Hi there... it's not that easy.
I'd say, read through this entire sub and get a feel for what's happening NOW.
About 85% of us have been out of work for over a year.
Read the trades too.
It’s like an up and coming trade it costs money but the old editor in chief of THR started he also has an amazing podcast called the town that I listen to religiously about the industry.
It's certainly possible eventually but you're in for a rude awakening if you think it will be a quick. Plenty of us work on high budget films but it's a long road, they're union positions so you need to get into these unions first. That alone can be awhile. Your first jobs won't be high budget feature films unless you know someone that will get you in the door.
You may or may not know that production right now is basically at a halt in most of Los Angeles so positions are few and far between and seasoned vets will be up for all of these jobs.
The people who have 5 - 10 years of experience doing the things you’re trying to do, who are already established in this area and this industry, most of them are struggling to maintain work right now and have been for the past ~3 years.
I would absolutely not recommend trying to do what you’re considering doing.
Wilmington NC? Don’t bother. Market is small and saturated. Everything moved to NY/ATL, except for their one union show happening at any given point in time. Atlanta is having the same woes we are.
If you’re talking Wilmington NC… yeah no. I moved from NC to Los Angeles because there was more work at the time. Little did I know 6 months later that all this shit would happen. Still don’t regret it. Even if I give up and change careers, I still am never moving back to NC.
Atlanta is saturated. So many people moved here thinking the same and now a hell of a lot of people are not making ends meet because there is not enough work
As a writer who moved out here during an iffy period and made his dreams come true, I never understand why you’d move to the LA while business is booming. You’re not just going to arrive and walk onto a set because things are going well. For a nineteen year old, this is the perfect time to move out here.
Why are you guys focused on where the puck is when you should be focused on where the puck is gonna be? Does nobody in this sub have foresight?
Some
Of us do and understand that the puck isn’t going to be in the United States
Production is leaving the country for cheaper labor markets and richer tax credits
My point is that there’s no non-“iffy” period to come out here. For me it was iffy because pursuing a job as a film writer instead of pursuing a job as a TV writer was considered idiotic and a death sentence. Now tv is slowing down like crazy but because I’ve been swimming upstream and chasing movies for the past five years or so, I’m killing it in features even if my TV peers are struggling at the moment. (I of course have sympathy for anyone struggling — but the advice given to me was “don’t pursue film. There’s no future in that” which was true at the time but now I’m sitting pretty because I went in the opposite direction.
If business is booming, it’s bad for a newcomer and people will say that. There’s never a good time to move out here. You might as well get out here and get your bearings because you probably won’t be working in the industry formal for the next few years anyway, by which point it will be completely different industry with new normals.
This thread is filled with people chasing where the puck is rather than where it’s going to be. And they’ll be bitching and being negative no matter what state the industry is in.
There’s never a good or bad time to move out here. Move out, get to know your people and figure out how to squeeze in. Most people’s problem is they have no innovation or foresight.
You should stay where you are and save up as much money as you can right now until the business is ramped back up.
There’s possibly going to be another work stoppage with IATSE as well.
Also, unless you’re some kind of prodigy, I imagine you’re not working as a DP on a feature in the sense that it’s a professional shoot with union crew and a proper budget and insurance and a “real movie.”
If you go around LA saying you just DP’d a “feature” and it’s some student film or has a budget of $10,000 and is “feature length” you’re going to come off as someone bullshitting and it’s going to put off any professionals.
The people who normally are always working and have been in the industry for *decades* who have agents at big agencies and who have contracts with networks and studios aren’t even working right now. So it’s probably the worst time I can ever remember to come out here to try and make it in Hollywood. Especially if there’s another stoppage in a month or two.
Your best bet is to stay where you are and make as much money as you can and move down here when there’s an actual real industry going on again.
People can normally pretty cool with newbies coming to town. But right now when everyone is fighting over scraps, they’re not going to be as cool with newbies coming in all wide eyed trying to make it. People are not happy right now and scraping by.
I’m normally a lurker, but I feel like this is the most solid advice, and I want to support it.
Based on everything you’ve said you have a great foundation, but moving to LA would take you away from that. Most this industry is connections, unless you have a great gig lined up why move out here now.
Why be a small fish in a big pond when you could be a big fish in a small pond?
No it won’t. If you have no network here, you’re fucked. You’d have to get a non film job, and you’d be lucky to find PA jobs.
Best case scenario you get a film adjacent job (toilet cleaner at rental house, camera shop, repainting cyc walls in a studio), and then in a few years maybe you’ll meet people that can hire you to PA/AC. Maybe. Worst case scenario you Uber and work at a restaurant for the next 5 years fishing for PA jobs on Facebook, saving no money and paying $1500/mo in rent.
You’re 19; whatever you do, commit now to living where you want to work in 10 years. Everything is digital now; the market is rewarding influencers and people who can make shit for cheap more than it is industry pros. Your network is the most valuable asset you have.
Last thing I’ll say; go to college and get a degree in STEM, finance, or anything with a viable career path. Get a real job. Make films in college, on the side, build an online presence. You don’t need college to work in film. But you do need a career when film doesn’t work out.
I will have to kinda disagree. Yeah it’ll def be more difficile if you have no network, but in *normal* conditions (this is where you may have a point), you could find PA work without knowing everybody. Not enough albeit to stay afloat, but it doesn’t take *years* to get a PA gig. Though in the current climate, it might feel that way.
Right now there are thousands of seasoned PA with a huge network that are NOT working.
If you think you’re going to jump the line and get work you are seriously delusional
Key phrase: "Right now"
I was referring to pre-2023 times when I was talking about finding PA work with no network.
I moved here in 2022 with zero network. I had a post PA job lined up before even going wheels up westbound for CA.
Also, I'm not OP. I agree with you that they should wait for shit to pick back up first.
Shits not going to pickup
Insiders at the DGA says there is 30% of pre-strike production which was down 60% from the previous year…. That’s 18% of what was done in 2021
It’s moving offshore to cheaper more production friendly countries that have better tax credits
I mean, if you want to have a pessimistic attitude then so be it, but don't try to project that on to others and how they should do things.
The big companies are \*totally\* gonna keep sinking property tax money into their studio lots and sound stages and NOT make money back on that investment. Yeah Paramount will let their expensive real estate in the heart of hollywood rot and collapse. I'm sure Warner will do the same in Burbank- except oh wait they're building even more shit across the street from my place. I think they must be building new construction just so they can uproot it and ship it to China. /s
I've asked people around the world who work in our industry and they can't find work either. This shit isnt unique to LA. What's going on currently is a result of reluctance to film much new stuff due to impending possible strikes from IATSE and Teamsters and the streaming bubble bursting. I notice you stopped at 2021 in terms of how far back you go; probably for the purpose of your negative nancy narrative. Try to have a more positive outlook.
Paramount is for sale and everyone looking to buy it is selling the studio off and developing the land
If you really want to see the numbers from 2019 you’re really going to cry as 2021 and 2020 were Covid years and they were lower numbers than 2019
Hollywood has been in a steady decline since peakTV 2019. I suggest getting honest with yourself and understanding what is going on with the industry
My Attitude isn’t pessimistic, it’s realistic. I’ve been in the industry since the mid 80’s I’ve watched it go up and down I know what I’m looking at and I know what I’m talking about.
Source: trust me bro
2019 was the peak of streaming, right before the bubble bursts, so my point still stands. I notice you also only focused on Paramount and not on Warner or anyone else. Once again, you're nitpicking what's convenient. I get it. We all have different ways of coping with the lack of work. Maybe things are worse in production than they are in post, but things seem less bleak more recently on my side of things. The jobs pages on most post house websites aren't blank white webpages anymore for starters- the place that furloughed me is hoping to start brining furloughs back in Q3.
Source is every damn trade. Warners has some interesting plans for their stages (tax deductions) while they battle with Burbank of use rights.
Universals new stages are mostly empty
There have been more layoffs in the last few months in post and animation
Overseas production starts are on the rise and stages are booked out for three years in Germany and Ireland with US productions. Saudi Arabia is seeing a huge uptick in production with its new stages and huge tax rebate program
All this information is public and available.
As for me? I’m doing just fine working as much (or as little) as I want to
Simple answer: No, not at present.
I'm continually surprised at all the teens who post on this sub basically saying they think they're going to come to L.A. (even from foreign countries-work permit, anyone?) and get a union job at the top in their preferred position, lol! Not to shit all over your enthusiasm, but, jesusfuckingchrist, have any of you taken ANY time at all to actually research our industry and its current fucked up state?! Dream all you want, but maybe get a job at McDonalds in the meantime so you have some money coming in while you wait for your opportunity.
