I'm moving to LA

[CMH]

Not right now, but I'm making every effort to leave NY after New Years Day.

I have been interested in working in the film industry as a television writer for a long time and after spending a year in an intensive one-year film school and working on several independent film sets in NY, I am ready to make real moves.

Two of my best film friends are already living out there and want to find a three bedroom in mid-January (I'll end up crashing with one of them until we find the place). Also, three actors I know very well are out there trying to get their start. Seems like now is the time for me to join them and get something started.

I'm a bit nervous, concerned, overwhelmed, excited all at the same time. I have a nice secure production job that I'll end up having to leave. Just not going anywhere with them. Doing a lot of graphic design work with some video editing, but graphic design is not my future. It's just holding me back.

I've been applying to positions in LA (mostly with networks like Disney/ABC and CBS). Disney is opening a new LA office in April, but that might be too long a wait. Then there's the fear that getting another 9-5 type job will only continue to hold me back. I should be in LA working on film sets, networking, getting my foot through the door.

Then there's the worry that I already bring with me about $1,000 in bills (ie: loans, monthly expenses) and I'll have to add rent (we're looking at a place that'll split $800 each) and a car (gas, insurance, umm, purchasing the darn thing...). Am I way in over my head here?

I kind of feel like I'm taking on too much, but I'm 26 (27 in late January) and now is the time, if before wasn't. I think I need to just go for it, so I'm kinda just throwing caution into the wind.

Anyway, thought I let this community know what I'm doing. Maybe I'll even catch up with a few of you in LA (I know I'll finally get to chill with Flyboy. That will be cool).

Anybody have any thoughts on what I'm doing, advice on the LA scene (I'm not really interested in night life compared to NY or anything like that. Really, I'm going there for a career. I'll do things like go to baseball games, drop by a few bars, that sort of thing. But, there's no way anyone could convince me that LA is better than NY in terms of socializing and night life, so don't try. )

Maybe someone knows a good place I could start if I want to get into television writing. Maybe someone knows a person with strong networking ties? Maybe you just want to say good luck. I don't know.

But, in about three months, YankeePride may very well be DodgerPride. Ok, so I won't make that drastic a change, but you know what I mean.

[jim416]

Re: I'm moving to LA

Well, haven't heard from you in awhile and wish you good luck, of course.

I absolutely HATE Los Angeles, won't go anywhere near it, but don't let that sway you.

It's expensive, but probably less than New York. You're used to tons and tons of elbow to elbow people so that won't have any effect on you. There's lots to do, beach life is great if you like the beach, whether will spoil you, that's for sure. My nephew just came out to San Diego for a week (from Maryland) and stayed at Mission Beach, right on the ocean, and wants to move there now (mostly because of the weather) AND I QUOTE HIM...

"I NEVER seen so many good looking women in my life". I brought him out here to Imperial Valley and we went to the mall, full of hispanic girls, and he went nutso there too, lol.

Good luck to you. We should take in a ball game next year.

[chadskee]

Re: I'm moving to LA

Well you get to be in Kobe town which is always a plus.

[The C]

Re: I'm moving to LA

Well you get to be in Kobe town which is always a plus.

Unless you are a girl.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: I'm moving to LA

I moved to LA in 2000 and I still hate it. Coming from NY is a bit different from Fresno, as you're used to big city life. You're going to have to do a LOT of driving, unlike NY which is seemingly all public transport. Say goodbye to winter/Christmas charm. It'll probably be 75 and sunny on Christmas Day.

Lots of fake and materialistic people here. In NY, people seem to be very straight forward, but there's a phrase that goes around; "Los Angeles, a sunny place for shady people." It pretty much sums it up.

Lots of stuff to do socially, but I'm not big on that either so I can't really speak.

You wanting to go into film and writing, coming to LA is probably the right place. But bear in mind that there are so many people like you here, and it's tough to break in.

Food is also nothing spectacular here. You live in NY, and the restaurants there are spectacular I've heard. Here in LA, there's nothing to write home about, even the "high-end" restaurants.

If you have any questions, just ask. Lots of people glow about LA, but I hate it (obviously) so I can give you the other side of things if necessary.

Let me know if you have any questions, bro.

[Flyboy]

Re: I'm moving to LA

I'm here therefore LA rules.

End.

[Mr.Wednesday]

Re: I'm moving to LA

Good luck YP.

It is not that bad. I was born and raised in LA. Yea, there are a lot of fake, materialistic people here. But there are also some really laid back cool cats also. I think every city has good and bad things. When I was in the military I traveled a bunch so I can compare LA to other cities.

