Question: What am I up against!?
I want to do anything with movies!. Right now I'm 15, and no film company will hire a 15 year old unless its for acting!. So to get into the film business I'm gonna start with acting!. I'm actually a very good actress and think I have what it takes!. No one really believes me since I never show my talent but at night I ALWAYS practice acting!.
Anyway, next summer when I'm 16 I want to spend 2 months in Hollywood looking for work!. I know its far-fetched!. But I'm willing to take a lot of rejection!.
How much would I have to save to take a train/bus/or plane from New Jersey to California, hire someone to go with me so my parents don't miss work, and get a hotel/motel (i dont care about quality) and afford food!?
My parents don't even know about my plan, I still have to ask them but what am I up against!?
also, to get them on board, I'm working on a list of things I can do to make them say yes!. So far I have:Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
here's what you should do instead!. If you really want something to do with movies!. Start making them yourself!. That way you understand basics of what its all about!. Get a few textbooks on Cinematography, Gripping, and Lighting as these are some of the most important aspects (lighting especially)!. This way you can become familiar with more equipment and such!. When you turn 18 you can try to get positions as a PA (production assistant) in various departments such as camera, lighting, grip, editing, directing, art, sound, etc!. This way you gain the knowledge from those more experienced and you figure out what you want to do in the movies!.
A friend of mine is in Pennsylvania at Temple and he's always looking for PA's to help him on shoots, he's been a cinematographer for about 2 years now and he's extremely nice and is willing to share all his experience and knowledge with others!. There's a huge amount of work on the east coast!. Atlanta is starting to pick up more work, there's New York, Boston, Pittsburgh, and tons of other cities!. Find out from the city if there are any film resources!. Just do a bit of research!. also, Craigslist is also a great resource to find gigs in your area!.
Most importantly, start making your own movies, from idea, to script, to storyboard, to shooting, to editing!. THis way you understand the whole process, which is much more likely to land you a gig!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Bad plan!. No one legit would talk to you in the first place!. It takes years if not decades to build an acting career!. Not two months!. Plus, you're 15!. If they want teen actors they almost invariably hire young looking 18 year olds!. Plus the jobs for adults outnumber the teen jobs by more than 100 to 1 and most adult actors with tons of experience are out of work!. This is not a realistic thing!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Coming to LA to find your fame is not a good idea!. Summer is the slow time in the industry, and honestly, it's nearly impossible to get in to meet an agent without knowing someone that refers you to them!. Here are the basics!. You need a headshot and resume, experience and solid training to even have a shot at working in this market, not to mention a great agent that can get you in on the auditions!. I would suggest that you spend your money on acting lessons first then mail in your headshots to agents to see if you can get an appointment!. There are other ways to meet the agents, but they are expensive options!. I love that you want to do film, find what in film you want to do and then research where you can get started!. I'm a film maker myself in the Los Angeles market and it took years for me to get to where I am!. Good luck in following your passion and never give up, but be patient, persistent and safe!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Honestly, that's not a good plan!.
1) because you're parents are not involved
2) that's a lot of money, especially with the economy the way it is now
3) it's not thought through enough!.
If you do go through with this, don't expect anything above extra work!. Movies wrap within 4 to 5 months, not two!. The stuff you're planning for takes like a year, that's why people move to Hollywood!. this trip will cost AT LEAST 5-6 thousand dollars (airfare, food, motel/hotel, and transportation)!. that's a pretty hefty cost!.
And that will be a total waste of time because, since you're a minor, you need Parental Consent before you can be booked for ANY job!.
My advice is to do whats available to you right now!. Go to your local college and ask to audition for one of their student films!. You don't have to go Hollywood right at this moment!. Stick to what's right in front of you!.!.
You need to get your parents involved and convince them that you're serious, before you rush off to California!. Sit them down and talk to them, then ask them permission to go for like a year or so!.
Best of LuckWww@QuestionHome@Com
First of all, I admire your tenacity and organization!.
If you want go to LA, you WILL need an adult to accompany you since you're a minor and won't be able to do things like get a hotel room or rental car!.
To just answer your question directly, I would say you're looking at approximately:
Plane ticket - $400
Rental car for 2 months - $1500
Gas for 2 months - $400
Food for 2 months - $1000
Hotel room for 2 months - $5000
Extras and incidentals - $500
TOTAL - $8800
While it's great you're making this plan, what might show your parent more than a budget to go to the most competitive city in the world for 2 months with no experience, is to show them how serious you are about acting by auditiong for local plays!. looking for classes in your area where you can train and reading every book you can about the business!.
also, right now you're in New Jersey!. Forget HOllywood, you're looking at the wrong coast!. New York has soooo many oppotunities and wonderful training studios!. Granted, you probably won't get into any plays in NY, but you can try for some student films!. Check out NYU and NYFA - directing students always need actors for their shorts and this is also a great way to network!.
As a minor, you need your parents on board to support you!. So, try being a bit more realistic about it and they will probably be more open to receiving information!.
Good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com