When I was contacted about Danielle Weinstock's new book Can This Elephant Curtsy On Cue, I was skeptical. Weinstock, a film producer, is going to teach me about business? Yes, I know that the film industry is a business (I've worked for one of the big motion picture production and distribution companies) but it is a different business. Very unique and specialized (and slightly insane).
But this book isn't about business (despite the front cover). It is about career management. It is about getting hired, staying hired, and yes, getting fired.
THAT a film professional can teach (with her eyes closed or in Weinstock's case while sharing side splitting stories). The average person gets laid off two or three times. They change jobs every four years. Someone in the entertainment business can change jobs every month as they move from production to production. They either learn how to deal with career change or they don't make it.
The timing of Can This Elephant Curtsy On Cue? is unfortunately perfect. If you have a loved one looking at a possible layoff or he/she is already struggling with one, and are wondering what you can do to help, pass along this book. I know I wish I had it when I was laid off. It would have saved me some heartache.
I'll be covering a few of my favorite sections this week (my all time fave is about the Pretend Office) but I won't be doing the book justice. The wealth is in the stories and the humor (along with the big lessons).