Tips on Getting a Job in Hollywood by William Henderson ‘95

Prepare a weekly plan to include at least 3 networking events per week. This will help you mingle, socialize, discuss yourself and your talents to others in a similar situation. Networking is a "learned" talent, so practice will only help you get better at it. There are loads of networking opportunities to help you discover the entertainment world in Los Angeles. For example, there is a networking list that Jeffrey Gund puts out daily. Sign up by sending him an email to jeffgmusic@mindspring.com. Include your full name and email address, what area of the entertainment business you are interested in (i.e., writer, director, post production, actor, office job, etc.) and mention that you were referred by the California Alumni Association (please no resumes)."

Sign up for temporary agencies that focus on entertainment. The best one is the Friedman Agency and the contact person to use is Aaron. They require you to fax your resume before consideration, so call and get their fax details. Here are some other useful agencies:

Entertainment Temp Agencies
All Star Agency - 310.271.5217
Apple One Employment Services - 818.247.2991
Friedman Personnel Agency - 310.550.1002
London Personnel Agency - 818.243.8100
Our Gang Agency - 323.653.4381
The Right Connections - 310.657.3700

Check out the job sites and links that focus on entertainment. Start sending out your resume and sooner or later you are bound to get some bites.

Employment Links
Brad Marks International
The Broadcasters Training Program
Entertainment Recruiting Network
Film, Television and Commercial Employment Network
The Maslow Media Group - Washington, DC

Entertainment Directories
Hollywood Creative Directory
The Industry Labor Guide
LA 411
Paymaster
Motion Picture Association of America

Read books that will give you some insight into "breaking into the industry" and getting to know LA. They also have websites that you can check out. I contacted the authors that also were a good resource with questions. The authors all got back to me. These may include:

"Newcomer's Handbook for Los Angeles" by Joan Wai and Stacey Ravel
"Hollywood 101" by Fredrick Levy
"How to Make it in Hollywood" by Linda Buzzell

Get involved in the CAL Alumni Network in an area near you. In Los Angeles, the West LA Alumni Club can be found by emailing Robbie Forster, West LA Alumni Club President at r.forster@cal.berkeley.edu. In addition, if you are a Haas Alum or want to get involved in the Haas Alumni Network, there is a great alumni group that meets regularly and hosts a number of great networking events. You can contact Reuben Berman, LA Chapter President at rberman@realenergy.com or attend one of the upcoming events.


For more information on CAA's Career Services Program, please visit Career Services or call Melanie Summers, Director of Alumni Career Services at (510) 643-9502, or by email at career_services@alumni.berkeley.edu