Lights, Camera, Business! Day One at the Hill Center's Workshop

             As a Writer Center member, I subscribe to the Hill Center’s newsletter.  On Wednesday I saw An Insider’s Guide to the Business of Media class.  Immediately I wanted to attend.  I emailed the staff about receiving a Writer Center discount.  The staff responded that it was independent of the Hill Center.  I paid the money because learning about the business was what was needed to get my TV pilot launched. 

            This is the best money I’ve ever spent thus far on a class!  As soon as the first seminar starts, I learn something new. This film workshop makes me proud to have an MBA, because I understand the bottom line. It’s amazing how creativity types don’t value LinkedIn. It’s only the go-to business networking site! I know that even MGM, Miramax and Warner Brothers have LinkedIn profiles. Remember, it’s a business. I’m glad the professional at our table drives home this point. ‘You want something working for you when you are asleep!’ He also stresses 1-page resumes because it shows your editing skills.  As a science/business type with a 2-pager, this is news to me.  I’ll get on that immediately!  Also joining TV professional organizations help expand your network enabling you to get jobs.  Furthermore, during the break, I meet with a lady who sits on an organizational board that interests me.  I’m unclear about which membership category I fit since I’m not in the industry.  When I mention professional, she concurs.  I get to save $20 off because I’ve attended today’s workshop.  That’s money in the bank!  This is proof positive that even with the plethora of Skype, online chats and instant messaging, face-to-face still dominates.  There’s no pretense.  You get the answer ASAP!

My business background has aided me during the afternoon session.  When attendees ask about how much creative control they have when pitching their show ideas, I wholeheartedly understand one of the executive’s responses that she has a budget and viewership metrics to meet.  I think that so many of the students and other participants are so busy creating, they aren’t quantifying.  Everything costs money.  Afterward, we exchange business cards and I head home knowing that I have so work to do because I want to feedback on my TV pilot show.  Better get it tomorrow during the pitch session. 

This first day has given me so many ideas and goals to set allowing me to build my resume.  The announcement has a resume workshop flummoxing me because I am in the industry.  Throughout this first day, I learn that I can volunteer and network to create one.  This motivates me to join the women’s professional organization and look to joining some more.  In addition, there are an abundance of project management jobs.  The fact that I have project management certification and writing experience, I know that I can get jobs in film.  Today and tomorrow I will evaluate my transferable skills to land me a film job. 

2011: Notes at the End of the Year

This has been a very crazy but productive 2011! Here’s what I have learned this year: • Change is the only constant • Regardless of income always have an emergency fund • Become more financially literate by knowing what’s in my retirement • I am more resilient than I give myself credit • Holding grudges are counterproductive for my health and happiness 2012 will be a very good year because I have finally realized what I am doing and am ready to take it to the next level. I will live my life to the fullest by becoming more creative. I will also resolve my living situation, remove any and all grudges and increase my productivity by earning my PMP and SAS certifications and start my own business.