Set some Goals for the New Year!
Set some Goals for the New Year!
As we say so long to 2016, and get ready to dive into 2017, it’s time to take a moment to focus on your career and how you can take your professional development to the next level in 2017. The new year is the perfect time to outline and plan career-specific goals that will help guide your professional life throughout the coming year.
Whether you are a writer, an actor, a director, 1AD, Still photographer or PA, writing down goals and sticking to them will help you progress in whatever career track you are on.
Need some helping getting started? Don’t worry — VME is here to help! Here are a few simple resolutions to help you stay on track in 2017!
Learn a new skill. Every job in the film and entertainment industry is always intertwined with other job skills. Seasoned television editors study the works of great directors; a director needs to know what it is like to step into an audition room and feel the glaring eye of judgment as they walk into the room; and the first 1AD… well… the 1AD needs to know EVERYTHING. Now’s the perfect time to teach yourself a new skill, which will help you keep up-to-date in this ever-changing industry. Maybe you can take a basic editing class, or use that new camera to shoot a short film, or take an acting class to get better at your craft. Always look to learn and grow in the industry.
Make a plan. Where do you see your career in one, five or 10 years? What do you plan on accomplishing this year in your career? Maybe you want to direct your first short film, or finish you first feature script, or maybe your goal is to book your first co-star or guest role. Writing down your goals make them both real and tangible. By identifying your long-term and short term career goals - you can do to keep yourself aligned with your vision of where you want to be down the road.
Network. Some people would rather go through boot camp again, rather than walk into a room full of strangers and strike up a conversation. That being said, creating a network of professional connections is necessary in this industry. It is how you stay tapped into a pipeline of professional opportunities and industry resources. Make it a point to attend a couple of networking events in 2017. Whether it is a VFT event, Film Independent, or Meetups, get out there and expand your circle. PS: And while you’re there, at these wonderful networking events, please... PLEASE don’t by that guy/gal who hands out a headshot, or a script, or tries to elevator pitch to as many people as possible. Instead, identify a handful of people you’d like to talk to and focus on doing just that — talking and connecting. Grab a coffee, those are quick meetings that don’t cost a lot of money. The goal is to form a lasting connection with someone, and conversation is a critical step.
Find a mentor (or become one). A mentor is an incredibly valuable professional resource if you can find the right one. Not everyone will fit, and some professional mentors will not have time to sit down with you. Don’t get angry, don’t get upset, it will take months, even years to find someone who will put in the time, but once you find them, you will keep the benefits of a long lasting relationship that can be mutually beneficial for years. And if you’re more established in your profession, serving as a mentor to a younger/new VFT members is a wonderful way to give back and help someone else learn from the wisdom and experience you’ve acquired.
We know that 2017 will be an incredible year for veterans in the industry, and we look forward to seeing all that you accomplish this year!