Where should I live? How much will it cost? What's the weather like? How do I get a job?
These and a thousand other questions are probably filling your heads as you think about your impending journey west to La-La-Land.
Well don't worry. Life will happen.
But to help you avoid some of the potholes and better prepare you for the next chapter in your filmmaking trajectory (and life in general), I've created, along with the help of many fellow faculty and former students, this blog- a sort of survival guide to keep handy as you pack up for Hollywood.
Just check the posts in the archive or click on the Category links below. Each posting will go into a certain area of interest- housing, work, safety, social scenes and stuff to do etc. These posts are often updated with information sent back from the trenches by alumni who have made the move in recent years, and I hope as you find your way around out west, you'll send your thoughts and updates so that we can keep this blog up to date and useful. Happy reading!
There’s no magic formula to getting a job. The sad fact is there are wayyyyyy more people looking for film work than there are jobs in Hollywood. And most of these people are “qualified”- meaning they have some sort of film school degree and some experience. Damn!
So “who you know” is the way in. Think about connections you have- family, friends, friends of family, alumni from schools, etc. There is no shame in asking for help. That is how they all got their break. Don’t act desperate, don’t lie or backstab. It will come back to haunt you. Don’t be arrogant. Fetching coffee and sweeping stages is not beneath you. You are at the bottom rung of the LA workforce. Unless you are the son/daughter of a studio head, mega-agent or superstar, you will have to pay your dues. I P.A.-ed, worked in mailrooms, sold Timberland Boots and jackets, house-sat, installed insulation, did house carpentry, walked dogs and bartended. Best education I ever had. I met the people who years later got me my first Industry job, my current agent, bought my first script, helped finance my thesis film etc.
Things you will need to find work:
-Resume- one page, easy to read, up to date. Don’t lie. The people reading these things know the business better than you do and can smell b.s. on the page. Most folks also keep their resumes and other info on a website. If you don't have one,then you need to make one. Wix.com, Squarespace.com and other website design engine sites are out there making it easy to create and maintain a site. Make sure they are clean, simple to navigate, professional and fast. Look at the sites of people in the field/area you want to work. Use them as guides for your website design and content. Remember you are presenting yourself as a professional in an industry, so make sure they make you look professional. -Business Cards: Again, cheap to make and essential to keep on you at all times. you never know where/when you will meet someone who you may wish to have look at your website/resume or contact again. Professionals have business cards- so again, be a professional. carry a business card. And it like the website and resume, should be clear and clean and easy to read, with accurate and up to date information. If your info changes, get new cards. They are not expensive to make anymore (vistaprint.com), and you can write them off on your taxes as a business expense. (fyi-yes, you are no longer a student and will start filing taxes in the new year....so keep your receipts!)
-Letters of Recommendation- these might help depending on who they are from, and what job you are going for. Often they will mean nothing. If you have one, use it, but unless it's from Spielberg saying you are the next Hitchcock, don’t expect it to open many doors on their own.
-Reels: Mostly for DP’s, editors, actors and directors. Make sure they are brief, professional and exciting/interesting to watch. Include a complete scene as well as the usual music video beauty shots version…try to look at reels of people who work. Copy them. They are working for a reason. These will be on your website (see above).
-Good Attitude- Be positive, be professional. Arrogance is not an asset. No one cares that you won the Best Student Short Award at the Joe Blow Film Festival. They are hiring a PA, not a director. Be a professional, reliable PA, and they will notice that, and hire you again…and again- Bam! You are on the inside.
“TEMPING”:Can you type? Have a pleasant speaking voice? Neat appearance? Then temp! It’s decent money (anywhere from $15-$25 an hour). And most of the temp jobs put you in film production offices! You temp there, you get to know people, you hear about jobs opening up…bam! You are on the inside. (Sadly, gentlemen, in Hollywood, women get the best temp jobs. That is the way it goes. Deal...and honestly fellas, do you really want to complain that women have a slight advantage in one area of the work force? ...check yourself.) Make sure that when you seek out a temp agency, you find out whether or not they specialize in working with entertainment and/or media companies. You can find out which temp agencies each major studio or network uses by contacting their human resources departments and simply asking the first person that picks up the phone. Also check as some places ask for fees. Some do not.
-Elite Placement Group: 1901 Ave Of The Stars Ste 360 Los Angeles, CA 90067-6025 (310) 277-2600
-Permanent Success: 12658 W Washington Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90066-2300 (310) 305-7376
-Career Images: 2029 Century Park E Ste 1400 Los Angeles, CA 90067-2915 (310) 553-5208
...SE HABLA ESPANOL?You will be working alongside many people of Latin descent. Mostly, but not limited to, Mexican. You will be dealing with people over phones, at vendors, on sets etc. Knowing at least some Spanish can go a long way to not only making your job easier, but people will appreciate the effort and that may come back to benefit you in future, say when you forgot to pick up the extra dolly track on a Friday, for a Saturday dawn shoot, and Chapman Leonard is closing in five minutes and you’re 35 minutes away. Roberto the floor manager might remember your pleasant and professional manner, and stay late for you. Hollywood runs on favors and paybacks. Be a good person, and you’ll not only feel better, you’ll work better.
Jaydi Samuels always knew that she wanted to write comedy, and even the writer's strike in 2007 didn't deter her. She just went down and joined the picket line. When it came time to get a job after graduation in 2008, Samuels didn't just send in writing samples and wait to hear back. The road to her penning Family Guy's 250th episode involved plenty of dues-paying, but reading about it will definitely light a fire under you. Even if writing for a TV show isn't your specific dream, Samuels' tips for landing the job you want are a must-read.
