I know it’s a bit cliché to say that my summer in Los Angles was life changing-the inner rebel in me wants to fight those over-used words-but if I were to use any other phrase, I’d be lying to you. My intense experience in L.A with little sleep and a lot of work taught me things that I would never learn by spending a summer mooching off my parents’ pantry. I spent two solid months in what might as well been considered a study abroad because it was such a foreign place to me. The people are different, the food is different, the atmosphere it different. I think one of the only ways to learn is to throw yourself into something new. I can honestly only fit a piece of what I wanted in the allotted word count, but my experience this summer was something that is hard to contain in words let alone 750 words.
What I Thought I Knew VS Reality
I think one of the most important things I learned is that my grasp on how the industry works was so far off how it really works. Things are a lot harder than I thought they would be. It's hard to get your foot in the door and nepotism is a thriving craft.
Talent is important, but networking may be even more important. The entertainment industry can have incredibly long hours. Is a person going to hire a person that they kind of like, but are immensely talented or hire someone who gets along with everybody who is talented? Of course it is ideal to be both sociable with the group and immensely talented, but if a boss had to pick and choose, they'd probably go with the person that they enjoy spending eight plus hours with and will share a donut with on the weekend. Seems unfair, but I heard it over and over again. Knowing the trades are important. Talking about the industry is always a good talking point after, "Oh hi, my name is blah blah. I worked with your friend's second cousin's boyfriend so-and-so." The more you know, the more dedicated and smart you look, but don't go overboard. You're trying to be sociable, not a Sheldon Cooper for modern age pop culture.
People will throw you a bone. Don't expect a steak. Yes, people can help you out, they were in your shoes at one point- young kid trying to squeeze his way into the industry, but don't overuse their help. Never out right ask for anything other than some advice or a meeting. Asking for a job out of the blue is extremely rude and expecting way to much of someone. Not everyone has that golden ticket into the industry and it's naive to think so. Networking may take quite a lot of time, energy, and coffee cups. If a person likes you, they may keep you in mind if something comes up. But remember, you reap what you sow, so be nice and put together, not a rude coat tail rider.
Be patient. Things take time. Getting into a job you really want, getting into a guild- it doesn't happen as soon as you step off the plane at LAX. Established people in the industry work very hard for what they have. Things take time to work. Be patient. It's okay if instant gratification leaves your vocabulary for a while . Also, as one of our guest speakers said, "Don't get excited until you get your paycheck." That may take some time too. A few of our guest speakers admitted to being stiffed from a paycheck or two. This is a little different once you are a SAG member.
That Moment you won't forget
Well, I didn't have just one memory or two on this trip that I can really explain. I think it just came to this overall feeling I had. That feeling that everything is right in that one moment. I had a few of those moments at work, especially when my pitch for a music video was picked or when I was talking with my co-workers. I also had that feeling in class, especially on presentation days. Everyone was so passionate about where they were working or what they wanted to do in the future . It just felt right. It just fit. We were all speaking from the heart and could tell that we were where we belonged.
Sadly, I am cut off now, but pictures are worth 1000 words.
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