Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with talent

I just wanna slappa da bass while people in clown costumes swing around me.

tylerfulltilt — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:46:57 -0800

I play bass guitar. I'm not bad at it. In fact, I'm quite good. How do I get auditions to start playing for touring musicals and the like? (and do I stand a chance?) A little backstory: My wife decided to audition for a community theater production of Rent. Which got me thinking. Why don't I try to land a spot playing bass instruments in a show? The only problem is that I have no contacts. Google searches for auditions don't turn up much. How do I get started doing this? Do I need to get representation? Do I need to just know people? I have no idea where to begin with this.

And for those of you with experience, here's a brief rundown of my abilities. Perhaps you can give it a quick look and tell me If I'm being deluded.

+ : I'm very experienced on my instrument. I've played in live situations before. I've got very good technique and a great sense of tempo and rhythm. I can play really any style. I know a little theory and I can read tab, chord charts, and sheet music. I'm mostly experienced with electric fretted and fretless bass, but I can play an acoustic upright, both pizz. and arc.

- : Never actually played in a theater production before. But everyone has to start somewhere right?

How to find what I love to do for the rest of my life?

kingfish — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:43:32 -0800

I know it's a lame question, and I am a bit old for this (over 35 now). However, I am such a sucker for the saying that "find what you love to do and you don't need to work a day in your life", I just want to keep on searching I guess my quest has two steps. First of all, I need to find what I am good at and what my talents are. In that regard, can anyone share your thoughts on various books / tools on the market (i.e., Pathfinder, Now Discover Your Strength, etc..). Are there any web sites for this kind of assessment?

2nd step would be trying out those jobs and careers that leverage my strength and see if I like it or not.

Are there any shortcuts? Have anyone here had similar transformation (i.e., ditched the old career and found sth you absolutely want to pursue for the rest of your life)?

Any comments would be highly welcome.

From Awful to Awesome

divabat — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:25:50 -0800

Are there any stories of people notable/talented/successful in their field who started out being completely crap? Most of the "roads to success" stories I've read involve the person having some form of latent talent at the beginning, or actually having talent but not being appreciated for it. But has there been anyone who was or is currently successful at something that started out being really really bad?

A sportsperson who was a total couch potato and could hardly run, or a painter that couldn't grasp technique, or a dancer that kept stumbling. But through effort and persistence they broke through and became a star.

Any stories along those lines?

Alien vs Hunter gets made but my friend's script doesn't?

arniec — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:04:35 -0800

Help me understand the writing industry, specifically as it relates to Hollywood, etc. I really hope this is not dismissed as chat filter as I have a specific question, but admittedly this question is based in assumptions and opinions.

I have several friends who are living in L.A. and trying to be hired as screenwriters. One has entered several screenwriting competitions and even won a couple 2nd and 3rd place awards in minor competitions. Yet these friends, for the most part, cannot get anyone to review their scripts or even really give them the time of day. By the nature of what Hollywood is they all "know a guy who know's a guy" but nothing seems to come of it.

These are people working their butts off, working day jobs and working nights writing more scripts, but they get nowhere.

Now I had always written this off to "Hollywood has more people wanting to work than they need (be it actors, writers, directors, etc) and so a large amount of people go unemployed."

However recently I read a book called Crystal Lake Memories about the making of all the Friday the 13th movies, and in it Sean Cunningham talked about how his film company has people pitching him scripts, but because he is a small company they're only pitching it to him after it's been pitched to, and passed on by, all the major studios. And thus, per Cunningham, many of the scripts are sub-par.

So part 1 of the question is: why can't an aspiring writer who is actually GOOD pitch to Cunningham and his ilk, so that small film studios like Cunningham get good scripts by unknown writers rather than crap scripts by people who are already processed through the system?

Then part 2 is: Given the utter CRAP that is made, movies like Mansquito and Atomic Twister, Mother May I Sleep With Danger, etc. how is it that talented individuals can't even get their scripts looked at, but yet such utter tripe is not only seen, but produced and released?