How did you start working on Family Guy?
"I was a production assistant. When I was graduating [from USC's creative writing program], I cross-referenced names of every person working on every scripted show in production, and I tried to find as many crew members, writers, and producers on Facebook as I could find. I messaged all kinds of people, saying, 'If you have a job open, here are my qualifications. I'll do anything on your show.' And, I got interviews that way. Family Guy was actually one of them and that’s how I got the job initially. I've always tried to find nontraditional ways if I feel like one door is closed."
What does a production assistant do on a show like Family Guy?
"A PA assists everyone on the show...including the writers, producers, and all of these artists in-house. It does get animated in Korea, but there are about 150 people in Los Angeles working on the show at all times. I remember building the animator desks for them, making coffee, stocking the fridge, going on runs to FOX...it's just gopher work, basically, but for 150 people."
How did you transition from PA to Seth MacFarlane's assistant?
"I knew that going into the show I was either going to want to work directly for Seth or be in the room with the writers as a writer's assistant. The writer's assistant position hadn't opened for a little bit and Seth's assistant desk did. I turned down several promotions [at Family Guy] because I was worried if I took one and then suddenly the desk opened, I wouldn’t be available because it wouldn’t look good to take a job and then quit two weeks later. I heard that the assistant job was actually gonna go to someone else, though."
So, what did you do?
"I wrote Seth a letter detailing all the reasons why I thought I was the best assistant for him. I had never really spoken to him much before, and I just kind of waited until he was alone in the kitchen, I don’t know, getting a glass of water or making himself coffee. I said, 'Hi, Seth. I'd really love to work for you. I'd really appreciate it if you could read this letter. It explains why.' He read it, and I got an interview the next day. I've worked for him ever since."
How did you let them know you wanted to write?
"Rich Appel, one of the showrunners, had actually read a script of mine [for a pilot] a few months before that he felt was strong enough. I remember him saying to me, 'You have to be able to sell this. This is so good.' And, I was sort of still showing it around to people, asking them what they thought. In my case, working for Seth helped a lot. He was very supportive, and his agent took an active interest in my material. They kept saying to me, 'We know you write. Whenever you have something ready we'd love to see it.'"
Would you recommend working on a show as a way for aspiring writers to get a foot in the door?
"With TV there is, at least as far as writing material on other peoples' shows, there is something of a hierarchy where if you're talented enough and you put yourself in the right position, you at least have a shot. You're gonna have the right people take a look at your material. The first step is putting yourself in that situation. I think whatever anyone can do to try to get an entry-level job on a TV show, I think that is certainly a first step. Once you're in that environment, you want to make it known at the appropriate time that you are a writer, and would people care to read your material? I did that very early on in the show. And, so after I was there a year or more, everyone there knew what my goal was." How did they tell you that you'd be writing an episode?"Seth actually called me up from the set of A Million Ways to Die in the West in Sante Fe. I remember I was sitting at my desk at work. A lot of the assistants on the show are the same way I was before I was working directly for him — they want that opportunity. So when he called me, I couldn’t really react because there were people sitting around me. Seth said, 'I'd really love for you to write one of the freelance episodes this season.' And, I was just like, 'All right.' I hung up and immediately texted him 'I'm so sorry. There are people sitting around me, but I'm so excited and I'm screaming on the inside.'" Did you know it was the show's 250th? That's a pretty big deal."When I wrote it, I don’t think anyone really knew that episode that was going to be the 250th. It's very collaborative. I wrote the draft of it, but as with all of the scripts, you have fresh, talented people in the room breaking the story with you and punching it up."
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You got to put words into Liam Neeson's mouth. "Every time Peter gets drunk he says that he can beat up Liam Neeson. So the episode is about them tracking Liam Neeson down, and Peter actually going for it." A lot of people think of Family Guy as being such a male-centric show. What's it like as a woman in the writer's room?"I didn’t feel like I was treated any differently being a woman. If I had a good idea, it was a good idea. I think that’s another thing that would surprise people about the show. They figure everyone [in the writer's room] is just like shouting out inappropriate material, and it's all making it into the episode. People think Family Guy is just a bunch of cutaways and random jokes, but there's a lot of care put into breaking the stories, making sure that they're actually strong and that they make sense for the characters. Seth is always very involved in that."
Do you have other projects in the works?
"I'm always working on projects on the side. I'm finishing up a pilot right now. I have an animated show that I actually co-wrote with my brother, who just moved out to L.A. I'm also actively trying to get staffed on a TV show. There are so many writers on Family Guy that I don’t know if they're going to be bringing on any new writers this season. Just to be proactive, I'm taking meetings on all different TV shows with studios, production companies. So, if there are openings on other shows, I'm also considered for those, too."
Are you up front with Seth and everyone at Family Guy about your goals?
"Oh, absolutely. Seth has flat-out told the producers on the show, 'Whenever Jaydi needs to leave for a meeting, let her leave for a meeting.' That’s tremendously helpful, because it would be a lot harder if I had to pretend to be sick every other day."
How do you stay so motivated?
"One of the writers on the show, Chris Sheridan, encouraged me to write a page a day. It could be a good page, it could be a bad page. But if you write a page a day, I mean, in one month you'll have a rough draft of a TV show, you know, a pilot. I think a lot of people underestimate how far doing just a little bit every day can get you. That was one of the best pieces of advice I'd ever gotten. If you're stuck and you don’t know what to do, write one page a day. You'd be shocked how quickly you have material that you can actually work."
