OK….There are actually WAY more than 5 things you should know before making the bold move to the City of Angels, (can anyone say parking tickets…seriously folks- READ THE SIGNS!) but the next 5 things helped me tremendously, so I would like to pay it forward. Here goes:
1- Unless you are a trust fund-er, have a sugar daddy/momma, or your parents just want to support you, you WILL need a J.O.B. to pay dem billz.
It doesn’t have to be full time, corporate or 40+ hours, if you don’t want it to be, but Los Angeles is expensive and no matter how modest a person you think you are, the lifestyle of an actor or any artist is NOT cheap. Between Headshots, casting sites, classes, workshops and keeping yourself healthy and camera ready, just to name a few, you will wonder why you can’t pay your rent if you’re not prepared. Now, I know this seems obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how many people I have met, that think that they are going to come here, get their big break, and live off of their residual check(s). Um, nope. But, you can make sure there is food in your fridge by looking for flexible part time jobs, so that your days are open for auditions. You could even research jobs at places you would like to work and of course, you can also get some valuable experience on set by working as an extra. There are plenty of options.
2-Do not waste your time and money by doing a photo sesh with any photog who is not experienced with LA/NY headshots.
This applies especially if you are living in a city where you have not had the opportunity to work because there is zero artistic community. Not that you can’t get a great head shot this way, but more often than not, you will not get the type of shots that a casting director in LA/NY would pick out of the thousands of thumbnail photo submissions they receive everyday. The best advice I received was to research working actors’ headshots that I admired on shows/films I wanted to work on and the photogs. Also, please don’t allow any photog, to use so much photoshop on your shots that no one will recognize you when you walk in the room. We all want to see the real you!
3-Get Actors Access, LA Casting, IMDb Pro & Backstage accounts.
I am not saying you need to have 10 looks on each site, BUT at least start an account with these services, especially if you just moved here or are about to. Actors Access, ($68 a year), is used for Theatrical submissions, LA Casting, (as low as $4.95 thru $15.95 per month), is used more for commercial. IMDb Pro, ($20 a month or cheaper by the year), recently added a casting section in the last year and will be such a great resource for you regarding looking up shows, films, casting directors, managers, agents and other actors. You do not have access, without a paid pro account, to the business addresses etc, which does come in handy for thank you notes after workshops. Not only does Backstage have casting notices available to submit to with a paid subscription, they have educational articles written by men and women from all facets of the Entertainment Industry, (Including Ms. In The Biz ladies!), all for less than $200/year. They all do add up but unless you have an agent before you arrive, you should plan on doing A LOT of footwork. I would still recommend you have these even if you have an agent or manager. There is no such thing as doing too much when it comes to being proactive about your career…that is unless you decide to put a gigantic picture of yourself on the side of your car and your phone number in red lettering. Yikes.
4- Always follow through, Always follow up, Always be kind and say Thank you!
Following through; whether it be on a student film you committed to work for free or told a friend you would help run lines, just do it. Period. Unless, there is a major emergency, keep your word and follow through 110% of the time. It is just rude to no show and this state is full of California flakes; please don’t be one.
Following up; as you begin to attend events you will meet several people. If you exchange information, look them up, send them an email, just letting them know it was nice to meet them. It’s always nice to hear from someone again that you met at an event, especially if you felt them need to exchange information with them.
Always be kind and say “Thank You”; This town is small and relationships are key. Being rude/treating people poorly, is only a reflection on you and it’s not ok. Manners go a very long way and so does a smile. Sending a little note of appreciation after a workshop or audition is such a nice gesture, so make it part of your artistic and personal life.
5- Just BE and have FUN!
Just be YOU, but more importantly, just BE and have FUN. Stop trying to impress people, trying to get people to like you or think you are talented, thinking that if you aren’t booking tons of work all of the time that you are not good enough. Just STOP. Focus on being your most genuine, imperfect, talented self and on your work and the rest will follow. No matter how cliche it sounds, there is ONLY ONE YOU, so own it! Treat yourself as if you are already as successful as you envision and hang on…it’s gonna be a bumpy, crazy, challenging ride but if this is what you love, it will be the most fulfilling fun, you have ever had!