A career in the arts and entertainment industry is one that's definitely full of variety. Whether you want to be an a-list movie star, someone who makes props, or someone who drives a truck to haul those props, there's a job available for just about anyone in this field. For some of these jobs, you don't necessarily need talent - formal training will suffice. But for the other fields, you'll need inherent talent that no amount of formal training will cover. People that have a natural affinity for performing will likely gravitate towards this career early on, while others may be attracted to the industry because they want a part of the spotlight too. Even if you're not on stage or on the screen, it can be just as rewarding knowing that you were a part of the production.
As far as education goes, there's really not a single area to point to. You won't find a degree in "entertainment." Instead, you'll need to focus on what part of the entertainment field you're interested in. If you want to be a performer, you'll need speaking and acting classes. If you're interested in being on the other side of the camera, you'll need technical film classes. It seems like almost any individual job in this industry has their own specific track.
Another thing to keep in mind is that work in this industry is often project based, requiring excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines. You'll also need good interpersonal skills, as a career in this field has you dealing with other people daily - often in stressful situations.
It sounds cliché, but one of the most important parts of a job in the entertainment industry is who you know rather that what you know. Finding someone to help you navigate things as you're starting up is crucial. Making connections and networking early on can lead to projects down the road as people remember you.
Working in the entertainment industry is one of those fields where you'll have to put in your time working on smaller projects as you make your way up. Rarely do you see someone that's successful in this field that doesn't have years of hard work and experience that brought them to that point.
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