9 Temmuz 2012 Pazartesi

Predicting Revenue Streams & Participation

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I've always enjoyed math and puzzles and loved learning about how to predict a film's revenue streams and calculate participation. I thought I'd share a sample problem and go over how to work it out.
Setup: Your Aunt Alice has produced an action-adventure movie just released through a major studio. The film had a direct cost of 72,500,000, and features the internationally renowned star, Larry Auerbach, who received $12,500,000 against 15% of first dollar gross. The picture had an encouraging theatrical opening; initial estimates are that the picture is likely to generate $225,000,000 in domestic box office grosses based on a domestic distribution expense budget of some $60,000,000. Scenario: As a graduation present, Aunt Alice would like to give you 20% of Net Proceeds, but she wants you to predict what that would be before handing it to you.
Okay! So just from the Domestic Gross ($225,000,000) we can determine several things.
As you know, exhibitors (theatres) take a cut of the domestic gross....this usually breaks down as 50% to exhibitors and 50% to studio. So if domestic gross is 225,000,000, we can determine the studio's cut (gross receipts) to be $112,500,000 (50% of 225,000,000).
Domestic Box Office Gross Receipts: $112,500,000
Generally how it works is that REVENUE is made up by 42% Home Video, 38% Theatrical, and 20% Television.
So if 38% is $112,500,000, with a simple proportion we can determine that 42% would be 124,342,105-->rounded to $125,000,000. And 20% would be 59,210,526-->rounded to $59,000,000.
Since Free TV usually accounts for twice as much Pay TV....I broke the total Television Revenue of 59 mil, down to 20 mil for Pay TV & 39 mil for Free TV. This is a bit arbitrary, so you have to just make a good estimate.
Domestic Box Office Gross Receipts: 112.5 milDomestic DVD Revenue: 125 milDomestic Free TV: 39 milDomestic Pay TV: 20 mil
Now let's look at predicting INTERNATIONAL BOX OFFICE. Because the movie is an action-adventure film, which usually do really well overseas, I'm going to estimate that the film will do a little bit better in the international box office. So let's say it does 120% of domestic gross.
120% of 225,000,000 (Domestic Gross) = 270 mil = International Box Office
50% of 270 = 135 mil = International Box Office Gross Receipts
So using our 38%/42%/20% breakdown with 135 mil (International Theatrical--38%), we can determine International Home Video to be 149,210,526-->rounded to 149 mil. And International TV to be 71,052,632-->rounded to 71 mil. We then break down that 71 mil to 25 mil to International Pay TV & 46 mil to International Free TV (Free TV does approx twice as much business as Pay TV).
So here is what we have determined thus far:
Domestic Box Office Gross Receipts: 112.5 milInternational Box Office Gross Receipts: 135 mil
(a) Domestic Box Office: 225 mil(b) Domestic DVD Revenue: 125 mil(c) Domestic Free TV: 39 mil(d) Domestic Pay TV: 20 mil(e) International Box Office: 270 mil(f) International Home Video: 149 mil(g) International Pay TV: 25 mil(h) International Free TV: 46 mil
Other Given Information:
Direct Cost of Film: 72.5 milGross Participation: Actor receives 12.5 mil against 15% of gross proceedsDistribution Expenses: Domestic: 60 mil Estimate International: 75 (we can assume that international will be a little higher for an action-adventure flick)
Now the first step is to 1) Determine Gross Receipts:
(a) Domestic Box Office Gross Receipts: 112.5 mil (50% of Domestic B.O.)(b) Domestic DVD Gross Receipts: 25 mil (this is always 20% of Total Home Video...years ago with VHS it was determined that 20% was the intellectual property value, the other 80% stays with the DVD manufacturers)(c) Domestic Pay TV Gross Receipts: 20 mil (no computation, total revenue goes to studio)(d) Domestic Free TV Gross Receipts: 39 mil (no computation, total revenue goes to studio)(e) Intl Box Office Gross Receipts: 135 mil (50% total Intl Box Office)(f) Intl DVD Gross Receipts: 29.8 (20% of Intl Home Video)(g) Intl Pay TV Gross Receipts: 25 mil (no computation, total revenue goes to studio)(h) Intl Free TV Gross Receipts: 46 mil (no computation, total revenue goes to studio)
Add that all up for...
TOTAL GROSS RECEIPTS: 432.3 mil
2) Compute Distribution Fees
(typically 30% for Domestic Theatrical & TV, 35% Intl Theatrical, 40% Intl TV, NO distrib fee for Home Video Domestic or Intl)
(a) 33.75 mil (30% of the Domestic B.O. Gross Receipts)(b) NA - no distribution fee for Home Video(c) 6 mil (30% of Domestic Pay TV Gross Receipts)(d) 11.7 mil (30% Domestic Free TV Gross Receipts)(e) 47.25 mil (35% of Intl Box Office Gross Receipts)(f) NA - no distribution fee for Home Video(g) 10 mil (40% of Intl Pay TV Gross Receipts)(h) 18.4 mil (40% of Intl Free TV Gross Receipts)
Add it all together....
TOTAL DISTRIBUTION FEES: $127.1 mil
3) Determine Distribution Expenses
We were already given the domestic distribution expenses (60 mil) and we estimated the international distribution expenses to be a little higher, reflecting the increase in international box office (75 mil).
Add those together for....
TOTAL DISTRIBUTION EXPENSES: 135 mil
4) Compute Cost of Production
Direct Cost (Budget): 72.5 milStudio Overhead: 9 mil (this is always 12.5% of the direct cost)Interest: 3.8 mil (this is always 5.25% of the direct cost)Pre-Break Gross Participation: 49 mil (see below to compute)
--> Compute Pre-Break Participation:Gross Proceeds: 410 mil --> determined by taking TOTAL GROSS RECEIPTS (432.3 mil) and subtracting 5% for "Off the Tops" (goes to MPAA dues, residuals, taxes & conversion costs, etc)
15% of Gross Proceeds (as determined in contract, see setup): 61.5 mil (15% of 410)
61.5 mil MINUS 12.5 mil already paid to Larry = 49 mil
Add it all together for....
TOTAL COST OF PRODUCTION: 134.3 mil
5) Compute Net Proceeds:
Gross Receipts --------------------------------------> 432.3 milminus Distribution Fees -----------------------------------> 127.1 milminus Distribution Expenses -----------------------------> 135 milminus Cost of Production/Gross Participation ----> 134.3 mil
NET PROCEEDS = 35.9 mil
MY PARTICIPATION (20% Net Proceeds) = 7.18 million dollars