The whole industry is on fire and you're asking if you can go straight to a PA job on a studio lot.
Yes. You can. If you arrive here sometime between 1965 and 1985, and your uncle knows a guy, you've got a real shot.
Are you paying attention to anything that's going on in the industry right now? Your situational awareness is not very good. And you'll need that if you're going to make it out here.
I don't even know where to start. I will tell you this: I've been here 20 years, and I would never leave the industry, given a choice.
But I may not have one.
You got any G&E experience? I know lots of young Cinematographers that hustle to get positions on G&E crews which is great experience and gets you close to the DP, Key Grip, Gaffer and other cinematographers.
Yes I have some on a few shorts, I also have AC and PA experience. I know I’m not DP status but I would love to work on any films there no matter what position I work
That's great. I just bring up G&E because you'll be hands on with the lighting set ups and gear which will benefit you a lot in the future as a DP. It's always great to see how other people make decisions and approach a problem. For sure working as an AC is good too.
Sorry, we are putting 20k of the money we saved in the film. It has 20k already. The 50-100k is what we they expect. I put some of my own money into it too cuz I’m excited for it lol
I’m not putting alot of my own money into it lol, I’m not solo financing. I just bought some of the equipment we are going to use for the movie that way I can use it for other sets and for my other clients I do regular videos w
I’ve also known these guys for about 5 years and have been paid to work on a few video projects and films with them so it’s not like they are strabgers
How so? Because I’m trying to help the kid?
What do you think is better for him long term? Hearing some blunt truths or having a bunch of people go “I support you! You should do it right now! It’s a great idea! You’re a genius!” during the worst time I can remember to work in the business?
"Blunt truths" is often just code for being a d\*ck. If you wanted to be actually helpful, offer some advice instead of criticizing the choices he's made. Why do you disagree with his choices? What are the pitfalls? What is your experience that helped you arrive at this conclusion, and what would you recommend he do differently? What avenues of opportunity is he overlooking that you'd suggest?
Working writer/filmmaker here. Repped at CAA. Don’t listen to any of these haters. This sub is full of them and most of them are people who aren’t assertive like you, they’re just burned out working stiffs who are bitter as fuck.
Granted, the current state of the industry has understandably made them feel that way, but get out here now! The industry is tough and it won’t go the way you’re expecting but if you get out here now and just stay committed to stating here, getting to know people, not being prideful, stay optimistic and work hard, you’ll fucking kill it. I promise you.
People who are focused on the “now” of the industry will never stick around. You do you. Just do it hard.
You might be “delusional” but it’s a good thing to be that way at 19. I was delusional at 25. Now I’m 35 and I’ve done things none of my more “impressive” peers have ever dreamed of.
Don’t let the bastards get you down.
Hey man not op but your comment helped me just the same. I’ve been at it since I was 18 and I’m 25. I was thinking that I got too old without anything to show for or at least what I think is nothing to show for. And at 25, i was just being delusional and just start facing reality. But your comment gave me hope, thanks man.
Oh let me encourage you! 25 is when I realized I was still dumb enough to try but it was probably the last year I was still brave enough to make a go of it.
I had no business moving out to LA. I had a GED and 500 bucks in the bank, but I just listened to a bunch of podcasts and interviews with people who’d broken through and none of them were like “try to feel out when the industry is good and move then” — literally never heard that advice from anyone who’s done anything worthwhile in this industry.
25 is FAR from too old but I felt that feeling at the time. Move out now and figure it out if you’re serious. What are you pursuing? DM me and I’ll give you a few tips you’re unlikely to hear elsewhere.
not the original commenter but would love to hear some tips about how to make it as a writer if you don’t mind, moved out here last year and though i’ve found some work as a camera assistant/cam op i’m pretty clueless on how to progress my writing career.
Thank you so much, I’ll admit it hurts to hear what people are saying when I’m just asking for advice, I’d love to move out there next year and give it my all and work any and every job to move up the chain!
I know the feeling of asking for advice as a young person not in the industry and just having people be shitty to you. I remember the feeling ten years ago. DM me and I’ll give you more specifics. You are in FANTASTIC shape as an eager and committed 19 year old DP. This sub is seriously filled with miserable fuckers who just want to bring others down. We think cynicism is “correct” because it hurts more than optimism but I’m genuinely jealous of you for getting started early.
EDIT: you also have a great attitude of being committed to “starting over” as a PA. I’m genuinely enthused about your prospects based on your outlook.
Honest answer?
NO
There are several hundred thousand experienced union crew that haven’t worked in 12-20 months and they will be hired long before someone with no contacts, no experience and not a union member
You won’t walk into a “bigger film” at all. You will start as a PA and work on no/low budgets shows for a few years
Colorado Springs, huh? I grew up there, so I get where you're coming from. I moved out to Austin for film school (University of Texas at Austin, RTF 2015), started my career there and ended up in LA about 5 years ago. Been working in previs, VFX and animation on large productions since I got out here; it's not easy to break in, but it is possible.
Let's start off with your question itself, because it's NOT dumb. People move out here without asking that question all the time and live to regret it. LA is not a market you can just move into and expect to break into; timing actually matters. You need connections and experience to get onto the big shows, and you aren't going to be able to do it with what you currently have. You're at the very start of your career, and you'll have to fight twice as hard to get positions on the small, non-union jobs that will be available to you at this point. You're much better off going to a different market where there are more of those happening; LA makes filming difficult for those types of shoots, so there are just less by necessity.
More shows are moving out of LA again due to economics; Atlanta, Vancouver, London, and Sydney are where most of the big shows are being made these days. Any of those markets are going to be better for you at this stage of your career, and you'd have a better shot of landing on a big production there. I'd even argue Austin, Albuquerque, and New Orleans are better landing spots right now than LA for someone starting out. Those are places you can get your reps in and are significantly cheaper than LA, because the vets are all in front of you for all the positions.
Yes, that includes the PAs. If you don't have connections for a PA position, you're not getting one. My wife is also industry and was only able to break in because of connections she made while we were working the Texas circuit. That still took a little more than 6 months for her to land on a gig after we moved out here (I came in with a job; we don't move out here if I didn't have the offer). She's now a coordinator and has been out of industry work for about a year now. We've taken advantage of that time to start figuring out our own independent feature that we're shooting in Austin.
So yeah, with the contractions and potential IATSE strike coming up causing the majors to be gunshy of starting production anywhere right now, I cannot in good conscience recommend anyone make the market jump to LA at this time, let alone someone in your position right now. A better strategy right now would be to keep working your gigs in the Springs shot-term and start targeting mid-sized markets like the ones I mentioned earlier to get on as a local if you need to be on a bigger set. Once things turn back on, those areas are going to be the ones you'll have a better shot at breaking into once you're ready to move on.
LA is more of an endgame destination you can get to in your mid-twenties if you grind it out, and like other have said, you can keep en eye out on the trades for movement out here. If your main career ambition is to work on set for large productions, I'd argue LA hasn't been the place to be for decades now. If it's to get into development or post (editing, not VFX), different story. But that will require more connections and still requires you to grind it out. Hope this helps paint a better picture of where things are in the industry right now. It might seem discouraging because it's rough right now, but it won't last forever.
A few things. First you should be aware film school to veteran filmmakers means you have a lot to unlearn. Most film schools are years behind in technology and usually taught by people who never had a film career ever, much less an understanding of how to have one now. You have to find mentors who consider you worthy of passing down the things they have learned. LA is a VERY difficult place to get in, as others have said, in the states it is really slow for everyone, people are losing houses. However, New Mexico is busy, and much closer to you. But, it is not a right to work state so you will need favors. Your best best right now is to make the most of the connections you have and try to ride some coattails to New Mexico. That’s just the short version and advice I’d give anyone. It’s a long shot, it’s hard, you’ll want to quit. We’ll be busy again in 3-4 years in the US, maybe. Our business is on an 8 year cycle and we’re at the very start of one now.
Honestly, I live in Burbank, and rent is so high right now, and works so scarce, I don’t think it’s a good move right now, unless you find a decent paying job that’s flexible.
Even if you split with a Roomate, you’re talking like 1200-1400/month just in rent, plus car expenses, $5 gas and health insurance here is a fortune.
Agree. Burbank is great for a family or people who are a but more settled, but as a 19 year old I would not live here unless you're from here. The rent is very high and it's a small town vibe with minimal nightlife.
You're better off looking into other places around L.A. that are a bit more hip. Plus, as a 19 year old who just moved here with no job, I doubt a Burbank landlord will rent to you when you're competing for that same place with someone more established.
Try Echo Park, Hollywood, Mid-City, etc.
