Before I came out to Los Angeles I was skeptical about this
immense adjustment. I didn’t have any clue of what I was getting myself into.
The way “Hollywood” is portrayed on TV is not how it is in real life. It is
hard work to survive living in such a big and scary place. Walking down
Hollywood Blvd you get a glimpse of the “real world”. You will see all of the
homeless people who let this cruel world get the best of them.
Coming to LA without a car was a very fearsome feeling. I
was forced out of my comfort zone. By using the public transportation system I
saw a lot more than most of my classmates. I saw what the entire “city life” had
to offer — the garbage filled streets—the reckless honking and driving—the
crowded bus rides. I’ve been through enough to rant for days…
Don’t get me wrong; the city of LA is not all bad. I have
also experience things that Alabama can’t offer. While living in LA I have gone
to multiple events that had major celebrities in the same room. I have seen actors,
actresses, and directors such as Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Ava DuVernay, Mel
Gibson, and Danny Glover to name a few. Luckily, I kept my composure during
these events.
Another great thing I have experienced out here was going to
a movie premiere. The company I interned with is called Entertainment Studios
Motion Pictures. They gave me two tickets to the premiere of their movie 47
Meters Down. This event was amazing. I was in the same theater with the cast,
writer, and director of the film.
At my internship I was doing script and screener coverage. I
really enjoyed this task, because it allowed me to read scripts and watch films
that were compelling and divergent. I also appreciated my internship, because I
got to see what my competition looks like.
Being in Los Angeles has deepened my outlook on what is truly
important in the entertainment industry. Networking is a vital key to success
in this harsh city. Being a part of this program has allowed me to hear advice,
feedback, and life-changing stories from people who are already in this booming
industry. I have made so many connections with some kind, helpful, and humble
people who also studied at The University of Alabama. I will always recollect everything
I was told by these industry professionals. 
The C&IS in LA class was a great choice that I made. If
I were to come to California fresh out of college with no prior knowledge of
how things work, I wouldn’t know what to do. This program gives you a feel of what
this city has to offer. It is hard out here. This industry is not for the weak
minded. The advice I would give to anyone wanting to “break-in” to this type of
business is know what career path you want to pursue, save up at least $5k-$8k,
have a car, be genuine, and NETWORK. Anything is achievable in this industry.
You just have to work hard, be aware that rejection will happen, and never give
up on your dreams.
I am an aspiring screenwriter from Huntsville, AL. A lot of
people have had negative things to say about my dreams, but that hasn’t stopped
the drive in me to prove them wrong. Coming on this trip has made me even more
passionate about my craft and I will continue to do everything in my ability to
turn my dreams into reality.
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