Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1325752
get filmed or written otherwise.'" For Seeds, content creation over the years has given her expertise in pitching show ideas. "[The pilot of my show] was my first experience [with] huge networks like NBC, ABC and Warner Bros.," said Seeds. "I've done it 40 times since then, [and now] it's my side hustle." Don't be surprised if your repertoire expands beyond what you first expected — but more about that in a bit. Network and Build Your Skills and Community Expanding your skill set is important, but remember that it's not possible to do everything on your own. Even famed filmmakers rely on others, and according to actor-producer Chris Naoki Lee, there's value in cultivating relationships with other creatives. "You're the average of the five people you're around the most, so keeping a good network of people around you is always important," said Lee. "I'm grateful and very lucky to have genius friends around me." So, yes: network. Extend a work opportunity to your fellow performer — under contract, of course — or ask around for help. Work leads to work, and good ideas spread quickly. Networking will not only help further an idea you may have previously developed, but can create new ones. Be Open to Unexpected Changes in Your Career With time, doing work on your own terms brings the change you want: partnerships with a brand or work on projects you imagined working on at the start of your career. But it is possible for your career to take even more positive, yet unexpected, turns beyond your initial goals. National NextGen Performers Committee member Aubrey Mozino's story about her recent work as a film instructor is one such example that serves as a powerful reminder to others. "A large smartphone company saw some of the content I was making and asked me if I could teach people how to record on a smartphone. I had never done anything [like that] before, but I had production experience, so I dove in," said Mozino, who's gone on to teach workshops across the country. "It's not something I really saw [happening] when I started production, but there are so many other doors that can open up." The best advice to take is to stay open to what happens as your career unfolds. Re-evaluating your work, building a network and learning more aren't deviations from your original goals, but ways to learn and achieve more.