I moved to LA, yada yada yada, I got my big break...

So, I've been acting my whole life, professionally for many years, and I have yet to figure it out. The art I understand, but certain business aspects baffle my mind. All I do know, is that if given the choice between death, or not acting...it's a tough call. Not that it should ever get that intense, but if you are going to suffer the trials and tribulations of the entertainment industry, you should have an answer to that question.

On that note, I've noticed there are a lot of frustrated artists out here. And I have a bit of advice from my own experience:

This business can really show you what you're made of. If your not prepared to own your choices, for better or for worse, then pack your shit, move back in with mom, and figure out a plan B. You could also spend your life doing something else that's mundane but is more financially secure. But, if you're ready to face your inner demons, and love the decisions you make, good or bad, then you may have what it takes to ripple the pond that is show-business. You have to accept that, it will take an undeterminable amount of time, and that even if you land that dream job, nothing is promised. It's easy to let the rejection you experience, and the occasional bouts of poverty to jade you, and make you bitter. If not that, then the lack of recognition, not having an audition for months, let alone a booking, can and will have an effect, we are only human. The main difference between a success and a failure, is how we cope with what's thrown at us. My mother once said to me, "It's how you react that defines who you are, not what happens to you...". And that has been one of the best pieces of wisdom I've heard, especially in this business. You can let the negative shit you feel to get the best of you. The frustration can start to permeate from you almost like a stink, and it can get very strong. For me, the solution was to step away from myself, get out of my own head, and really try to remember why I even chose to be an actor and pursue this life. I feel happier, and more alive when I'm performing than when I do anything else. And that, is a beautiful thing. That, is what I want seeping from my pores: love, passion, creativity...not frustration or anger. I want the energy I felt the first time I stepped on stage to permeate my being. THAT, is what will make people want to be around you, and will separate you from the rest. This not only applies in the acting world, but in every aspect of life. I'm not saying to repress, or to be phony. I'm saying to focus on the positive, make peace with the bullshit, and realize you're living your dream (even if it sucks sometimes). Remember, on one coin there are two sides...

Until next time...

Love,

-R*

The Migration (On the front lines...)

I am an artist. Actually, more specifically an actor. I moved to Los Angeles from New York to try to further my career (and less importantly, to see what this whole west-coast thing was all about). I grew up in the east, and like all humans, I feared the unknown. I was all like, "Fuck LA, I'll go when LA calls, why leave NY, it's so amazing". Now, NY is amazing, don't get me wrong, but in a business where any and every-thing is possible, and you have a better chance of being struck by lightening than "making it", why eliminate ANY avenue for success. It was worth exploring, at the very least. So I left my rent controlled apartment, packed a bag, and hit JFK. Well, not entirely true, I kicked it in Philadelphia with my mom for a week or two, and did a few days on a film before I left (get face time with the fam, and have a credit to roll out with: win-win.) After that, I departed via a JetBlue buddy pass I was bestowed with and came to Hollywood (aka Holly-hood). I was staying with a friend in an office (yes, an office) that he set-up to be livable, although I say livable loosely. Yes it was a roof, and walls, and there was a bathroom...but to shower or cook, we need to outsource to a friend's apartment around the corner (which I thanked the universe for everyday). Now, I lived in NYC for seven years, and I've seen some CRAZY shit. Two weeks on Hollywood Boulevard, blew it all out of the box, I mean that shit is INSANE! But, I digress, It's odd how you start appreciating the little things when you're in a crazy situation, like being alone. Which at the time, would only happen for the twenty minutes I spent in the shower (the bathrooms at the office were, well, office bathrooms shared by the floor. Not very private).  But screw it, I was living the dream. I had been working with the agencies in New York that had offices in LA, so I figured it would only be a matter of time before I was right back in the swing of things. A smooth transition. I was half-right.

Here's some little tid-bits for any aspiring actors out there, especially if you want to do the bi-coastal jump:

a.) The agencies are the same, the agents are not. Nothing is guaranteed, just because NY reps you, does NOT mean LA will, and vice-versa.

b.) It's a whole new casting director circuit. All of the national bookings and call-backs in the world don't mean sh*t, and you will have to re-establish yourself (just remember, if you did it once, you can do it again)

c.) Find your inner producer. If you have any self-motivation, you will find there is a LOT of work here, you just may have to look under various rocks and shrubs. Learn to hone other film/stage related skills, and try a new approach. Learn to edit, do make-up, direct even...whatever you can do to stay productive, and maybe even meet other film makers who could later discover you act, and work with you on that level. You NEVER know.

d.) Network, Network, NETWORK!!

e.) Last but not least, put you $$ where your mouth is, and don't be a flake. Make your own films/plays and make them by any means necessary. If you can take something from idea to reality, you will not only attract other creative people, but you will be taken more seriously. There's a lot of crap out there, and a lot of talk with no action, use it to your advantage.

I'm not the best at taking my own advice, so I wouldn't expect anyone else to, but I'm speaking from experience. Since I've lived here, the only reason I've survived has been doing these things. I wrote and directed a short film that I also edited and produced. That film ended up getting me editing work which literally saved my life, it helped my solidify relationships with other film makers, allowed me to indulge my desire to direct, gave me a chance to act, and has brought other scripts my way that people want to make. I'm not saying it'll solve your problems, I'm still not anywhere close to where I want or need to be. But, it will help you survive another day, so you can be in the mix, and maybe get your break. In the mean time, I've discontinued (to put it lightly) my relationship with my legit/theatrical agents out here in LA, which set me back a bit, but I'm not discouraged. I've been writing as much as possible now, for two reasons. One, I have time and a voice, so I'm trying to use them wisely. Two, if no one GIVES you what you want, you have to TAKE it. I'm developing a pilot, and a feature screenplay, and you bet your ass I'm doing it for selfish reasons ;) Until next time...

ONE.