Should I absolutely need to move to LA, if I am a film maker? (Industry: renting, how much)

[Zen2009]

I live in jacksonville, florida right now and I am trying to make films. Not acting. But making it. I have about close to 7k saved up and I will be getting unemployment in about 2 weeks ( that comes to around $1000/ month ) .Is this enough to move to L.A ?

Also I have a car. I just need to tune it up before driving from Florida. Everyone keeps talking about moving to L.A. You should move to L.A . L.A is where you need to be. Is it really true? I mean the reason I am asking this question is because I am not trying to get into acting. I don't want to wait tables for months on end to get a job . I have done all that and then some already..Which is how I saved $7k..

Where do you think I should live and also What benefits will i get by making this move ( in regards to Film making ) ? I am not worried about moving and renting and such . I have moved a lot in my life and I get around. I just want to know if it'll be of "Any" benefit to me or not. If not I will be dropping this idea and focus on finding actors and actresses here in Florida itself ..Which is why I want to move. because It's hard to find actors or actresses to come out for audition for some reason.

[Ceece]

I'm sure there is a boatlaod of "local talent" that can work with you. No need to move because you will loose all the money you've saved up.

[Lumerian Feast]

Reasons to move here: there's a ton of film stuff everywhere. Start out working on small things and you'll meet people. If you're good, you'll get some kind of work, though it won't necessarily be well paid. If you want to make big commercial studio films, you need to be here.

Reasons not to move here: it's expensive and can be hard to get a decent job; you may spend so much time working that you find you're not making your own films. Even if you're good it takes years to get a foothold. Use the money you've saved up to shoot a really good indie flick or high-end short. There are tons of digital distribution options that you don't need to be in LA for. Lots of indie film makers do okay living somewhere else.

The good advice someone once gave me: you should only live in LA if you like living in LA.

Also, how old are you? If you're in your 20s, screw it. Move here. You'll spend all that money, but so what. If you don't like it, you can always move back. If you're older and/or have commitments (spouse, kid), it's not that easy.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

You can make films from Outer Slobovia. And with the internet, the possibilities are limited only by how much freeware you wish to give to entice the Industry.

[cabrat]

Don't move, you will go broke. Pursue a career more tangible than acting. Hell jump into the corporate world, I'm sure you will do well.

[Perry Mason]

It's not really necessary, since film makers have outlets online now to showcase work. Moving would eat up your savings, which would be better used on putting together a film to get yourself started. Staying put is the best idea.

[cabrat]

Moving will probably eat up 5k out of that 7k you have saved up and who knows how long it will take you to find a job.

[PapaGrande]

If you just want to shoot your own indie flicks, stay put and do it.

If you want to work in the "industry", then yes you need to move to LA. You'll meet a ton of people wanting to do likewise and the industry is all about relationships. Also, it is almost impossible to even get considered for a job from out of state since there are so many qualified applicants already in LA.

[Joy74]

You need to be where there is a film industry. That place is L.A.

[yamota]

well, california could use your 7000 dollars