How to Transition to a New Hollywood Career

With 2021 coming to a close and the holidays about to begin, a lot of us are reflecting on the past 12 months - what we accomplished, what we learned, and what we want to change in the year ahead. Which is why I can’t think of a better time to talk about career transitions.

Whether you’re considering transitioning into entertainment from a different profession or want to reinvent yourself by crossing over into a new part of the business, many of the principles are the same and there’s no time like the present to dive in.

Here are 6 tips to help you transition into your dream Hollywood career:

1. Bring something to the table

Every time I’m asked how to get into Hollywood from another profession I always say, “Bring something to the table!” What proven, transferrable skill or talent do you already have that a show business employer or buyer needs? For example, I know a lawyer who had impressive sales skills. He decided to leave law and get a job in the WME mailroom. It took him three years of hard work and hustle but eventually the higher ups recognized his outstanding sales skills and he become an agent who went on to own his own management company. Figure out what you bring to the table and then adjust your resume accordingly (put any skills and relevant experience that translates to your new career path up at the top in a “highlights” section).

2. Hollywood can’t hire you if they don’t know you exist

Once you’ve identified your unique marketable skill, find a way to get it in front of people. If you are transitioning to acting or writing make a short film and get it into festivals, if you want to be a publicist offer to do some free PR for an up-and-coming actor or volunteer as a coordinator for a local film festival. Whatever your Hollywood dream is, find ways to showcase your talent and ability for it.

3. You can start in your own backyard

In the long run, Los Angeles (or for some jobs, New York) is the places to be if you’re serious about pursuing a Hollywood career. But post-pandemic a lot of meetings, deals, and auditions are still happening online. If there was ever a time to try a career transition without actually moving to California, this is it. So, consider the opportunities in your own backyard. Places like Atlanta and New Orleans have their own entertainment hub. Almost every medium-sized metropolitan city has a local news station, local commercials, and public relations jobs that you can apply for. If you build up accomplishments in a local market you can use it as a calling card when you’re ready to make the move to a bigger arena.

4. It’s all who you know

It’s an undeniable fact that people like working with someone they know. Which means the longer your list of contacts is, the better chance you have of getting hired. If you’re coming from another industry this might sound daunting, but take a moment to rack your brain - you might have a Hollywood connection that doesn’t seem obvious at first. Six degrees of separation. I know it can seem far-fetched, but I’ve seen it happen a lot. Maybe your sister-in-law’s old roommate is in sound editing and her brother is an agent - if you ask nicely (and have a blazing hot script) maybe she can get your script into his weekend reading pile. If you truly have no industry connections, don’t be discouraged, it just means it’s time to make some. Read my post on, How to Network Painlessly Even if You’re An Introvert. 

5. Patience is golden

Whether you’re transitioning within the industry from editor to director or writer, or you’re making an even bigger leap, like Ken Jeung did, from practicing medicine to becoming an actor, it can take a lot of time and a lot of patience - especially if you have to work a day job or are trying to juggle family obligations while trying to make the jump. Hustle hard, but be kind to yourself, breaking into this industry can be challenging. Which brings me to —

6. Make sure you’re transitioning for the right reasons

Before you decide to quit your current profession make sure you want to get into “Show Business” for the right reasons. The odds of succeeding in the entertainment industry can be similar to winning the lottery. Except with the lottery all you have to do is spend 5 minutes buying a ticket, not ten hours a day honing your craft or knocking on doors trying to persuade decision makers to give you a shot. Be prepared to make less money (and sometimes no money) when you’re starting out, work long hours, face a lot of rejection, and get your ego bruised more than a few times. It can be hard, but if you truly have a passion for this business, in the long run it’s worth it. People break into this business every day… why not you?

Did you transition to Hollywood from another career? What are your best tips and tricks? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!