Carole Kirschner : Entertainment Career Strategies

11/05/2025

How do you survive when the industry contracts?

While you can’t control if and when the industry opens back up, you can control how you move through this moment. Because surviving this stretch of uncertainty isn’t just about crossing your fingers and waiting it out — it’s about staying grounded, creatively fulfilled, and honest with yourself about where you are and what you need, no matter what the business is doing.

More on my blog post below:

Last week a client sat across from me, frustrated and tired. He’d staffed for two seasons — first as a staff writer, then as a story editor — and hadn’t had a single staffing meeting in two years. He felt stuck, desperate, and even a little ashamed. He told me he was thinking about going bac...

07/24/2025

Comparison hits fast, and it hits hard. It’s all too easy to see another screenwriter’s big win and think, ‘Why not me?’ But here’s the truth: someone else’s breakthrough doesn’t mean you’re failing — it just means your moment is still on the way.

Here are a few practical ways to stop the self-doubt spiral, shift your mindset and stay focused on your own journey.

I’ve been doing the work I do for more than two decades — coaching creatives, running programs, leading workshops — and at this point, I think it’s fair to say I’m pretty darn good at it. I have a long track record, happy clients, and results I’m genuinely proud of.  And yet… abou...

04/18/2025

Giving notes is easy. (My dentist gives notes.)
But writing? Whole different game.
If you’re stuck, don’t panic. You’re not broken. You’re just in a slump.
Here’s how to shake it off and make it fun again:

Having spent two decades working with talented screenwriters, I knew for sure I wasn’t one. Sure, I could give notes — anyone can do that (my dentist could give notes). It’s easy to spot when something’s wrong, but fixing it? That’s an entirely different thing. So, I never even considered ...

02/10/2025

Want to know the real secret to succeeding in Hollywood? It's not about avoiding failure. It's about failing better than anyone else. Here's what I mean... 🧵⤵️

First, let's be real: failing absolutely sucks. We all want to do awesome work, and to be seen as people who do awesome work. So when we try stuff and fail, it's hard.

I'm speaking from experience, here. I've tried and failed a lot, at a lot of things!

But, over the years, watching and coaching writers as they build awesome careers, here's what I've learned:

Failing isn't just okay - it's actually ESSENTIAL.

Why? In large part, it's the unique nature of this business.

In many careers, doing good work is enough to get good results, leading to a good career.

But, more often than not, that's just not how Hollywood works.

In this business, you usually can't build a career on good work.

You can only build a career on BLAZING HOT, exceptional work.

And blazing hot, exceptional work generally doesn't come from a place of safety.

Early in your career -- or even deep into a successful one! It can be tempting to hope that you never fail. That every project is a home run.

That's fine, as long as it doesn't lead you to not taking big swings.

If you're trying to break in, one of the best things you can do to set yourself up for success is to write something with your whole heart. Something you actually care about, that resonates with your actual voice.

You won't get there by writing towards some imagined buyer or market.

And writing something great, something only you can write, is not easy. It can't come from rehashing something you've seen somewhere else, or trying to repeat an existing formula.

Instead, you need to be vulnerable, which often means writing something that might not work.

"Solid" doesn't sell. "Safe" doesn't staff. In a business built on standing out, being forgettable is a death sentence.

Fail often and fail well. Take the big swings. Write the weird pilot. Pitch the ambitious take. Make the bold choice.

It might not work out every time. You might spend months writing something that doesn't work. But the risk is worth it.

What's the biggest risk you're afraid to take with your writing? Drop it below. Let's talk about turning those fears into rocket fuel for your career.

And, if you found this useful, you'll find a ton more free resources, including two free ebooks, at the link in my bio!

01/30/2025

"I'm not sure what I want." I hear this from writers ALL the time. But here's the truth - usually it's not confusion. It's fear. Let me share a powerful question that cuts through both. 🧵⤵️

Here's what I've noticed after years of working with writers: We often keep our real goals vague and fuzzy. Why? Because vague goals can't fail. They're safe.

But that safety comes at a cost. Vague goals lead to vague actions. And vague actions? They rarely lead to real success in this business.

Here's the question that cuts through all that noise:

"What would you do if you had all the resources you needed and COULDN'T fail?"

Sit with that for a minute. Really imagine it.

The answer that makes your heart race? The one that feels scary to even think about?

Is it possible that's your real goal?

That flutter of excitement (and yes, fear) you feel thinking about it? That's not a warning sign.

More likely, it's your compass pointing true north.

When you feel the fear, don't run from it. Welcome it. It's telling you you're putting yourself out there, doing something dangerous.

Remember: Nobody ever wrote anything great from inside their comfort zone.

The writers who succeed in this business? They're the ones who get crystal clear on what they want and chase it with everything they've got. So write it down. Make it real. Own it.

"What would you do if you had all the resources you needed and COULDN'T fail?" Drop your answer below - speaking it out loud is often the first step to making it real.

(By the way, if you found this useful, you'll find a ton more free resources, including two free ebooks, at the link in my bio.)

01/28/2025

Want to know a truth that most emerging writers miss? Being great in a meeting is just as important as having blazing hot samples. Here's why (and how to nail it) 🧵⤵️

I've watched countless talented writers sabotage their chances by making one simple meeting mistake. Spoiler: it's not their writing. It's showing up unprepared, thinking they can "wing it."