I'm not saying any of my friends are the next Charlie Kaufman, but their stuff is certainly better than Manticore.

Job Title: Charmed Bridge

divabat — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 22:36:14 -0800

I connect very different groups together, and I also tend to make people famous. Where in the world could I make a living out of this? I've noticed two strong patterns in my life lately:

a) I really enjoy finding connections between two or more things/people/groups that don't necessarily have anything in common. For example, my boyfriend and I are working on a web app where people are presented with two different fields of study (say Biology and Architecture) and they provide an idea for how both fields can be combined (creating buildings structurally based on human beings). I tend to do this as a mental hobby, though I've also used this skill a LOT in idea generating - thinking up different sponsorship avenues, connecting contacts with each other, etc.

b) I've somehow managed to inadvertently make friends famous/well-known/happy thanks to a tip or referral. I got one of my close friends on to Twitter and now she's become a very prominent member of the local Twitter group, even to the point of organising events for them (she's an events geek so this is right up her alley). Other friends have heard about conferences from me and got in (I applied and I didn't get in!!), or earned auditions I referred them for, or developed very close friendships/relationships with other people I've introduced them to. The luck doesn't necessarily extend to me personally, but somehow I've got a knack of making others charmed.

I'd like to do more of the above as a current career path. Where would those skills and abilities be useful?

I love research and I like to meet people (though I can be a bit socially awkward). I thrive in conferences and volunteer excursions; not so much in parties. The only thing I can think of is "talent agent" or "networker", but I'm sure there's more that I'm missing.

Tickling the Ivory

netbros — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:57:19 -0800

Who are the keyboard players who are really wowing you these days? I'm looking to enhance my listening pleasure. Any style or genre is fine. Audio or video samples would be even better. Thanks for your help.

Agents for Lighting Designers?

Anonymous — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:19:16 -0800

Do agents for Lighting Designers exist, and where do I look to find one? I'm a lighting designer. I light all levels of production, from small theatrical production to corporate theatre and concert production. I have materials on display on my design firm's website, and I do my best to stay connected - I attend LDI and keep up with my contact network. I have a terminal degree in my field (MFA), years of experience, and I am a member of United Scenic Artists.

I'm interested in information about agents who would represent lighting designers with business interests similar to mine. Most google searching comes up with agents and agencies who represent and recommend architectural lighting designers and architects. I have plenty of experience lighting architecture, but my training is not from that specific career path, so I don't get bundled in with that specialty.

Are any MeFites lighting designers who have ties to agents? Is there somewhere else I should be looking? Thanks in advance for the help!

Max Axe

netbros — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:22:27 -0800

Who are the most talented guitar players alive today? Not style specific, any genre. I'm looking to enhance my listening pleasure.

Goodly drawn girl

self — Sun, 25 May 2008 22:03:52 -0800

Have you ever known someone with so much artistic potential, who does nothing with it? My girlfriend is a very talented illustrator. She will sit and idle doodle amazing little scenes, creatures, and people while talking or sitting with me. I am constantly amazed at how casually she comes up with these drawings, as they rival some of the best stylized illustrations I've seen out there.

However, she has no faith in her own work while also seeming to take her talent for granted. I've tried and tried to convince her otherwise, but to no avail.

I've tried giving her projects- like draw a couple quirky characters for my band's site or CD, but she always puts it off and if I push her at all, she feels like she's under too much pressure. I've also tried using her own ideas as inspiration- she's interested in tshirt design and silkscreening, but when I offer to screen whatever she wants onto a shirt, she shies away.

How can I help her realize her potential without being overbearing?

She has a vague idea for a children's book (though currently sans illustration), and loves Yositomo Nara's work, so I'm going to buy her this as a gift. But I'd love to hear what else I might be able to do.

Any ideas?

While my guitar gently weeps... for me?

pixlboi — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:09:02 -0800

At what point do you give up on trying to learn a musical instrument? Are some seemingly "normal" skills impossible for some people to learn even with time and instruction? Can lack of skill trump desire? I have been taking guitar lessons, a half hour once a week, for 10 months. I practice approx. 5 hours a week, an hour at a time. My teacher is supportive, knowledgeable and seems to care.

