Excited to move to Los Angeles (San Jose, Long Beach: motel, movies, school)

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by Ankhharu

If any of us thought it was easy or believed there was a high success rate, would we bother defending such a decision? It would be self explanatory. Why do people put some much time and effort into trampling someone else's aspirations? Just because you couldn't do it doesn't mean she can't do it.

Just remember LA is the porn capital of the world for a reason: Lots of young wanna be actors desperate for cash. Sure, you could be the 1/10000000 to make it, but don't hold your breath. You'd best learn about wine so you can work in a more upscale restaurant instead of Applebee's.

[MisterMark]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

Just remember LA is the porn capital of the world for a reason: Lots of young wanna be actors desperate for cash.

Lots of cameramen and behind-the-scenes people need the work too.

[CourtneyW]

Originally Posted by Charles

Just a fun hypothetical question...

If you know your average annual salary in acting was going to be $50K for the rest of your life, would you still pursue acting?

Ok maybe I need to make this clear again...I don't care about how much money I get paid by acting..all I want to do is Act..regardless of the pay....it's like someone who owns a car wash...he just loves the feeling he gets when he washes cars because it brings him childhood memories.feelings that he use to have when him and his dad washed cars on Saturday morning...it may not pay well but thats what he enjoys doing...and LOVE TO ACT..if Acting didn't pay a dime..which i know it won't in the beginning...I would still act and get some boring day job to pay for rent and stuff.

[CourtneyW]

Originally Posted by Ankhharu

If any of us thought it was easy or believed there was a high success rate, would we bother defending such a decision? It would be self explanatory. Why do people put some much time and effort into trampling someone else's aspirations? Just because you couldn't do it doesn't mean she can't do it.

The reason they try to trample our dreams is because they were too afraid to do it. We both know that the one thing that we will regret doing is not pursing our dream and then 50 years from now wonder "what if"...they on the other hand either went at it for a few months and couldn't handle it or decided they needed something more "stable" and because they didn't give it their all..they try to convince us not to go for our dreams so it will make them feel better that they didn't. Thanks for sticking up for me!

[CourtneyW]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

Just remember LA is the porn capital of the world for a reason: Lots of young wanna be actors desperate for cash. Sure, you could be the 1/10000000 to make it, but don't hold your breath. You'd best learn about wine so you can work in a more upscale restaurant instead of Applebee's.

I feel bad for the one's who resort to porn to get cash...that to me isn't acting...i mean yes you are acting and I guess it will give you a temporary acting "fix" but that's just disgusting.

Thanks for the Wine tip..I might use that.

[CourtneyW]

Oh that reminds me...I still really want to live in a loft and I was just wondering if anyone lived in any or new of a few that they liked. Not really concerned about the area right now..just wanted to do a little research on them and compare. Thanks!!

[Mmm307]

Hi Courtney. My husband and I are in our mid-twenties and moved from Mobile, Alabama to Sherman Oaks, CA in March. Sherman Oaks is a nice area, and I feel very safe here. You would need a roomate to live here on your budget though. Our rent is $1850/month for a nice two-bedroom. As far as cost of living differences: we actually end up with more money here despite the high rent, because the wages are much higher for our professions. I'm not sure about a Pharm tech, though. We saved for several years before we moved, which I highly reccomend doing. We spent about $10,000 in moving expenses (including buying new furnishings) and it took about six months to recoup that loss.

As most people have discussed, the main negatives are insane traffic and insane housing prices. You really can't understand until you live here just how bad it is. I have fun here, but sometimes I wonder if I really have enough fun to justify the price? A lot of the things I do for fun are the same things I did in Alabama. But I think your mind is already made up, so good luck to you. Let me know if I can answer any questions.

PS - How are you getting here? The drive is terribly long, but kind of fun and scenic in some parts.

[goodgirl49]

Mmm307,

Welcome to the Valley! I live in Chatsworth. Yes, I agree that the traffic and housing costs are insane here, compared to PA and southern VA, from which I moved in 1977. It's good that you are coming out ahead with the higher salaries out here. Life is what you make it anywhere, and I believe that you can have fun anywhere you live.

[stevopolis]

YOU MUST try it out here first. Live in an extended stay hotel for a month or two; or stay in a place month to month for a couple of months. Don't just move here suddenely. And you do know, it's nothing like the movies and TV (unless your a millionare).

[Jakehorror]

The problem with these girls jumping into Porn is that once they do that they are pretty much blacklisted from ever doing legit cinema.
Not always true, but more than likely.
Believe me the opportunity has presented itself to me to do some adult cinematography (because I have gear etc) but I don't want my name to ever be traced back to that, I dig porn, but I would never get into the industry, too risky.
Also, a girl makes $1000. for 3 hours of her time, that's great, but then if they decide to leave the biz and start making $300. a week at a regular job....well that's just depressing. Once their in they can't get out it seems.


As far as your acting goal...STICK WITH IT!!!! I can't stress this enough, don't let your dreams slip by just because the odds are against you. Odds are made to be broken. Always know that it could happen, but don't be blind to the fact that there are millions shooting for the same goal. It's all a game, one big game. You gotta play to win. Good luck!!!