The Hollywood Hustle: Five Years Later
Griffith Park in Los Angeles // Photo Credit: Me
As my fifth anniversary in Los Angeles approaches, I’ve been reflecting on all the nuggets of wisdom I’ve acquired, especially when it comes to the entertainment industry. Working in film/TV can be very rewarding, yet daunting. You must have patience and resilience to not only break into the competition but also to keep up with the often demanding work.
In honor of nearly five years in Los Angeles, I wanted to share five transparent tips I wish I knew before working in entertainment.
1. Nobody’s path to Hollywood is linear. When I first networked with LA folks, I was advised to attempt the “traditional” talent agency route, a popular entry-level option for getting your foot in the door: apply for the training program/mailroom of a major talent agency in the hopes of eventually advancing to an assistant position. As someone who moved to LA without connections, I convinced myself that was the only way to break in, until I met many people whose entertainment careers didn’t begin at an agency. Pursuing the agency route didn’t suit my career aspirations and, frankly, would’ve scared me away from the industry. Do not compare your path to anyone else’s. Find what works for you and your dream role, even if it seems non-traditional.
2. ABN (Always Be Networking). Stay connected with everyone you meet, professional or not. Truthfully, this tip applies to any industry, not just entertainment. Always be kind and courteous. Hollywood is a small town where everyone seems to know one another. You don’t want to burn any bridges. Be open-minded as well. If your family friend wants to connect you with their cousin’s fiancé’s stepbrother who worked on Friends, don’t think twice! In this age of social distancing, you can even meet up virtually. Welcome to the new normal.
3. Competence and confidence are key. In my previous studio jobs, I always asked questions when assigned an unfamiliar task. While every executive I’ve worked for had vastly different personalities and work styles, all of them believed in one commonality: never fear the art of clarification. If you’re ever unsure and don’t inquire, you likely won’t do your best. Organize and prioritize your delegated tasks so you stay on your A-game and prove your worth. Entertainment is a competitive niche where perseverance is a heavy factor in one’s work ethic. When you’ve finally landed that initial opportunity, only then will you gain a better understanding of your disposition in the workplace.
4. Dedicate time to passion projects outside of work. Passion projects will keep you sane, as film/TV jobs are notorious for arduous scheduling. Working late hours and weekends is not unusual. Find side hustles/hobbies to keep you motivated outside of the Hollywood bubble. Bonus points if your hobby relates to your dream role somehow. If you want to become a director, perhaps you’ll shoot an indie short film. If you want to write, partake in scriptwriting during your free time, so one day you’ll have a portfolio to share.
5. Read the trades.This is some of the best industry advice I’ve ever received. If you want to become the next Hollywood insider, familiarize yourself with all the inner workings of show biz. Research all the functions of your aspiring job title. Networking comes in handy here as well, since you’ll want to connect with others who are making their dreams a reality. Read publications like The Hollywood Reporter and Variety on a consistent basis to get comfortable with Hollywood terminology and industry updates.
Bonus: You have to want it more than anything. When you begin working in entertainment, you’re finally getting an exclusive look at the glitz and glamour we see on TV and the silver screen. Show business is about the infinite grind. Burnout is very real, as there’s no guaranteed success in any role. Projects end frequently. Series don’t always get renewed and movies often have short shooting schedules. Job hopping is the norm. Prepare yourself financially and emotionally. The hustle can be mentally draining at times, but remember why you’re here and ask yourself if this is the career you really desire.
Throughout my time in Los Angeles, I’ve developed a wealth of knowledge pertaining to the entertainment industry, but the learning never stops. The entertainment industry’s a small world in a big city where it’s easy to feel lost. When you work tirelessly to align your passions, you will achieve success in Hollywood.
