I don't know about other people in the entertainment industry, but when someone asks me what I do for a living and I tell them I'm a producer, they get so excited and want to know what films or TV shows I've produced. In fact, they start firing off a ton of questions. I don't want to kill their enthusiasm. So I don't tell them the downside. I don't sigh and say, “Well, you know, things are pretty bad in the industry right now.” I don't frown and remark, “I’m barely scraping by this month.”. I tell them about some great event I attended where I met several celebrities, not mentioning how long ago that was. Lol They laugh at the funny stories I share about each celeb and so forth. Or I talk about a project I'm working on, leaving out the fact that I don't get any money until I can at least raise development funds.

I understand how they feel, having met me - a real live producer. I was that way many years ago when I first moved to Los Angeles.

The reason I don't tell them the truth, the downside, is because I've found that people who don't work in this industry can't understand why I stay in the business if things aren't going well. It's kind of like if you told a friend or family member that you're going to join the circus. Lol

So that's why I just smile and give people the glitz & glamour side of the industry and go on my merry way. But here, I can be honest and say that in spite of the struggles, I love what I do and have no plans to stop until my body gives up. I may have to pivot several times (and I've done that) and take on side hustles to supplement my income, but I won't quit. As long as I'm alive there's always hope! For those of you who are struggling right now, hold on to hope. Do what you must to survive. Modify your projects, if necessary. But don't give up on your dream.