California Living expenses. Period (dangerous, moving, budget)
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The school you're looking at is a waste of money. If you're seriously interested in pursuing a career in film, the only film schools that matter to industry insiders are UCLA, USC and NYU. The Ivies, namely Harvard, Princeton and Yale, also give you cred. It's all about connections and networking and who you know, and the three film schools I mentioned have amazing alumni programs. The tuition is steep, but you'll learn all about the biz, you'll meet people who'll open doors and you'll be eligible for internships that will give you a leg up on the competition. And there is more competition than you can ever imagine.
But-- and I'm just being realistic-- it is VERY difficult to get into these schools, especially UCLA, and they are expensive, especially if you're out of state. USC is private. Getting a scholarship can be as difficult as getting accepted. The cost of living will be a hardship. It won't be easy, but people do it. It's good to know what you're up against, so you can be realistic about your chances and opportunities and how to maximize them. Good luck to you!
Yeah, My mom knows this girl that works at our arts theater here and she's trying to set me up something so i can start acting and what not. I really need to drop one of my classes next year and take drama. Another thing, im going for a modeling interview Wed. mmm, not sure if ill do it though. probably not though. it's like 2K for the class and i would have to drive a hour like two times a week. It'll add up and i really need to be saving for college. But guess what? I've saved almost all my money from work. even though i only have about $500 but then again ive only been working for about 2 and a half months working 11-16 hours a week on $6.65 per hour, It's pretty sweet... not.
I think you are on the right track, although maybe a little misinformed. I've done some light modeling and have friends who have modeled. One with IMG and the other with Ford. You do not need to pay any money for any schools! These are a rip off! All you need to do is pay tops $200 for some head shots and body shots. Or even have someone you know do it for free. Then, all you need to do is mail these to the agencies you are interested in. You can find more info on the agencies websites.
Also, in regards to school. There are some on here who say that you have to go to USC or UCLA to "break in" and meet people. I don't agree with that. It may be easier, but I think you can still make connections at some of the CSUs in the area. I went to CSUN and I had two professors who had been involved in entertainment. And my friend who became a director, started at CSULB. There is no set track in entertainment. You just have to make your way.
So I'm 16, and i cannot wait to go live in Cali. It seems like such a beautiful and wonderful place. Tons to do, tons of people, tons of opportunities, just all around tons of things out there. I'm looking for a bright and successful future ahead of me. I plan on attending the Los Angeles Film School to start a career in the movie buis. At any rate, my plan is to sell my car, drums, and other stuff that i absolutely dont need to bring to Cali. I plan on getting a room mate, not driving, taking bus and or bike to work and school, and saving money. (great plan right?!) To be honest, i have never been to California, but it seems so perfect; for me at least. So if you could be some help on what i will be expecting from moving from here, Tennesse, to there Los Angeles, California, that would be great I'm just trying to network with people and get a head start on things so ill be ready. Thanks!
When you are 18 and before you make any huge decisions on the matter, spend a couple of weeks out there looking for a job, an apartment, etc., to get a realistic look at what it is like.
It is not for everyone. California is idealized as a paradise, and some of it is beautiful. But just like Oz, some of it isn't very nice either.
I felt much the same way you do about New Orleans when I was your age. When I was much older I had the opportunity to move there and work for a year. It was NOTHING like I thought it would be. As it turned out, I did love some of it, but I hated some of it too. As soon as my year was over, I moved to Texas.
You are young and full of idealism and there is nothing wrong with that. Just do not make any hasty decisions until you have had the chance to really evaluate all of the pros and cons. The LA area can be very mean and unforgiving to a young, naive person. You don't want to end up in a shallow grave somewhere.
The school you're looking at is a waste of money. If you're seriously interested in pursuing a career in film, the only film schools that matter to industry insiders are UCLA, USC and NYU. The Ivies, namely Harvard, Princeton and Yale, also give you cred. It's all about connections and networking and who you know, and the three film schools I mentioned have amazing alumni programs. The tuition is steep, but you'll learn all about the biz, you'll meet people who'll open doors and you'll be eligible for internships that will give you a leg up on the competition. And there is more competition than you can ever imagine.
But-- and I'm just being realistic-- it is VERY difficult to get into these schools, especially UCLA, and they are expensive, especially if you're out of state. USC is private. Getting a scholarship can be as difficult as getting accepted. The cost of living will be a hardship. It won't be easy, but people do it. It's good to know what you're up against, so you can be realistic about your chances and opportunities and how to maximize them. Good luck to you!
Yeah, I think i'm starting to see that now. A two year associates degree= nowhere. Anyways, Yeah just to even apply for ucla it's three essays, a quiz(or something of that sort), and like 3 other things:| on top of that, theres a whopping 12 grand they slam on you for nonresidency.
I think you are on the right track, although maybe a little misinformed. I've done some light modeling and have friends who have modeled. One with IMG and the other with Ford. You do not need to pay any money for any schools! These are a rip off! All you need to do is pay tops $200 for some head shots and body shots. Or even have someone you know do it for free. Then, all you need to do is mail these to the agencies you are interested in. You can find more info on the agencies websites.
