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When we’re young and idealistic, we consider only the cream (or the cherries) in the world of entertainment industry jobs—and, if we feel entertainment is our calling, aim for acting, directing, or maybe writing.
But obviously, there are thousands of other equally important (if not imperative) positions…from the grips to the CGI assistants to the editors, of both the writing and the film. And this is just the movie industry. Think about the all exciting reality show, American Idol. For just singers alone, how many different styles and types of entertainment industry jobs exist? There are the cruise ship singers, the piano lounge singers, the so-accused Chippendale and Karaoke performers, etc. etc. In other words, not every one is a rock star or a pop icon. And again, that reference is to just one show, one niche in the industry, one genre (in general, pop), one example…of millions possible.
Television alone. There’s film. There’s music. Then, think about the entertainment industry jobs in subordinate yet collaborative niches: for instance, what, besides American Idol and other hot shows, is one of the biggest selling events on Television? Football! Cheerleaders. Announcers.
This makes us think of newscasters, maybe, camera men, then special effects professionals. Jot your own associations list. While you are doing that—and reaching as far out, up, or down as you can, remembering the execs, the emcees, the paper-pushers, the makeup artists, the go-cart mechanics and caterers, etc.—I will round up a couple of sources for entertainment industry jobs:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics features entertainment industry jobs, and discusses and describes the job “duties, the trends, the requirements, and much more for thousands of jobs. (Their site, bls.gov, reminds me of other entertainment industry jobs, like amusement park attendants and entertainers, hotel work, museum work, etc. etc.!)
Also check entertainment industry jobs boards. Many have a database of articles and information to help you define, determine, and decide. Some cost a few dollars; others offer a free trial period.
And check the unions…the union websites like screenwriters’ guilds, and all. You will find that huge or tiny but imperative position!
As I write this, Taylor, one of the final three, is ripping out a brilliant rendition of the Doobie Brothers’ “Takin’ it to the Streets.” He sounds like Michael McDonald. He also brings lounge performing to a new level, defying the criticism and stigma that his former entertainment style elicited. He is so multi-talented, as far as performing and vocals go, that he should have no trouble winning this competition. If, for some dubious demographic reason, he doesn’t get the gold mike, he can go into any number of entertainment industry jobs—acting, club-singing, recording—though I HOPE HE WINS! |
