I'll be famous, one day, but now work as a waiter. (Los Angeles: hotel, theatre)

[RvdM]

Hi everyone,

My name is René and I'm a journalist from the Netherlands. Next month, I'll be in Los Angeles to work there on some articles for several newspapers and magazines.

One of them is a magazine for young people who are interested in culture (music, movies, theatre, literature, travelling etc...).

For this magazine, I would like to write a story about the many young people in Los Angeles, who are hoping to be a famous actor/actress, one day. But till then, they work as a waiter or waitress, or in a shop. Etc...

I would like to meet a few of these people, during their normal job. What brought them to L.A. ,what are their chances, what do they do to make a chance in the film industry? How's life in L.A. when you're not famous, yet. How do they like their day job and how do they combine this with their plans to be famous, one day?

Does any of you know where (shops, café, restaurants etc...) I can find some of these people? You might know some one, who's now working in a bookstoke, but who's doing auditions etc... when the store is closed. All suggestions are welcome.

I want it to be a nice, positive article about young people with ambitions and dreams in L.A.

I hope to hear from you.

Best wishes
René

[ElleBebe]

i don't qualify but i think it's an interesting idea for an article. I don't know if it will end up being positive and lighthearted though; many people struggle for years and never "make it".

[katenik]

Originally Posted by ElleBebe

i don't qualify but i think it's an interesting idea for an article. I don't know if it will end up being positive and lighthearted though; many people struggle for years and never "make it".

and end up bitter and blaming LA, rather than the more likely culprit: their lack of talent and/or luck relative to those who do make it.

if your article doesn't cover the many negative aspects of pursuing the hollywood dream in LA, you would be doing nothing more than perpetuating myths. there's enough of that already.

that said, you'll be able to find subjects in abundance at any of the several eateries at sunset plaza. there is a row of five or six restaurants there, and i doubt there is a single server or bartender working among them who isn't trying to act, model, or sell a script.

[dereistic01]

go into any restaurant and you will find a wanna-be actor.

[goodbyehollywood]

Try coffeeshops, cafes and boutiques on the Strip or Melrose and in WeHo, Brentwood or Santa Monica. The chicer it is, the more likely you are to find flocks of the Beautiful People hoping to meet someone who'll give them a break. Most will be very happy to give you an interview.

I think the positive angle is an inspiring idea, but you'll find that, sadly, most people do not make it very far and hard work and talent are not tickets to the top. Still, hope (and Botox) keep the dream alive.

[Fontucky]

Go to the Highland Gardens Hotel at 7047 Franklin Avenue in Hollywood. Almost everyone sitting around the pool will be an aspiring actor. Your timing is perfect, because November is the start of pilot season, and just about everyone there will be in town for casting calls, hoping for their big break in the next Friends or ER.

You'll thank me for this tip. Good luck.

[ferretkona]

My wife and I both know actors who made it by acting in plays, many directors as well.
Get a agent, get your head shots.

[quepaso]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

Go to the Highland Gardens Hotel at 7047 Franklin Avenue in Hollywood. Almost everyone sitting around the pool will be an aspiring actor. Your timing is perfect, because November is the start of pilot season, and just about everyone there will be in town for casting calls, hoping for their big break in the next Friends or ER.

You'll thank me for this tip. Good luck.

Funny, I was just about to tell him/her to watch Camp Hollywood.
Camp Hollywood (2004) (TV)

Is it really still the same? I thought I had read that it had changed since that docu was filmed.

[RvdM]

Thanks for all the tips, so far.. And keep them coming, if there are any more. I do unsterstand some people get really frustrated and negative about their 'day dream', and I'll cover their doubts. But the focus of my article will be on the motivation and trust in making it one day.

[quepaso]

Check the restaurants at The Grove.