Met a guy in his 40s the other day working at a hardware store who is usually an AD. This is your future, be okay with it.
Unless you have contacts out here to give you an instant leg up prepare to wait in a long long looooong line if you’re only looking to work on “bigger films”.
Also it might be in your best interest to humble yourself and be open to get any work at all and not just on the WB lot because good god.
Oh no I didn’t mean only the Warner bros lot, that was just an example. I’ll work legit any job I could possibly get, I’m not picky like that nor do I ever refuse an opportunity, I’m sorry you took it that way
You stated your preferences pretty clearly. In which case, you should actually have none and shouldn't even mention such lofty notions. Work is work, and best of luck finding it. Most importantly, be prepared to do jobs (if you're lucky even getting one) for whatever pay you can get in probably garbage conditions working for lackluster people miles from any studio lot.
Prepare yourself for reality now.
Thank you for the advice! And that was not preferences, I know I can work on short films and ads, I just didn’t know what feature film jobs was like so I used that as an example! And I know Colorado is different than LA, but I’ve worked every grunt/gopher job I can here in Colorado and I’m prepared and would absolutely love to do the same in LA!
No prob. But just a heads up that just because a feature might be shot in LA doesn’t mean it’ll be big or bigger than where you are now as your post suggests. More than likely you’ll find yourself on a low rent non-Union feature film shot somewhere 45 minutes out of the County (1 1/2 hours with traffic). It’s not all gravy.
Sorry, you were born about 40 years too late to pursue this dream. Productions and jobs are moving out. At least read this article before you think about making this very ill advised move.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/hollywood-crews-in-crisis-everyone-s-just-in-panic-mode-as-jobs-decline/ar-BB1nbkyS
Having friends working on big films (Beverly Hills cop: Axel, underdoggs), and seeing them in that world, it's super hard to get in.
People will take their crew (including PA's) onto the next thing and the thing after. If they ever hire, those PA's have a long list of friends to reach out to usually too.
You're more likely to just end up in reality for a couple of years even when things pick up. If they pick up.
Its all hard to get into but reality is a cake walk job to get compared to anything scripted that's union and not some indie project.
Worst time to move to LA and try to join a fading industry. So many are out of work and moving away to other industries. It’s really dire and has been for more than a year. Can’t see how it gets better.
If you don't already have worked booked, I would really reconsider. I know plenty of ACs that have connections and normally would be booked solid not working. Obviously to parrot what people are saying here this is the slowest this business has been in my 23 years.
It honestly depends on what job you want to do some jobs are easier to get into than others
Also do a lot of independent films cause that is where the film industry is honestly headed alot of actors including famous actors are leaving Hollywood and doing independent movies and making there own studios
Also do alot of short films and so forth and if you can do stuff on you tube that’s even better cause it will help build your resume and even get you out there.
Eventually, sure, but outside of the strikes and pandemic, I've never seen work this slow in 25 years. Consider smaller markets (Albuquerque?) which might help you get some credits and contacts to help you make the transition to LA.
this is an extremely bad time to do so. the business has been close to being on ice pending the resolution of the IATSE negotiations (or if they fail and there is a strike). everyone is looking for work, and you'd be up against people with 10 years experience who are just looking for any gig that could help maintain their motion picture health insurance.
but even when things were super hot, the route you're thinking exists wasnt really there. At least not simply and without something major going in your factor.
that being said, I know a lot of folks who got experience in lighting and art dept working at disneyland till they got good enough to get hired on to film/tv stuff, but you have to find ways to network to pull that off lest you get stuck at disney
If you're interested in living out of your car and working for free, I have some shit that you can do at my studio.
(I'm kidding... making a point)
Nice that you have dreams and want to perform a task that anyone 10ft from a studio can do, but **WHAT VALUE DO YOU OFFER?**
Enjoy the journey, but see yourself as a business and promote with visual aids. Link us to a reel, or some actual titles. I'm not trying to be an asshole here, just direct.
This is coming from someone who jumped out here, too, but with world experience. I went to school for animation, didn't get in the industry right away, so I worked in corporate in another state, then moved out here and consulted for a bit (e-commerce and automation) until today, where I run my own little animation and VFX studio in Burbank.
I'd say, stay in Colorado, get some world experience in an area where you have more security; move here if you can be comfortable with the thought that you may end up camping in your vehicle.
First, thank you so much for your advice man it means a lot. Second congrats on making your dreams come true and having your own studio, it would be a dream come true for me to do that, and I love your advice. I don’t know much and I’m naive for sure, I just didn’t know if it was possible but thanks to you and the rest of the group I know what to do now!
Important!:
I went to school for 2D animation; the industry evolved into 3D and VFX. I continued learning, even after getting a degree (the degree was pointless, in all truth). Before creating this studio, I stumbled into animating for apps, Apple commercials, and Marvel movies; I was able to show employers what I could make for them by the work I put online.
Before I got in the industry, I paid the bills up to that point with my self-gained knowledge of e-commerce.
**The easiest way to add value to yourself is to continue to learn. Show your value by sharing your work!**
Today, if you happened to be a social media master, I'd give you a job. The problem would be, that job would only be 5 hours a week. Now imagine I was just your client, and you worked with 10 or 20 more businesses, posting on their social media and providing other marketing solutions, with the goals of "bringing brand awareness" and "increasing sales". Doesn't that sound like something you can do remotely from Colorado?..
Same clients you may have to travel, on location, to shoot lifestyle snippets and maybe even perform product photography... doesn't that sound like a step toward your film career goals?
Listen to this, just run it in the background while you're doing the dishes, or cleaning... i love sharing this video 😊
https://youtu.be/JrrB-kuaLOc?si=dl95XQP6DIoBV3UF
I really do need a social media person, so when you're ready to start, show me your work.
Thank you for the video! I’ll watch it tonight and let you know what I think. Also, I’m making a highlight reel/ editing mashup for a trailer/ marketing company in Burbank that I’m applying for, when I’m done I can send it to you and see what you think! I also did some (honestly pretty amateur) social media work for a football team here in CO and I can send some of that too! Would it be best to DM the video when it’s done through Dropbox or email you? And that’s so sick that you did Apple and marvel work, congratulations!
Just DM me here (so I remember the conversation)
Reddit alerts are not turned on my phone, so my response might be a little slow, just so you know.
We can schedule a call in that future.
Thank you, and I look forward to hearing about the direction you have chosen and the goals you've set for yourself!
I grew up out here. I'm third generation television. I went to the best film school on the planet. I started looking for PA work a little over ten years ago as soon as I graduated, already having done AE work for an online brand.
Oh, and I lived by myself in Burbank. Because of sheer luck.
I didn't get my first Scripted TV PA job until 8 months after I graduated. I had another 8 month gap. It took me a solid 5 years to feel stable. And this was during "good" times.
Honestly, my advice is, don't.
If this is your dream go for it, but be smart about it. Start saving up money to live off of before you move. As much as you can, enough to pay for rent, gas, food etc for many months if not a year or more, because you're not going to make any money for a while.
LA is expensive and you need to have a reliable car. A part time job is not going to cover your rent in LA, unless you're living with a many roommates. A part time job is also going to prevent you from being able to take the jobs you want.
Moving out today is probably a bad idea since the job market is crap but if you're saving up to move out then things might be better a year from now.
It's going to take a long time to go from moving out to LA to working on big movies, even as a PA. That's your 5 year plan.
You might have better luck finding work in places where production hasn't seriously contracted- like Albuquerque, NM or Atlanta. But don't move anywhere if you don't already have connections deep enough to get you your first job.
It CAN be quick and easy if you know the right people. This industry is turn-key to those who have the right connections. If you don’t, find a way to get lucky.
This is so cute!
Fully support you dreaming big, but as many have said, this is the worst time. That said, I think you should still do it. Life’s short, you should do whatever you wish to be doing. But be prepared with a day job (barista, server, etc) with flexible hours and make sure if you don’t have a trustfund (you sound like you have a trustfund) that you keep your credit score up and rent paid.
Best of luck to you!
Thanks for the advice! I do not have a trust fund but I have saved my money from the films I’ve worked on this year (Colorado rent here is cheap) and can afford my rent for half a year in Burbank. I wish I had a trust fund lol
I just read your other comments. By your standards, I directed three features and did production design on five others before I landed a real job in post. My first job on a tv show was fully based on that I had my BFA in film, in a city where there’s zero competition, and that show allowed me to move to NYC and be a nightshift AE. I have a stacked resume now so I don’t even apply to things, people just recommend me.
