Brent Scarpo Gives Out More Information than Getting a Job in Entertainment

The Frostburg State University Career Services Department sponsored a program in Dunkle Hall on September 17th  titled "The Road to Hollywood - Careers in the Entertainment Industry." Hosted by Brent Scarpo, Extras Casting Director for The Shawshank Redemption and Air Force One, the program detailed how to obtain a career in the entertainment industry in fields such as acting, directing, writing, and business. FSU students, many of them from the theater department, and a few local residents curious about the possibility of being in films, were on hand. More importantly, Scarpo discussed how making a big impression, no matter the career field, could land the desired job.

The program provided helpful tidbits that can elevate the status of someone looking for a new job. "Starting your career yesterday" was the main focal point of Scarpo's talk. "This is the biggest component of landing a career. Don't wait until after you graduate. Do what you can now." Not procrastinating is a big step in the right direction. And for most people, it is the first, and hardest, step. For instance, let's say someone wanted to start a writing career; do not keep putting it off, saying "I'll write tomorrow." Write any and everything possible to go in the right direction. Try posting articles online, such as on this site.

Scarpo mentioned that if someone wanted to become an actor, going to Baltimore or taking the six hour drive to New York City to do some work as an extra, or being in a commercial, would get a foot in the door. The little things start to roll into larger ones and will develop a career.

"The elevator speech" was a tactic that Scarp detailed. "Imagine you are in an elevator in Los Angeles on the sixteenth floor. It stops and in walks in Steven Spielberg. What would you say to him?" the energetic Scarpo asked, scanning the crowd for a response. "Stuttering, not knowing what to say would certainly not make a big impression. You have to be memorable. Know something that will catch his attention immediately." Scarpo gathered answers from the crowd like a child catching lightning bugs on a summer evening. "Say you are an actor," a very timid female in the second row said. Immediately, Scarpo shook his head. "That's the last thing you want to say. He wants to be entertained. Show him a special talent you might have, or talk about something unique in your family."

In many ways, this statement is true to every profession. By asking everyday questions, such as about the traffic coming into the interview, to job seekers, employers can gather much detail about this person. The first is how the seeker can react on the spot. At a moment's notice, at practically any job, issues can arise. How someone reacts is very important to knowing if someone would be able to handle the stress of the job. Knowing how someone will communicate in the normal, sometimes mundane, operations is key to knowing if that person will be trustworthy, be a team player, and make smart, competent decisions.

Business Cards are effective and a quick way to establish a connection between people. "When a student hands me a business card, I'm impressed. It is a very professional item to have," commented Scarpo. Having a little card with contact numbers, e-mails, and maybe a website link does not seem like it would be crucial. However, time and money spent on designing a knockout business card and having something unique and business-oriented shows great character. Every detail has to be crafted, like a watch, so that everything interlocks with each other.

The man from Tinseltown wanted to see everyone succeed. His advice was presented in an open way that provided help to anyone looking for a job. There is a chance he could persuade someone into a new career avenue they never would have thought of otherwise.