While exotic scenery and attractive tax incentives may be enough to lure some TV and film shoots away from Los Angeles, plenty of work has stayed put, as countless filmmakers rediscover what producers and directors have known since the days of D.W. Griffith: that the City of L.A. offers a panoply of unique neighborhoods, homes, businesses and public spaces perfectly tailored to be the backdrop for whatever story you’re trying to tell, from sci-fi epic to intimate indie.
But regardless of the scope or ambition of your project, it’s crucial to do your homework before setting out to use the City of Angels in your cinematic masterpiece. Enter Film L.A. Inc., the nonprofit group established by the City and County of Los Angeles to streamline the film permitting process and aide filmmakers in all things locations—from planning shoots, to maximizing production value and minimizing the negative impact of film crews on the surrounding community.
If you’ve ever shot anything inside the city, then chances are you’re already familiar with Film L.A. as the office you had to go through to get your film permit. But permitting is just one aspect of Film L.A.’s services, which were the subject of Film Independent’s The A- Z of Filming in L.A. event held on August 9 at the Film Independent offices in Los Angeles. The guests for the evening were Film L.A. Director of Production Planning Jodi Strong and Director of Permitting Joshua Mingo.
Moderated by Film Independent’s Paul Cowling, the Tuesday panel included a lengthy Q&A, during which the extremely game and knowledgeable duo were peppered with a spirited round of Q’s about the art, science, legislation and diplomacy of shooting stuff in L.A. Here’s some of what was discussed:
THE WHY, WHAT, HOW AND HUH? OF PERMITTING
Strong and Mingo began by outlining their respective Film L.A. roles. Strong’s Production Planning department helps producers develop a shooting strategy for their project and makes logistical suggestions to ensure the production is executed as efficiently as possible. Once that’s done, Mingo’s Permitting department works to get filmmakers the clearance they need to legally begin filming.
And while some location managers may be tempted to jump straight to the permitting phase, Mingo strongly advises filmmakers to consult with Production Planning first: “It can save you a lot of heartbreak,” he said of the service—which, unlike the permits themselves, is offered completely free of charge.
Each permit application costs a flat fee of $660. That may seem like a lot, but up to 10 locations may be included a single application. A Fire Department spot check fee is $85. Additional fees and clearances are needed, with situations evaluated on a project-by-project basis, for things such as blocking off or redirecting traffic, or for moving car shots that require exterior rigging outside the vehicle.
Additionally, an LAPD representative is required to be on-set any time the scene you’re capturing involves weapons—or even just an actor portraying a police officer. These assignments are typically handled by retired LAPD officers at the rate of $65 per hour, with a minimum four-hour scheduling requirement.
But let’s say you have a small movie, with a small crew. You might be tempted to do things guerilla-style. But think again. Permits do more than just legitimize your shoot in the eyes of onlookers. They also keep insurance underwriters happy, and provide peace officers the direction they need should a dispute arise between you and the community.
Essentially, permits are temporary exemptions from civic zoning requirements, and are needed any time you record something not intended for private use. Not even iPhone movies are exempt—Cowling was quick to point out that even Tangerine (Sean Baker’s kinetic, iPhone-shot 2015 L.A. street comedy) was 100% permitted.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
While the costs associated with obtaining filming permits can undoubtedly add up, no payment is required to consult with Film L.A.’s Production Planning department. “We don’t need granular detail,” said Strong, reassuring the audience that they needn’t show up at her office with reams of production notes or vision boards. “All that’s needed is a rough idea of the types of locations you want and what sort of money you have to work with.” Strong and her colleagues can then help guide producers to neighborhoods and buildings more amenable to film production, and perhaps even more affordable.
Film L.A. also has its own database of film locations: LocoScout, which includes rental information for public spaces throughout the City of L.A. (excepting private property), and which is searchable by most desired features—parking availability, fireplace, design style, etc. But watch out: cities like Beverly Hills, Culver City and West Hollywood are not technically part of Los Angeles proper and fall outside FilmL.A.’s jurisdiction. Please consult directly with each of these cities for individual filming info.
It also helps to be aware of trademarks—a fact which extends even to the local scenery. The Hollywood Sign, for example, is actually a copyrighted image. Permission to use a shot of the sign—or even its likeness—must be obtained from the copyright holder. The same goes for the Broad Museum, Mann’s Chinese Theater, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and many others. On the other hand, City Hall and other public building are—surprisingly—totally free to shoot at, minus personnel costs and availability pending.
LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, FILM SHOOTS ARE THERE
No one wants it to happen, but it’s inevitable that some film shoots will run into conflict with local community members, be they businesses or individual homeowners and tenants. Again, this is where operating within the allowances of an official permit comes in handy. But, Mingo says, “If the call comes in, there has to be a level of response.”
This can be particularly tricky in L.A., where businesses and homeowners are much more Hollywood savvy than those in other cities, and stories of disgruntled neighbors using leaf blowers (or whatever) to disrupt film shoots are commonplace. But with permits intact, filmmakers’ right to film ensures full legal protection, the LAPD will actively cite individuals for interfering with movie productions.
“We ask that you do all things within reason,” said Mingo of forging harmonious relationships with the locals. In some extreme situations, productions have even been known to relocate residents for a certain periods of time. But that’s probably not in the cards if you’re a struggling indie filmmaker on a low budget. But it’s at least helpful to be communicative about whatexactly you’re doing in the neighborhood and when—enter notifications.
If you live in L.A., chances are you’ve seen these notices: little blue fliers posted in public areas and delivered to homes and apartment buildings advising residents of upcoming film shoots in the area. For a $160 fee per area, FilmL.A. distributes these notices before you arrive.