Industry Temp Agencies

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Co-Op Temp Agency

Contact Person: Jill Motaman

323-655-1009

8447 Wilshire Ste 210

Beverly Hills, CA 90211

www.cooptemp.com


Comar Agency

www.comaragency.com
Scheduling Coordinator

310-248-2700

6500 Wilshire Blvd Ste 2240

Los Angeles, CA 90048

Exclusively entertainment temp agency.
Services all major entertainment companies.


A+ Employment Co, Inc

www.theemploymentco.com

818-840-0998

3500 W. Olive Ave. Ste. 303

Burbank, CA 91505


Executive Temps

818-563-2939

2321 West Olive Ave

Burbank, CA 91506

www.execuive-temps.com

Exclusively entertainment temp agency.
Services all major entertainment companies.


Central Casting
220 S. Flower St.
Burbank, CA 91502
http://www.centralcasting.org/
Registration Info: 818.562.2755

Phone: 818.562.2700

Fax: 818.562.2786

Background acting


Background Talent Svc

Talent Casting

4804 Laurel Canyon Bldg. 414

North Hollywood, CA 91607

ph: 818-760-7090

http://www.backgroundtalent.net

Background acting


Apple One

www.appleone.com


Downtown:

888 S. Figueroa St., Suite 170

Los Angeles, CA 90017

(213) 892-0234

downtown@appleone.com
Not entertainment, mostly general office temp work


Beverly Hills:

9100 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 362W

Beverly Hills, CA 90212

(310) 228-9400

beverlyhills@appleone.com

Some entertainment and general office work


Westwood:

1250 Westwood Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90024

(310) 475-9461

westwood-ca@appleone.com
Some entertainment and general office work


Glendale

325 West Broadway

Glendale, CA 91204

JanetJobe@appleone.com

Full time: 818-240-8230

Temp: (818) 247-2991

Entertainment temp jobs

Something Good's Around the Corner

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For half of February, I was feeling a bit down in the dumps. I finished up a project and didn't seem to have any other prospects lined up. The one job that I thought was going to come thru kept me hanging and didn't seem to have a start date in sight. It's stressful not knowing where your next job is going to come from!
But as I have come to realize, things really do have a way of working out. If you are hard-working, ambitious, [and likeable], something good is usually just around the corner. And if you really want to give luck a hand, I recommend booking a non-refundable trip....that'll usually do the trick :)
Jobless, I accepted my parents' invitation to go to Cabo, Mexico. The day after my dad booked the ticket, my dream company called me to come interview. Of course, I got the job and the most amazing part was, they told me NOT to cancel my trip. So I got to go to Cabo for a week and start full time the following Monday.
When I got back to the states this afternoon, I had several voicemails waiting for me. One to work on a freelance indie film, another to interview for a TV pilot, and one offering me an assistant job (something I had interviewed for like 2+ weeks ago). I am very happy with the job I already accepted, but it is always a confidence booster hearing a whole boatload of people want you! And to think, just two weeks ago, I was stressed and feeling utterly rejected.
Note to self: RELAX....good things will come to those who are patient and persevere.

180%

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So my first week on the job went well. I went above and beyond, as I always do. It's important in this business to give 180%. You always hear, give 110%, but that's just a little more than a good job, right?
On my first assigned project, I was told to create a list of people. So I could have gone the traditional route and just made a list in a Word doc....which would have been fine. But I decided to go all out and not just create a boring list, but an interesting visual as well. I transferred my list into a PowerPoint document with attractive fonts, quotes, and multiple pictures for each slide.
Fast forward a day later.
My boss's boss called me into his office.
Boss: Lauren, did you do this?
Lauren: Yes
Boss: You created this?
Lauren: Yes....I'm kind of a PowerPoint nerd....
Boss: This is AMAZING. I want all of these people. I'm putting you on the phone with New York right now, you're going to help on the campaign. Good job.
And from then on, I felt like I was in the club.
My advice--go all out, give 180%.

When 'friends' hurt you

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It is horrible when people who are supposed to be your friends hurt you.

Actually, two things are the worst; One is when the friend actually set out to hurt you on purpose (pre-meditated hurt) and the other is when no-matter what you do for them, how much time you spend on them, they decide to treat you badly - i.e. they are inconsiderate, take alot but give very little, or are just plain rude.

We have all been there haven't we? You do your best for that person, you help them, you listen to their problems, you are there for them when they need you - and how do they chose to express their gratitude and honour your friendship? Well, they say nasty things to you, ignore all you did for them, are never there when YOU need to talk about your problems and quite honestly behave like absolute tw**s!

This is not friendship.

8 Temmuz 2012 Pazar

The Best Thing To Do Post Grad

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Before I graduated college, a very successful business man gave me this piece of advice: The best thing you can do after graduating, is just to find a company you are really passionate about and try to make a contribution to that company.
The more I thought about it, the more sense it made. We all come to LA hoping to jump straight to the top....we don't want to "pay our dues"....we want it all, and we want it now. But once you graduate, you quickly realize that recent grads aren't typically producing major motion pictures six months later (there are a few exceptions). So if you can't have your dream career right away, what is the next best thing? Finding a company who is involved in projects or processes that interest you and getting in the door. Working your way up, observing those who have been at it longer, and gaining as much knowledge as you can. Because one day, it just might be your turn and you want to know that you have a firm foundation of skills, abilities, and wisdom.

Interview with Amy Baack, Executive Assistant on "V"

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A good friend of mine, Amy Baack, is the executive producer's assistant on the TV show "V"....I asked her to share a few of her experiences and insights on working on a TV show! Here's what she has to say....


You graduated from USC in 2010, what did you study there and how was the experience?

I studied Film/TV Production at the School of Cinematic Arts. That program is very intensive in that you study every aspect of film production, from writing to post-production. It was an incredible experience - USC has earned its reputation for being one of the top film schools in the nation for a reason. I think the alumni it produces are so successful in this industry because they’ve had experience in every aspect of the creative process and are thus more well-rounded than anyone who specializes in just one field.

