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I'm traveling to LA from early august 'til the end of october. I'd be very thankful if you guys could help me out with these questions.
I have a couple of questions regarding my trip to LA. Let's say I made some music with a popular UK producer and already have a fan base , press and attention here but want to expand that and become an international star.
Let's simply say I have enough interesting stuff and experience to go to LA and network until I become a star.
Question 1 : Can I as a tourist do castings for music / movies / shows during my time in LA or are all castings only for people who are a U.S. citizen ?
Yes, you can work in the entertainment industry and not legally be a U.S. citizen. People do it all the time.
Question 2 : What's the best spot for me to rent an apartment ? I know L.A. is spread out so a car will be necessary but where are most industry people , castings and events happening in L.A. ?
The best spot to rent an apartment is in West Hollywood. They have a lot of hidden gems and are good for transplants who are looking to get started without spending $1 million a month on rent. Look into the 90046 zip code. This zip code has a lot of hidden gems and is almost in the middle of everything. YOU WILL NEED A CAR. Public transit center sucks, and if you want to be in the Entertainment Industry, you will need to have a vehicle. How will you make it to castings at the last minute? Also, people will be less likely to take you seriously.
Question 3 : Let's say I wanna meet celebrities so I can let them hear my work and see if I can write music or do something creative for them , is there a legit site that lists places where most celebs are hanging out? Is it smart to talk to a paparazzi photographer and eventually pay him to tell me where most celebrities are spotted a lot ? Where do I find celebrities
If you really want to wiggle your way into a celebrities circle, you must first get the idea out of your head that you must ONLY mingle with celebrities. There are many people who work behind the scenes who are very close to celebrities. For example, it might be easier to befriend someone who is an associate of a celebrity rather than trying to mingle with the celebrity themselves.
If you hear a celebrity coming to your favorite club, purchase a VIP package and try to get yourself seen. Notice who the celebrity is hanging out with. Try to get close to THEM....the people who are in their inner circle. If you are not a party person or don't like the drug/party circuit, its going to be harder for you to fit in.
Question 4 : Is there a site that lists the hottest clubs in L.A. where most stars are hanging out ? Is it easy to get access to these clubs or not? What's the door policy like for most clubs ?
That would be too lazy to do and would be pointless. Instead, research your favorite artist or celebrity that you could see yourself working with professionally. Read on gossip forums about them. You will find out a LOT from people who have actually had contact with the celebrity and they often tell their secrets and other info (of course anonmously). One site you could use is Lipstick Alley (although this is more geared towards African-American and minority celebrities). You will have to find out the door policy for each club by doing your own research on a case by case basis.
Question 5 : How do people in LA look at tourists like me? What's the attitude of LA people , what's the mindset of people who live in LA ? This may sound like an ignorant question but I believe that every country has like it's own character. How can I easily make friends in LA ? What are some of the things they hate there because I can imagine with all these people coming over to L.A. the people there create a hate against people like me so I wanna avoid the hatred and gain as much love as I can
I don't think anyone cares about you being a tourist. To be quite honest, LA can be quite disappointing to those who are looking to become a "star". The people who look to become a "star" and are more focused on that then their craft, often end up failing. I am also in the Entertainment industry, and have a family member is also in the entertainment industry. Also, don't think you have to move to LA to become successful. You can also go to New York.
Also, the people in LA are all about, "What can you do for me and how can I use you" attitude. Friendships are often forced and superficial in the hopes that a person can use another for financial or career-gain. If you are not a shrewd business person with a keen ability to seperate the real from the fake, your going to get lost in LA. Use the Internet to your advantage. In fact, I would try to gain contacts and associates on the Internet BEFORE actually uprooting to LA. At least get a couple of solid contacts by going to events or joining a networking site like 'Yelp'. Don't just go out there thinking all you have to do is push a demo tape to a celebrity without any contact, NO friends or solid connections. It took my friend 7 years before she was able to make contacts and land secure jobs as a model and television host.
