I've been seriously considering moving from NY to LA, even though I know NY is just as big of an entertainment industry as LA.

I just think there is so much more for aspiring actors/actresses to do in Film and TV in LA, am i right?

I recently bought "Breaking into Acting for Dummies," yes, of the popular publishing company. And in there and also elsewere I just find people to say that LA is where the big money for film and TV lies.

The only thing preventing me going so fast is the fact that The Little Mermaid is going to be on Broadway this winter, and it also in my dream-filled head to play the part of Ariel. That and obviously the cost of moving/making a new living.

If anyone has any advice, or experience moving from NY to LA, or even from LA to NY, or if anyone has gone back and forth between the two cities, and word on it would be greatly appreciated.

I have a lot to say on the subject. And I think it all comes down to this...What kind of actor do you want to be? Forget about the money and fame, what do you really want to do?

You mention "The Little Mermaid," which leads me to believe that you are a musical theatre actress. Is that true? Do you have a lot of voice training? Do you dream of the stage? Stay here! Do you have an agent? Are you in any of the unions?

There really is no simple answer to your question. Everybody has a different road to follow to get to where they ultimately want to go. You have to sit down and think about what you want to do and where you want to be five years from now, and write down lists of goals. You then determine what actions will meet those goals.

So think about it.....is your ultimate goal to be a film/TV actress? Then everything you do must lead you to that path. Your training, headshots, the projects you choose, and your marketing.

As far as 'more to do' in LA, yes, there are tons more film/TV projects there. However, there is also a hell of a lot more competition.

Before making the jump, learn everything you can about both markets. Think about what it is you really want to do. I've been to LA, and I love it. However, to move is extremely expensive for me right now, so I'm doing everything I can in NY to prepare for an LA move. Building my credits, making industry contacts, taking more film classes, and getting my SAG card.

The LA Connection is a great way to learn about the LA market, and I highly recommend it!

I also recommend the book, "Acting is Everything: An Actor's Guidebook for a Successful Career in Los Angeles," by Judy Kerr.

Thanks for the advice!! As for musical theatre, yes I do love it, and The Little Mermaid would be my dream play.

Truth is, I would love to do it all: musical theatre, film, and TV. But don't we just want it all?

I figure the competition is rough in LA like you said, and I'm sure I'd feel like everyone who walked by me is trying to make it as well.

I assume it's also much better to head to LA with a SAG card, and you mentioned you are working on getting yours. Do you think it's also better to head to LA with an AFTRA card as well?

I will definately look into The LA Connection.

Thanks again!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Vixenator19:
I've been seriously considering moving from NY to LA, even though I know NY is just as big of an entertainment industry as LA.

I just think there is so much more for aspiring actors/actresses to do in Film and TV in LA, am i right?

I recently bought "Breaking into Acting for Dummies," yes, of the popular publishing company. And in there and also elsewere I just find people to say that LA is where the big money for film and TV lies.

The only thing preventing me going so fast is the fact that The Little Mermaid is going to be on Broadway this winter, and it also in my dream-filled head to play the part of Ariel. That and obviously the cost of moving/making a new living.

If anyone has any advice, or experience moving from NY to LA, or even from LA to NY, or if anyone has gone back and forth between the two cities, and word on it would be greatly appreciated.

Who is it that told you that New York is as big a market as Los Angeles? What is that based on? In reality it's not even close to even. Is there double the work opportunities? Triple? Quadruple? I don't know, but I'd say more than triple - easy - very easily more than triple the work opportunities.

For sure there's big money for the right people in New York in TV & Film - just a lot less of it.

I've worked professionally in both markets and don't let anyone tell you that Los Angeles is not the larger of the two. It's kinda like saying the Wilmington, NC market compares to the New York market. It just isn't true.

Good luck!

You've worked in both markets?

Even though LA is the larger market, I think the ratio of work to actors is still kind of the same. Do you agree or no? Where there's more work, there's more people trying to get it.

What did you think overall of LA's market? The contacts you made, and any industry professionals who you met? I've been dying to try it out.

I think I had a much better chance of getting jobs here in LA than New York. It didn't matter to me that their were more people. I don't know the numbers, but I think the ratio is more in my favor in LA.

What do I think of the LA market? Simply put, it's the Suberbowl. I've met a few people here and there.