Also, in regards to school. There are some on here who say that you have to go to USC or UCLA to "break in" and meet people. I don't agree with that. It may be easier, but I think you can still make connections at some of the CSUs in the area. I went to CSUN and I had two professors who had been involved in entertainment. And my friend who became a director, started at CSULB. There is no set track in entertainment. You just have to make your way.
The best of luck.
Yeah, thanks. I wasnt feeling too good about them anyways. Just seems like more of a scam than a learning experience. If you even have to go to school for modeling? haha
Yeah, thanks. I wasnt feeling too good about them anyways. Just seems like more of a scam than a learning experience. If you even have to go to school for modeling? haha
Brad - Here are some links to the Ford site which gives you more info on applying to become a model. In case you are not familiar with modeling agencies - Ford is one the biggest and the best. You will be very lucky if you can get in with them. But even if you don't, try some of the other well known agencies like Wilhelmina or IMG.
Brad - Here are some links to the Ford site which gives you more info on applying to become a model. In case you are not familiar with modeling agencies - Ford is one the biggest and the best. You will be very lucky if you can get in with them. But even if you don't, try some of the other well known agencies like Wilhelmina or IMG.
So I'm 16, and i cannot wait to go live in Cali. It seems like such a beautiful and wonderful place. Tons to do, tons of people, tons of opportunities, just all around tons of things out there. I'm looking for a bright and successful future ahead of me. I plan on attending the Los Angeles Film School to start a career in the movie buis. At any rate, my plan is to sell my car, drums, and other stuff that i absolutely dont need to bring to Cali. I plan on getting a room mate, not driving, taking bus and or bike to work and school, and saving money. (great plan right?!) To be honest, i have never been to California, but it seems so perfect; for me at least. So if you could be some help on what i will be expecting from moving from here, Tennesse, to there Los Angeles, California, that would be great I'm just trying to network with people and get a head start on things so ill be ready. Thanks!
You remind me of me when I was 16, kid. Southern born-and-raised; sick of small-town mores and mentalities; certain that there was a magical world of wonder awaiting me in a great shining city somewhere Out There and that all I had to do was reach for it. That being the case, I'm going to tell you what I wish I could tell my 16-year-old self, because I was unbelievably naive about many things and I don't want to see you get burned.
First of all, your notions about Los Angeles are not accurate. I can guarantee you that without even having to ask your impressions of the place. What you have seen in movies and on TV is not the real L.A.; the reality is far less glamorous. (I recommend James Ellroy novels.)
Second, California is in some pretty dire straits right now, even by the measure of a whole country that is in pretty dire straits. Contrary to your belief, there are NOT tons of opportunities here. CA is one of the highest-unemployment states in the country. Jobs are hard to come by in any field, and the film business you wish to break into has contracted to an unprecedented degree, thanks to the chilling effect of a series of recent union circuses and the loss of many productions to other states and Canada. Film/TV production in L.A. is at an all-time low and related businesses have been hit hard.
Ironically, you're living in a state that many of the hordes of Californians trying to get out of the Golden State are seeking to flee to. Tennessee is a happenin' place these days. If you wish to work in film, it may not be a bad idea to check out Nashville; there are production houses there at which you may be able to find work and get some real-world experience, and it's a gorgeous city besides (a damn sight better than L.A., let me tell you). This way, if you still wish to go out to California -- assuming the economy here has gotten back on track, and I'm not optimistic -- you'll be in a better position to try to break into "the industry" than if you had no experience at all. (Your chances won't be great, but still.) Whatever you do, don't move out to L.A. sight unseen. Make at least one trip out and examine the place very, very carefully.
I'm not sure how much sense this makes to you; I've often wondered how many people in your age group are paying attention to the ongoing financial catastrophe unfolding across this country; how many understand just how dangerous these times are; how many understand how this will directly impact them as they begin to enter the workforce and how carefully they need to tread. Don't give up on your dreams, don't ever do that; no one ever hit the big time by thinking small. But be careful how big you gamble with your future in an economy as uncertain as this, 'cause I guarantee that neither you nor I nor anyone else below a certain age has seen a climate this bad. Sometimes you have to take big risks to get what you want out of life, but this is a really, really bad time to take a chance on California. Do plenty of research, pay close attention to what's happening out here, and wait and see how it all sifts out.
Good luck to you.
(P.S. Don't call it "Cali". That's an even more grievous sin than calling Orange County "The O.C." and is grounds for immediate execution according to California criminal statute.)
You remind me of me when I was 16, kid. Southern born-and-raised; sick of small-town mores and mentalities; certain that there was a magical world of wonder awaiting me in a great shining city somewhere Out There and that all I had to do was reach for it. That being the case, I'm going to tell you what I wish I could tell my 16-year-old self, because I was unbelievably naive about many things and I don't want to see you get burned.
Fabulous post Quatermass! I hope more young people looking to "make it" in LA get a chance to read it.
I've noticed so many things about the young kids nowadays. A lot of them have "big" dreams and are willing to taking extreme risks to make their dreams come true. Unfortunately, very few of them put any effort in maximizing their chances for success. Almost all the posts I read here about these young people hoping to move to LA suggest they are coming over with nothing but a dream and a couple of months worth of living expenses. Simply put, a recipe for failure 9.9 times out of 10.
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