I have read endless guitar forum and AskMeFi questions on how long it should take to "learn" the guitar. Answers seem to range from "I bought a guitar and learned my first song that afternoon" to "It will take a few months to develop calluses, a good sense of rhythm strumming and decent chords but a lifetime to master". I laugh at the ones that say you will have a decent repertoire of songs after a month.

After 10 months I can't play a single song. Not even the simplest two chord campfire favourite. I can't change chords fast enough to play actual music. My fingers simply will not go to 3 or 4 different places on different strings and frets in one movement in the space of a split-second. So, boo-hoo, poor me, I suck... just admit I have no talent for it and give it up.

Except there are also endless articles on how anybody, absolutely anybody, can learn to play the guitar and if someone says they can't play or weren't able to learn their teacher must suck (he doesn't) or they didn't practice (I do) and there are endless articles on how there is no such thing as natural talent and its all just hard work and practice. My BS-meter tends to go off when I read there is no such thing as natural talent. I have a hard time believing anyone can be Tiger Woods if they just put in the hours (not to suggest he doesn't work hard).

Obviously I am so far behind the average learning curve for guitar that it borders on the ridiculous.

So how do you know when you are just not suited to learning something even when you really, really want to learn it? Are some skills just impossible for some people to learn even with professional instruction, practice and time? If so, how do you know it's time to throw in the towel?

(And has anyone else in history taken longer than 10 months to learn how to switch from a G to a C in tempo?)

Step one: Buy a guitar.

roger ackroyd — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 22:27:11 -0800

What impressive new talent can I learn in a month? The significant other is in Bulgaria until April. When he returns, I want to surprise him by casually exhibiting a previously unseen kick-ass skill. My first thought was to get learn guitar. Is it possible for a total n00b to become proficient in a few songs in four weeks? Would it make sense to choose an easier instrument, or stay away from music entirely? I'm up for anything. ASL, plate spinning, telekinesis...I was seriously about to drop the cash on SCUBA lessons, but our bathtub isn't deep enough to show off at home. Help me knock his socks off!

(By the way, my parents read Ask MeFi, so if you have risque suggestions, MeFi mail might be the best way to go.)

Making my 4yro musical.

bystander — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:58:27 -0800

Encouraging musical talent in a 4yro? My bigger boy turns 4 soon, and we are considering something musical as a present. He is a virtuoso air guitar/trumpet/drum/piano player, and can readily identify the instruments in music he hears.
Alas, my wife and I are less than gifted musically. I have an old steel string guitar I stumblingly play once a year, and had two years of piano lessons I hated when I was 10. My wife has less experience than that.
I don't think he is big enough (or would particularly enjoy) professional lessons, but perhaps some bongo drums, a recorder/tin whistle or a cheap keyboard would be a start?
Any advice welcome. I am happy to devote regular time to learn/teach/practice with him.

Other jobs ideas for a talent agent?

bydar — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 15:37:24 -0800

Hi, All, Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated..What type of jobs would I be qualified for? For the last 8 years I've worked as a talent agent (representing actors, models, voiceover talent for commercial projects) and seek a job/career move into a different area/field. Side note: My prior experience is in the music business (primarily as a lyricist/songwriter/musician). Although I plan to go back to college to finish a under grad (Psychology) and then seek a Masters (Clinical Social Work), I'm really trying to move into a work situation that my experience in the entertainment business can transfer over to. Being that I presently do not have a college degree, I've felt my job options have been rather limited. I also have a wife (who works) and a 2 yr old child. As a talent agent I work as a liaison between an actor/talent and a client (Casting director, ad agency, production company, end client) Negotiate rates for broadcast and non broadcast jobs (ex. TV/Radio Commercials corporate videos, etc.) Interview prospective talent to decide whether they rae marketable Direct and record TV and Voiceover auditions What I enjoyed the most about this type of work was educating the talent in terms of what areas they needed to improve, thus helping those I felt had/have an ability to be relatively sucessful in their careers. I'm planning on teaching some classes in the acting business as well, but that wouldn't be steady. Given that information, I was wondering if anyone had any ideas.. Thanks so much in advance

Talent tracker sofware

Leech — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 06:57:23 -0800

I'm looking for an application (web based) to keep track of our company talents I'm needing an application where we can load with our resources data, and keep it updated with their skills and knowledge to keep in mind which guy use in each job.