Also, forget about rubbing elbows with celebrities and focus on getting gigs that will put you in direct contact with celebs. For example; try to secure a contract with a record label as a music producer or, don't be afraid to follow your fav celebs on Twitter or other social networking sites. They often post where they will be in the future and what events they are going to. Don't just become their friend, but research their family and friends. You don't have to become an associate, but I know from experience, that the easiest way to a celebs inner circle is by getting to THEIR friends first. If most of their friends (which most celebs don't have many friends) trust you, then you're in like flin.
I'm traveling to LA from early august 'til the end of october. I'd be very thankful if you guys could help me out with these questions.
I have a couple of questions regarding my trip to LA. Let's say I made some music with a popular UK producer and already have a fan base , press and attention here but want to expand that and become an international star.
Let's simply say I have enough interesting stuff and experience to go to LA and network until I become a star.
Question 1 : Can I as a tourist do castings for music / movies / shows during my time in LA or are all castings only for people who are a U.S. citizen ?
Yes, you can work in the entertainment industry and not legally be a U.S. citizen. People do it all the time.
Question 2 : What's the best spot for me to rent an apartment ? I know L.A. is spread out so a car will be necessary but where are most industry people , castings and events happening in L.A. ?
The best spot to rent an apartment is in West Hollywood. They have a lot of hidden gems and are good for transplants who are looking to get started without spending $1 million a month on rent. Look into the 90046 zip code. This zip code has a lot of hidden gems and is almost in the middle of everything. YOU WILL NEED A CAR. Public transit center sucks, and if you want to be in the Entertainment Industry, you will need to have a vehicle. How will you make it to castings at the last minute? Also, people will be less likely to take you seriously.
Question 3 : Let's say I wanna meet celebrities so I can let them hear my work and see if I can write music or do something creative for them , is there a legit site that lists places where most celebs are hanging out? Is it smart to talk to a paparazzi photographer and eventually pay him to tell me where most celebrities are spotted a lot ? Where do I find celebrities
If you really want to wiggle your way into a celebrities circle, you must first get the idea out of your head that you must ONLY mingle with celebrities. There are many people who work behind the scenes who are very close to celebrities. For example, it might be easier to befriend someone who is an associate of a celebrity rather than trying to mingle with the celebrity themselves.
If you hear a celebrity coming to your favorite club, purchase a VIP package and try to get yourself seen. Notice who the celebrity is hanging out with. Try to get close to THEM....the people who are in their inner circle. If you are not a party person or don't like the drug/party circuit, its going to be harder for you to fit in.
Question 4 : Is there a site that lists the hottest clubs in L.A. where most stars are hanging out ? Is it easy to get access to these clubs or not? What's the door policy like for most clubs ?
That would be too lazy to do and would be pointless. Instead, research your favorite artist or celebrity that you could see yourself working with professionally. Read on gossip forums about them. You will find out a LOT from people who have actually had contact with the celebrity and they often tell their secrets and other info (of course anonmously). One site you could use is Lipstick Alley (although this is more geared towards African-American and minority celebrities). You will have to find out the door policy for each club by doing your own research on a case by case basis.
Question 5 : How do people in LA look at tourists like me? What's the attitude of LA people , what's the mindset of people who live in LA ? This may sound like an ignorant question but I believe that every country has like it's own character. How can I easily make friends in LA ? What are some of the things they hate there because I can imagine with all these people coming over to L.A. the people there create a hate against people like me so I wanna avoid the hatred and gain as much love as I can
I don't think anyone cares about you being a tourist. To be quite honest, LA can be quite disappointing to those who are looking to become a "star". The people who look to become a "star" and are more focused on that then their craft, often end up failing. I am also in the Entertainment industry, and have a family member is also in the entertainment industry. Also, don't think you have to move to LA to become successful. You can also go to New York.
Also, the people in LA are all about, "What can you do for me and how can I use you" attitude. Friendships are often forced and superficial in the hopes that a person can use another for financial or career-gain. If you are not a shrewd business person with a keen ability to seperate the real from the fake, your going to get lost in LA. Use the Internet to your advantage. In fact, I would try to gain contacts and associates on the Internet BEFORE actually uprooting to LA. At least get a couple of solid contacts by going to events or joining a networking site like 'Yelp'. Don't just go out there thinking all you have to do is push a demo tape to a celebrity without any contact, NO friends or solid connections. It took my friend 7 years before she was able to make contacts and land secure jobs as a model and television host.
