I’d agree with that article.
It’s important to understand that L.A. is basically a factory… with all that that entails. It’s not an art commune. LA has its pulse on everything that middle America craves—- from Mouseketeers to SHAM-WOWs to porn. Its marketers are very good at using math to tally up just what America purchased last year in the way of entertainment….. and Hollywood’s primary goal is to make more of it, period.
They don’t really want new ideas because frankly, if a new idea worked? Somebody a LOT smarter than you and more well-connected than you would’ve thought of it a long time ago. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
People who really have the power to make things happen? Keep a low profile, hidden behind glass, cars, hedgerows. You probably won’t meet them at all, ever… without considerable preparation.
Every person’s first visit to Hollywood is a huge eye-opener: You spend your whole life seeing beautiful movies and hearing fabulous records…that all say MADE IN HOLLYWOOD. Then one day you actually go, and see that Hollywood is basically a series of sleazy strips in a desert, crawling with whores, losers, addicts, homeless people. Nothing beautiful about it.
If you are exceptionally rich, exceptionally good-looking or OUTRAGEOUSLY talented…. you will eventually get noticed, but you will be asked to jump into a game that is already in progress. Your sudden new idea for a film is not in demand… unless you have an incredible— and lucrative— track record behind you.
The industry may be here but that doesn’t mean jobs or interest in what you are peddling. As someone who has moved here recently I have found that internships that may have once led to a job now lead to an extended internship. They don’t need to hire because so many people are willing to work for free. It’s tough and I don’t know how long I can / want to last in it, but as long as you keep working on the creative and remind yourself why you got into film in the first place you can give it a shot. But I agree with David above, it seems people have more interest defending their jobs and status then new ideas, the quicker you see it for the creature it is the better.
filmmaking ambition in los angeles is akin to country singer ambition in nashville. it’s common, generic and the norm. throw a rock on any streetcorner and you’ll hit a throng of aspirants – actors, writers, directors. this commonality works against first-timers. everything is already formalized. for example if you’ve found an interesting one-of-a-kind location it’s most likely known to studios and production companies who will pay for it. so that sort of works against the unique hey-i’m-making-a-movie-! thing. put bluntly, no one cares.
the trade-off is that los angeles is filled with professionals in all areas and departments. you might score a free location in podunk usa and generate local buzz and interest but – speaking broadly here – your sound department or hair/makeup or catering or vfx or whatever won’t be on the same level as what you’ll find/hire in LA.
Thanks for the thoughts, gentlemen!
David, I agree about the track record you mention – most definitely. Just as studios are now insatiably making films based on best-sellers, comic books, and, yes, even board games, they want “talent” with some kind of calling card, which can be really difficult to establish. On the other hand, because of the frenzied search for the “next big thing,” one really good movie can seriously jump start a career in Hollywood, though, what most fail to understand is that you need to keep the foot on the gas and drive or you’ll come to a dead stop.
Elric, I recently read a cool article on whether or not unpaid, nonacademic internships are even legal, yet it’s so common. And like you said, if you don’t want to do it for free, they’ll find someone else. Which is why I’m a HUGE proponent of working for yourself for free! At least in the end, you own the product/the fruits of your labor.
Brian, like you suggest, LA is a give and take. Yes, there really are talented people and amazing resources here, but at what price. My article addresses primarily first-time filmmakers who don’t need most of those resources anyway – they cost too much. And, ultimately, they need to make the best with what they have. So if one only has a farm, their parents and a cow, then make an incredible film utilizing that.
In fact, my most recent short film was featured in Roger Ebert’s newsletter today and guess who starred in it? My grandmother! And guess who the crew was? Me! That’s it. From pre-productin to post-production, just me, an actress and my grandmother…. Check it out HERE
Peace,
Christopher
I can’t agree more with this essay. While I’ve found a bit of success recently, it took months of unemployment and working for free to get here. And all that wouldn’t be possible without the aid of my family. And what really angers me, is that my opportunity wouldn’t be possible for someone who isn’t in the same position I was in. Were someone to just come here, knowing no one, having $250 in a checking account (that’s more their fault, but you get my drift), they wouldn’t survive a month out here. As much as LA likes to make aspiring filmmakers believe it’s the place to be for making film, for making a name of yourself, for doing what you love, it, frankly, is all a ruse and not what it claims to be.
Especially considering film productions have taken a nosedive in recent years due to incentives from other locales, and, of course, the high price to do anything in this damn city, it’s only natural that film productions will take their business elsewhere. The production company I work for does their production in Portland, for Christ’s sake. Portland! In addition to lack of work, as someone stated above me, the populous is saturated with eager filmmakers, making it incredibly hard for anyone to even get a foot in the door. It used to be beneath anyone to do a mail room job, now it’s a privilege. And it shouldn’t be that way. Not one bit.
