Ive been in LA 6 months exactly today. I love it here, but its scary. Ive gotten a lot better at spending, and while I get scared sometimes, Im gonna be all right. Ive got Brandywine about to premiere and other things in the works. A lot of people out here, many of whom are even famous, are struggling constantly. It kind of comes with the territory. The rest of the country, in awe of celebrity, thinks that if youre not in that top 1% with the Seth Rogans and James Francos, youre not doing it right. That is so unfair and untrue. On every street in Hollywood, people are working, making films, and carving out a living. Its a fight, through and through. Thats why most people dont chase those dreams. Its scary as shit. I see people quit and go home all the time. Some claim LA is just awful and they cant stand it (Markos words Justifying the retreat echo in my mind each time), and others are overwhelmed or battered into poverty and self-loathing until they feel getting out of here is their only option. I wont judge either group too harshly, but Im not one of them. I love this town, even when it kicks my ass or crushes my hopes. I havent been here long, but its great at getting you excited and yanking the floor out from under you. Dont care. Im gonna win. Now, Im planning on building a life with my girlfriend. Shes my love. Still, I cant until Ive got the means to do it. Ill get there. Shes my best friend and shes worth it. Still, even if Im constantly bouncing back and forth, Im keeping a place here. I have to. Sounds stupid, but its the only place where I dont feel like the odd duck. Work wise, my advice to people who get scared and are considering throwing in the towel is this: Have back up plans. Make a project, but have 2 more in the works. Take a paid gig, but have another 2 lined up. Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Thats insanity and a recipe for disappointment. Also, its possible to make money without making any real progress whatsoever in the industry. Dont kid yourself. Know the difference between them and remember nobody here owes you anything. When you dip into a back up plan, start another project in its place for further down the line. Be a factory line of content, material, and practice. Also (and I have to get better at this), when youre invited to a party or social event, GO. Just flashing around the Brandywine trailer on my phone at parties has widened my circles. Meeting people is important, but giving them a reason to want to know you is even moreso. Keep making stuff. Yeah, sorry to rant. 6 months down. Crazy. Hate it but love it. Big things ahead, but tons of painful ones too. Thats how it goes.
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 17:40:07 +0000