What sorts of activities did you participate in and what kind of jobs did you have prior working at “V”?

I held many internships in various fields of the entertainment industry during my college years. I was interning in the production department on Mad Men when I got the job for V. Before that, I worked at E!, Spyglass Entertainment, ICM, and Fox Television Studios, to name a few.

How did you get your job as the Assistant to the Executive Producer at “V”?

I have a wonderful friend who works at one of the big agencies in town and was willing to help me search for jobs. My boss’ agent had sent out an in-house job listing for the assistant position, and my friend was able to give me a heads-up about it. I submitted my resume not expecting to hear anything, but then I got an interview and landed the spot! It was completely unexpected.

What is a typical day like for you? What hours do you work and what sort of tasks do you perform?

As the showrunner's assistant, my duties are primarily based on the needs of my boss, though I am involved in many of the creative sides of the show as well. I manage my boss's personal schedule and contacts, transcribe notes calls with our studio and network, edit outlines/scripts, along with a whole bunch of other random tasks. Sometimes I have to do personal assistant-type duties, but those are rare. My work hours during the writing period were 9:00AM - 7:00PM (sometimes a little later).

How does your job as Assistant t the Executive Producer differ from that of a Writer’s Assistant or a Writer’s PA?

The writers' assistants job was centered in the writers' room: they took detailed notes, got lunch for the staff every day, bought groceries, helped write up outlines, and did research. They started work at 10:00 AM and usually worked until much later than I did, but it depended on how many notes they had to type up and edit, as well as how late the writers stayed that day. I did a lot more coordinating with the studio and network and oversaw the whole office, whereas they worked directly with the writing team.

Do you get to spend any time in the writer’s room? Can you explain the hierarchy of the writer’s room?

I got to spend a ton of time in the writers’ room. My boss was amazing in that he encouraged me to spend time in the room whenever I could. The hierarchy will vary from show to show, but it is established by how much experience each writer has and what title they have been given on the show. Obviously the showrunner has the final say on every decision; all the writers have to pitch ideas to him or her for approval. Our writers would usually split up into a couple of rooms, with the senior writers leading the others in brainstorming ideas, then they’d all come together to pitch their ideas to the showrunner. The writers’ titles are arranged in the following descending order: Executive Producer, Co-Executive Producer. Consulting Producer, Co-Producer, Executive Story Editor, and finally Staff Writer.

With your busy schedule, how do you find time to write?

That’s the biggest dilemma in the television world; working 10-12-hour-long days is hardly conducive to the creative process. But if you’re committed, you’ll make it work. If I had any down time at work, I would usually spend it writing (again, my boss encouraged me to do this because he knows I want to eventually be a writer); weekends are also a good time to write as much as you can. But it is definitely a challenge.

Are you trying to get an literary agent? Do you have any tips on how aspiring screenwriters can find representation?

I’m not currently ready for the agent stage, since I’m still polishing my spec scripts, but I’m not too worried about it since I have plenty of contacts within the industry to help me out when I want it. The best way to get representation is to start with the smaller agencies, since they’ll be better able to help foster a beginning writer’s career than a big agency would. If you know anyone with representation, it’s also a good idea to ask them for help in submitting your writing samples to people who might read it. You just need to use your contacts to get your script on the right desk; and, of course, the script has to be good.

Have any of “V”’s former writer’s assistants been promoted to staff writers on the show? How does one more up from writer’s assistant to staff writer?

V hasn’t been around long enough for the writers’ assistants to be promoted (and we had different assistants in season 2 than we did in season 1). However, my boss is a strong believer in upward promotion; if V sticks around for another season or two, I’m sure he’d be willing to give the assistants opportunities to write scripts. The jump from writers’ assistant to staff writer is a tricky one; basically, the assistant has to prove that he or she has good ideas (by actively pitching them in the room and not being afraid to pipe in during the writers’ conversations) and the showrunner has to be willing to take a chance on them.

What advice do you have for those hoping to land a gig in a writing office?

There’s no magic formula for getting a job in a writers’ room, but since those are some of the most coveted positions (especially for aspiring writers), they are the most difficult to find and get. They won’t be posted in any joblists for that reason. I’d recommend trying to find and get to know people who work in television who can tell you about open assistant positions and put in a good word for you. Also, it’s always a good idea to bolster your resume by working in other industry assistant positions, such as at an agency or production company.