“It’s all part of a dialogue,” said Mingo or the film industry’s relationship with the citizens of Los Angeles. They’re words to keep in mind the next time you’re making a makeshift movie frame out of your thumbs and index fingers, scanning them across the horizon and imagining what all those mountains and buildings might look like on film. Do it right.
While the other posts on this blog have good general information for anyone moving to Los Angeles, I thought I'd make at least one blog entry specifically for those of you thinking about moving to L.A. to pursue your acting careers. Below are some facts, suggestions and other info that might help you further your career, keep your sanity and avoid some of the dangers that are out there in La-La-Land.
SO YOU'RE AN ACTOR, EH?
Great...so is everybody else. The downside of being an actor in LA, is that anyone with good abs and a headhsot calls themselves an actor (or "actor/model"...kiss of death). So unless you are actually making a living on tv or in movies plying your craft, no one is going to give you much attention when they hear you are an actor. But the upside of being an actor in LA, is that it's where most of the paying acting gigs are. So if you are talented, professional, driven, savvy, well-connected, a specific "type" and a bit lucky, you can make a living as an actor in Hollywood. Now talent you can't teach and luck is just that, "luck"- but the rest you can certainly work on. Be a "professional" actor- meaning you keep your skills, your body, and your mind in good shape. You study and understand the "Industry"- how it works, what is happening now and on the horizon. You keep your headshots, resumes, websites, business cards and other materials up to date and of a professional level. You "network". You stay positive. And you make sure you keep the idea of pursuing an art form like Acting on a separate plane from the day-to-day, ins and outs of being a professional worker in an Industry. How? Well I can't adequately answer this in a blog post. But here are few things to know:
1. WHO ARE YOU?
Now we all know that any actor can play any part. acting is acting, and finding the truth in a character and bringing that truth to life through your instrument is what every serious actor trains to do. But that doesn't mean you are right for every role. And knowing your "type" to use a horrible word, is particularly important in Los Angeles. What no one ever told me(and what hindered my acting career) was that no one really cares about your "range" or all the different kinds of characters you have or could play. Hollywood doesn't value a "jack of all trades". They want to know the one type of role/character you "perfectly fit." My strength as an actor, the one thing I had over most other actors, was my versatility. Regional theaters loved me because I could be fit into almost any play- I could go from Shakespearian tragedy to Neil Simon comedy to rock musicals with just a wig and a costume change. But when the camera is 6 inches away, they don't care how versatile you are. I spent two years "almost getting the part" but losing out in the last stages of call backs because while I may have acted better than the actor who got the role, an could play 10 other roles better than he could, that other actor "was" that character. It was a bitter pill to swallow and no one took the time to tell me this. I had to learn it the hard way and do a lot of remedial "image" work- really figuring out how I came off to Casting Directors- what were my "signature qualities" my "essence." So make sure you know how the Industry sees you. And then tailor your career accordingly.
2. YOU WON'T BE DOING MUCH SHAKESPEARE
You want to do interesting roles from classic plays? Do regional theater. You want to tackle challenging roles in new american dramas? Go do theater in New York. You want to play a young lawyer with five lines on Scandal, or a waiter with one line and a funny eye roll on The Big Bang Theory, or a drug dealer or a cop with one expository scene on a CSI (insert city name here)? Then come to Hollywood! The jobs that are available for actors lie mainly in episodic television. So you won't get much rehearsal time, if any. Your job will be to come to set prepared, hit your mark, say your lines, do not upstage, annoy or be better in the scene than the show's regulars/stars, and do not cause the production to run over schedule. If you are a "pro" you will get work and become a "working actor". If you are a prima donna, star-struck, late to set, don't have lines down cold, or otherwise unprofessional, you will soon be ignored by the entire city. But the plus side is that unlike much of the theater work in New York or regional theater, the work in L.A. (when you get it) pays well. So if you know this and do not expect the roles you get to be meaty, deeply dimensional, challenging work that embrace all the wonderful aspects of your art and craft, you can be happy as an actor in L.A. Go do your deep challenging acting work in classes and in theater (which there actually is in L.A....just very few people actually go to it).
3. ACTING CLASSES ARE A MUST
This is true for any serious actor in any city. But since L.A. is a "networking" town- meaning you get along and get ahead by "who you know" then you need to get to know people. And acting classes, on top of being vital for keeping your skills sharp, are a great place to meet other actors (and even sometimes directors) who can become friends, colleagues, and resources for you to find agents, hear about auditions, get day jobs, etc. They are not competition, they are colleagues and a support system. Don't be jealous if someone got a role. Be happy for them. They'll be happy for you. Find your peers and engage with them with respect.
So you must find the quality classes and teachers in the area. There are thousands of classes and teachers in LA. Some are great, and many are crap and some are literally crooks taking advantage of desperate young actor wannabes. Be methodical in how you choose a class. Ask yourself and answer for yourself "What exactly am I looking for in a class/teacher?" Research the classes and instructors. Who teaches there? Can anyone go or do you have to audition? (FYI- If "anyone can go", then chances are you are gonna be in a class with anyone who could not get into a class they had to audition for.) Ask other actors you like and respect where they study.
I personally will recommend just a few places only as I have personally witnessed/experienced them to be of quality. Check them out but ultimately you must find the school/class/teacher that challenges and fulfills your own specific goals.
Lelsie Kahn: This is the one name every trained actor knows (or should). She is the "Bob Krakower of the West Coast" (If you do not know who Bob Krakower is, check out our NYC sister blog at http://wolfefilm-lifeinnyc.blogspot.com/2016/02/jobsjobsjobs.html ) She is hard to get to and get appointments with but if you can, you should.
