I came out here 20+ years ago to attend graduate school. Film school to be precise, and I'm in a very comfortable living situation. Yet, many wouldn't consider me "successful" I certainly do. IF you're perspective is to live in the Hollywood Hills and meet and greet fellow celebrities and rub elbows and talk projects with famous folk, then follow that dream. But I think maybe less than 1% could follow through. I choose this number as it's the same as the really wealthy in this country.
Rich people survive Hollywood, if they first come out here. Parents who support their kids. Typically this child is unruly and directionless and end up going to a vocational school because they are incapable of going to any other school. Some, whom I've met, are really ambitious and talented, but won't meet the right people. There are odd odds no one ever considers.
I've been asked before how I lasted so long out here (when I discourage others to pursue the same route). The answer is...set up shop first.
I think every filmmaker who first comes out here thinks they are going to wow someone with their idea or their reel. You won't. If you want to deal with the larger studios. What you end up with, is a small group of people who are your similar experience talking about movies at a bar. Depending who you are, this could get old fast. Instead you want to MAKE SOMETHING.
So, when I say "set up shop" I mean, don't be in a hurry to jump into the mix. Get a job that is steady and requires very little of your time. Preferably something in the business (you'd be surprised how many assistant editing jobs there are, because you're pretty much a data wrangler).
Do things their way.
This is the most frustrating when you see waste. Waste is the time that is wasted when nothing is getting done. The edict of Hollywood has always been "hurry up and wait" While you are in "wait" mode, learn why they do things the way they do. Too many people, especially film students, think they can re-invent the wheel. You can't. And then you'll be fired for thinking so. Instead, build on this knowledge. DON'T be skeazy and attempt to skip a rung on the ladder. Sidling up to the powers above only puts you in a category of untrustworthy. Focus on your job, they'll find you...if you last.
Outlast the next person. SO many people have tapped out of Hollywood. It's not necessarily a bad thing. But it's the first part that bugs the shit out of me. Which is, you come in with a full head of steam and then realize everyone doesn't see your genius. No, dummy, you aren't that great. A TON of bad stuff out there. Stay focused on what you want to make, learn and constantly learn. I saw a director's project yesterday that really underwhelmed me. I was surprised he put this out into the world for professionals to judge. I mean, someone will probably find value in it, but you're creating some thick brush for others to find you. Which, again, isn't a bad thing. If you are adamant that your project is the type of thing you want to make, stick to your guns. I'm sure my projects are in that realm. A friend asked why my micro-series hasn't gotten the attention it should. Same could be said about a brilliant script you've written doesn't get optioned. Everyone loves it. Fucking Spielberg loves it. It's having the right people who want it to see it and like it. Acting is the same. You could be Olivier, but if the theater is empty, does it matter?
Keep a positive attitude. I remember the first time I came to Hollywood. It sucked shit. Dirty, smoggy, and homeless riddled. I fucking hated it. Hate it now. Don't be like me. BUT, be aware, when I first came out here, young Hollywood hung out together. Today, with social media, you rarely see it. That level of interaction seems to have gone extinct, unless there's an awards show. It's not like they hate each other. It's because people would rather be alone. Because people here are shitty idiots. If it isn't the Hollywood types, it's the general population. Sorry, it's true. The thing that kept me going is being able to make cinema. Not movies. Cinema. Every experience I had means another idea I can pull from.
Being in the right place at the right time.
This no longer really applies because anywhere is the right place. And there is no right time. Though it happens by..sometimes accident. If you go to staged events such as live recorded podcasts or even to a retro movie theater, chances are you will see a lot of people who look weird or looked WAY too dressy. The reason? They're actors and want to be noticed by the right people. Logic dictates industry people will attend these things. They may spot you and wonder if you are talent. To be honest, these are the types of interactions that probably work better than you realize. Though, in this "woke" culture, most on the power end probably keep it hush hush who they are. I saw this when director Christopher Nolan was in attendance of a nitrate film. A lot of young actor types in the audience. It was weird. But if shame is a factor, acting and getting rejected probably isn't meant for you.
Do it yourself.
No one in this business cares about you unless you can make them money. IF you have an idea that won't ever make money or you spit on the movies that will, make it yourself. I am.
I have no aspirations to work in any studio (nor would they want my type anyway). I hate the game they play, though necessary, limits it to the people who can break barriers. Which is where nepotism and connections happen. I DO NOT blame them. I love working with people I know. And would certainly recommend them to any project I hear of. But to me, to get to that level means a LOT of corporate bullshit I've always hated (though my day job is corporate...glad it isn't my end game). A lot of us, just enjoy being at service of the others when it comes to "breaking through to the studios." I drive by Warner Bros. studios every weekday and know the history that's there. It's a heavy thing to shoulder. They don't want your fucking backyard student films there. We're a reckless bunch, which means I will need to recklessly use my own money. Perhaps I was meant to have my own production company.
Be discouraged.
A lot of you who come out here have this odd notion that you need to "put on a happy face" and that "being positive" will get you that success.
I think it's true to an extent. Just don't pretend like you can't be angry at some of the injustices. My biggest fear is that I will begin to sound like the typical douchebag who can't break into the business and therefore, shits on it. I've got more money than I can spend now (helps I have simple tastes) so it is what it is. I don't put on a happy face. I tell all of you you suck. And your movies are terrible. And my movies are terrible. And we can do better. That's called "freedom." Allow yourself that. Not everything you do has to be a homerun. In fact, make less homeruns and more bunts. This concept of "go big or go home" is great, but don't pretend you're life is perfect when it's not. I have a friend who cannot express the dire situations he's in. He keeps digging and digging and never acknowledges it. Like some housewife whose husband would beat her if she said anything otherwise. It's okay to openly express your misery. Though...obviously, to the right people who are supportive. But don't make a club over it. And definitely be able to learn and move from it.
Hopes and dreams mean NOTHING without hard work. I'm not sure many people understand what hard work means. Quitting the business to raise a family is NOT hard work. That is a choice middle America makes. Hard work is like my friend Jason, who has a mortgage, wife and two kids and STILL makes feature films (no joke) on his own dime. THAT is what you should aspire to. And if you wonder if you haven't done enough. You haven't. It's okay to feel disoriented to where you can begin in your career. If you want to direct...write something for yourself to do. Because when I first started out, I was so overwhelmed by not knowing where to begin. There is no beginning. Beginning is where you start moving forward.
That's what I've learned in 20 years here in Hollywood
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