You always hear about how important networking is in the entertainment industry, how important do you feel networking is for an aspiring writer? Do you have any networking tips?

Networking is critical, but I think the concept has become a bit misunderstood. The truth of the matter is that no one is going to give you a job just because you schmoozed them up at some industry event. Networking is really about building friendships and proving that you are intelligent, friendly, and interesting. People in this field can see through fronts pretty well; if you’re not genuine or actually talented, no one is going to want to associate their name with yours. The best way to go about “networking” is to be willing to work very hard with a good attitude; that’s how you’ll get noticed and promoted.

What is the best thing about your job? The worst thing?

The best thing is that I’m immersed in the writing process on a television show, which was exactly where I wanted to be when I graduated from college. I feel really blessed for having gotten such a great position so quickly. The worst thing might be the stress that comes with the long hours and pace of working on a show, but that’s not much to complain about. I truly love my job.

Where would you like to be in 10 years?

Ideally, I’d love to be running my own show by then. But I’d be happy just to be getting paid to write in any capacity.

What’s the biggest lesson you have learned from your job at “V”?

V taught me the importance of collaboration in television writing. It’s very different from feature writing, which consists of one or two writers at a time working alone on a script. In TV, you have to be willing to put your ego aside and work for the good of the show. You have to be willing to pitch any and all ideas and not be offended when they get shot down or someone else has a better take. Television writing can be a truly marvelous experience when everyone is willing to work together to produce the best possible content; it only goes sour when personal conflicts start getting in the way of the creative process.

How to Get Into USC Film

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One of my little sisters is graduating from high school this year and it's really gotten me thinking about my own senior year of high school. All I wanted was to be accepted into USC's film production program...and somehow, I was.
I've gotten asked the question ALOT over the years: "How did you get into USC's Production program"? Well, here is what I've come to realize over the years, looking at both myself and my fellow classmates.
First of all, everyone from my year of Production had SAT scores and grades that were above average for USC. So BE SMART. Most of the kids in Production would probably be going to a "higher-calibur" school if they didn't get into a program as prestigious as USC film. That's one of the reason why you run into so many production kids who have full ride scholarships or partial scholarships....they are the really smart kids.
Second, you gotta be really creative. This is the main thing USC is looking for when selecting Production applicants.
Third, be a great writer. My mom told me that at orientation all the parents of Production students were sitting around trying to figure out what their kids had in common (and thus how they got into the program) and the one thing that everyone seemed to be really good at (according to their parents)was writing. Even though we weren't in the screenwriting program, its important to all film degrees.
Fourth, don't send movies as samples. I know we are all proud of our dinky little high school movies, but USC actually doesn't want to see them! Unless they are Academy Award Short Film contenders....keep 'em to yourself. USC doesn't want to see you already making cinematic mistakes; they would rather start with clean slates. For the record, I didn't send a single video....and I had many.
Fifth, and most importantly, passion. Everyone I know from my program is incredibly passionate about film. They don't want to do anything else with their lives and it shows. Obsessed with film as a kid, I had always felt kind of like an alien. But then I came to USC, and it was like I had finally landed on this planet where everyone loved movies as much as I did. I felt totally at home, like I'd finally found where I belonged.
Well hopefully that is a tad helpful. It's what I tell any prospective students I speak with. And I think its pretty good advice!

When I Grow Up

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When I was little, I knew exactly what I wanted to be. An Actress. Yes, there it is. I wanted to act. But it’s interesting how you change over the years. And how something you are so sure of at 12, can feel so unclear and ominous at 22.



When I first arrived at USC, I remember sitting in an assembly of fellow Film Production majors and being asked by a moderator, “how many of you want to be directors?” About 75% of the kids raised their hands. When you’re young and love film, being a director seems like the natural course of action. But as the years went on and we all learned more about the different types of jobs available in film, slowly we started to morph. We realized, maybe we didn’t actually enjoy working with actors that much, but had a real knack for sound mixing or editing or cinematography or producing. Film school opened our eyes to all these different specialties, that would still allow us to be involved in film, but maybe in a slightly different way than we had planned. I’ve come to realize that life has a funny way of panning out that way, though!


