As I write this, I have a particular audience member in mind: the young and impressionable dreamer who wants to run away and join the circus of the entertainment business. Now the title may suggest that I am gearing up for a long-winded lecture. But I’d like you to think of it as more of a cautionary and action-oriented tale. If you will allow, I will now relate this simple story.
“A few years ago, only about two, there was a beautiful young girl with fair hair. Her name was Satara from Tennessee – and an actress in Hollywood was what she most wanted to be.
Fair Satara worked hard – and yet she was so alone. She was grateful for the help of a new friend. Little did she know, this friend was no friend, but a Hollywood goblin – with intentions as dark as his soul. He stole her away and kept her entranced, and made her forget she was loved.
All the while, Satara’s mother searched high, and searched low. She cried herself to sleep with memories of her missing daughter. Satara was kept hidden well out of sight. Her mother was told she should give up the fight … The greasy goblin even taunted and laughed ‘til he shook. He promised that Satara would be sold to men in lands far away – and never come back…
And when all seemed lost, Satara though trapped, was not beyond the scope of those seeking justice. Finally one night, after one last poisonous kiss, the goblin set her free.”
This short tale, inspired by true events, did not end sweetly. Satara, although lucky to be alive and home with her mother, is suffering from severe trauma. She now has a drug conviction and a host of other challenges stemming from this horrible encounter.
Unfortunately, Satara’s ordeal is not unique, and in fact, I’m almost positive it will continue as long as there is a “Hollywood.” What I hope is that those who educate themselves about the real dangers that exist will be better prepared to avoid such a horrifying ordeal.
Beside awareness, the best ways that I know to stay safe while following your dreams is to create both a support system and a plan for yourself before you get to town. A support system means you will not feel pressured financially in order to follow your dream. When I was starting out, a fellow actor shared this strategy with me. His own goal: to live off savings for one year to pursue acting full-time. Therefore, stay where you are safe, save your money, and buy a reliable car. Be self-sufficient to the point that you do not have to worry about your basic survival for as long you can afford. This is the difference between becoming a victim of all who would like to prey on what they perceive as your weakness. That actor I mentioned is now doing phenomenally, by the way.
Now, having a plan could mean anything. It could mean setting a goal and then taking steps towards its achievement. It could mean learning as much you can about the industry from resources and individuals who are trustworthy, and credible (like those on this blog!). That might mean going to school or becoming part of a professional program that teaches a specific industry skill in which you are interested.
Once you know YOUR PLAN, write it somewhere and place it where you can see it frequently. In this way, you can keep your vision in sight. It will keep you on track even as others might attempt to lead you astray. Most importantly, having your plan visible allows you to adjust it as you go. The core of my plan has not changed very much, but keeping it in mind has allowed me to quickly “course-correct” and keep it moving.
Satara is not unlike many young people who arrive in Hollywood each day. Yes, daily. They may have no support system in place or no plan. They do, however, have boundless optimism and bright eyes eager to be blinded by an illusion. If you choose to be dazzled by the bright lights of Tinsel Town as well, just beware of what may lie in wait in the shadows. Okay, so it was long-winded lecture after all. And now it’s over.
Leave a comment. What other ways can you suggest to young dreamers to stay safe while following their dream? Please share your thoughts below, and be sure to share this story with someone you care about.
Sources:
Missing young actress from Tennessee found at LA hospital ( Thursday, March 15, 2012 )
KABC-TV Los Angeles – Hollywood Wrap
How a woman was held captive, drugged and prepared for sale ( published Sunday, August 19th, 2012 ) Chattanooga Times Free Press