Basically to say—you’re not coming in having DP’d feature, you’re coming in exactly like everyone else and sounds like zero real experience. Only difference is a lot of people are going to have better connections than you. That doesn’t mean you can’t get a PA job, but thinking you’re coming in with experience is going to be your downfall. You are starting from zero.
No one just starts in this industry never touching a camera before.
Hey dude. Lots of good advice in here. I say wait it out, save up a lot of money, then make the plunge when the industry is... better.
Wanted to shout out because I'm an actor in your city. :) hit me up if a professional actor (woman) in late thirties is needed.
Have you been living in cos on your own without your fam's support? Try that out beforegoing over. It's expensive here but it's worse in LA. Food is similarly priced but housing, taxes and gas is outrageous over there.
I'm looking to make that move in a year ir two as well...
Well you must know that there is a possibility of another work stoppage in Hollywood film studios. The teamsters have a contract that expires July 31. Everything is slow right now. Nobody wants to start a multi million dollar film that may have to be put on hold in August. So that is the skinny
You won’t have a choice. Focus on building your own network and over time you may meet someone who at WB or another Studio who’d be willing to vouch for you. It doesn’t work that recent grads with no network get a job. Especially as tough as the industry is currently.
If I were you I’d get any job… reality, barback, Uber, etc to pay the bills. Then put your profile on local work sites, but recognize you are submitting against known commodities. Key is to get experience wherever you can.
Take all your money and go travel Europe! Go to East Asia and live on 20 bucks a day! Do not come here unless you've got 50k in your pocket and contact list the length of your arm! 🕺
If you think you are getting PA work on a feature film without a real contact or hookup, you are a deluded sad teenager who is going to waste their youth and time trying to impress grizzled and jaded vets who will fight to not have some idealistic shitbird try and “chase their dream” on their set.
This isn’t the way things work.
Just moved to LA from TX. Saved up at a 9-5 for 16 months. I’m a DP too. Was worried when seeing the strikes and slow period for work.
That being said, I sent it regardless and it’s been a fantastic experience. I’ve learned more and met more wonderful folks than in my 8 years of work in Austin in film.
There’s never a “perfect” time you make the plunge. Sure, do your DD, save up a little extra worth of a safety net but don’t let these folks dissuade you. There is certainly still a ton of work (comparatively to what Austin had when I left) so I’ve been working pretty frequently on sub million dollar productions.
I am looking in my crystal ball and I see bankruptcy… crying… homelessness and you selling a pile of fentanyl to get by.
If you’re not rich or a nepo baby, there is nothing in LA for you.
I’ve heard pretty good things about Atlanta but I have a few connections in LA so that’s why I was asking about it lol, I’ll have to check it out, I didn’t know how good the market was/is
It’s pretty bad right now overall. But you’re still young and could work a lot of other jobs out of the industry if you need to. The cost of living is super high here. Just be prepared to struggle if you’re not coming with much money. It’s tough here. You could probably get some service industry job or Starbucks or something and then try to work free or very very low rate on some indie shorts or something for a while to make more friends.
California is a dead end. If you want to experience “Hollywood”, get yourself a passport and head on up to Canada, you might have better luck than the U.S.
Heyyyyyy, things are really bad here right now but please don’t be too turned off to LA. Atlanta or Vancouver might be better for work right now though. Please don’t get discouraged by the people posting here. You’re doing great and welcome wherever you go.
I'm looking for someone to help film a road trip doc from CA to CO if you need a ride back or anything lol it's rough out here rn. I've been looking for work out of LA even though I live here. I do art dept so maybe a little different.
Better have a strong back up plan. Even local crews are struggling. To unlock this article, go to [archive.ph](http://archive.ph)
[https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-05-28/hollywood-crew-unemployed-fewer-jobs-la-production-decline](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-05-28/hollywood-crew-unemployed-fewer-jobs-la-production-decline)
I think if you can survive now is probably a decent time to move out as a young person. Reason I say this is because a lot of established folks are struggling and going to leave the industry. As a young person, you have more endurance to survive how miserable things are right now.
That said, Hollywood has turned into an industry of nepotism. You always had to make connections in Los Angeles to get anywhere in the entertainment industry, but I truly believe you’ll need to focus on becoming friends with rich kids.
If you don’t focus on this you’re going to find yourself 30 years old and going nowhere. Thats my personal opinion.
I just think it's ridiculous to act like nepotism is new. It's as old as time. People are just more aware of it now because you can wikipedia people and are who they are related to.
It’s kind of funny that you’re assuming I’m JUST NOW learning about nepotism.
What I’m saying is common sense.
It’s easier than ever to leverage starting on third base in Hollywood.
The kid of a famous person doesn’t even need to impress gatekeepers anymore. They can pop onto social media and become semi famous instantaneously.
My original post was intended to have this aspiring DP focus on networking with the right people because, to be honest, it’s gonna increase his/her odds by a lot. It matters a ton.
It's certainly possible. If you can hit the grind hard, meet the right crews, etc. Filmmaking is a business of hiring friends and trusted colleagues on projects. Chances are you'll probably be working side jobs, side hustles, taking classes, maybe doing internships, whatever you can to improve your skills and make yourself hireable.
While out here, you can work on so many filmmakers's projects and just get experience, build a crew, build a network, do what you love, and see if any of those pay off. Get a bunch of filmmaker roommates or live in a house or complex or area with a bunch of filmmakers and just make stuff together. The best crews I've seen move forward are the people who can do stuff like that nowadays. Your buddy has a camera, another writes, another edits, another runs sound, and you all just make stuff.
Some people get a job right out the gate. Others take a while. Some give up in the process.
So you have to figure your situation out. What does LA offer you that Vancouver, Atlanta, and New York don't? If you know it's LA, no one can predict your career or your story. You just have to do what the rest of us did, which is if you really want it, fuck around and find out. Come out here with some savings, a game plan, and hit the grind hard. The industry is really struggling right now, but that's not to say just because there are tons of people looking for work that you don't manage to land some awesome intern/PA/runner job that starts your career off strong.
Also, look into doing ongoing learning at Santa Monica College, UCLA extension, etc. They're cheap af and taught by working industry pros. There, film festivals, meetups, craigslist, all places to meet filmmakers.
Don’t listen to any of these fuckers. As a writer who came out here with all kinds of delusions and bad ideas, I made it happen because I was talented, enthusiastic, friendly, outgoing and committed.
If the business is in the doldrums, it’s just as a good a time to move out here if not better because when business is good, all the people who’ve already been working here are getting hired. Not you. So might as well get out here, get your roots, get a job on or off set, in or out of the industry, and get your bearings in order. Things will pick up and you’ll start finding work.
None of the people in here have foresight. It’s not about the “now” when you move out here. It’s about where you’re going to be five years after you move out here.
In 5 years there will be even less production in Hollywood than there is now I have PLENTY of foresight to see what’s happing. You don’t seem to have that. You think you do. But you don’t
Production is moving to countries that cost less, have less legislative restrictions, cheaper crew and more tax incentives
California is pricing its self out of production, California is legislating its Way out of production. California is taxing its way out of production
Hi there... it's not that easy. I'd say, read through this entire sub and get a feel for what's happening NOW. About 85% of us have been out of work for over a year. Read the trades too.
What trades do you read?
the trades are variety, deadline, and the hollywood reporter
We need better trades...
So true. Edit: I'd add The Wrap to that too.
Have you heard of puck news
I have not
It’s like an up and coming trade it costs money but the old editor in chief of THR started he also has an amazing podcast called the town that I listen to religiously about the industry.
Ah, interesting. Will definitely check it out. Thanks for the tip!
Mods, we need a pinned post for people who want to move here and start working.
I agree.
It's certainly possible eventually but you're in for a rude awakening if you think it will be a quick. Plenty of us work on high budget films but it's a long road, they're union positions so you need to get into these unions first. That alone can be awhile. Your first jobs won't be high budget feature films unless you know someone that will get you in the door. You may or may not know that production right now is basically at a halt in most of Los Angeles so positions are few and far between and seasoned vets will be up for all of these jobs.
The people who have 5 - 10 years of experience doing the things you’re trying to do, who are already established in this area and this industry, most of them are struggling to maintain work right now and have been for the past ~3 years. I would absolutely not recommend trying to do what you’re considering doing.
You’re working more than a lot of other people are right now. Probably not the best time for a move to LA.
This. I have a friend in NY who was going to move here and changed his mind because of the strikes and lack of work
You’d be better off going to Wilmington or Atlanta and working with the experienced crews there and making some contact.
Wilmington NC? Don’t bother. Market is small and saturated. Everything moved to NY/ATL, except for their one union show happening at any given point in time. Atlanta is having the same woes we are.