Before graduation, I feel like most of my friends could tell you more or less what they wanted to do with their life. But now, I feel like the resounding answer to “what do you want to be when you grow up” is “I’m not sure yet.” I’m no longer getting taller (and haven’t for almost 10 years now) but I’m definitely still growing and figuring out what I’m good at and what I like and what’s important to me. I’m hoping that as I gain more experience in the working world and observe others older and wiser than myself, the answer will become clear. But until then, I’m just trying to learn as much as I can, meet as many great people as I can, and most of all, just be happy with who I am and where I’m at now.

What Do You Do Exactly?

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Okay so I keep getting asked this....and so I decided to do a little post and share a few of the projects/shoots I've been working on.

Much of what I do revolves around interviews/movie press junkets/video content for our websites teen.com and gurl.com, but we also do sponsored campaign videos for various brands.

Here are a few interviews/projects I've done lately:

Fuze Los Angeles - Narrated by Cat Deeley:
http://on.fb.me/FuzeLA

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) Junket Interview:
www.teen.com/chris-hemsworth-thor-interview-video

Victoria Justice Behind the Scenes Interview for her new music video:
www.teen.com/victoria-justice-healthy-eating-diet-fitness-tip/

Bella Thorne & Zendaya Red Carpet Interview:
www.teen.com/bella-thorne-zendaya-summer-camp-plans-simmons-pastry-interview

My Day My Life: Ashely Tisdale:
www.teen.com/ashley-tisdale-hellcats-sharpay-exclusive-video-interview

Hope you enjoy those :)

7 Temmuz 2012 Cumartesi

New Bill in California may help felons get jobs

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A new bill in California may help ex-offenders and felons get hired by eliminating the "Have you been convicted of a crime" question on applications. This may help ex-offenders and felons get more interviews and hopefully more jobs.The new bill give hope to people who have criminal records. What do you think. Please comment.Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to adogzheart2@gmail.com

If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job

Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs; How to tie a tie

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A Tie is a Powerful Tool For Felons Looking for Jobs

People do tend to judge books by their covers.  I have helped thousands of ex-offenders and felons get jobs and the most important interview advice I give is for them to look their absolute best.  The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one. The interviewer will first judge you on how you look. It's always important to dress professionally for a job interview, even if the work environment is casual.  You will never get a second chance to make a first impression

The person dressed in a well fitting suit, tie and shined shoes is going to make a much better impression than the person dressed in jeans, a t-shirt and boots.  You'll want that first impression to be not just a good one, but a great one. Looking like a professional will make the interviewer focus on you rather than the fact that you have a record.  Unfortunately I meet too many people who cannot tie a tie. 

A tie is a powerful tool that can help ex-offenders and felons get jobs!


Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to adogzheart2@gmail.com

If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job

Felon mom in PA needs help finding jobs

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 Female felon is looking for jobs

Q: Hi Mr. Mayo,

My name is Martha.  I am a Phlebotomist.  I just got a felony in 2010.   I live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Can you please help me help my self.  Before my conviction I was a phlebotomist working in a hospital.   I lost my job because of it.  My charges are aggravated assault and conspiracy.

Will I ever find work in that field again and if so what company should I go to or what programs are out here to help me help my self.  I also have a housing issue as well.  Do you have any advice on that.  I lost my section 8 due to my felony and I have a daughter I need to take care of before I lose her to the system.

Thank you for caring and God Bless You.  Maybe I can help others in PA as well.   I know a lot of brothers that need your advice,  two of my sons included.

Please respond ASAP.  Desperate running out of time.

Martha

A:  Hello Martha,

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble.  May I also suggest contacting your local United Way office. The United Way could guide you to any number of services they support that may be able to help you and your family. You may also ask about services that assist ex-offenders and felons looking jobs.

You can find the United Way in you area here:

United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania

As far as your career as a phlebotomist, you must find out if your conviction has affected your certification.  You must contact the place where you got your training.

I hope this helps.

Are you a felon who is having difficulty finding a job? You can have your questions answered on this blog. Just send your questions to adogzheart2@gmail.com

If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job



Recovering felon needs a job

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 There is help for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs


Q:  I have a felony conviction for theft.  It's the only spot on my otherwise clean record. I am a compulsive gambler who is attending Gamblers Anonymous and getting treatment from a psychiatrist. I have been looking for work for a long, long time and can't even get a call back.

