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Going back to Cali
2868
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
For the first time.
I've been a screenwriter for a while, and I've almost made it a few times but all my friends who have made it insist that location is a huge factor. (They know the business, my manager and agent concur, so that is not the topic. Please do not burden this thread with advice about the industry or location).
I know nothing of California. Aside from the few times I visited for a meeting here and there I'm a virgin.
My girlfriend (she's a new addition to my life) lives in San Diego but has lived all over LA and I have about 15 close friends there. So I'm going to something, and I'll have emergency contacts and shit.
Still I'm more concerned about finding sustaining work, things to keep me in food and gas and beer and inside while I strive for the writing angle.
Basically what's the job scene like in LA? I tended bar in Austin, but I imagine bar jobs there to be wicked competitive, I've taught screenwriting in Austin, but I imagine there is no shortage of folks qualified for that job, I've done some business management, tech support. All kinds of junk.
Can you guys help? Any ideas outside of Craigslist? Anyone here have leads? Should I just get there and beat feet?
TL;DR
I want job hunting tips specific to LA.
I've been a screenwriter for a while, and I've almost made it a few times but all my friends who have made it insist that location is a huge factor. (They know the business, my manager and agent concur, so that is not the topic. Please do not burden this thread with advice about the industry or location).
I know nothing of California. Aside from the few times I visited for a meeting here and there I'm a virgin.
My girlfriend (she's a new addition to my life) lives in San Diego but has lived all over LA and I have about 15 close friends there. So I'm going to something, and I'll have emergency contacts and shit.
Still I'm more concerned about finding sustaining work, things to keep me in food and gas and beer and inside while I strive for the writing angle.
Basically what's the job scene like in LA? I tended bar in Austin, but I imagine bar jobs there to be wicked competitive, I've taught screenwriting in Austin, but I imagine there is no shortage of folks qualified for that job, I've done some business management, tech support. All kinds of junk.
Can you guys help? Any ideas outside of Craigslist? Anyone here have leads? Should I just get there and beat feet?
TL;DR
I want job hunting tips specific to LA.
2868 on
0
Posts
There is a ton of work in LA, and it just keeps coming. TV, movies, commercials, it never really stops. My first few months out here were rough and I went deeper into debt with friends than I had anticipated. The first job I got paid poorly but got me on the map, and things really picked up after I had a few minor credits to work with (CW television shows and a stint on Watchmen). From there I just worked my network, did a lot of reel dropoffs, and constantly stayed alert on the VFX industry job forums.
Two years later and I see cold calls from clients looking for artists two-three times a week. Commercials are a great way for any industry artist to cut their teeth and build a resume - a year in those, and I managed to push my demoreel to a point where it sells itself. I'm not sure if there's a lot of industry writers doing commercials but if there are, I highly highly recommend selling your soul for a few months and bulking your experience up on fast turnaround projects.
If you're hesitant about moving, I'd say just go ahead and do it. I doubt you'll have a difficult time finding work and, yes, it is a considerable benefit to actually live in California if your goal is to work in the entertainment industry.
Uh, yes. I do.
Seriously, PM.
I'm already moving, I leave next weekend. But I've got some leeway before I set down roots.
As for SD, I'll be living in LA so that's where the room is, but the potential love of my life lives in San Diego, so all the time carpool? Seriously. Placemate.
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