have just slept with the right person, probably! But I am also so competitive that it gives me such pride to know I’ve got here with no leg ups.
That being said it is absolutely crucial to have a core circle around you of meters, colleagues and people with similar passions, to pick you up when things go left.
SO If you don’t know someone in the industry and you suffer with social anxiety or shyness, go to acting classes, get a coach, shake that shit off because - who you know will provide you that next opportunity.
Number 2 - Sucking up WORKS, everyone has an ego.
Before I get into this next secret - If you want the real real, I treat everyone the same. From the receptionist to the security to the bartender to the CEO because I've worked in this industry long enough to know we're all just naturally flawed humans.
Another reason things were slower for me is that I don't suck up to people. In fact I've gained my respect the opposite way by being known to speak out at injustices and not be a yes woman. It doesn't go down well with everyone though.
But I tell you something that works with EVERYONE, massaging their ego. You have to do this very tactfully. Also you have to know when is the best time to use this skill.
Because the moment someone assumes your being fake it's game over.
You need to realise you are in a creative industry. So there are so many characters to navigate.
That's also why even the most confident seeming person in the room will respond well to you massaging their ego.
The industry can be so critical so using the right compliment, recommendation or praise at the right time can elevate you in that persons eyes.
Also remember that the industry is so fickle so you may not even have the opportunity to be in the room with that person again.
And I know your ego will tell you to not suck up but trust me EVERYONE does it at some point so don't feel no shame!
ST
Xxx
Number 3 - You won’t earn ANYTHING!
Working in the entertainment industry seems so glamorous, right now I'm literally on my way to a Spotify screening as I'm writing this.
Gifted Beyonce tickets, Festival backstage access, unlimited music and merch. Plus all the alcohol infused socials.
And from the outside looking in you're living your best life. But the reality is or was for me, that in the early days of my career. I was cycling up and down London, because it was free, to be able to attend these events.
Whenever I talk to junior creatives and even established ones, their constant complaint is the lack of finances and working a 9-5 to fund their creative work.
The majority are either volunteers, invest in their own content OR get by on expenses. Which ain't easy let me tell you!
The other part is if you're living in a major city like London, where entertainment thrives. The moment you leave your house, you're going to end up spending.
Then the other dilemma is, even once you've done all the volunteering and built your portfolio and experiences, the lack of transparency around paid positions is ridiculous. And there are such large margins on what's acceptable for each role.
Imagine I knew two presenters who worked on the same show together and one was getting three times more than the other per show. Even in production, different production companies agree to different day rates for Producers. So, it all depends on where you work. Imagine you and your colleague are working on the exact same content, in the exact same role/title, but there’s still a chance you could be earning less than them.
But I feel like the perks and freebies, will hold you in a position longer than you need to be. I mean who doesn’t want access, gifts or network connections.
Which is why I’m going to share the best financial advice I got from my early Mentor Tola - “If in 2 years you are not able to negotiate a promotion, or a pay rise, then keep it moving!”
Honestly, that one statement has served me so well. Not only has it allowed me to create a wider range of work experiences for established organisations, it also has allowed me from role to role to wither develop in skill set or salary.
So please don't get sucked in by the Razzle Dazzle of entertainment. Focus on development and soaking up all of the opportunities and experiences in your current role until you're ready to level up, to that next pay grade/position.
And if within your first two years of your career, you can consistently support yourself financially from your creative work, without a 9-5, just know you're a unicorn!
ST
Xx