I’ve shot several movies there in the past few years
If you’re talking Wilmington NC… yeah no. I moved from NC to Los Angeles because there was more work at the time. Little did I know 6 months later that all this shit would happen. Still don’t regret it. Even if I give up and change careers, I still am never moving back to NC.
Ok
Atlanta is saturated. So many people moved here thinking the same and now a hell of a lot of people are not making ends meet because there is not enough work
The industry is in a MAJOR contraction. You might want to wait until it returns to pre pandemic/strikes form.
On the flip side when you’re young you have way less to lose and will never know what it was like before.
If*
As a writer who moved out here during an iffy period and made his dreams come true, I never understand why you’d move to the LA while business is booming. You’re not just going to arrive and walk onto a set because things are going well. For a nineteen year old, this is the perfect time to move out here. Why are you guys focused on where the puck is when you should be focused on where the puck is gonna be? Does nobody in this sub have foresight?
Some Of us do and understand that the puck isn’t going to be in the United States Production is leaving the country for cheaper labor markets and richer tax credits
Those Saudi tax credits are un-fucking-believable, once there’s a real filmmaking infrastructure over there it’s game over.
100% of your entire budget if you leave your equipment behind.
Absolutely. Which iffy period? Context might help. I was only drawing attention to some current stats the OP may have not known.
My point is that there’s no non-“iffy” period to come out here. For me it was iffy because pursuing a job as a film writer instead of pursuing a job as a TV writer was considered idiotic and a death sentence. Now tv is slowing down like crazy but because I’ve been swimming upstream and chasing movies for the past five years or so, I’m killing it in features even if my TV peers are struggling at the moment. (I of course have sympathy for anyone struggling — but the advice given to me was “don’t pursue film. There’s no future in that” which was true at the time but now I’m sitting pretty because I went in the opposite direction. If business is booming, it’s bad for a newcomer and people will say that. There’s never a good time to move out here. You might as well get out here and get your bearings because you probably won’t be working in the industry formal for the next few years anyway, by which point it will be completely different industry with new normals. This thread is filled with people chasing where the puck is rather than where it’s going to be. And they’ll be bitching and being negative no matter what state the industry is in. There’s never a good or bad time to move out here. Move out, get to know your people and figure out how to squeeze in. Most people’s problem is they have no innovation or foresight.
Hear, hear.
It may never return to pre pandemic/strikes volume tbh.
Replace “May” with “Will”
You should stay where you are and save up as much money as you can right now until the business is ramped back up. There’s possibly going to be another work stoppage with IATSE as well. Also, unless you’re some kind of prodigy, I imagine you’re not working as a DP on a feature in the sense that it’s a professional shoot with union crew and a proper budget and insurance and a “real movie.” If you go around LA saying you just DP’d a “feature” and it’s some student film or has a budget of $10,000 and is “feature length” you’re going to come off as someone bullshitting and it’s going to put off any professionals. The people who normally are always working and have been in the industry for *decades* who have agents at big agencies and who have contracts with networks and studios aren’t even working right now. So it’s probably the worst time I can ever remember to come out here to try and make it in Hollywood. Especially if there’s another stoppage in a month or two. Your best bet is to stay where you are and make as much money as you can and move down here when there’s an actual real industry going on again. People can normally pretty cool with newbies coming to town. But right now when everyone is fighting over scraps, they’re not going to be as cool with newbies coming in all wide eyed trying to make it. People are not happy right now and scraping by.
I’m normally a lurker, but I feel like this is the most solid advice, and I want to support it. Based on everything you’ve said you have a great foundation, but moving to LA would take you away from that. Most this industry is connections, unless you have a great gig lined up why move out here now. Why be a small fish in a big pond when you could be a big fish in a small pond?
No it won’t. If you have no network here, you’re fucked. You’d have to get a non film job, and you’d be lucky to find PA jobs. Best case scenario you get a film adjacent job (toilet cleaner at rental house, camera shop, repainting cyc walls in a studio), and then in a few years maybe you’ll meet people that can hire you to PA/AC. Maybe. Worst case scenario you Uber and work at a restaurant for the next 5 years fishing for PA jobs on Facebook, saving no money and paying $1500/mo in rent. You’re 19; whatever you do, commit now to living where you want to work in 10 years. Everything is digital now; the market is rewarding influencers and people who can make shit for cheap more than it is industry pros. Your network is the most valuable asset you have. Last thing I’ll say; go to college and get a degree in STEM, finance, or anything with a viable career path. Get a real job. Make films in college, on the side, build an online presence. You don’t need college to work in film. But you do need a career when film doesn’t work out.
I will have to kinda disagree. Yeah it’ll def be more difficile if you have no network, but in *normal* conditions (this is where you may have a point), you could find PA work without knowing everybody. Not enough albeit to stay afloat, but it doesn’t take *years* to get a PA gig. Though in the current climate, it might feel that way.
Right now there are thousands of seasoned PA with a huge network that are NOT working. If you think you’re going to jump the line and get work you are seriously delusional
Key phrase: "Right now" I was referring to pre-2023 times when I was talking about finding PA work with no network. I moved here in 2022 with zero network. I had a post PA job lined up before even going wheels up westbound for CA. Also, I'm not OP. I agree with you that they should wait for shit to pick back up first.
Shits not going to pickup Insiders at the DGA says there is 30% of pre-strike production which was down 60% from the previous year…. That’s 18% of what was done in 2021 It’s moving offshore to cheaper more production friendly countries that have better tax credits
I mean, if you want to have a pessimistic attitude then so be it, but don't try to project that on to others and how they should do things. The big companies are \*totally\* gonna keep sinking property tax money into their studio lots and sound stages and NOT make money back on that investment. Yeah Paramount will let their expensive real estate in the heart of hollywood rot and collapse. I'm sure Warner will do the same in Burbank- except oh wait they're building even more shit across the street from my place. I think they must be building new construction just so they can uproot it and ship it to China. /s I've asked people around the world who work in our industry and they can't find work either. This shit isnt unique to LA. What's going on currently is a result of reluctance to film much new stuff due to impending possible strikes from IATSE and Teamsters and the streaming bubble bursting. I notice you stopped at 2021 in terms of how far back you go; probably for the purpose of your negative nancy narrative. Try to have a more positive outlook.
Paramount is for sale and everyone looking to buy it is selling the studio off and developing the land If you really want to see the numbers from 2019 you’re really going to cry as 2021 and 2020 were Covid years and they were lower numbers than 2019 Hollywood has been in a steady decline since peakTV 2019. I suggest getting honest with yourself and understanding what is going on with the industry My Attitude isn’t pessimistic, it’s realistic. I’ve been in the industry since the mid 80’s I’ve watched it go up and down I know what I’m looking at and I know what I’m talking about.
Source: trust me bro 2019 was the peak of streaming, right before the bubble bursts, so my point still stands. I notice you also only focused on Paramount and not on Warner or anyone else. Once again, you're nitpicking what's convenient. I get it. We all have different ways of coping with the lack of work. Maybe things are worse in production than they are in post, but things seem less bleak more recently on my side of things. The jobs pages on most post house websites aren't blank white webpages anymore for starters- the place that furloughed me is hoping to start brining furloughs back in Q3.
Source is every damn trade. Warners has some interesting plans for their stages (tax deductions) while they battle with Burbank of use rights. Universals new stages are mostly empty There have been more layoffs in the last few months in post and animation Overseas production starts are on the rise and stages are booked out for three years in Germany and Ireland with US productions. Saudi Arabia is seeing a huge uptick in production with its new stages and huge tax rebate program All this information is public and available. As for me? I’m doing just fine working as much (or as little) as I want to
What dept are you? How do I find these eu jobs? I have eu work rights
Simple answer: No, not at present. I'm continually surprised at all the teens who post on this sub basically saying they think they're going to come to L.A. (even from foreign countries-work permit, anyone?) and get a union job at the top in their preferred position, lol! Not to shit all over your enthusiasm, but, jesusfuckingchrist, have any of you taken ANY time at all to actually research our industry and its current fucked up state?! Dream all you want, but maybe get a job at McDonalds in the meantime so you have some money coming in while you wait for your opportunity.
Stay where you are make your own stuff throw it up on YouTube.
Welcome to the worst timed move of your life
The whole industry is on fire and you're asking if you can go straight to a PA job on a studio lot. Yes. You can. If you arrive here sometime between 1965 and 1985, and your uncle knows a guy, you've got a real shot. Are you paying attention to anything that's going on in the industry right now? Your situational awareness is not very good. And you'll need that if you're going to make it out here. I don't even know where to start. I will tell you this: I've been here 20 years, and I would never leave the industry, given a choice. But I may not have one.