Anyone knows a software that does that?

Being a Talent Agent

divabat — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 16:25:28 -0800

What does running a talent agency entail? I have so many friends and acquaintances with such varied talents left undiscovered (except by me and few others) - that sometimes I want to start a talent agency, promote their skills, and get them noticed by people who can give them opportunities. Thing is, I know next to nothing about how talent agencies work.

What, specifically, do they do? Do they go headhunting for talented people, or do the people come to them? How do they connect with the opportunity-givers - or do those people come to the agency too? What sort of talent agencies are out there? How do they operate their business - where do they earn their money? Do you need a company or can you work independently?

Any links, information, and resources greatly appreciated. I have some ideas, but I'd like to know more about what talent agenting really is before I start anything. Thanks!

Go with a headhunter?

aladfar — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 07:53:19 -0800

Yesterday, I interviewed with a headhunting/creative talent agency. Should I sign up with them formally? The agency places design geeks, freelance writers, and folks of similar ilk into freelance and fulltime jobs. I've yet to sign any contracts with them, but am planning to do so today. I don't care for the 70-30 split when it comes to my hourly wages, but if it's work that I otherwise wouldn't have received, it might be OK. And should they find me a permanent gig, that'd be entirely swell.

Is there anything I should be looking out for? Any horror stories that people care to share? The worst case I can think of is that they're a glorified temp agency. If that's the case, I can always sever my ties with them.

BitingFilter

Anonymous — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 08:47:53 -0800

How to bite without leaving long-lasting bruises? I like biting people. People I make out with like being bitten. I like being bitten.

I've noticed that some people who I make out with can bite my neck and not leave a bruise. Or can bite my neck and leave a bruise that only lasts for several hours.

I am jealous of this ability. How do I do it?

Talent vs Training

davar — Sat, 13 May 2006 11:44:45 -0800

A couple of months ago I read an article that stated that world class athletes or musicians were not that much more talented than other people: they just worked harder. Does anybody know which article I mean? I am also interested to learn other opinions about this. How good can you become if you are very motivated and willing to invest the time? My personal interest is in long distance running, but I am also interested in general stories/opinions/articles.

Jack of all trade-offs

goodnewsfortheinsane — Mon, 21 Nov 2005 13:14:19 -0800

What kind of freelance work is right for me? I am currently in college, but I'm working less now due to my parttime job being downsized, and I could use a little extra cash. I want to try freelance jobs, but which ones? My experience and interests are a mish-mash of the creative trades:

Text: I'm alright with words, especially if they're of the Dutch or English variety. I've been writing songs (in English) for over ten years, I've written short stories (one has been published in a Dutch online literary magazine), and blogging for two-and-a-half years. I can also translate between English and Dutch. I've worked as an editor for one of those Yellow Pages-ish web portals that went bust when the dotcom bubble burst.

Music: I'm working on music projects of my own, but I've also written the odd song on request for a theatre group. I have my own home studio.

Other: I've organised and presented singer/songwriter open mic nights. I shoot and edit video, and I've worked as a video operator at a film festival. I've done a sketch act for local radio. I've worked as a lighting engineer at a local venue. I enjoy photography in my spare time. I've been building web sites for ten years or so, but I don't consider this my greatest talent. I have a decent understanding of the techniques, standards and software though.

As you can see, my interests are all over the place. What angle would be best for landing freelance jobs? Factors such as market demand, chance of success, expected pay and expected satisfaction can all be taken into consideration. Feel free to ask for clarification, if need be. Thanks in advance!