Promises and Pitfalls

Now that you’ve proven that you have the talent, the moxie and the passion to pursue your dream, it isn’t as easy as just jumping on the bus and going on tour. I for one certainly wish it were. However, as I pointed out in a previous post, a key element in the equation is to seek representation. Yet, beware the promises and pitfalls that come along with not only choosing representation, but also that exist within the entertainment industry as a whole.

There are a lot of things no one ever tells you about making it in the industry. Following your dream and not giving up is a great place to start, but there are many entities out there that may or may not have your best interests at heart. The fact is that there are many who are only in it for their benefit and are willing to sacrifice your future for their short-term gain. The worst place to start your dream journey is by being naive, uninformed and ultimately exploited.  

Peter M. Thall is an attorney in entertainment law in New York City and has been in the game long enough and has seen the good, bad and the ugly. He offers aspiring artists, as well as seasoned professionals in the industry, insight into the inner workings of the business in his book entitled, What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business. Thall’s book contains these topics and much more.

• Is one person's money another person's motivation
• What a personal manager should and should not be expected to do managing your money
• How 25% can equal 100%
• Radio promotion
• Touring concerns
• Merchandising
• When your publisher forgets you
• Copyright issues

The bottom line is that before you sign on the dotted line and jump in head first, make sure you read the fine print, do your research and surround yourself with those you trust to guide you along the way. The decision to pursue your dream is as big or bigger than any you will ever make in your life. Approach it as such, while understanding that even those who have your best interests at heart may not always be able to work miracles. It is a difficult industry for even the most talented individuals and those who represent them. Yet, being prepared and understanding some of the pitfalls that you can expect along the way will put you in a position to lay claim to your future and find success in pursuing your dream.

Pursuing The Dream – Don’t Ever Give Up

For those who dream of one day seeing their name in lights, it can be a daunting uphill battle to realize that dream. Whether you are an actor, musician, artist or author, the challenges of becoming a success in the entertainment industry are vast. That is why the most important part of pursuing your dream is a true love and passion for what you do. It is this love and passion that will be the fuel that keeps you in the game when obstacles are thrown your way. JD Charisma is one rising star who believes that following your dream with “heart and passion” can make the difference.

Today, like never before, we are able to witness the glory in realizing your dream and the overwhelming sadness of defeat. Reality TV talent shows such as XFactor, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, America’s Got Talent and others have taken over primetime television. Many, if not all of these shows, not only give us a front row seat, but also put us in a position to determine whether a dream comes true or is shattered. For many of the ambitious, the chance to audition alone can be the thrill they are after, but for others, anything short of performing for the crowd and seeing their name in lights is falling short of their dream.

There are numerous reasons why it is so important to follow your dreams. “There is a reason why as kids we loved magic and dreams. Stop chasing your dreams and you will forget how it feels to live hopeful and young (Addicted2success.com).” One hopeful individual who believes in following her dreams is Rachel Potter, who wowed the judges in her initial audition and is rumored to be one of the sixteen finalists on this year’s XFactor. She has already given us a glimpse of her intention to follow her dream.

At the end of the day, pursuing your dream can and should become somewhat all consuming. There is nothing wrong with working hard to pay the bills while pursuing your dream or even finding a new calling along the way. Yes, I know that in the hardest of times, when it seems like you may have failed or the obstacles are too great, it can be very hard to stay the course and believe. However, I don’t believe that anyone has ever said it better than coach Jim Valvano. “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up!”