Like Rapunzel in the ivory tower throwing down her long braid in hopes of a rescue, does your career feel like you need more than a prince on a white horse to help you out? Having a job these days has become more than a blessing given the alternative. But do you somehow feel that you are sacrificing more than you think? Feeling trapped in your situation even though you are collecting a paycheck is not any better than not having a job-you’re tangled by your circumstances no matter which side of the braid you are holding.

Cinesite, one of the world’s leading film visual effects houses, today announced that it has awarded places on its 2011 Inspire internship program to four exceptional candidates – Luke Armstrong, Ruairi Twohig, Eleanor Bond and Tom Flavelle.

Jeff Okun is not afraid to speak honestly about subjects the make some uncomfortable, nor take positions that might rub some people the wrong way. The bottom line is that everyone working in film and television today knows fundamental change is afoot in how shows are financed and produced and that the visual effects industry has taken a tremendous beating the last few years, especially in California. The question is what to do about it.

Sometimes you think you know how you come across to others but you don’t. You may think you rock in your presentation skills, or present a cool and calm presence or think you are a superstar when it comes to nailing a job interview. When was the last time you went on a job interview and what was the outcome? I thought so! If you’ve been pounding the pavement and think you are just doing fine networking your butt off then think again. If no one has offered you a job or even given you a second look, chances are you are not the picture perfect job candidate you may think you are.

Whether you are out of work, in between assignments or just taking a break from it all, you have the right to set the bar in terms of how you value your time and more importantly, your worth. Just because your friend calls and asks for some “free advice” doesn’t mean you should always put yourself in a position to discount your services. It’s good to help out a friend or former colleague or make referrals because you want to in turn help someone else land a job, but this does not mean you should give your services away for free.

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson helps us overcome the fear of asking.

Not sure if your career path was the one fate chose for you or you chose for yourself? If only there was a little book that lit up every time you made a wrong turn or career choice. Wouldn’t it be comforting to have a bunch of men in gray suits and fedoras running around trying to help you get back on track even though your heart or mind or whomever was pushing you in another direction. If you feel your career needs a visit from “The Adjustment Bureau” you are probably not alone.

You may be a high-ranking executive, or someone who is still working his or her way up the corporate ladder, or perhaps you are just trying to break into the business. Wherever your position on the career chain, you may now or in the future be in a position where you have to navigate the politics of your work environment. Knowing how to maneuver in a complicated system holds the same challenges whether you are a veteran or a newbie in the business.

Deciding whether to quit the job you have in search of a new one can be a daunting task when faced with the unknown. Do you leave the devil you know for what may appear to be greener pastures? Do you take the proverbial leap of faith in search of your dream job? What may appear to be an easy answer may actually put you between a rock and a hard place when it comes to making a choice and finally a move.

If you feel like a hopeful nominee, a reluctant runner up or a cocky winner, stand in line because your job search is a far cry from the glitz and glamour of The Oscars. You may feel like you have to dress the part or at least give good face to the crowds who are cheering you on. But, inside your stomach churns in tangled nervous knots and you wonder how you got here and whether being in the job spotlight is such a good thing.

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson has some great advice that's no April Fool's joke.

Remember when you felt secure and comfortable knowing that you were on the right career path, confident that the job you held was going to hold you long into retirement. Well, wake up now, that dream was a good one while it lasted.

Special Guests: Michael Markman / Sheila Sofian & David Fain The sounds of chewing, the sounds of music, the sounds of talking. Episode 22 of the Frenzer Foreman Animation Forum. Featuring: Joel, Alan, Sam Olschan, Computer, Guests, Alan's Cat, Beef Jerky, Sinatra, Elvis, Plucky Duck, Animated Documentaries, and Ricky Gervais. Enjoy.

It’s never too late to begin your job search BEFORE you graduate! You may be thinking I have MONTHS to decide where I’m going to work. Guess again. If you are only thinking about this now, you are actually very LATE FOR YOUR IMPORTANT JOB DATE! It’s not that we don’t love you but, you really do need to get in gear if you are thinking you are going to want to do more than hit the movies, video game stores or soak it up on the beach come May or June.

Let me count the ways. Am I my resume? Am I a brand? Am I desperately seeking someone to show me the way? If you are as confused by how you should define who and what you represent to the job world, get in line. Most people today don’t know whether they are defined by the accomplishments listed on their 3-page resume or the idea that they should somehow convince themselves they are a brand like any common household product! Knowing who you are is important of course, but knowing what you stand for when faced with your inevitable job search is essential.

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson reminds us that career paths are usually not linear journeys.

Vault.com, the source for employer rankings, ratings and reconnaissance, is once again helping undergraduate and graduate students get a jumpstart on their careers with its latest release of the Top 10 U.S. Internships as well as the Top 10 internship programs across a number of industries and categories, such as best perks and most unusual experiences.

Sometimes you find yourself in situations where the choices are limited and you have to do what you have to do to survive. But finding something you love in what you do, even if it’s not your primary choice, helps to guide you towards living a meaningful and fulfilling career no matter what your job title is. How you find your drive, passion, potential no matter what your job is today is key to living and finding your best career

Submit an original TV pilot to the New York Television Festival and you could win a guaranteed development deal from MTV, IFC, or FX!

 

The 2011 NYTVF Independent Pilot Competition:

The NYTVF accepts original television pilots from 4 to 22 minutes in length in all categories and genres, both scripted and unscripted, live-action and animated, traditional or digital formats.

 

Cash prizes and guaranteed development deals will be awarded to 2011 NYTVF Official Selections: 

IFC "Out of the Box" Comedy Award - Winner receives a $25,000 development deal from IFC.

MTV "Voice and Vision" Animation Awards - The awards will be presented to an outstanding comedic writer ("Voice") and animator ("Vision"). Each winner will receive a $5000 development deal from MTV.

FX & Apostle “There Is No Box" Comedy Award - Winner receives a $25,000 development deal from FX.

 

Important Dates:

February 15, 2011…………….Submission Period Begins

11:59 PM May 11, 2011…………….Early Submission Deadline

11:59 PM, Wednesday, June 15, 2011…………….Final Submission Deadline

11:59 PM, Thursday, June 30, 2011…………….Procrastinator Deadline

 

To enter and for additional information, visit: http://nytvf.com/2011_ipc.htm

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About the New York Television Festival:

The New York Television Festival was founded in 2005 as the industry’s first creative festival for television artists. The NYTVF works in partnership with networks, studios, brands and agencies to more effectively and efficiently deliver the best projects and showcase the most promising artists.

 

Held in New York City each fall, the NYTVF hosts events ranging from red-carpet premieres (NYTVF Primetime), focused discussions on digital development and distribution (NYTVF Digital Day), fan panels (NYTVF Development Day) and screenings of the best in independent content (Independent Pilot Screenings).  For additional information, visit www.NYTVF.com

Knowing that you will do what it takes to see it through to achieve your goal, whatever that may be, is the fighter instinct you need to develop in order to realize true success. Do you have true grit to see it through and find the job you were meant to do?