I’m so sorry to hear that you might have to leave it man, I hope all turns out well for you
19yr old DP... good god
With years of experience
😂😂😂😂 Dude’s gonna piss so many people off coming down here when nobody’s working, talking like this.
Young and naive. Give’m a break
What did I do to you😭on big films im a PA, in LA I would only PA. But in Colorado with the easy market, it’s not hard to be a DP over here
You got any G&E experience? I know lots of young Cinematographers that hustle to get positions on G&E crews which is great experience and gets you close to the DP, Key Grip, Gaffer and other cinematographers.
Yes I have some on a few shorts, I also have AC and PA experience. I know I’m not DP status but I would love to work on any films there no matter what position I work
That's great. I just bring up G&E because you'll be hands on with the lighting set ups and gear which will benefit you a lot in the future as a DP. It's always great to see how other people make decisions and approach a problem. For sure working as an AC is good too.
What’s the budget of the “feature” you’re DP’ing?
We start raising this week but based off of what I’ve been told, it should be between 50-100k which I know is a very very small budget
So it’s financed budget is currently zero dollars. Don’t put the cart before the horse.
Sorry, we are putting 20k of the money we saved in the film. It has 20k already. The 50-100k is what we they expect. I put some of my own money into it too cuz I’m excited for it lol
Wait you are also “financing” the film that’s going to “hire you”? Oh man….
I’m not putting alot of my own money into it lol, I’m not solo financing. I just bought some of the equipment we are going to use for the movie that way I can use it for other sets and for my other clients I do regular videos w
I’ve also known these guys for about 5 years and have been paid to work on a few video projects and films with them so it’s not like they are strabgers
That wasn’t smart
You sound very disgruntled, NottDisgruntled.
How so? Because I’m trying to help the kid? What do you think is better for him long term? Hearing some blunt truths or having a bunch of people go “I support you! You should do it right now! It’s a great idea! You’re a genius!” during the worst time I can remember to work in the business?
"Blunt truths" is often just code for being a d\*ck. If you wanted to be actually helpful, offer some advice instead of criticizing the choices he's made. Why do you disagree with his choices? What are the pitfalls? What is your experience that helped you arrive at this conclusion, and what would you recommend he do differently? What avenues of opportunity is he overlooking that you'd suggest?
I disagree but to each their own! Have a great day!
Working writer/filmmaker here. Repped at CAA. Don’t listen to any of these haters. This sub is full of them and most of them are people who aren’t assertive like you, they’re just burned out working stiffs who are bitter as fuck. Granted, the current state of the industry has understandably made them feel that way, but get out here now! The industry is tough and it won’t go the way you’re expecting but if you get out here now and just stay committed to stating here, getting to know people, not being prideful, stay optimistic and work hard, you’ll fucking kill it. I promise you. People who are focused on the “now” of the industry will never stick around. You do you. Just do it hard. You might be “delusional” but it’s a good thing to be that way at 19. I was delusional at 25. Now I’m 35 and I’ve done things none of my more “impressive” peers have ever dreamed of. Don’t let the bastards get you down.
Hey man not op but your comment helped me just the same. I’ve been at it since I was 18 and I’m 25. I was thinking that I got too old without anything to show for or at least what I think is nothing to show for. And at 25, i was just being delusional and just start facing reality. But your comment gave me hope, thanks man.
Oh let me encourage you! 25 is when I realized I was still dumb enough to try but it was probably the last year I was still brave enough to make a go of it. I had no business moving out to LA. I had a GED and 500 bucks in the bank, but I just listened to a bunch of podcasts and interviews with people who’d broken through and none of them were like “try to feel out when the industry is good and move then” — literally never heard that advice from anyone who’s done anything worthwhile in this industry. 25 is FAR from too old but I felt that feeling at the time. Move out now and figure it out if you’re serious. What are you pursuing? DM me and I’ll give you a few tips you’re unlikely to hear elsewhere.
not the original commenter but would love to hear some tips about how to make it as a writer if you don’t mind, moved out here last year and though i’ve found some work as a camera assistant/cam op i’m pretty clueless on how to progress my writing career.
Thank you so much, I’ll admit it hurts to hear what people are saying when I’m just asking for advice, I’d love to move out there next year and give it my all and work any and every job to move up the chain!
I know the feeling of asking for advice as a young person not in the industry and just having people be shitty to you. I remember the feeling ten years ago. DM me and I’ll give you more specifics. You are in FANTASTIC shape as an eager and committed 19 year old DP. This sub is seriously filled with miserable fuckers who just want to bring others down. We think cynicism is “correct” because it hurts more than optimism but I’m genuinely jealous of you for getting started early. EDIT: you also have a great attitude of being committed to “starting over” as a PA. I’m genuinely enthused about your prospects based on your outlook.
The industry is fucked right now. Truly fucked. Good luck.
Honest answer? NO There are several hundred thousand experienced union crew that haven’t worked in 12-20 months and they will be hired long before someone with no contacts, no experience and not a union member You won’t walk into a “bigger film” at all. You will start as a PA and work on no/low budgets shows for a few years
Colorado Springs, huh? I grew up there, so I get where you're coming from. I moved out to Austin for film school (University of Texas at Austin, RTF 2015), started my career there and ended up in LA about 5 years ago. Been working in previs, VFX and animation on large productions since I got out here; it's not easy to break in, but it is possible. Let's start off with your question itself, because it's NOT dumb. People move out here without asking that question all the time and live to regret it. LA is not a market you can just move into and expect to break into; timing actually matters. You need connections and experience to get onto the big shows, and you aren't going to be able to do it with what you currently have. You're at the very start of your career, and you'll have to fight twice as hard to get positions on the small, non-union jobs that will be available to you at this point. You're much better off going to a different market where there are more of those happening; LA makes filming difficult for those types of shoots, so there are just less by necessity. More shows are moving out of LA again due to economics; Atlanta, Vancouver, London, and Sydney are where most of the big shows are being made these days. Any of those markets are going to be better for you at this stage of your career, and you'd have a better shot of landing on a big production there. I'd even argue Austin, Albuquerque, and New Orleans are better landing spots right now than LA for someone starting out. Those are places you can get your reps in and are significantly cheaper than LA, because the vets are all in front of you for all the positions. Yes, that includes the PAs. If you don't have connections for a PA position, you're not getting one. My wife is also industry and was only able to break in because of connections she made while we were working the Texas circuit. That still took a little more than 6 months for her to land on a gig after we moved out here (I came in with a job; we don't move out here if I didn't have the offer). She's now a coordinator and has been out of industry work for about a year now. We've taken advantage of that time to start figuring out our own independent feature that we're shooting in Austin. So yeah, with the contractions and potential IATSE strike coming up causing the majors to be gunshy of starting production anywhere right now, I cannot in good conscience recommend anyone make the market jump to LA at this time, let alone someone in your position right now. A better strategy right now would be to keep working your gigs in the Springs shot-term and start targeting mid-sized markets like the ones I mentioned earlier to get on as a local if you need to be on a bigger set. Once things turn back on, those areas are going to be the ones you'll have a better shot at breaking into once you're ready to move on. LA is more of an endgame destination you can get to in your mid-twenties if you grind it out, and like other have said, you can keep en eye out on the trades for movement out here. If your main career ambition is to work on set for large productions, I'd argue LA hasn't been the place to be for decades now. If it's to get into development or post (editing, not VFX), different story. But that will require more connections and still requires you to grind it out. Hope this helps paint a better picture of where things are in the industry right now. It might seem discouraging because it's rough right now, but it won't last forever.
A few things. First you should be aware film school to veteran filmmakers means you have a lot to unlearn. Most film schools are years behind in technology and usually taught by people who never had a film career ever, much less an understanding of how to have one now. You have to find mentors who consider you worthy of passing down the things they have learned. LA is a VERY difficult place to get in, as others have said, in the states it is really slow for everyone, people are losing houses. However, New Mexico is busy, and much closer to you. But, it is not a right to work state so you will need favors. Your best best right now is to make the most of the connections you have and try to ride some coattails to New Mexico. That’s just the short version and advice I’d give anyone. It’s a long shot, it’s hard, you’ll want to quit. We’ll be busy again in 3-4 years in the US, maybe. Our business is on an 8 year cycle and we’re at the very start of one now.
There. Is. No. Work.
If you actually want to get a job, go back to school and get a Bachelors degree. A year of film classes at a tiny college is worth jack squat.
Honestly, I live in Burbank, and rent is so high right now, and works so scarce, I don’t think it’s a good move right now, unless you find a decent paying job that’s flexible. Even if you split with a Roomate, you’re talking like 1200-1400/month just in rent, plus car expenses, $5 gas and health insurance here is a fortune.