Traffic is bad and will drive you nuts if you are not use to it. That's the only thing I hate. Fake people don't pay my bills, so I don't worry about them.

[SPTO]

Re: I'm moving to LA

YP this is a huge step for you and I think it's probably the best thing. Sometimes you gotta take calculated risks if you want to achieve your goals and that's what you'll be doing.

I wish you all the luck in the world. If you become a big time Hollywood type you better offer Oscar invites to the little people you slummed with back in the day ok?

[Slymm]

Re: I'm moving to LA

I'm here therefore LA rules.

End.

your line of work don't hurt either

[CMH]

Re: I'm moving to LA

Good luck to you. We should take in a ball game next year.

Definitely, Jim. I will keep you updated when I arrive and we'll figure it out.

Your story is still in my mind and unless someone else does it, I'm still planning to complete it. I've been considering covering it a bit differently, though. Still as factual as possible, but not beginning to end like the book. We'll talk sometime about it. Hopefully, in person.

If you have any questions, just ask. Lots of people glow about LA, but I hate it (obviously) so I can give you the other side of things if necessary.

Let me know if you have any questions, bro.

I will definitely ask if I do. I've heard the comments about the fake people. One of the guys I'm planning to move in with just talked to me on the phone about it. He basically said that people in NY are actually nicer. That in NY, at least people have an attitude because they need to be somewhere. People in LA seems to have an attitude because they just feel like it. Obviously, that's not everyone, but good to know.

I know lots of people are looking to break in to the industry but I'm not worried about other people. I do me. I believe in my talent and and I know I have a talent that most of the people going to LA don't have. Everyone wants to be a star. Not everyone has the talent or the drive to be one. You can call it cocky, conceited, whatever, but if I didn't believe in myself then no one would.

You're good people. I'll keep you updated and ask questions.

I'm here therefore LA rules.

End.

We're hanging out and you're bringing porn stars with you.

Good luck YP.

Traffic is bad and will drive you nuts if you are not use to it. That's the only thing I hate. Fake people don't pay my bills, so I don't worry about them.

Yea, traffic is gonna give me a headache but I think I'll learn to deal with it. It's why we want to live in LA. Living outside of it, traveling, spending the gas, it'll just cost too much and it'll be stressful. I rather spend the extra cash a month for an apartment then drive more miles and spend extra gas money.

Truth about fake people. I'll stick with my friends and just network.

YP this is a huge step for you and I think it's probably the best thing. Sometimes you gotta take calculated risks if you want to achieve your goals and that's what you'll be doing.

I wish you all the luck in the world. If you become a big time Hollywood type you better offer Oscar invites to the little people you slummed with back in the day ok?

You know, I've always wanted to give a shout out to the boards I frequent. It'll be the only way, right?

If I went on here and said, "Hey, I'm the guy that wrote such and such movie," there will be doubters, right? So, I'll make sure to have an interview (if I'm so lucky) and give a shout out to Operation Sports (amongst other sites). Then I'll make good with the editors and producers and make sure they keep it in the video.

But, really, thanks for the good wishes. It is a huge step and I think that makes me the most nervous, but I just keep reminding myself that it's the best way to achieve my goals. I have to do this now or risk not doing it at all.

You only live once. Seriously, you really do. I need to take these risks and chances. I rather fail trying then not trying at all.

Goodness I sound like a cliche automator.

[23]

Re: I'm moving to LA

Whats up YP

I think people back east in general are nicer more down to earth folks.

You have folks like that here too of course, but not all. Adjusting to people wont be a big deal, and its really nothing to make a deal out of either.

That said man good luck on your ventures. I have a latino buddy that's been working on his own IF for a few years now and is now at the point where he's trying to sell his movie to hollywood. He and I worked at the same company, and he was just a regular old cool joe.

Im sure you can make it happen same as him.... and as far as the traffic, you'll find shortcuts, but avoid the 405 if possible

[Flyboy]

Re: I'm moving to LA

I hardly ever have to use the 405, thank God.

[23]

Re: I'm moving to LA

I hardly ever have to use the 405, thank God.

I have to everyday to get to work and have been for the past 9 years

[Flyboy]

Re: I'm moving to LA

Wow, that's borderline rape.

[funky_chicken]

Re: I'm moving to LA

I have no insight to lend you on Los Angeles. Just want to wish you good luck with the move. May all your dreams come true bro.