Third Eye Views

This is the time of year that fans of  music,  movies, and entertainment wait for:  Award Season!  We often hear about the rags to riches stories of many celebrities, but there are many artists out there who are looking for ways to break into this industry and just don’t know how.  Everyone is not a break out star who will be discovered while sitting on a park bench or standing on a corner.  Even going to networking parties, doing gigs at clubs or even good old fashion auditions will leave many out in the cold.  Many of us believe in the saying ‘It’s not what you know, but who you know’ and that has led some people to question “If I don’t know the right people, how will I ever get to where I want to be?”  Well sometimes you have to go through the backdoor and the old saying ‘Education is Key’, is as valid as ever.

Many of the organizations of the award shows that we watch (Grammy Awards, Oscar Awards, etc.) offer grants and scholarships to those who have the talent in their given field.  Everyone may not become a celebrity, but being able to make a great living by doing what you love, is star quality in my book.  And what better way to meet the people who know the right people?  Getting a scholarship or grant not only gives you access to the members of the organization, but now they even know your name.  Which will lead to a meet and greet, which then gives you the opportunity to present yourself as someone who is not only talented, but as someone having talent worth investing in.  The entertainment business is just that–a business.  Therefore, you are your biggest investment.  So back up that talent with educated confidence and apply for grants, scholarships and whatever else in addition to your gigs, auditions, etc. and see just how far you can go!  Here are some links to help get you started: http://www.oscars.org/education-outreach/index.html http://www.grammy.org/grammy-foundation/grant

Remember that sometimes it is what you know, that will lead you to who you need to know.  Good Luck!