A Look at the Careers You Could Pursue in the Entertainment Industry

One of the lucrative and rewarding industries is the media and entertainment (M&E) industry. The U.S. sector is the biggest in the world. According to a report from SelectUSA, the U.S. M&E industry is set to reach over $825 billion by 2023.

The entertainment sector is doing well regardless of the economic downturns, as people look at it as an escape from the reality and problems of life. The celebrities in this industry also offer people a glimmer of hope along with the idea that dreams can come true.

The entertainment industry has plenty of career opportunities. Here are nine career paths you could pursue if you want to enter this industry:

1. Actor or Actress

This job involves communicating or conveying a character to an audience. Actors and actresses have to use their voice and body to fully represent the character they’re portraying. People in this role can work in movies, theaters, commercials and television. If you want to become an actor, you’ll need to show up at an audition and express the character you’re embodying.

2. Performing Artist

These artists dance, act, sing and play musical instruments. How much you earn usually depends on two things: your level of fame and the kind of work you do.

Becoming a well-known and respected performing artist takes a lot of skill, experience and networking. You’ll also need to enroll in acting, dancing and singing lessons, as well as spend a lot of time honing your craft.

3. Booking Agent

A booking agent, also known as a booking representative, handles the engagements for the artists, bands, and groups they represent. This job also entails taking care of the artists’ performance contracts and obtaining a percentage of the generated income after contract signing.

You don’t need a formal education requirement to become a booking representative. You can, however, gain an advantage by obtaining a degree in the music business or enrolling in seminars on booking entertainment.

4. Stunt Performer

This role requires individuals to stand in for an actor or actress when a scene in the script requires a specialized or dangerous act. If you want to become a stunt performer, you’ll need to be courageous. You should also be physically fit, so you could perform stunts naturally and easily. Getting into specific fields, such as gymnastics, boxing or martial arts, will help you land this job.

5. Make-up Artist

This occupation requires you to transform individuals visually by applying foundation, make-up and accessories to get these people ready for photo shoots, filming and live performances. Make-up artists can work in various locations, such as in fashion shows, in TV studios and on theater and film sets. Those who want to get this job should have prior experience and formal training in cosmetology.

6. Film Hairstylist

As a film hairstylist, you need to produce hairstyles that satisfy production requirements. Apart from working with wigs and hair extensions, you may have to use chemical solutions to color and treat hair. Expect to be busy working with make-up artists and people from the costume department.

7. Entertainment Lawyer

Celebrities do land into trouble from time to time. When they do, they call on the expertise of an entertainment attorney.

These lawyers provide the legal needs of celebrities and other individuals in the entertainment industry. Some tasks they do include sorting out copyright issues, drafting agreements and contracts, representing celebrities in court, carrying out negotiations and protecting the rights of their client.

If you want to pursue this career, you’ll need to graduate from law school and pass the bar exam. You should also have a good grasp of the issues affecting the entertainment industry.

8. Publicist

This role requires you to write and publish press releases, pitch stories, work closely with event photographers and get in touch with the media to secure coverage for artists. You’ll be asked to work with a lot of people in the entertainment industry, including bloggers, music journalists, TV producers, radio DJs and representatives from record label companies.

You’ll need a degree in journalism, communications or public relations to land a publicist role. You also need to have a good working knowledge of the music and entertainment business.

9. Recording Engineer

This job entails recording, mixing and editing sound. As a recording engineer, you’ll be working with runners, assistant engineers, session musicians and recording artists. This role requires proven experience and technical expertise in sound engineering. You also need to know how to use a range of sound recording equipment and software.

These are just some roles you could pursue when you enter the world of entertainment. Apart from getting the required expertise and experience, you need the right contacts to help you land the job you want.