William Cowart/WCI Studios: I have known William Cowart for 25 years. He is a fine actor and dedicated teacher. His students support each other and they find work. http://www.wcistudios.com/instructors.html
Scott Sedita: voted best acting teacher by Backstage West, there are classes in various areas of the craft. http://scottseditaacting.com
Howard Fine Studio is a name most actors in LA know. Been around for 25 years. A good place to start out looking for classes. http://www.howardfine.com
Upright Citizens Brigade: Improv classes. It's becoming a bit of a factory in how it's run, but teachers are trained there and advance classes well worth the time if you can get in. http://losangeles.ucbtrainingcenter.com/faq
4. GET TO KNOW THE CASTING DIRECTORS
More important than an agent or manager, Casting Directors are who actually cast movies and t.v. They keep files and call in/request specific actors they know and like. So if they know you and like you, then you work. How to make them know you and like you? Well for starters- when you are at an audition, be prepared, be professional and be "easy to work with". If you are these things and give a quality reading, they will take note of it (because there are soooo many actors in L.A .who do not do this). If you are a pest or unprofessional or- excuse my vulgarity- an ass, they will make note of that too. Now this won't happen in one shot, but as you continue see them in a few auditions, and make friendly reminders there that you auditioned for them before, you will start to build a professional relationship with them, and they will remember you and what you bring to the table. And there ya go. It's a "long game" strategy you have to employ. It's not quid pro quo. It's not "what have you done for me lately." Be a pro and you'll get treated like a pro.
5. YOU DON'T WANT AN AGENT...YOU WANT THE RIGHT AGENT
An agent is not some magic ticket to stardom. An agent is a lawyer who does contracts and makes deals. And if they are "good" agents, they love actors and the craft, and have a desire to help actors they like and respect fulfill their creative and professional goals. But even if you are lucky enough to find a "good" agent, you will still have to do all the work. Your career is just that- your career. You are the CEO of your acting career. You have to find the jobs (again why knowing casting directors is so important). You have to tell your agent what kind of actor you are and what kind of career you want. You have to be pro-active. Only after people start asking for you, will an agent start making calls for you. Agents are not managers anymore. The business dynamic changed with Mike Ovitz a few decades back, and the reality is, signing with a big agency may be a big mistake, if you are not yet at a level to swim with the big fish. You want an agent that understands you- where you currently are professionally and what you want out of your career, and who believes that they can help you achieve it. For newer actors, it's often better to have an agent at a boutique agency, with fewer clients vying for their time and focus, so you get more personal attention. When you are big enough for CAA, or William Morris/Endeavor, don't worry. They will find you.
6. IT'S NOT NECESSARILY YOU
I know you know it, but it needs to be repeated. The best actor does not always get the job. And being good often times has little or nothing to do with whether you get a role or not. So much of that decision is based on parameters that are out of your control. If you start basing your sense of "success"or worse, "how good you are" only on if you are booking the roles or not, you will become bitter very soon. And no one likes to hire a bitter actor. So cherish and respect the craft. Keep it pure. Go to class. Work on scenes, observe others.
Prepare for auditions as much as you possibly can i.e. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. then go in and relax and breathe and listen and do the job...enjoy it if possible. I once heard a casting director say "You do your work at home so you can play in the audition." That's a good way to approach it. And know going into the room and out of the room that it will not be the last/only audition or job you will get or lose. It is one line the narrative that is your professional life.
7. TO USE SENSE MEMORY, YOU NEED MEMORIES
I say this in another section of the blog but I'll restate it just for you thespians. Do not become so consumed with your work and career that you forget to live your life. You are young and vital and in a big city. Love being young and vital and in a big city. Take advantage of the experiences this time and place afford you. The cliche "you are only young once" becomes more and more true the oder you get. So don't waste all ofyour youth trying to short cut a career path. Create memories with friends and lovers and family. They will make/keep you happy and more centered as a person, and will give you lots of wonderful emotions and memories to draw from in your acting career. Cherish your life experiences. They will last longer than your money and your fame.
Great...read the above section titled "So You're An Actor, Eh?" and change the word "actor" for "writer". The Writing Class I personally recommend and attend (though again, you'll ultimately find your own class that works best for you) is called "On the Page." On the Page - Pilar Alessandra is a great teacher. I use her as a consultant all the time as do many of my writing peers. She wrote the book, "The Coffee Break Screenwriter" and her workshops, seminars and podcasts are quite effective at helping talented writers focus and hone ideas into well-crafted screenplays. www.onthepage.tv And here is a great article/interview for anyone interested in getting a job in tv writing, and in Hollywood in gemeral:
While there are always lots of rentals in and around Hollywood, and most tend to be decent sized (unlike New York or San Francisco), the prices over the past few years have gotten steep. There are also areas of L.A. you might wish to avoid and others you’ll prefer living in based on safety, proximity to work/recreation areas, cultural preferences, etc. The relatively “safe” areas for first-time LA dwellers to live in include:
-West Hollywood ,Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, Los Feliz (near/north of Sunset Boulevard), Silverlake (north of Sunset Boulevard), Westwood/UCLA area, Brentwood, West LA (north of the 10 Freeway), Santa Monica For your first apartment I'd probably avoid Inglewood, Highland Park, and areas near USC. They can be “sketchy” to put it mildly.
There are other areas like Echo Park, Encino, Pasadena, Eagle Rock, South Pasadena, Venice and the southern beach areas that have good pockets and bad pockets. Check them out and see how you feel.
