10 Questions with ... Jerry Lentz

NAME:Jerry Lentz LAST WITH:KRZR PHONE:(818) 689-1868 EMAIL:lentz2001@yahoo.com

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

I like to read the book "The Secret" and watch Oprah, and I'm forced to spend at least two hours job-hunting before rewarding myself with porn.

2) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

There was a time when I used to have parties every weekend. I mean, every weekend!

I had a party on Friday night, and then I would have a party on Saturday night, with different people, of course. I did this because I was poor and these were potluck parties, and after the party people would leave the extra booze and extra food behind. And I would live the rest of the week on those supplies. At one party, a newspaper reporter friend brought the station manager of a local station. Another friend of mine at the time, who was an exotic dancer working her way through college, got into an intimate conversation with the station manager. A few weeks later I got pictures from the party, and just as a joke I sent my resume with his pictures.

3) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)

It's pretty horrible. Nothing makes me feel bad about the industry more than this.

I would say at least 10 times in the last year I've been outright offered the job by a PD, and I started making arrangements and packing bags, only to be told that he didn't have the authority, or the consultant had other plans, or that corporate was plugging in a syndicated show. The level of courtesy is very poor, but those who apply a little kindness will definitely stand out and shine.

4) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?

I was asked if I can help him get a job at a former station.

5) With consolidation, there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?

Be your own personality. Don't try to be someone else. The fakers are easy to spot. Be credible. Be true to yourself. If you are passionate, that's attractive to others and an audience will find you.

6) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?

Not at all. They're all working so hard to support me, they have to keep going!

7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Directing a live concert video featuring Pearl Jam for a station promotion and then later having it play at the Sundance Film Festival.

8) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?

Every day is an opportunity for something miraculous and inspiring to happen that will change me or the world around me. It may not happen while I'm playing World of Warcraft, watching TV, or feeling down about not getting the station I wanted, but when the door opens I'm stepping through.

9) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?

Absolutely! I would fill the gap in income by setting up a meth lab.

10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

Make sure you have other skills!

BONUS QUESTION: Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?

"The Game" by Neil Strauss, "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne, and Simon Callow's Orson Welles biographies are great!