This is the second issue in my series of articles regarding work as an actor in a local market. If you missed my first article, “Show Me the Money,” check it out here! To recap, I recently discussed how productions love to shoot in local markets with tax incentives because it’s cheap. But hey—at least we’re working, right? We can still make money, right? And have a chance to book great roles, RIGHT!? There are a few caveats to each of those tantalizing sparks of potential that may lure actors away from hubs like Los Angeles or New York. Let’s…
Author: Lauren Myers
Lauren Myers
Lauren Myers is a Burqueña, actor, and filmmaker who grew up in the Land of Enchantment. Myers received her BFA in Theatre Performance from Chapman University and spent 8 years working in professional film, television, and theatre in New Mexico. Her recent credits include 12 Strong, Only the Brave, The Space Between Us, Better Call Saul, and WGN’s Manhattan. She’s the co-creator, executive producer, and star of the psychological thriller Dead Billy, now available on VOD, and served as a company member and Director of Media & Marketing with Duke City Repertory Theatre for five years. Myers has written, produced, and directed several award-winning shorts through her production company, Room of Req Productions, and currently has several projects in development. She loves discussing all things related to Harry Potter, ferrets, and Art History, and resides in Los Angeles with her filmmaker fiancé Rick and their filmmaker-in-training pup, Marty McFly.
Part One: “Show Me The Money” When I first graduated from college, I was forced to move back home to New Mexico to take care of some health-related issues (nothing serious—just your basic jaw-realignment surgery due to bad TMJ. Fun times). As my dad so dramatically put it, I was mopey, wrought with distress, and complained to the high heavens about the fact that, if anything, I was moving farther away from Los Angeles, farther away from starting my career in film, television, and theater, and thus farther away from my dream. Oh, how I couldn’t have been more wrong.…
Finding the specific driving forces behind your art can be a powerful tool for your career. When I was a little kid, my mom, aunt, and grandma used to drag me to political conventions. They were all active members of this community, and I found myself grumpy, pouty, and tremendously bored as the only child present in a sea of adults who discussed topics far removed from Nickelodeon shows, soccer, or the latest Spice Girls song. I also grew up in the desert. I lived in a city surrounded by high mountains, endless mesa vistas and a Spanish heritage that…
A little over three months ago, I was making my way across the southwest desert, en route to Los Angeles from New Mexico. It was just me, enough belongings to last two months on friends’ couches, and a crate of goodies and CD mixes that a dear new friend had packed for me. And as I slid into the suburbs just outside of the City of Angels, the setting California sun glowing warm in front of me, I felt a pang of Fear grip through my chest. A tight, icy bath of loneliness and uncertainty. The unsettling darkness of the…