hollywood Archives | Christopher Ming Blog

career

How to Build an Incredible Career: Lessons from Arnold Schwarzenegger

Last updated on September 9th, 2021 at 03:00 pm

Young[efn_note]Image is from Maggie (2015) a post-apocalyptic horror drama film Arnold stars in. It’s a dramatic turn for the action star. I love that he continues to push himself in his roles.[/efn_note] Arnold Schwarzenegger plastered his childhood bedroom with pictures of the greats: Steve Reeves, Bill Pearl, Jack Dellinger, Tommy Sansome, Paul Winter. All were influential in Arnold’s life, but none more so than the winner of Mr. Universe in 1974, Reg Park.[efn_note]Source for all things Arnold: Total Recall by Arnold Schwarzenegger – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009G3MSC0/[/efn_note]

Reg Park provided Arnold with the blueprint for his own career:

Become a world-class bodybuilder
Win Mr. Universe
Leverage that success into Hollywood

career

Finally Moved to LA – November 6, 2018

Last updated on November 3rd, 2021 at 07:57 am

This article is part of a series, where I offer individual and specific pieces of advice to people about moving to LA and getting started in entertainment via email, over coffees, and on phone calls. You can see the rest here.

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Subject: Finally Moved to LA

Nov 6, 2018

Hello Chris!

A lot has changed since we last spoke, but as it so happens one constant in my life has been the weekly connection. I finally took the leap and moved out to LA, to hopefully start a career in Film and TV. I did in fact read a lot of your Fighting Broke blogs and it helped me transition through a tough time after graduation.

That said, I do have a few questions for you. You talk a lot about offering your services for free, and impressing your boss.

career

To Learn, Start Small

Last updated on November 3rd, 2021 at 07:55 am

I used to work at a horror production company called After Dark Films. We churned out memorable films like Asylum (“A mess, from the moment the film starts, you can see it and feel it” – HorrorNews) and Getaway (2% on Rotten Tomatoes, and “…a reminder of the dangers in attempting to speed past coherent editing, character development, sensible dialogue, and an interesting plot.”)

hollywood

What Should I Do In College To Help Me Break Into the Entertainment Business?

Last updated on November 3rd, 2021 at 07:57 am

A reader emailed to ask me for advice on what they can do in college to give themselves the best shot at breaking into the entertainment business after graduating. Here’s the email:

hollywood

How Hollywood Can Save Itself

Last updated on November 3rd, 2021 at 03:35 am

Olivia de Havilland was 19-years-old when she started her acting career. Eight years later, she killed the Golden Age of Hollywood and changed the business of entertainment forever.

career

27 Rules of Hollywood Networking

Last updated on November 3rd, 2021 at 07:43 am

One of my favorite Hollywood behind-the-scenes blogger, Doug Richardson, shared a story about a dad who wanted to break into entertainment:

career

Should You Be a Showrunner’s Assistant or a Writer’s Assistant?

Last updated on November 3rd, 2021 at 07:43 am

During one of my first sit-downs with Dennis, we discussed potentially what my career trajectory would look like, and how this job role would change depending on:

career

How to Land Your First Hollywood Job

Last updated on December 23rd, 2019 at 10:09 am

Reader Kevin B. wrote:

I have had a few internships, but no long term employment other than waiting tables. I’m currently looking for my first job as an assistant, but everywhere I look (entertainmentcareers, UTA, etc.) is asking for at least a year of experience if not more. How do I get experience if even the most entry level positions require it?

career

How to Turn Your Hollywood Internship into a Job

Last updated on November 3rd, 2021 at 07:43 am

You’ve fine-tuned your resume and honed your cover letter.

You’re blasting out to every posting on EntertainmentCareers and the UTA Job list.

But after you land your first internship, are you making the most of it?

hollywood

Why Movie Directors Are Starting to Direct Television

Last updated on November 2nd, 2021 at 05:17 pm

Separate but not equal.

Such has been the case for television and film in Hollywood, with film typically seen as “superior.” Like the cootie-ridden child on the playground, television has repelled feature directors for decades.