THE SHOW'S OVER: NOW WHAT?
By Shannon Muir
First
published at this site; reprinted on Digital Media FX
***
They've broken
the news. The show's not meeting its
target demographic. The merchandise
isn't selling. Or the company hasn't
decided to renew for additional episodes. Whatever the reason, the outcome's the same. The show you've worked on for months, maybe years, has reached
the end of its run.
So where do you
go from here?
Depending on how
and when the news comes down, you may have days, weeks, or months to spring
into action. First off, make sure your
resume is up-to-date and error-free. Competition's tight and you don't want bad appearance bringing you
down. Secondly, don't fear picking up
the phone or talking to your co-workers and finding out what shows they know
about.
Recently, I came
to know this firsthand.
In September of
2001, I came onboard Invader Zim at Nickelodeon as a Production
Coordinator. In January 2002, our order
was cut back and I was given three weeks left to work. Some people, because of the stage the
production was at, were given more and others less because their roles on the
show (on the new timetable) were coming to an end. I've built up a fair amount of contacts over the past five years,
but what amazed me most was talking to people, hearing people talk to other
people, and realizing how many people in the industry I don't yet know. People do cross paths over and over, but
don't fool yourself into thinking you know everyone.
I've emphasized
it before and will again -- network, network, network. It's times like this that are the reason
why. Also, if you know of openings on a
show that aren't right for you but are for others, share the news. People do remember that and may do the same
for you in the future.
If your savings
or severance is adequate enough, definitely take a break. Getting away to reassess and let it all out,
if need be, can be very healthy. Admittedly, though, this is a luxury and one I myself have not really
had. I went months without work, but I
actively pounded the pavement at every step.
Sometimes you
have to take an entertainment industry job that isn't animation because that's
what's available. Depending on your
career stage, this isn't necessarily a step backwards. For someone who's spent years being in timing,
or worked his or her way up the producer ranks, it might be more problematic. Personally, I had a four year gap between
one animated series and the next. Though largely I made that choice in order to go to school, many of the
things I learned still apply. In those
years, I worked as an Administrative Assistant for a store that specializes for
writers and filmmakers, as well as at Michael Ovitz's now-folded Artists
Television Group (a live-action production company). Things I learned seeing the industry from different points of
view I can apply to understanding how animation companies work. So if the animation work isn't there, don't
fear spending time in marketing, public relations, live-action production or
any other area if they'll take you.
I've also had my
share of non-industry jobs. After I
left Sony, I did temporary employment for that next year. This exposed me to many types of business,
and if nothing else helped me earn money while building up my appreciation for
knowing animation was where I wanted to be. It's also great as a writer to be able to learn about industries I
otherwise wouldn't have been exposed to.
If either of the
above scenarios happen, keep in touch with your animation contacts. You never know when opportunity will
come. Sometimes, though, it does take a
bit of patience.
The ending of Invader
Zim made me realize that all of my articles prior to this, while accurate,
may have presented the industry with rose-colored glasses. Don't be fooled, it's harsh and ugly and you
never know what may happen. That said,
if it's in your blood, don't ignore the call. I can tell you by experience that if you're prepared to roll with the
punches, the rewards are well worth it. I felt happier with my four months at Invader Zim than I've been
in the four years I was out of the industry.
NO ARTICLE MAY BE SUBSEQUENTLY REPRINTED
WITHOUT EMAILING SHAN@DUELINGMODEMS.COM FOR PERMISSION. Thank you.
All content copyright 2001 - 2011 Shannon Muir. All rights reserved.