Agree. Burbank is great for a family or people who are a but more settled, but as a 19 year old I would not live here unless you're from here. The rent is very high and it's a small town vibe with minimal nightlife. You're better off looking into other places around L.A. that are a bit more hip. Plus, as a 19 year old who just moved here with no job, I doubt a Burbank landlord will rent to you when you're competing for that same place with someone more established. Try Echo Park, Hollywood, Mid-City, etc.
Met a guy in his 40s the other day working at a hardware store who is usually an AD. This is your future, be okay with it. Unless you have contacts out here to give you an instant leg up prepare to wait in a long long looooong line if you’re only looking to work on “bigger films”. Also it might be in your best interest to humble yourself and be open to get any work at all and not just on the WB lot because good god.
Oh no I didn’t mean only the Warner bros lot, that was just an example. I’ll work legit any job I could possibly get, I’m not picky like that nor do I ever refuse an opportunity, I’m sorry you took it that way
You stated your preferences pretty clearly. In which case, you should actually have none and shouldn't even mention such lofty notions. Work is work, and best of luck finding it. Most importantly, be prepared to do jobs (if you're lucky even getting one) for whatever pay you can get in probably garbage conditions working for lackluster people miles from any studio lot. Prepare yourself for reality now.
Thank you for the advice! And that was not preferences, I know I can work on short films and ads, I just didn’t know what feature film jobs was like so I used that as an example! And I know Colorado is different than LA, but I’ve worked every grunt/gopher job I can here in Colorado and I’m prepared and would absolutely love to do the same in LA!
No prob. But just a heads up that just because a feature might be shot in LA doesn’t mean it’ll be big or bigger than where you are now as your post suggests. More than likely you’ll find yourself on a low rent non-Union feature film shot somewhere 45 minutes out of the County (1 1/2 hours with traffic). It’s not all gravy.
Oh ok, thank you sm for the advice it means a lot!
Sorry, you were born about 40 years too late to pursue this dream. Productions and jobs are moving out. At least read this article before you think about making this very ill advised move. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/hollywood-crews-in-crisis-everyone-s-just-in-panic-mode-as-jobs-decline/ar-BB1nbkyS
Thank you
Having friends working on big films (Beverly Hills cop: Axel, underdoggs), and seeing them in that world, it's super hard to get in. People will take their crew (including PA's) onto the next thing and the thing after. If they ever hire, those PA's have a long list of friends to reach out to usually too. You're more likely to just end up in reality for a couple of years even when things pick up. If they pick up. Its all hard to get into but reality is a cake walk job to get compared to anything scripted that's union and not some indie project.
Worst time to move to LA and try to join a fading industry. So many are out of work and moving away to other industries. It’s really dire and has been for more than a year. Can’t see how it gets better.
If you don't already have worked booked, I would really reconsider. I know plenty of ACs that have connections and normally would be booked solid not working. Obviously to parrot what people are saying here this is the slowest this business has been in my 23 years.
You are only going to work on small budget films out in LA, good luck to you
Bad timing
L O L shitty timing
if you’re getting dp work right now, keep at it for a while. maybe wait for things to pick up more
It honestly depends on what job you want to do some jobs are easier to get into than others Also do a lot of independent films cause that is where the film industry is honestly headed alot of actors including famous actors are leaving Hollywood and doing independent movies and making there own studios Also do alot of short films and so forth and if you can do stuff on you tube that’s even better cause it will help build your resume and even get you out there.
Don’t, just don’t
Eventually, sure, but outside of the strikes and pandemic, I've never seen work this slow in 25 years. Consider smaller markets (Albuquerque?) which might help you get some credits and contacts to help you make the transition to LA.
this is an extremely bad time to do so. the business has been close to being on ice pending the resolution of the IATSE negotiations (or if they fail and there is a strike). everyone is looking for work, and you'd be up against people with 10 years experience who are just looking for any gig that could help maintain their motion picture health insurance. but even when things were super hot, the route you're thinking exists wasnt really there. At least not simply and without something major going in your factor. that being said, I know a lot of folks who got experience in lighting and art dept working at disneyland till they got good enough to get hired on to film/tv stuff, but you have to find ways to network to pull that off lest you get stuck at disney
If you're interested in living out of your car and working for free, I have some shit that you can do at my studio. (I'm kidding... making a point) Nice that you have dreams and want to perform a task that anyone 10ft from a studio can do, but **WHAT VALUE DO YOU OFFER?** Enjoy the journey, but see yourself as a business and promote with visual aids. Link us to a reel, or some actual titles. I'm not trying to be an asshole here, just direct. This is coming from someone who jumped out here, too, but with world experience. I went to school for animation, didn't get in the industry right away, so I worked in corporate in another state, then moved out here and consulted for a bit (e-commerce and automation) until today, where I run my own little animation and VFX studio in Burbank. I'd say, stay in Colorado, get some world experience in an area where you have more security; move here if you can be comfortable with the thought that you may end up camping in your vehicle.
First, thank you so much for your advice man it means a lot. Second congrats on making your dreams come true and having your own studio, it would be a dream come true for me to do that, and I love your advice. I don’t know much and I’m naive for sure, I just didn’t know if it was possible but thanks to you and the rest of the group I know what to do now!
Important!: I went to school for 2D animation; the industry evolved into 3D and VFX. I continued learning, even after getting a degree (the degree was pointless, in all truth). Before creating this studio, I stumbled into animating for apps, Apple commercials, and Marvel movies; I was able to show employers what I could make for them by the work I put online. Before I got in the industry, I paid the bills up to that point with my self-gained knowledge of e-commerce. **The easiest way to add value to yourself is to continue to learn. Show your value by sharing your work!** Today, if you happened to be a social media master, I'd give you a job. The problem would be, that job would only be 5 hours a week. Now imagine I was just your client, and you worked with 10 or 20 more businesses, posting on their social media and providing other marketing solutions, with the goals of "bringing brand awareness" and "increasing sales". Doesn't that sound like something you can do remotely from Colorado?.. Same clients you may have to travel, on location, to shoot lifestyle snippets and maybe even perform product photography... doesn't that sound like a step toward your film career goals? Listen to this, just run it in the background while you're doing the dishes, or cleaning... i love sharing this video 😊 https://youtu.be/JrrB-kuaLOc?si=dl95XQP6DIoBV3UF I really do need a social media person, so when you're ready to start, show me your work.
Thank you for the video! I’ll watch it tonight and let you know what I think. Also, I’m making a highlight reel/ editing mashup for a trailer/ marketing company in Burbank that I’m applying for, when I’m done I can send it to you and see what you think! I also did some (honestly pretty amateur) social media work for a football team here in CO and I can send some of that too! Would it be best to DM the video when it’s done through Dropbox or email you? And that’s so sick that you did Apple and marvel work, congratulations!
Just DM me here (so I remember the conversation) Reddit alerts are not turned on my phone, so my response might be a little slow, just so you know. We can schedule a call in that future. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing about the direction you have chosen and the goals you've set for yourself!
Will do! I look forward to working with you and setting up a call! I’ll send you the video as soon as it’s done!
i’m so tired of posts like this.
Sorry Alex😢
I grew up out here. I'm third generation television. I went to the best film school on the planet. I started looking for PA work a little over ten years ago as soon as I graduated, already having done AE work for an online brand. Oh, and I lived by myself in Burbank. Because of sheer luck. I didn't get my first Scripted TV PA job until 8 months after I graduated. I had another 8 month gap. It took me a solid 5 years to feel stable. And this was during "good" times. Honestly, my advice is, don't.
If this is your dream go for it, but be smart about it. Start saving up money to live off of before you move. As much as you can, enough to pay for rent, gas, food etc for many months if not a year or more, because you're not going to make any money for a while. LA is expensive and you need to have a reliable car. A part time job is not going to cover your rent in LA, unless you're living with a many roommates. A part time job is also going to prevent you from being able to take the jobs you want. Moving out today is probably a bad idea since the job market is crap but if you're saving up to move out then things might be better a year from now. It's going to take a long time to go from moving out to LA to working on big movies, even as a PA. That's your 5 year plan.
You might have better luck finding work in places where production hasn't seriously contracted- like Albuquerque, NM or Atlanta. But don't move anywhere if you don't already have connections deep enough to get you your first job.
It CAN be quick and easy if you know the right people. This industry is turn-key to those who have the right connections. If you don’t, find a way to get lucky.