Downtown LA (or "DTLA),while it is coming along as of late is still questionable. There is a loft district, which is arty, but surrounding areas are industrial and therefore vacant at night. Best to scout out prospective apartments/neighborhoods at night as well as rush hour and daytime hours to get a better picture of the environment. But in past three years restaurants and hotels have made big investments downtown. Currently it has a new thriving nightlife, so improving residential prospects in the area can't be far behind. Keep an eye out.
PETS: Pets can be an issue. Most places don’t allow dogs and the ones that do are in high demand. If you can find one, great, but expect to pay a hefty additional pet deposit when you move in.
WHAT IS IT GONNA COST? well as of 2025, here is the average monthly rent for various neighborhoods in LA area.
WHERE TO FIND RENTALS: Today there are plenty of rental sites on line- national ones like apartments.com, zillow.com, Redfin.com, rent cafe.com and many others. Most large complexes advertise their available rentals on all of these sites.
But some smaller more boutique apartments, guest houses, sublets etc. may avoid the big sites and use more regional/local sites. You check this website:
it's been around since there's been the internet and still is a place for locals to find cool places to rent.
THEN, you might want to try the AFI and UCLA FILM school bulletin boards (there are always some students with apartments/houses to share).Just go to the campuses and ask the receptionist where they are.AFI is on the east side (Los Feliz), UCLA is on the west side (Westwood).Ask friends in the area. AND always check your fellow film school alumni. They are a never ending source of information. Many congregate in the same areas so a social and networking scene is built right in.
REFRIGERATORS: Here’s a little trivia- many/most LA apartments do not come with refrigerators. Why? Who knows? It’s a “west coast thing”. So you’ll have to buy one. There are used appliance stores all over the valley. Avoid rust and “smells”. Don’t buy from garage sales. And you can also rent a fridge from various companies. If you split the costs with roommates it's not so bad, at least at first. Once you settle into a place you plan to be in for some time, it might be worth a purchase.
LA Utility Costs Once you’ve decided where to live you’ll need to set up utilities for your new abode. The basic monthly utility bill for a 915 square foot apartment in LA is around $110.71. That’s cheaper than Chicago ($122.38) and New York ($130.44) but more expensive than San Francisco ($106.58). Compared to New Yorkers, Angelenos enjoy much cheaper internet. A month’s worth of internet will cost you $39.50 in LA compared to $60.27 in the Big Apple.
As of 2025- here are some stats:
ELECTRICITY AND GAS
For electricity, the average monthly bill in Los Angeles ranges from $100 to $150, though this can vary significantly based on the size of the home or apartment and how much air conditioning you use during the hot summer months. L.A. residents also typically pay for natural gas, with an average monthly gas bill of $50 to $75.
WATER AND TRASH
Water and waste disposal costs in L.A. vary depending on the size of the property and its usage. On average, water bills are around $50 to $100 per month. Trash collection fees are generally included in apartment rent, but homeowners may need to pay $30 to $40 per month for these services.
INTERNET AND CABLE
High-speed internet in Los Angeles typically costs between $50 and $100 per month, depending on the provider and the speed of the service. Cable TV packages can range from $50 to $150 per month, though many residents are cutting the cord and opting for streaming services instead, which can still add up if you subscribe to multiple platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
Here's a quick example of a decent area costs equation:
-Avg. rental for2 Bed/2 Bath Apartment in relatively safe neighborhood: $2,000.00-3,000.00 a month.
-Move in costs:
First/last month rent + a 1.5 month security deposit $6,000.00-$7,500.00
Hook ups- gas, power, cable etc. $300.00-400.00
Total estimate move in cost$8,300.00-$10,900.00
SO WHERE SHOULD I LIVE?
Best Los Angeles Neighborhoods
First things first, it’s important to keep in mind that the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles are honestly determined by your own tastes! Everyone wants something different out of their community, so as you start your search, consider why you’re moving to Los Angeles. Are you hoping to live by the beach, or do you want a short commute to work? Are you hoping to bump into celebrities in your day-to-day, or would you prefer easy access to hiking trails? Do you want a big-city feel, or would you be happier with tree-lined streets and the convenience of nearby strip malls? (You’d be surprised by the creative cuisine and character you can find in L.A. strip mall restaurants, by the way.)
There are a lot of neighborhoods in L.A. area — over 450! So let’s dive into the most popular neighborhoods for young/new renters in Los Angeles. We’re going to look at the average rent (for a one-bedroom), typical home value, transportation, and more, so you can find the perfect place for you in the City of Angels.
Hip L.A. Neighborhoods
It’s worth exploring Los Feliz on foot: Take in the beautiful homes, shady streets, the old Hollywood-glamor Los Feliz Theater, and more.
Transportation: With two major arteries (101 and 5) close by, you have decent access to the rest of the city.
As neighborhoods go, Los Feliz is pretty hard to beat. Nestled just south of Griffith Park (arguably one of the city’s greatest treasures), it manages to hit the balance of being cool and interesting without trying too hard or being over the top. In Los Feliz, you’ll find all kinds of eclectic shops and cafes, diners and more, mainly on Hillhurst and Vermont Avenues. Home to Thai Town and a whole mess of delicious hidden gems, Los Feliz is a diner’s paradise. It’s worth exploring Los Feliz on foot: take in the old homes, shady streets, the old Hollywood-glamor Los Feliz Cinema, and more.
Nearby neighborhoods to consider: Atwater Village, Silver Lake
Transportation: The 2 runs through WeHo, and the 101 is nearby in central Hollywood.
