A Working Whatever

 For those of you who have chosen your profession...director, producer, writer, actor and are wondering how you do this as a career rather than a side thing whilst you work. The answer is...you don't.

Most people who come out here AND make it have a support system. Which often times means money. Most people who come to Hollywood and think they have nothing to lose become people who take up space. Most of the people here, in fact. They meander until either their patience runs out, or their options.

I am the first to admit, I had a great support system in my parents. My Mom may not have believed any of this was worthwhile, but has come to see you can make a functional living this way. A lot of you probably would rather lie to your family and friends until you're cornered. Which is typical.

And now that this shitty town has shut down business, the ones who use to do service work are now on the outs as well.

To me, there is a TON of luck and sacrifice. You can't even think about starting a family unless you establish a foothold. Then a lot of people are locked into whatever it is they're doing. Many people do call it quits. And I don't blame any of them. It is not stable work.

The only thing stable should be YOUR joy of telling stories. Otherwise, there's no reason ever to suffer the constant nonsense you need to get anything done. A friend of mine turned to animation and makes awesome stuff and is happy. He isn't in L.A. Probably could've told him he didn't need to be here, but he probably would try anyway. These are the ones who clog the system up, but eventually find their way. Are they happier? Maybe. That's what they tell me. There is no longer a reason to be in Hollywood to make movies. And it's liberating to know this. Because every city has their film industry. However small. I have a friend now in Colorado who is making a film on film. And it's a wild western horror film. Looks great thus far! Grassroots filmmaking.

Get out there and find those people.

If I could plant in most of you who have aspirations of Hollywood, my experiences and boredom of the business, you would stay in your town. Because you'd get so much more done. Also, you probably should anyway because you also have an amazing crew. Desperate to help you make things. Out here, people are trying too hard to live to help you out. They can't do things for free.

So, be a working whatever...just enjoy it.