Also, forget about rubbing elbows with celebrities and focus on getting gigs that will put you in direct contact with celebs. For example; try to secure a contract with a record label as a music producer or, don't be afraid to follow your fav celebs on Twitter or other social networking sites. They often post where they will be in the future and what events they are going to. Don't just become their friend, but research their family and friends. You don't have to become an associate, but I know from experience, that the easiest way to a celebs inner circle is by getting to THEIR friends first. If most of their friends (which most celebs don't have many friends) trust you, then you're in like flin.
I hope this helps
Wow I can't be thankful enough. All I can wish is that you will live a very happy life and may all your dreams come true. People like you a very hard to find. So much honest information in one post. You really did an effort to help me and all I can do is applaud this and thank you so much. You are a great person.
I live in Texas but I had an instructor in my last quarter of nursing school and her daughter lives in LA and is an actress. She has gotten parts on shows like CSI and different things like that. Nothing major, just as an extra and stuff. She started getting parts her first week in CA. That being said, my instructor still pays for her rent and insurance and stuff like that because she never makes enough money even to live on doing extra work.
I live in Texas but I had an instructor in my last quarter of nursing school and her daughter lives in LA and is an actress. She has gotten parts on shows like CSI and different things like that. Nothing major, just as an extra and stuff. She started getting parts her first week in CA. That being said, my instructor still pays for her rent and insurance and stuff like that because she never makes enough money even to live on doing extra work.
Angeleyes22, the normal pay to be an extra USE to be anywhere between $100-$300 a day, on average. However, after the recession (you also have to remember that California is on the verge of bankruptcy and this will affect the entertainment industry the most), film producers and directors found it easier to feed off the weak and the ones who want to become a "star". They feed off of their desperation and now in days, many extras work for pennies....and even for FREE!. Many people accept this of course because they want to put the "experience" on their resume or rub elbows with producers, directors and the rest of the big wigs. The extra is often disappointed when they step on the set only to be ignored or ridiculed by the lead actor/actress and the rest of the crew.
The key is to get a SAG card. This will get you more work and film executives will take you more seriously. IMO, i would skip trying to become an extra in some movie, and instead work on perfecting my craft and getting gigs "behind the scenes". Rely on your talent and work in the indie/underground market to brushen up on your skills and gain experience. There are literally MILLIONS of people trying to be an extra. It's a waste of time and you will be going in circles.
Angeleyes22, the normal pay to be an extra USE to be anywhere between $100-$300 a day, on average. However, after the recession (you also have to remember that California is on the verge of bankruptcy and this will affect the entertainment industry the most), film producers and directors found it easier to feed off the weak and the ones who want to become a "star". They feed off of their desperation and now in days, many extras work for pennies....and even for FREE!. Many people accept this of course because they want to put the "experience" on their resume or rub elbows with producers, directors and the rest of the big wigs. The extra is often disappointed when they step on the set only to be ignored or ridiculed by the lead actor/actress and the rest of the crew.
The key is to get a SAG card. This will get you more work and film executives will take you more seriously. IMO, i would skip trying to become an extra in some movie, and instead work on perfecting my craft and getting gigs "behind the scenes". Rely on your talent and work in the indie/underground market to brushen up on your skills and gain experience. There are literally MILLIONS of people trying to be an extra. It's a waste of time and you will be going in circles.
Thank you so much for this very interesting piece of information , where can I get this SAG card? Why are actors ridiculing extra's ? Is it because they are amateur because I've asked a question about the mentality and mindset of people in LA , I'm very interested in this subject.
The op is a dreamer. The vast majority of people coming to L.A. & becoming stars or even doing commercials is slim to none. Your best bet is to hook up with a celebrity (tv, movies or sports) & do a sex video & post it online.
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