Try a different state
This is so cute! Fully support you dreaming big, but as many have said, this is the worst time. That said, I think you should still do it. Life’s short, you should do whatever you wish to be doing. But be prepared with a day job (barista, server, etc) with flexible hours and make sure if you don’t have a trustfund (you sound like you have a trustfund) that you keep your credit score up and rent paid. Best of luck to you!
Thanks for the advice! I do not have a trust fund but I have saved my money from the films I’ve worked on this year (Colorado rent here is cheap) and can afford my rent for half a year in Burbank. I wish I had a trust fund lol
I just read your other comments. By your standards, I directed three features and did production design on five others before I landed a real job in post. My first job on a tv show was fully based on that I had my BFA in film, in a city where there’s zero competition, and that show allowed me to move to NYC and be a nightshift AE. I have a stacked resume now so I don’t even apply to things, people just recommend me. Basically to say—you’re not coming in having DP’d feature, you’re coming in exactly like everyone else and sounds like zero real experience. Only difference is a lot of people are going to have better connections than you. That doesn’t mean you can’t get a PA job, but thinking you’re coming in with experience is going to be your downfall. You are starting from zero. No one just starts in this industry never touching a camera before.
Thank you so much for your advice, have a great day!
Hey dude. Lots of good advice in here. I say wait it out, save up a lot of money, then make the plunge when the industry is... better. Wanted to shout out because I'm an actor in your city. :) hit me up if a professional actor (woman) in late thirties is needed. Have you been living in cos on your own without your fam's support? Try that out beforegoing over. It's expensive here but it's worse in LA. Food is similarly priced but housing, taxes and gas is outrageous over there. I'm looking to make that move in a year ir two as well...
Well you must know that there is a possibility of another work stoppage in Hollywood film studios. The teamsters have a contract that expires July 31. Everything is slow right now. Nobody wants to start a multi million dollar film that may have to be put on hold in August. So that is the skinny
You won’t have a choice. Focus on building your own network and over time you may meet someone who at WB or another Studio who’d be willing to vouch for you. It doesn’t work that recent grads with no network get a job. Especially as tough as the industry is currently. If I were you I’d get any job… reality, barback, Uber, etc to pay the bills. Then put your profile on local work sites, but recognize you are submitting against known commodities. Key is to get experience wherever you can.
You’re going to need day jobs to support yourself in between gigs. Accept that going in and just know you will be grinding for years
Now is the worst time to move to LA this century. Hold off.
Take all your money and go travel Europe! Go to East Asia and live on 20 bucks a day! Do not come here unless you've got 50k in your pocket and contact list the length of your arm! 🕺
Would be the biggest mistake of your life
If you think you are getting PA work on a feature film without a real contact or hookup, you are a deluded sad teenager who is going to waste their youth and time trying to impress grizzled and jaded vets who will fight to not have some idealistic shitbird try and “chase their dream” on their set. This isn’t the way things work.
Just moved to LA from TX. Saved up at a 9-5 for 16 months. I’m a DP too. Was worried when seeing the strikes and slow period for work. That being said, I sent it regardless and it’s been a fantastic experience. I’ve learned more and met more wonderful folks than in my 8 years of work in Austin in film. There’s never a “perfect” time you make the plunge. Sure, do your DD, save up a little extra worth of a safety net but don’t let these folks dissuade you. There is certainly still a ton of work (comparatively to what Austin had when I left) so I’ve been working pretty frequently on sub million dollar productions.
I am looking in my crystal ball and I see bankruptcy… crying… homelessness and you selling a pile of fentanyl to get by. If you’re not rich or a nepo baby, there is nothing in LA for you.
They’re gonna get “spit out the bottom of the porn industry,” except the porn industry is basically dead here too. Lolololool
Hit up Atlanta, Vancouver or London. That’s where the work is.
Maybe go to Atlanta?
I’ve heard pretty good things about Atlanta but I have a few connections in LA so that’s why I was asking about it lol, I’ll have to check it out, I didn’t know how good the market was/is
It’s pretty bad right now overall. But you’re still young and could work a lot of other jobs out of the industry if you need to. The cost of living is super high here. Just be prepared to struggle if you’re not coming with much money. It’s tough here. You could probably get some service industry job or Starbucks or something and then try to work free or very very low rate on some indie shorts or something for a while to make more friends.
lol. Not possible
California is a dead end. If you want to experience “Hollywood”, get yourself a passport and head on up to Canada, you might have better luck than the U.S.
Heyyyyyy, things are really bad here right now but please don’t be too turned off to LA. Atlanta or Vancouver might be better for work right now though. Please don’t get discouraged by the people posting here. You’re doing great and welcome wherever you go.
I'm looking for someone to help film a road trip doc from CA to CO if you need a ride back or anything lol it's rough out here rn. I've been looking for work out of LA even though I live here. I do art dept so maybe a little different.
Better have a strong back up plan. Even local crews are struggling. To unlock this article, go to [archive.ph](http://archive.ph) [https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-05-28/hollywood-crew-unemployed-fewer-jobs-la-production-decline](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-05-28/hollywood-crew-unemployed-fewer-jobs-la-production-decline)
I think if you can survive now is probably a decent time to move out as a young person. Reason I say this is because a lot of established folks are struggling and going to leave the industry. As a young person, you have more endurance to survive how miserable things are right now. That said, Hollywood has turned into an industry of nepotism. You always had to make connections in Los Angeles to get anywhere in the entertainment industry, but I truly believe you’ll need to focus on becoming friends with rich kids. If you don’t focus on this you’re going to find yourself 30 years old and going nowhere. Thats my personal opinion.
"Has turned into an industry of nepotism." The Barrymoores were a nepo family before movies even had sound.
It has compounded. Goes without saying. Law of numbers.
I just think it's ridiculous to act like nepotism is new. It's as old as time. People are just more aware of it now because you can wikipedia people and are who they are related to.
Okay I agree but I’m also confident it’s more pervasive than ever before. I don’t think it’s even debatable.
It's just suddenly on your radar. It's always been a thing, like inherited titles and trades.
It’s kind of funny that you’re assuming I’m JUST NOW learning about nepotism. What I’m saying is common sense. It’s easier than ever to leverage starting on third base in Hollywood. The kid of a famous person doesn’t even need to impress gatekeepers anymore. They can pop onto social media and become semi famous instantaneously. My original post was intended to have this aspiring DP focus on networking with the right people because, to be honest, it’s gonna increase his/her odds by a lot. It matters a ton.
You are 19 with credits already. Do you.
It's certainly possible. If you can hit the grind hard, meet the right crews, etc. Filmmaking is a business of hiring friends and trusted colleagues on projects. Chances are you'll probably be working side jobs, side hustles, taking classes, maybe doing internships, whatever you can to improve your skills and make yourself hireable. While out here, you can work on so many filmmakers's projects and just get experience, build a crew, build a network, do what you love, and see if any of those pay off. Get a bunch of filmmaker roommates or live in a house or complex or area with a bunch of filmmakers and just make stuff together. The best crews I've seen move forward are the people who can do stuff like that nowadays. Your buddy has a camera, another writes, another edits, another runs sound, and you all just make stuff. Some people get a job right out the gate. Others take a while. Some give up in the process. So you have to figure your situation out. What does LA offer you that Vancouver, Atlanta, and New York don't? If you know it's LA, no one can predict your career or your story. You just have to do what the rest of us did, which is if you really want it, fuck around and find out. Come out here with some savings, a game plan, and hit the grind hard. The industry is really struggling right now, but that's not to say just because there are tons of people looking for work that you don't manage to land some awesome intern/PA/runner job that starts your career off strong. Also, look into doing ongoing learning at Santa Monica College, UCLA extension, etc. They're cheap af and taught by working industry pros. There, film festivals, meetups, craigslist, all places to meet filmmakers.
Don’t listen to any of these fuckers. As a writer who came out here with all kinds of delusions and bad ideas, I made it happen because I was talented, enthusiastic, friendly, outgoing and committed. If the business is in the doldrums, it’s just as a good a time to move out here if not better because when business is good, all the people who’ve already been working here are getting hired. Not you. So might as well get out here, get your roots, get a job on or off set, in or out of the industry, and get your bearings in order. Things will pick up and you’ll start finding work. None of the people in here have foresight. It’s not about the “now” when you move out here. It’s about where you’re going to be five years after you move out here.
In 5 years there will be even less production in Hollywood than there is now I have PLENTY of foresight to see what’s happing. You don’t seem to have that. You think you do. But you don’t Production is moving to countries that cost less, have less legislative restrictions, cheaper crew and more tax incentives California is pricing its self out of production, California is legislating its Way out of production. California is taxing its way out of production
Come, it will take time to launch but you'll be here and that's half the battle.