August 1st marks my one year anniversary with LA. Before the move, I promised myself that I wouldn't reconsider what I'm doing here until 3 years had passed. My fear was that as year one rounded the bend I would be running home crying out "They're mean momma, they're so very very mean! I wanna come back home, where it's safe and the people are good!" The 3 year forced internment was designed to keep me from acting on those fight or flight instincts.Well, I'm happy to say that even after taking time to reflect on my first year in LA I have no desire to run home to momma. I honestly want to stay here and work towards making a living as a film/TV actor. Things have not been entirely easy, but they haven't been entirely difficult either.
Wins:
-I have acted in enough students films to craft a reel that gives an accurate representation of my current skill level (for better or worse).
-I have learned a great deal about how this town functions, specifically I know a great deal more about the business of being an actor.
-I have fallen in with a wonderful group of loving and supportive friends.
-I have interviewed with multiple commercial/theatrical agents and signed with a manager.
-I dipped my toe into the LA Scene and had many a Hollywood moment: playboy mansion, film premiere, fundraising galas.
-I booked the lead in a film that will take me around the globe - how f-ing cool is that?!
-I've taken a huge number of acting and career classes.
-I found a way to live my life without dipping into savings; it certainly took long enough though.
-I can actually get places without my GPS unit.
Blehs:
-Outside of background, I have not done any paid work as an actor.
-I don't yet have an agent.
-I have yet to audition for any mainstream TV/Film projects.
The wins definitely outweigh the blehs, and for that I am extremely grateful. Here's hoping the pattern continues this next year.
Thanks to you, dear readers, for tracking my progress - knowing you're out there serves to motivate me and give me strength in times of doubt.
5 comments:
Hi there and Happy Anniversary!
I enjoy reading your posts and am happy to read of your up or down, but here's to many an up and up!
Best regards,
Madley
Not bad for a young whippersnapper.
Congrats! I am so envious of what sounds like a great adventure.
Jay Croft (acting[up] in atlanta)
donovan, i'm an actor on the east coast (DC/NY) and chancing upon your blog has probably been one of the biggest pieces of encouragement for me. i'm moving out to your neck of the woods within the next couple of months, and was just googling around for tips on moving out there for acting stuff. i'm not SAG yet, i don't even have any vouchers, and that is probably the biggest thing going against me right now (or so i feel). i'm bookmarking your page and will be going thru the rest of your blog over the next few days, so will be sure to hit you back with followup questions if i have any.. but it's nice to see that as tough as it should be, it has its good sides too.
keep it up and here's wishing you all the best!
Thanks for all the kind words everyone!
Karthik - it's good to know that my blog can be of some encouragement to someone looking to pursue a tv/film acting career.
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