This is going to seem a little contradictory as I have spent a lot of my time on here writing about how "you can do it!" and "we will all make it if we have patience" and "small victories are all that matter!".
But not everyone should live in LA.
Actually a great deal of people should not move here. In my opinion (but as I own this domain name you're stuck with said opinion).
Here is a harsh dose of reality: most of the actors I knew when I moved here 6 years ago have left. Some were even working on network and cable shows when I met them.
This does not mean they didn't have an epic adventure, learn life lessons, or truly find themselves in the process. And I think that's a good way to put it: process.
There is a GOOD chance that LA isn't your eventual destination but perhaps a pit stop in the journey. And there is nothing wrong with that! God knows I moved so much growing up I have a mentality that basically every place is a pit stop in life.
But let's discuss some hard facts about the city dreams are made of.
At some point you will have to have a car. And the patience to drive in LA.
This sounds almost laughably basic, but reliable transportation is such a high priority! Yes, everyone knows someone who says they've taken the bus for years, but I'd bet my ass that person isn't a working actor. You have to be able to go at a moment's notice to a job or audition or meeting. And unless something drastically changes in the next few years, LA public transportation is a poor excuse for anyone who doesn't have a consistent schedule.
I have seen traffic and parking [tickets] break people. It is unpredictable and ever changing. The other day I got stuck in traffic on a highway at midnight on a Sunday. I wish I was joking. AND everyone is in a hurry in one way or another and that makes them TERRIBLE drivers. Everyone except you sucks. Always.
And cars are expensive and gas is expensive. And having a place to PUT your car is almost the worst part. The day I got my car towed (after living here for only 6 weeks) I thought I was going to lose my mind, I had a legitimate breakdown because I didn't want to call my parents and ask for the money to get my car out of the tow lot (which was inconveniently across town, and this was pre-uber).
It sounds like a simple nuisance but it literally changes your day to day life and some people are not made for that.
None of your pre-LA credits matter.*
I hear this sentence again and again: I'm going to stay in [*insert any city that is not LA/NYC/Chicago/Atlanta] for a while and work on my reel, get some experience before coming out to LA.
It doesn't matter. Not a single person in this town cares that you have some random unpaid short film/indie credits on your resume (unless of course they won real awards, like Sundance, not like some hometown festival no one has ever heard of or they were bigger films that just happened to shoot in your area, hello Winters Bone!). You could have literally made them up and saved yourself two years you could have been out here getting in rooms and learning.
A UCLA or USC student film will do you miles more good than something you did anywhere else. PLUS you will have met and started befriending the next wave of the entertainment business PLUS you will have gotten to work on more legitimate sets with better equipment (which will make for better reel pieces) PLUS this will be a recognizable resume project.
If this harsh fact scares or concerns you, I would reflect on why that is. Maybe, just maybe, it is because this is not where you actually want to be! And that is 100% totally ok!
Your body will often matter more than your talent. At least at first.
Welcome to the town where pre-judgment was invented! Free tickets to all! (who meet the weight limit.)
It is a sad but true fact that LA is made up of the pretty people. Every Homecoming and Prom king and queen moved here and got hotter (if you went to high school with me and are reading this, yes I was prom queen and am very much the stereotype I am talking about, but thank you for reading this, we should catch up sometime).
Of course, as with all things, there are exceptions to these rules. There are some down right talented people working and thriving here based on that. And more and more in TV and film we are seeing more "relatable looking" stars (that's what casting calls it, don't shoot the messenger). But they had to get past the iron gates first. And those gates are HARD to slip though without a slim figure and pearly whites.
I highly recommend that you accept this fact before deciding to live here. It is very hard to live in a town based on looks and body type. It can change the way you look at food, exercise, and yourself! And if you don't have a steady hand on that part of you, LA will draw out the worst inside. You are your harshest critique, except in LA where everyone else is almost as bad a you.
It's ok to come unprepared. And it's also ok to leave.
All that being said, you kind of just have to test drive the town. Come with as much money as you can, as much knowledge as you can, but don't let that stop you from actually coming here. If I would have waited to move here till I was "ready", I'd be living with my parents (love you mom and dad) and would maybe have a badass YouTube channel.
It is hard to explain the unique cultures of every area of LA, I can't stress enough testing out the individual parts of town and finding the one that fits you. And giving it patience and time. But. Maybe this is not your place. And that is totally freaking fine! In fact, that's great because it means you took the leap! If this isn't your jam and the idea of doing some awesome theatre in Denver or a dance show in Miami suits you more, god-freakin-speed!
You didn't "waste time"....you fucking DID IT.
I have a massive amount of love and respect for the people I know out here killing it every day AND for the people I know who have moved out and moved on. Welcome to the pit stop folks, hope you brought your headshots.