It's an industry that is virtually recession-proof, says Ron Tepper, author of How To Get Into the Entertainment Business (Wiley). Quoting the chairman of USA Networks, Inc., Barry Diller, he says, ' "Hollywood feels less pain because it peddles inexpensive serums for escape rather than big ticket discretionary items," adding, ' "There is no business like show business' and no industry that has higher unemployment or more opportunity."

To explore what it takes to break into some of the highest paying behind-the-scenes and behind-the-camera entertainment positions such as director, producer, promotion manager, website producer, talent coordinator or voice-over announcer, you need to know a few things.

First: Relationships are king. It's a connection business, built on friendships, explains choreographer and dance agent Tony Selznick. But, he adds, that doesn't mean you go around slapping people on the back.

"Learn how to talk on the telephone," says Bill Royce, writer, producer, talent coordinator and Emmy Award winner. "If people remember you from the telephone--that is, they remember your personality--you will get in the door."

Second: The entertainment business is different from the corporate world. Say, for example, you're working on a TV series. If the executive producer is fired because the network or money people are unhappy, there's a good chance the rest of the executives and creative people will go too, says Mr. Tepper. In other words, the fate of one executive depends upon the fate of another--unlike a corporation where a CEO can be fired without disturbing the CFO. "Downsizing and rightsizing have taken their toll in the corporate world, but they pale in comparison when you look at a show that debuts and is canceled after the first two episodes."

Third: You move up if you're committed, persistent, talented and you persevere. After your last gig ended, you'll go to another show or project only if you have shown talent, skill, creativity and an endless work ethic. And if you're good, the producer you worked with previously will likely bring you with him or her because loyalty has been built and a bond formed.

Fourth: There's no such thing as an overnight success. "Nearly every successful person in the business has gone through difficulties and if there is one thing they have all learned it is that there is nothing as predictable as the unpredictable nature of the business. Entertainment, like other enterprises, depends on sales."

Whether you're looking for your first job or want to make a career change, you also need to know that it's not an easy industry to break into, but everyone in it says it was possible and still is.

© by Andrea Kay