Previously I worked as an accountant but my addiction will keep me from that type of work.  I would like a shipping/receiving or an inside sales position or maybe a dispatch job. All these positions are ones that I worked before I started my accounting career.

A: First of all I wish you success on your recovery.  I'm not sure what state you live in but some states offer what is known as Certificate of Rehabilitation.  A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a court order, which declares that a person who has been convicted of a felony is rehabilitated.  If a petition for a Certificate of Rehabilitation is granted, it is forwarded to the Governor by the granting court and constitutes an application for a pardon. 

This information is not intended as legal advice.  You should consult a qualified professional that is experienced in this field.   One option is to contact your local legal aid office where you may qualify for free or low cost legal services that can help with this process.  the legal aid office may also have relationships with employers who are willing to hire ex-offenders or felons.  Check your local telephone directory to find the legal aid office nearest you

A suggestion I make to all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to go to your nearest One-stop Career Center.

One-stop Career Centers are very underutilized resources that ex-offenders and felons can use not only to gain employment, but to get vocational guidance and preparation. Also, these centers offer a long list of useful services. Some services available are:

Career planning and counseling

Workshops (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and related topics.)

Computers with internet access and word processing

Daily access to thousands of job listings

Job-related magazines and local newspapers

Job postings and referrals

Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job searching

Every center is staffed with trained counselors that provide one-on-one help for job seekers. Many of them have experience helping ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs.

As stated in a previous post, you can find your nearest center here:

www.servicelocator.org


I hope this helps.


Are you an ex-offender or felon who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? You could have your question answered right here. Email your question to: adogzheart2@gmail.com.

Advice to help ex-offenders and felons get jobs

Will Juvenile Record Hurt Job Search?

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 Will my juvenile record work against me?


Q: Hello,

I have a juvenile record.  

When I was younger, I got into some trouble. Looking back, I'm really sorry for the things I've done. I am hoping that the stupid things I did as a kid won't keep me from having a good future. I want to go to college.  How can I move forward now?

Thanks for your help.

Calvin.

A: Hello Calvin, 

That’s a very good question. Many people believe that juvenile records disappear when one reach the age of adulthood. In most cases, juvenile records are sealed by the court. When a case is “sealed” it can only be examined by order of the court. Sealing of a criminal record entails that a court clerk is ordered by a judge to conceal a court record of criminal proceedings from public view. The records are not destroyed because under certain conditions, a court can order that previously sealed records be reopened. Loosely speaking, the effect of sealing is the court treats the information in the record as if never existed.

 A court not only seals its records, but also orders that records with information about the charges held by others be sealed as well. Persons may then by rights and legally respond to any inquiries about the arrest, acquittal, conviction etc., as if they never happened. For instance, you may by rights in a job interview or even under oath to deny a sealed conviction. Once a record has been sealed it is not gone. It will be visible to law enforcement, government agencies and the courts. This may impact you eligibility for civil service jobs or jobs that require a license or certification.

In some states, juvenile records are automatically sealed. You can find out if your juvenile record was automatically sealed or if you have to apply to have it sealed. An Attorney can help you with this. You may be able to get free legal advice regarding this at your local legal aid office.

 I hope this helps

Are you an ex-offender or felon who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? You could have your question answered right here. Email your question to: adogzheart2@gmail.com.


If you are really serious about finding a job with a criminal record, or you want to help someone you care about, visit my website From Jail to a Job

5 Temmuz 2012 Perşembe

Why recruitment agencies suck

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I really dislike recruitment agencies. The so called "consultants" are usually rude, arrogant and salesey. They are only interested in getting you in to register with them, they then promise you the world and you don't hear from them again, unless they want to flog you some job they can't get anyone else to do and think you will go for it because you are desperate or don't have 5 years plus experience in the particular field you are interested in. They will hardly ever put you forward for permanent work because they make more money out of you if you are just temping via them. They lie to you about the jobs and what they involve, making rubbish jobs sound like they are more high profile than they really are and they even lie about the salary / hourly rate you will get, if they think it will get you to say "Yes, please send my CV to that company!". Their philosophy is: "Get them to agree to it and worry about the details later!"
My experience of recruitment agencies has been a very dissapoiting one. I have been lied to, treated as if I were an idiot, pushed around, patronized, insulted and told off for calling or emailiing them every once in a while to ask if they actually have anything for me! Today I was even told by one of these self-styled "high-flyers" to "not call" her or "email" her please "about jobs that are not relevant" (i.e. I had applied for a job she felt was too senior for me) as this was wasting her time and she was very busy! How rude. She even had the audacity to leave this message on my work voicemail. And she was from one of the biggest agencies...

