When I got here a little over a year ago I knew one person who lived in this town. I was a schoolteacher with a few simple specs and no idea how to proceed.
I started the preproduction work for my short film this week. I have two actors who are perfect for the male leads. I don't have my female leads yet, but I can easily advertise and audition those roles. I don't have a DP, but one of my actors knows a couple of guys, and I'm sure they know sound guys and editors. Writing Partner knows a musician who wants to score films and needs a resume builder. These are all connections I've made since I moved here.
The beauty is that I didn't have to sell myself. These are people I met through parties, old friends, coworkers - people I have something in common with. These are all people I like regardless of what they can do for me.
It just so happens they can help me by being a part of my film and I can help them by padding their resumes and adding to their reels. I know a guy who's an amazing editor but he's also an ass. Since I live in LA I don't have to work with that guy because there are a dozen more where he came from.People who don't live here ask all the time if it's really necessary. No, it's not. You can make connections and sell yourself from a distance, but it's eight million times more difficult. I never would have tried to make a film without the support system I've developed here. I never even would have had the inspiration.
Plus, it's really warm and sunny. And you can get a delicious burrito for $3.50 from a truck on the street.
The Pacific. Creative energy. Two major baseball, basketball, hockey and NCAA teams in one area. Women with long legs and brains. The L.A. Times. Indie 103.1. Roscoe's Chicken 'N Waffles. I could maybe give that last one up if I had to live anywhere else, but the others, forget it.
ReplyDeleteI admire you. I am working on a script myself. My writing partner and I just put the finishing touches on it and are sending it out to a producer I met at Sundance who said he liked the idea. I have my fingers crossed. Good luck to you.
ReplyDeleteI have the synopsis posted on my site if you want to take a look.