Moving on to the lay of the land. LA is massive. It claims to be a city, but it might as well be a damn state. To get from Downtown to Venice should (theoretically) take 25 minutes, however, with the abundance of traffic, it will take close to an hour. And that’s by car. Let’s not bring LA Metro into the equation (which I take, since I refuse to get a car) it will take close to three hours. How can anyone be required to take a bus for three hours anywhere? From the Miracle Mile area to Burbank. From West Hollywood to Orange County. This is a driving culture, and the city doesn’t make it easy for those without wheels to get around. Sure it’s cheaper, but it’s stressful, and many times you feel like you’re sitting in pee AND vomit.
And another thing — and this is what really upsets/saddens me — not many people are truly film lovers. And not to my standard, because I don’t assume people should know what I know. But even basic film history. I’ve worked on films and the crew knows a shit ton of 80s films, or recent movies, but can’t for the life of them tell me who directed Citizen Kane. The ignorance and apathy towards what came before them really, really saddens and strikes a cord with me. Many enter the industry because it seems “fun.” And with that general lack of passion for the craft, leads to douchebaggery or, hell, contempt for those who show an ounce of interest in something beyond your general action fair.
As you can tell, LA is a hot button issue for me, and since I’ve moved here over a year ago, I’ve gone through a love/hate relationship with the city. There are plenty of other topics I can easily cover, but don’t really feel like it.
Short version: I agree with everything Follow My Film said.
hey bro, don’t harsh on portland.
Hahaha. My comment was saying that production are leaving big states and going to states less known fir their film production. New Mexico, Michigan, I think Atlanta.
P.S. Portland is a beautiful city. I should be going later this year.
Maybe visit a strip club or six.
I’ve been searching the job boards recently and NYC has at least twice, maybe 3 times, the amount of film jobs as LA. The listings on craigslist here in LA are especially shoddy. Most listings are for internships or the same North Hollywood extras request. For NYC I found many post-house jobs and requests for extras for the next Tyler Perry movie. It may be due to the difference in economies, but from real-life experience of living in LA for 2 years I think LA is pretty dry and tight for opportunities in the entertainment world. LA definitely has a very successful marketing scam going for it. And it’s true, “everyone” is an actor working at a restaurant. The city is full of cliches, actually. It’s hard to tell which came first: the ones in the movies, or the ones in real life. Obviously, there’s a mix and they play on each other. I wouldn’t recommend LA for any aspiring filmmaker, unless you have connections/are in film school.
Thanks for the replies… It’s been really great hearing others’ experiences. Personally, I feel LA has a lot to offer filmmakers for obvious reasons. I’m just critical against the whole “LA will make me a star” mentality…
Seriously, even many people who make amazing films elsewhere in the country and are then invited/welcomed to LA, they end up beaten up and used. It’s really tough, but definitely the place to be for some. It all depends on your personal goals!
One shouldn’t be too cynical, I suppose, about becoming a star.
It absolutely CAN happen, if you have the right stuff, you interface with the right people, and if you start young enough.
It helps if you started quite young, so by the time you are 21 (arguably the peak of your sexual beauty) you know well how the game is played, and you have ammassed a “team” of industry players who can advance your career…
Good use of the term “interface”.
As you stated above, it’s definitely dependant on personal goals. Ask yourself:
Do you write specs (TV, film or both)? Do you have ideas that are potentially broad/marketable? Do they require a considerable budget/cast? Do you have already have some industry contacts? Are you looking for an agent? Are you open to collaborating with a director? Are you only interested in directing? If so, Yes.
Or
Are your ideas more unconventional? Do you lack industry contacts? Do you see you or your friends working in/on your ideas? Are you the only person who could direct your idea? Are you willing to find money by any legal means (credit cards, loans, private investors, grants)? If so, probably not.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter too much if you work hard and have talent, just follow your instincts on what seems like the right path for you and your art.
Good points, Werk. Someone above referred to LA as a factory and it really is in many ways. So, ultimately, one needs to ask themselves if their goals are aligned with the mission, values and vision of said factory.
Once again, my main critique is the presumption many come to LA with: the city, the factory, will make their movies for them. Just show up and it will happen. Like a river, hop on a raft and you’ll end up downstream, at your desired destination. Rather, for many, due to a plethora of reasons, LA is more like a web and you get stuck….
I’ve really enjoyed this thread. Thanks for all the comments!
as a corollary to the sentiment
that showing up is not enough and guarantees you nothing
it’s sobering to remember that
in this day and era
making the movie frequently isn’t enough and guarantees you nothing
Thanks for sharing the article, Brian. Yes, it’s very true – the make-it-and-they-shall come theory is not foolproof, which is why Ted Hope and the like are strongly advocating pre-marketing and audience awareness before the film is even done.
But even that seems like pulling teeth these days…
BTW, it recently became a misdemeanor offense to film without a permit in the city of Los Angeles!
That is disgusting to hear- way to kill any indie spirit. But I guess that is why undergrounds exist, in order to rise up!
Yeah, it’s pretty crazy. No-permit filmmakers are now in the company of drunk drivers and wife beaters!
All city the same. For every negative there a positive. It just varies depend on city.
Follow My Film
Is it a good idea to move to Los Angeles to make movies?
I’m not too sure about that. You can read why HERE and please comment whether or not you agree….
I especially would love to hear your stories, people’s experiences either way.