Please feel free to share any bad experienecs you have had with recruitment agencies, as it would be really 'therapeutic' to hear from fellow 'sufferers'. :-)

When 'friends' hurt you

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It is horrible when people who are supposed to be your friends hurt you.

Actually, two things are the worst; One is when the friend actually set out to hurt you on purpose (pre-meditated hurt) and the other is when no-matter what you do for them, how much time you spend on them, they decide to treat you badly - i.e. they are inconsiderate, take alot but give very little, or are just plain rude.

We have all been there haven't we? You do your best for that person, you help them, you listen to their problems, you are there for them when they need you - and how do they chose to express their gratitude and honour your friendship? Well, they say nasty things to you, ignore all you did for them, are never there when YOU need to talk about your problems and quite honestly behave like absolute tw**s!

This is not friendship.

Lovely Sundays

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It is a lovely Sunday today! The sky is blue, the sun is shining, the birds are singing and life is good. But when things are so good don't you just tend to think it's too good to be true and wonder when it's all going to come tumbling down?
I suppose one must live for the present and this is the only way to counteract such feelings. You must detach yourself from the past and not worry about the future. The here and now is what matters and usually is what will shape and create your future. So, we live for now, we love for now and we walk confidently into the uncertainty of our tomorrows...

Couple problems

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Why is being a couple troublesome after a few years? What happens to people? It's strange that two people can love each other yet after having lived together for a certain length of time they start to dislike things about one another, get iritated with simple things and have rows. Does familiarity really breed contempt as they say? Is this the case? And if so, why should this be the path that every relationship must eventually go down?

Maybe I am wrong. Maybe there are some happy, smiling, always loving couples out there; people who always gaze lovingly into each other's eyes even afer years of cohabitation, people who never resent things about each other and hardly ever row. If there are any of you out there, please stand up and make yourseles known to me. The truth is I don't really believe these blissfully happy couples exist. Oh sure, at the start, when they are first together yes, but after that, when the magic wears off and the dull, mundane reality of everyday life kicks in and worms itself into the fabric of the relationship, then things change. The question I would ask at this point is this: Is this change unavoidable or can it be prevented and if so what measures need to be taken?

Loving two people

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A friend of mine had a terrible dilemma a while ago. He loved his wife of ten years, was head-over-heels in love with his mistress of one and a half years and could not decide what he wanted to do with his life. In the meantime, he got off with yet another woman a couple of times and made things even more complicated for himself. FInally his mistress split up with him, telling him that she wanted him for herself and could not stand the situation as it was. This sent him over the edge. However, he could still not decide as to whether he wanted to leave his wife and be with his mistress not. The problem was that he loved both women only in different ways. On some ways he wanted both, and yet he did not. His days went by in quiet despair as he shifted between ideas of leaving his wife for his mistress and staying with his wife and having some kids with her. Days were hard and nights were agony, as he strived to make his decision. I don't know what happened or much else about the situation, but a story like this does make you wonder. Did this man love both women or was the wife the security and homeliness in his life, while the mistress was the excitement, the wanton sex and adrenalin push of romantic / sexual love?
In such a circumstance does one feel sorry for the wife or the mistress, or does one wonder what on earth she was doing after a married man? Best not to be judgemental with these things...

When a man (or woman for that matter) has an affair, it is usually because something is lacking within the marriage. Many times this is to do with sex. People seek the excitement of the new person, new ways, new body, new life, the secrecy even of the whole situation, acting as a potent aphrodisiac for the 'illicit' pair. It is no wonder then that once the marriage disolves these relationships very quickly loose their appeal; the person is no longer as exciting, the sex is not mind-blowing and life becomes dull again...