Acting (Los Angeles: unemployed, move to, best place)

[mrmaninacan07]

As a young actor is LA really the best place to make a name for yourself I hear many different things.

[Green Irish Eyes]

I'll give you the same answer I gave you in the NYC forum -- it's not easy to support yourself in the arts on either coast.

If you want to do stage work, you should move to NYC. If you want to do film/TV, you'll find more of it in L.A.

However, if anything, L.A. probably has even more waiters (excuse me, unemployed actors) than NYC.

If you're willing to sacrifice and struggle for your art, then by all means make the move (either coast, your choice). But don't expect it to be easy in either city.

For more acting-specific information, I suggest that you check out the forums at actorsaccess.com and backstage.com -- they're populated by working actors.

[Devyn M. Howard]

I am holding on to my dream of becoming an actress in film and television. Soon I will move to Los Angeles. I am hardworking, and I want to be successful so badly. Someone has to make it, right?

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Devyn M. Howard

I am holding on to my dream of becoming an actress in film and television. Soon I will move to Los Angeles. I am hardworking, and I want to be successful so badly. Someone has to make it, right?

well good luck, but of course your realize 99% do not or end up in Porno films, selling themselves or whatever. If you have a job lined up that is one thing, if you have at least $10,000 saved that is something and if you have a reliable car, that is good, but if you don't have any of the above or only one of them you may end up another statistic.

Why don't you concentrate on one of the states that are doing a lot of filming but have better job prospects as well?

Of course I am sure you have an agent lined up, right? If so what does your agent say?

Nita

[Devyn M. Howard]

Hi Nita, I have done bits here and there, but no one can deny that when it comes to acting, LA is the peak. I have to at least try. I have the reliable car, and I can line up a regular day job. $10,000,,,,no ---and I would never stoop to the thing you mentioned. So, there you have it.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

Others have tried, most still hold on to the dream. One of my coworkers did commercials and was picked up for the 4th season of a sci fi show. They filmed a couple episodes and the show was canceled before hitting the screen. Another co worker had her kids in commercials. Lots of fun because when they need you, you leave what ever it is you are doing, head on down to where they need you and hope that you will be picked up for the shoot. You see getting in is just part of the battle. Most don't even get in. When you do get in that doesn't guarantee you end up on film. If you do end up on film that doesn't mean you are guaranteed to make it on to the final cut.
[SIZE=3] [/SIZE]
Most actors make so little money when they do "make it" that the day job is something that they never give up.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Devyn M. Howard

Hi Nita, I have done bits here and there, but no one can deny that when it comes to acting, LA is the peak. I have to at least try. I have the reliable car, and I can line up a regular day job. $10,000,,,,no ---and I would never stoop to the thing you mentioned. So, there you have it.

good luck then, but make sure the job is totally secure before you take off for dream world. You don't want it be end up a nightmere.

Nita

[Devyn M. Howard]

Thank you for the tips. I plan to be careful, persevere, and try to associate with good people who know what they are doing and can guide me.

[KnoxTown]

What do you mean you "can line up a regular day job"? Are you expecting to just put in applications for menial hourly jobs and getting hired right away?

[RSpio]

I think in this town it really is more "who you know", not "what you know", or sadly even, how talented you are~ Having said that, find a good agent and a good head and who knows? You may just make it! Good luck!