Looking for a quiet, suburban existence? West Hollywood (WeHo) is not for you. Trendy and bustling, L.A.’s LGBTQ+ capital boasts some of the liveliest nightlife the city has to offer. Home to L.A.’s famous Sunset Strip and the fabled Chateau Marmont, the entire city (yes, West Hollywood is technically a city all its own) only covers about two square miles and is worth exploring on foot. Neighboring Central Hollywood, you’re just a short distance from some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks: Grauman’s Chinese Theater (now called TCL Chinese Theatre), the Capitol Records building, etc. Touristy? Absolutely. But still worth seeing.
Nearby neighborhoods to consider: Hollywood, Mid-City
Transportation: The 101 is the main artery in and out of this neighborhood, but the traffic is so terrible, you may as well stick to surface streets.
Silver Lake earns its reputation as a haven for hipsters. But is that so bad? It depends on your point of view. Trendsetting and yet somehow fairly calm, Silver Lake is home to boho-chic bars, artisanal coffee shops, and delicious eateries. The neighborhood is centered around Silver Lake itself — which is, in fact, a reservoir built in the early 1900s. The partially paved 2.2-mile trail around the lake is a popular spot for locals to walk, jog, hike, or run.
Nearby neighborhoods to consider: East Hollywood, Echo Park
Echo Park is home to Dodger Stadium and the expansive Elysian Park area (technically its own very small neighborhood).
Transportation: Centrally located and served by 4 major freeways — the 5, the 101, the 2, and the 110 — Echo Park has easy access to other parts of the city.
Head southeast from Silver Lake, cross under the 2, and you’ll find yourself in Echo Park. Once a "no way" neighborhood with gangs and poverty, it has gentrified a fair bit win the past decade or two. Now an "arty" area with a vibe that Los Feliz had thirty years ago. Mid-century apartments, Spanish-style homes, and craftsman houses line the streets of this trendy neighborhood. Here you’ll find Dodger Stadium and the expansive Elysian Park area (technically its own very small neighborhood). And living up to its name, Echo Park has a lovely green space surrounding a lake (Elysian Reservoir), with biking and walking paths — all part of a recent renovation. With such close proximity to essential L.A. hangouts, from Chinatown to DTLA, this is could be an ideal place to set up your home base. Echo Park has a bit of a scruffy feel in places and is still somewhat affordable, which makes us love it even more.
Nearby neighborhoods to consider: Silver Lake, Los Feliz
Beachy L.A. Living
From great shopping and dining to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica is a picturesque city to call home.
Transportation: Traffic will make you want to unfriend anyone you know on the East side. You’re never going there again. In all seriousness, though, your main artery is the 10, and the traffic is bananas.
Moving to Los Angeles so you can hit the beach after you get off work? You need to head west to either Santa Monica (a city just west of DTLA) or Venice. With great shopping, the iconic Santa Monica Pier, restaurants galore, and lovely (expensive) neighborhoods, Santa Monica is a picturesque city to call home. And with proximity to the Pacific, you can count on cooler temperatures and clearer air. To top it off, the school district in Santa Monica is one of L.A. County’s best.
Nearby areas to consider: Pacific Palisades, Venice, Brentwood
Transportation: Like Santa Monica, traffic is bad here. The 10 will get you where you need to go — eventually.
Venice is like the younger, bohemian sibling of Santa Monica who studied abroad and came back really “into” art and pour-over coffee. A little much sometimes? Sure, but dang — they’re having fun with it! Move here and your friends will definitely want to visit. With colorful murals and staircases around every corner, Venice is a walkable blast with so much to discover. Great shopping, great food, beachfront… need we say more?
Nearby areas to consider: Mar Vista, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica
Relaxed Suburban Areas in L.A.
Not only does Pasadena rank as one of the top 10 healthiest cities in America, but it’s also one of the most diverse and one of the best for young professionals.
Transportation: Two freeways (the 134 and the 210) intersect Pasadena, which connects you to most of the state’s major interstates. Historic Route 66 also runs through this city.
Technically its own city, Pasadena sits northeast of Los Angeles and is a popular L.A. suburb. This area is charming, low-key, and family-oriented, making it a great place to settle if you prefer a relaxed vibe to the hum of the big city. Not only does Pasadena rank as one of the top 10 healthiest cities in America, but it’s also one of the most diverse and one of the best for young professionals, according to Niche. With great shopping and eating options — and only 20 minutes from DTLA — this urban-suburban locale is an awesome place to live.
Nearby areas to consider: Northeast L.A., Glendale
8. The Valley
Average rent (one-bedroom): From $1,625 in San Fernando to $2,925 in Calabasas, rental costs vary.
Average home value: From $701,900 in San Fernando to $1.68M in Calabasas, home values vary.
Transportation: The Valley is serviced by the 5, the 405, the 101, and the 210. Be aware that being somewhat removed from the city can mean very long commutes — especially if you work downtown and have to travel during rush hour.
Encompassing a number of neighborhoods and incorporated cities (including Glendale, Burbank, Hidden Hills, and Calabasas), the San Fernando Valley is still in L.A. but feels a little removed from the big city with more of a relaxed feel. Beware — without those coastal breezes, temperatures can elevate more than 10 degrees compared to other western parts of Los Angeles. And while strip malls are prevalent throughout L.A., they’re truly everywhere in the Valley… and hiding some of the best restaurants (sushi, especially) in the city.
Neighborhoods and cities in The Valley: Sherman Oaks, Burbank, Calabasas, Studio City, and more.
