Moving to Los Angeles, Working in Televsion (Burbank: 2009, job market)

[changingcareers]

I am interested in moving to Los Angeles and starting a career in television development. Specifically reality television. My eventual goal is to be the development manager for a prominent production company. I have a basic knowledge of the industry and have pitched several shows to many of the top companies.

I have a B.S. in Communications, Ive worked in radio for nearly 20 years and I currently own a consumer/corporate video production company in Florida. In short, I have an excellent amount of raw talent and drive, but need some insight and strategy on getting started and achieving my goals. My timeframe for moving to LA is some time in the next 1-2 years. So I am looking for any input, advice, contacts or information that would be helpful.

Do I need more education?
Are there websites or organizations that I should join?
Should I expect to intern for a company and work somehwhere else while I learn the industry?
What's the job market like in LA?
What's the best area to move to so that I can be close to the industry and afford to live?
Any books or publications I should read? People I should contact?

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks!
-Changing Careers

[Charles]

Do people still watch television? Seems so 20th century.

TV is dying, says Google expert - Telegraph

Television is Dying - Make Way for Internet Video Clips

Let’s Just Declare TV Dead and Move On

lnadams: tech blog: Who Watches TV Anymore?

[impala666]

"B.S. in Communications" will do just fine!!

[femmefleur]

You might have better luck with this question over at another message board focused on the industry. Google "Done Deal". They have a forum there, or the TV Writer forum. Good luck!

[gypsystar]

Originally Posted by changingcareers

I am interested in moving to Los Angeles and starting a career in television development. Specifically reality television. My eventual goal is to be the development manager for a prominent production company. I have a basic knowledge of the industry and have pitched several shows to many of the top companies.

I have a B.S. in Communications, Ive worked in radio for nearly 20 years and I currently own a consumer/corporate video production company in Florida. In short, I have an excellent amount of raw talent and drive, but need some insight and strategy on getting started and achieving my goals. My timeframe for moving to LA is some time in the next 1-2 years. So I am looking for any input, advice, contacts or information that would be helpful.

Do I need more education?
Are there websites or organizations that I should join?
Should I expect to intern for a company and work somehwhere else while I learn the industry?
What's the job market like in LA?
What's the best area to move to so that I can be close to the industry and afford to live?
Any books or publications I should read? People I should contact?

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks!
-Changing Careers

Hi there! I think you should jump in and make the move if it is your calling! For job and internship information, check out www.entertainmentcareers.net or www.showbizjobs.com. If you don't mind working for little to no money at first, you can get your foot in the door and gain valuable contacts. Best of luck!

[JMadison]

Good luck. How many "Producers" do you think the California University system churns out every term?

Seriously though, I do believe anecdotally, connections will make or break your career. I can think of no other high profile industry that is so "incestuous" for lack of a better term.

[helloheather28]

seems like you have a lot going for you ! good luck

[US-Traveller]

Originally Posted by changingcareers

I am interested in moving to Los Angeles and starting a career in television development. Specifically reality television. My eventual goal is to be the development manager for a prominent production company. I have a basic knowledge of the industry and have pitched several shows to many of the top companies.

I have a B.S. in Communications, Ive worked in radio for nearly 20 years and I currently own a consumer/corporate video production company in Florida. In short, I have an excellent amount of raw talent and drive, but need some insight and strategy on getting started and achieving my goals. My timeframe for moving to LA is some time in the next 1-2 years. So I am looking for any input, advice, contacts or information that would be helpful.

Do I need more education?
Are there websites or organizations that I should join?
Should I expect to intern for a company and work somehwhere else while I learn the industry?
What's the job market like in LA?
What's the best area to move to so that I can be close to the industry and afford to live?
Any books or publications I should read? People I should contact?

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks!
-Changing Careers

The first question I'd like to ask of you is: If you've pitched several shows to top companies, how many got picked up? You need to have proof of success before you consider moving somewhere without employment.

I think it would be wise to earn more education, especially if you are an older person, meaning over 30.

I don't know of any websites or groups that you should join because most are scams.

I think you should expect to do 1 or more internships at one of the major companies in Los Angeles before expecting to find a job.

The job market in Los Angeles is dismal, particular television. The lack of advertising revenues has crushed the market.

I think looking for a place to live is too far ahead, but I would try to be in either Burbank or Studio City. Downtown Los Angeles might be an okay place to be too.

I think you should try doing some research to find some educational programs that will let you learn more about the field you are trying to go into.