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Old 04-13-2010, 12:53 PM
 
6 posts, read 12,089 times
Reputation: 10

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Hello all,

I have spent the last hour or so browsing through the forums reading previous advice to others regarding moving to LA, the quality of life there and the cost of living. None of them however quite got me the complete answers I was looking for and If any of you have the patience I would appreciate some insight.

I know theres a very strong "If you aren't in LA you won't get a job until you get here" stand, but I was wondering if I could get some opinions as to whether it would be possible/ways to go about it? (It would help ease my worries) I mean in my current situation if I got a nice job (Steady few months) as a PA or Camera assistant on a TV show I would move the next day over there. Should I wait and get more experience locally? Are there any other places I could consider for TV camera work? I feel like if I wait much longer ill get older and then it will be harder but I also get the feeling I'll have a really hard time with barely any network connections.

I was also considering moving to the North Hollywood, Pasadena, Azure areas which seem to have nice 1BR / Studios in the 700-900$ range (my budget) Ive been mostly just looking at craiglist and westsiderentals.com and I am under the impression that they are "safer" areas within that price range. I do own a car so I can drive no problem anywhere.

Thank you.

Last edited by Marka; 04-17-2010 at 05:12 AM.. Reason: per request
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Old 04-13-2010, 01:52 PM
 
Location: Las Flores, Orange County, CA
26,338 posts, read 93,563,234 times
Reputation: 17830
Quote:
Originally Posted by setgetgo View Post
I have a few friends in LA who are currently working on TV shows and they tell me to up and go as soon as possible to find work

However I've also met people who left LA (and worked on A-list features) and tell me not to go there

How do your proponent friends recommend you find work? How did they find work? What is the process to find work? Are you qualified? Do these guys have more training? Did they work for free? Were they an apprentice? Did they know someone, family, friend? Do you have a Plan B should Plan A not work out for six months?
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Old 04-13-2010, 02:08 PM
 
6 posts, read 12,089 times
Reputation: 10
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles View Post
How do your proponent friends recommend you find work? How did they find work? What is the process to find work? Are you qualified? Do these guys have more training? Did they work for free? Were they an apprentice? Did they know someone, family, friend? Do you have a Plan B should Plan A not work out for six months?
Meeting people and looking on craigslist/cold calling.

They found work by doing above and knowing others there, bigger social network then me.

Like I mentioned I feel underqualified

Yes they have more training

Yes they worked for free a few weeks

Yes they were an apprentice

They have friends

No, plan B would be moving back after failing and it's not much of an option.
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Old 04-13-2010, 02:47 PM
 
Location: Bella Vista, Ark
77,772 posts, read 104,367,914 times
Reputation: 49248
Check realtor or renter.com and see what you come up with. I, personally would do Pasadena if I were in my 20s, single and wanted a place where young professionals hang out..

Nita

Last edited by Marka; 04-17-2010 at 05:12 AM..
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Old 04-13-2010, 09:20 PM
 
6 posts, read 12,089 times
Reputation: 10
Thanks Nita! I will definetly look into that
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Old 04-14-2010, 12:55 AM
 
164 posts, read 605,694 times
Reputation: 394
Depends on your tolerance or appetite for risk.

You're young (mid-20s). If I were you, I'd take advantage of that youth -- and just move here. Even though some places are taking away some production from LA, keep in mind that LA is still the largest production center in the US.

Another major center closer to where you are is Louisiana - lots of productions are being shot there because of tax incentives, and it's like the 4th largest in North America for film/tv production (after LA, NY, Vancouver).

If you're thinking about LA, see if you can find a way to come out here for a few weeks first before committing to a move.
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Old 04-14-2010, 01:38 PM
 
6 posts, read 12,089 times
Reputation: 10
I don't mind the risk of going out there, if you aren't willing to risk it you aren't willing to reap the rewards someday. I'm just more concerned with being able to land that first job as a cameraman without having connections. And locally I wasn't able to get on any news channels/sports crews.
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Old 04-14-2010, 02:05 PM
 
233 posts, read 742,371 times
Reputation: 213
Please read the following thread
//www.city-data.com/forum/los-a...lege-grad.html
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Old 04-14-2010, 04:00 PM
 
897 posts, read 1,587,458 times
Reputation: 1007
Seriously, it's not that hard. Why can't your friends help you out?
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Old 09-28-2012, 10:37 PM
 
Location: London
3 posts, read 4,587 times
Reputation: 10
Hi there I work in TV also but in London. I am looking to move to LA next year and find some work in production, so I am in the same boat as you. I am doing some intense research before I go and make sure I have sufficient funds. I think you should take the bull by the balls and go for it. Keep me posted and I hope all goes well for you.
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