What is the percentage of people who move to LA to make a career in Hollywood actually succeed? (Industry: lawyers, home)

[maximusa]

And when I say 'Career', I mean no second jobs to support a passion. IE being a household name, able to afford a large home and support an entire family.
Doesn't seem like its many because there are only a couple hounded 'A list' actors/producers/directors and all the big TV and Film roles seem to be recast by the same people. If there is a larger number, what did they do to become successful?

[bpeeps]

Misleading title post. Should read: What is the percentage of people who move to LA to become a famous actor/actress and succeed?

There are many people in the industry who have no desire to be "A list" actors, directors, producers. There are lots of careers in "Hollywood" where people can earn a lot of money.

The answer to your non sequitur question: small.

[LuckyGem]

To be honest every job an actor goes out for is like a lottery draw, not only are you going up against actors who have been pounding the pavement for years to work, there are VERY few jobs to get.

It's never easy. The odds are like you being struck by lightning in your bed sleeping.

What might be more lucrative, because you don't limit yourself is to work in the industry behind the camera.

Learn a trade.
Go to film school.

[Mr_Geek]

Much less than .01%.

[maximusa]

There are many people in the industry who have no desire to be "A list" actors, directors, producers. There are lots of careers in "Hollywood" where people can earn a lot of money.

Why wouldn't someone who relocated to LA (and all the downsides that entails) want to aspire to be a top Actor, Producer, Screenwriter or Director? I know several people who work in the Industry (production, cast & crew), but they are what I would just consider regular employees than what people would consider Hollywood stars. Plus they really don't make that great of a living based on the cost of living in the area.

[maximusa]

Originally Posted by Mr_Geek

Much less than .01%.

Wow is it really this low? I know a few folks that are very talented, but only manage a few roles a year and they have to fall back on their professional careers (IE Doctors, Lawyers), to make ends meet.

[bpeeps]

Originally Posted by LuckyGem

To be honest every job an actor goes out for is like a lottery draw, not only are you going up against actors who have been pounding the pavement for years to work, there are VERY few jobs to get.

It's never easy. The odds are like you being struck by lightning in your bed sleeping.

What might be more lucrative, because you don't limit yourself is to work in the industry behind the camera.

Learn a trade.
Go to film school.

I understand what you're trying to say, but it's really not that simple. A person who wants to be an actor is never going to get a good trade job by just working behind the camera. It takes education, unions, guilds, luck, knowing someone, and years of professional work experience to get a great job in production. A PA or a 3rd AD job isn't going to buy the nice home the OP is talking about.

And production jobs screen for this type of thing already. The past two companies I've worked for asked what my ultimate career goals were; they don't want to hire someone who's just going to leave when they land a small featured role on a CW teen drama.

Originally Posted by maximusa

Why wouldn't someone who relocated to LA want to aspire to be a top Actor, Producer, Screenwriter or Director? I know several people who work in the Industry (production, cast & crew), but they are what I would just consider regular employees then what people would consider Hollywood stars. Plus they really don't make that great of a living based on the cost of living in the area.

I really have no idea why people have different aspirations in life. I mean, I would NEVER EVER go to school for a hair styling license, but I'm so glad my barber did!

[kasuga888]

Who knows, prob very low. I know maybe 5-10 people that came to LA to work for the industry. Most can't even get a legit gig outside of being an "extra" for 50 bucks a day.

[bpeeps]

Originally Posted by kasuga888

Who knows, prob very low. I know maybe 5-10 people that came to LA to work for the industry. Most can't even get a legit gig outside of being an "extra" for 50 bucks a day.

If you're only making 50 bucks for a full day's work you're doing something wrong.

People make careers off of background work if they know how to do it correctly. Push for SAG/AFTRA vouchers from AD's so you hit the union pay raises, time and a half, lunch bumps, featured roles, etc. All of that will increase your base. Make sure you don't have a black/white/red vehicle, so you can hit the car pay bump when they need extra cars. Being ridiculously good looking or a an extreme typecast helps tremendously. There's a place for face tatted Mexicans just as much as white, crew cut beefy looking police dudes.

Granted a lot of people don't make crap through Central Casting, but I know a few people who have gone on to become stand-ins on television shows and movies. Not very glamorous, but you can make a decent living off of it. Most people who sign up for Central though, have no clue what they're doing and just become another sheep in the cattle call.

[disgruntled la native]

Maybe a couple thousand when you count all the smaller time directors and producers and execs who still make a rich living but you'll never have heard of.