Hey everyone! I recently graduated from a University and have been working on trying to further progress toward working in the film industry. Things have been rough with the Covid era changing everything as we know. I actually never even took a class in person at my school lol
I was wondering if anyone else is in the same position? Or does anyone have tips on the process of moving down to the LA area? How'd it go for you? Finding a place one can afford to stay at is pretty rough right now. I know there's a housing crisis and the recession etc.
I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts. As of right now, I've been trying to progress career-wise as much as possible online.
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Hi Dustin! I can't imagine never taking an in-person class in university--covid really did a number on us, huh?! I'm not sure I have super helpful advice about moving, but I do know that most people starting out in LA live with roommates (myself included) to make it more affordable. So as you look at rental websites, you may also want to google some roommate sites or FB groups where people are posting available spaces. I feel like some of the most cost effective areas are the valley, downtown, and Long Beach. Each area in LA has its pros and cons, so it's helpful to think about travel time and what you'd like to be near (studios or work-wise). For example, LB feels far for most in LA to travel to and from, downtown has very limited parking, and the valley can get hot in the summer and you always have to travel over the hill! I'm in Sherman Oaks if you're ever in town looking at places and want to grab coffee. Hope this helps somehow and best of luck with your search! (also, you're correct that so much is happening online now so definitely continue with that avenue as well!)
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Thanks Kaitlin Moose! Appreciate the advice.
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Hi Dustin Richardson - congratulations on graduation! And taking the big step to move to LA. Stage 32 HQ is in Manhattan Beach! We've got some resources for you to check out >>
https://www.stage32.com/blog/part-i-the-top-7-mistakes-actors-make-when-...
https://www.stage32.com/blog/part-ii-the-top-7-mistakes-actors-make-when...
If you want a little more nuanced look - here's a webinar that goes into more detail ...
https://www.stage32.com/webinars/How-to-Move-to-LA-and-Work-in-Entertain...
Good luck!! Keep us posted!!
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Thanks Shellie Schmals! I'll take a look at these resources.
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Hey Dustin! huge congrats. It's an interesting conundrum with moving & adjusting life for performing arts with specificity to location. I've been a working actor in DC the last 5 years & the pandemic definitely halted any move to LA or New York. I have a few actor friends in LA & from what I've learned from them & other actors in interviews is that LA is very spread out - you need a car in LA for sure because public transportation isn't as utilized there as is the case in New York, DC, & Philadelphia. As Bradley Cooper once said for comparison of LA to NY (or east coast big cities that aren't as spread out) "In LA you have to find the work, in New York the work finds you."
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Hey Dustin! I moved to LA in 2009 and then again in 2015 (long story lol). It's definitely not easy. The biggest tip I give people is that it takes about a year before you feel settled, so try not to beat yourself up with the ups and downs of finding your people in the city. that doesn't mean you won't find connections or work, just that it can be challenging mentally, you know? Happy to DM with you about different areas and stuff like that. There's really no "cheap" area unless you're 40 minutes or more outside of central LA or just in a really crappy area, but it all depends on what you can spend
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Congrats on graduating Dustin Richardson! My advice for moving to LA would be to make sure you have a steady paycheck coming in (in any form, doesn't need to be in film) beforehand. Having the peace of mind that you'll be able to make rent while you're pursuing your jobs in film/tv will give you the peace of mind to be creative as possible.
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Some great advice in this thread and I especially loved Emily's comments about how long it takes to get settled. That's true of any move, but when people tie the move to a timeframe for success, which I hear all the time with people moving out here to pursue a life in entertainment, that's a recipe for disaster. If and when you decide to make the move, work on making relationships and improving your craft. Adding a deadline will only put more pressure on yourself.
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Great advice on this thread, Dustin. I'd also recommend coming down for a week to get a feel for all the different areas so that can inform your move.
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Thanks everyone!
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Hi Dustin! I definitely second Amanda's advice about coming out for a week or so to get a feel for LA. When I was considering moving out to LA from Chicago, I made a trip out with a few of my friends and just drove around the city getting to know the different areas. It was a lot of fun. LA is like 10 different cities all in one, each with its own vibe. In time, you'll find the area that fits not just your cost of living, but your lifestyle. I also recommend that when you're ready to start apartment hunting, don't only look online. Places in LA get taken off the market very quickly. Once you figure out what neighborhoods and areas of the city you like best, drive around and look for the "For Rent" signs. You can then snap a photo of the sign and building and call the apartment managers directly to ask about viewings and availability. It can be a fun but overwhelming journey, let yourself enjoy it.