The term "LA will eat you alive" is usually not exaggerated. Literally, it will eat you alive...I've seen poor girls that are skin and bones! Oh wait, they think they need to be that way to get the roles...that's right. Oops..did I just say that?
Anyway, being here for about ten months now I've experienced a tremendous amount of hardship. I will never sugar coat or forget that, and a lot of the times I tend, like most people, to focus on the negative. By doing so, I forget the accomplishments I have made and the wonderful people I have met while being here.
Yes most people here tend to talk about how important they are (specifically in the industry) without actually being important, this is true. However, we get that everywhere don't we? Its not just LA. The positive thing is at least in LA (vs., for example, AZ) there are actually people in the industry that are successful and can help! Other places seem to only have people who talk the talk but certainly do not walk the walk. I've met extras who claim they are successful actors/managers/directors/producers/whateverthehell and "know" the business in and out. When this happens I nod politely and bite my tongue while thinking to myself "okay so you're making NU wages as an extra, in the same position I'm in, yet you're a successful actor? You can tell me what I need to do to "make it"? OKAY buddy"...
I've learned, even in AZ, that people who actually are successful in this industry tend not to brag and tell everyone how wonderful they are. I mean yeah there are arrogant people who happen to be successful, but in general how are you supposed to work with people and have a successful business (whatever it might be--independent contractor or otherwise) if people don't like being around you because you're always talking about yourself and your successes?
Either way, I am soooo very lucky to have met LEGIT professionals (not just in the entertainment business (i.e. Dr. Evan Berk). There are truly people who will help just to help. Genuinely nice people, who can open doors. Just be genuine yourself and these people will come.
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy/The Universal Laws ('The Secret' puts these theories into a condensed and clear-cut version), but know that its NOT magic. Imagining that you will succeed is an important part of the battle, but understand that if you sit at home all day staring at the wall just imagining you will succeed will not do anything for you. You have to work EVERYDAY.
Thanks for reading and good luck out there.