Home to the University of California Los Angeles campus, Westwood is one of the more affluent L.A. neighborhoods.
9. Westwood and Brentwood
Average rent (one-bedroom):$3,650 in Westwood and $3,325 in Brentwood
Average home value:$1.35M in Westwood and $2.75M in Brentwood
Transportation: You’ve got the 405 and the 10, which unfortunately means you’ve got gridlock. Good luck.
Divided by the 405, Westwood and Brentwood (north of Santa Monica) are two of the richest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, boasting great shopping, beautiful residential areas, and lovely cultural centers like The Getty. Westwood is also home to UCLA, so don’t be surprised if your coffee-shop neighbors are students and professors.
Nearby areas to consider: Bel Air, Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills
Q: What is the nicest neighborhood in Los Angeles? A: Westwood is rated #1 among the best Los Angeles neighborhoods, according to Niche, and it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the best neighborhoods in L.A. Home to UCLA, the Getty art museum, and shopping and residential areas aplenty, it has it all — including steep rent to match.
Urban L.A.
DTLA features a flourishing arts community, from the Walt Disney Concert Hall to the Fashion District.
Transportation: DTLA is very well connected. With access to multiple freeways and public transit, you’ll be able to get where you need to go.
Downtown L.A. has undergone a significant renaissance in the last decade or so. Formerly an area with stagnation, Downtown is now a place where Things. Are. Happening. With a flourishing arts and design community and people everywhere you look, Downtown now features incredible restaurants and cultural landmarks such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Here you’ll also find Little Tokyo, Angels Flight Railway, and the Fashion District. If you’re moving from SF or NYC and want to maintain the feeling of living in a bustling downtown, DTLA might be the perfect place for you.
Nearby neighborhoods to consider: Echo Park, Historic Cultural District
Q: What is the safest area in L.A.? A: According to Neighborhood Scout, Encino is one of the safest neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Other neighborhoods on their list include Bell Canyon, Deer Lake Highlands, and Fern Ann Falls — all located northwest of Downtown L.A.
Transportation: Santa Monica Boulevard runs right through Beverly Hills between the 405 and the 101. You’ll have relatively easy access to the 10, as well.
When you think of movie stars and famous people living it up in Los Angeles, you probably think of Beverly Hills (even though, technically, it's a city of its own, surrounded by Los Angeles). Wealthy, extravagant, and (somehow) clean, Beverly Hills features the legendary Rodeo Drive, stuffed with designer boutiques, and somewhere you might spot a celebrity having lunch. Beautiful, wide, palm-lined streets are made for cruising in a new convertible, scarf tied in your hair. If you’ve got the cash, why not? With fantastic schools and a peaceful vibe, it’s not hard to see what the other half sees in Beverly Hills.
Nearby areas to consider: Bel Air, Westwood, WeHo (West Hollywood)
Q: What is the best city to live in Los Angeles? A: It may not come as a surprise to you, but Beverly Hills is one of the nicest cities to live near Los Angeles — and since it sits in Los Angeles County, it feels like one of the Los Angeles neighborhoods. From the palm-lined neighborhood streets to the opulent mansions and the uncannily clean parks and roadways, this is definitely one of the nicest places to live in L.A..
Under 30 miles from Los Angeles, Malibu is the place to be if you’re looking to land your dream beachfront home.
Transportation: As a true beachfront town, far removed from central Los Angeles, Malibu is dependent on the Pacific Coast Highway. But really, once you’re in Malibu, why leave?
Technically, Malibu isn’t in L.A. … but it might as well be. Long a destination for a beautiful beach-day escape or — for the more wealthy or famous among us — the ideal place for a beachfront dream home away from prying eyes, Malibu really is heavenly. With gorgeous beaches, tons of great hiking trails, and fabulous restaurants, Malibu is worth the 40-minute drive to spend a day, or the investment to buy property.
Nearby areas to consider: Santa Monica, Hidden Valley
Q: Where do most celebs live in L.A.? A: Wondering where to spot celebs in La La Land? Though you may not be able to see beyond tall fences and gated communities, local knowledgehas itthat many celebrities live in well-to-do Los Angeles neighborhoods and surrounding areas such as Malibu, Los Feliz, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Hollywood Hills, and Calabasas.
What Is the Most Affordable Area in Los Angeles?
If you’re moving to L.A. and your budget is your only concern, then Vermont Vista and Vermont Knolls are two of the most affordable neighborhoods in L.A. Roughly 20 minutes south of Downtown, both neighborhoods boast a surprisingly low average rent (just $1,550 a month). However, if you’re looking for an affordable rental and an awesome neighborhood, we recommend checking out Northeast L.A., sometimes called NELA. With generally lower rents than many other areas of the city, there’s still so much in NELA to love — all while not being too far from the action. Here are a few of our favorite neighborhoods in Northeast L.A.
Highland Park
One of the oldest neighborhoods in L.A., Highland Park offers up a rich mix of old and new and has an average rent of $2,100 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Eagle Rock
Between Glendale and Pasadena and home to Occidental College, the laid-back neighborhood of Eagle Rock will quickly feel like home. The average rent here is $2,175.
Glassell Park
Nestled beside Mount Washington and the Los Angeles River, Glassell Park has an average rent of $2,050. Unpretentious but lovely, you’ll also find the Rio de Los Angeles State Park here.
Transportation in Northeast L.A.: The neighborhoods are small, so getting from one to the next is just a quick drive. You’re also between a few major freeways, so the rest of the city is still within reach.
Where should I live? How much will it cost? What's the weather like? How do I get a job?