Here's the thing - people need to want to work with you. And that decision? It's usually made in the first few minutes of a meeting. Those early moments matter more than most writers realize.

"But I'm better when I'm spontaneous!" Trust me, I hear this ALL the time. But here's what those writers don't understand: the most relaxed, "spontaneous" people in the room? They're usually the most prepared.

Let me share two preparation techniques that I've seen work again and again:
1. Research The Room
2. Study Their Slate

1. Research the room. Before any meeting, spend 30 minutes learning about the people you're meeting. Find genuine points of connection. Read their interviews. Know their projects. This isn't stalking - it's homework.

2. Study their slate. Have something thoughtful (and genuine!) to say about their current projects. Don't fake it - pick the ones you actually connect with. Trust me, they can tell the difference between real enthusiasm and flattery.

Here's the magic: The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you'll feel. The more relaxed you feel, the more authentic you can be. The more authentic you are? The more likable you become.

Remember this: That exec isn't just buying your script - they're buying into a relationship with YOU. Make it easy for them to say yes.

What's your experience with industry meetings? Drop your stories below - I'd love to hear what's worked (or hasn't worked) for you!

01/22/2025

This seems like as good time as any remind folks that I'm active on other social media platforms as well!

In fact, nowadays, I'm typically sharing on other platforms first, and reposting here as a courtesy to my longtime followers.

Check the pic ⤵️ for the best place to find me.

01/15/2025

The past few days here in Los Angeles have been both heartbreaking and surreal. Watching the fires spread and the sky fill with smoke, it’s felt apocalyptic at times and it’s hard not to feel a sense of helplessness.

I’m one of the lucky ones—my family and I are safe, and for that, I’m deeply grateful. But several of my friends and colleagues haven’t been so fortunate. Some have lost their homes, others have been displaced. The impact, both physical and emotional, is overwhelming.

Yet in the face of so much devastation, I am in awe at the outpouring of courage and kindness in our city. The dedication, bravery and selflessness of the firefighters, first responders, and volunteers working around the clock to protect and support our community is nothing short of heroic. Their efforts remind me that even in the darkest moments, there is light.

If you’re looking for ways to help, check out https://buff.ly/4jkRPvd for resources to consider.

12/24/2024

My version of downtime is about indulging in activities that have nothing to do with work — and everything to do with joy. Here's my latest blog post on the importance of doing NOTHING!

Every December, I’m tempted to work through the holidays so I can hit January first totally “caught up”. It sounds productive, doesn’t it? Except I know better. I’ve learned the hard way that if I don’t give myself a real break, it doesn’t set me up for success — it sets me up to lim...

11/05/2024

The secret to maintaining Hollywood relationships isn't fancy dinners or constant calls. It's actually way simpler (and less scary) than that. Here's my guide to staying connected without being annoying. 🧵⤵️

I get this question ALL the time from emerging writers:
"I'm finally getting meetings... and they always go great... but then what? How do I stay connected without being that annoying person who won't go away?"

Trust me, I get it. Every early-career writer worries about this. You don't want to seem inexperienced, but you also don't want the relationship to fizzle out after one great meeting.

Good news: there's actually a simple system for following up with executives and other decision-makers. One that keeps you on their radar without making you feel like you're being pushy.

Enter the Follow Up Formula. (And it couldn't be more simple)

Step One: After EVERY meeting, no matter how casual, you've got one day to send that person a great email. And the key to that email? It needs to be SHORT.

Your follow-up email should be 5 sentences max. Reference something specific from your conversation (this helps them remember who you are), and be genuine about what you enjoyed about the meeting.

Here's the crucial part that most writers miss: end that first email by asking permission to stay in touch. Something like "If it's okay, I'd love to check in from time to time and let you know how things are going."

Great! You sent a short email. Now what?

Now, set a reminder in your calendar 2 or 3 months out.

Then, when the seasons change (for LA) & that alert rolls around, you can check-in again. And when you do? Once again, keep it crazy brief. Three sentences, tops. Just ask how they're doing and share one quick update about yourself.

Want to know the easiest way to stay relevant? Make Deadline.com your morning coffee companion. When someone you've met has a win, fire off a quick congratulatory email.

(Yes, they'll know you saw it in the trades. No, they won't care. The fact that you took time to reach out is what matters.)

Remember those viral posts about "networking is a full-time job"? I respectfully disagree.

Networking is critical, sure. But quality beats quantity every time. You don't need to be constantly in someone's inbox.

The sweet spot for general check-ins? Every 4 months or so. Unless you have actual news to share -- like signing with a manager or landing a job. Then fire off that update immediately!

A reminder that might ease your anxiety: these people EXPECT to hear from you. That's part of the business. You're not bothering them by staying in touch (as long as you keep it brief!)

Let's put it all together. The Follow-Up Formula:

- 24hr thank-you (5 sentences max)
- Ask permission to stay in touch
- Calendar Reminder
- Wait 2-3 months
- Brief check-ins (3 sentences)
- Celebrate their wins
- Share your wins
- Regular check-ins every ~4 months

What's your experience with industry follow-ups? Have you found certain approaches work better than others? Drop your stories below - I'd love to hear what's worked (or hasn't worked) for you!