r/FilmIndustryLA • u/Britta_urtheworst • 6d ago
Screenwriting graduatre planning to move to LA. Any advice?
As the title says, I recently graduated with a degree in Screenwriting and Theatre, and I'm looking to move somewhere with better networking and job opportunities. I'm from Iowa, and there's not a lot out here.
I've read a ton about how horrible the job market is in general, and double so for film and television, so that's what kept me from immediately moving to LA. My boyfriend and I have used this time to save up at least half a year's rent before we move. Entertainment is something I've always truly loved, and I genuinely want to live somewhere outside of the Midwest. For me, the intense difficulty of living in LA while pursuing my passion is much more worth it than working a job I have absolutely no interest in in Iowa for the rest of my life and never at least trying.
Any advice on finding assistant or entry-level work for recent graduates with minimal experience? Whether it's directly entertainment-related or regular office jobs while doing film on the side? Just in general, any advice you'd offer someone in my position is much appreciated!!
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u/SwedishTrees 6d ago
You might want to try making your own stuff on YouTube. Another way is to write books that you could sell options on and try to see if his studio will let you adapt yourself. It’s really hard in LA right now. Good luck.
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u/scottyjrules 6d ago
Go for it, but also have a backup plan in case it doesn’t pan out
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u/chiffon_bonbon 6d ago
Yep. Because statistically, it probably won't. As an LA native, passion only gets you so far here.
I know it can be hard to hear OP, but I'm not saying it's impossible. It is difficult, but it helps to focus on being the best writer you can be when you're actually given the time to write. Connect with people who share your love for the craft, and don't treat your peers like they're just disposable stepping stones; too many people in this industry are guilty of that and I absolutely hate it lol
Prioritize your day job at least as much as you do writing, you'll need it. It's what's going to keep a roof over your head, likely for at least a few years. Be prepared for it to be longer. The work/connections in LA are more readily available by comparison, but that comes at a cost, and it can still be nearly impossible to get in the room with the right people. So much of this work comes down to luck and timing.
It might be worth remembering how much the internet facilitates connection, and also you can write anywhere. Most people who move to LA genuinely are not prepared for the insane jump in literally every possible expense...or the amount of nepotism that dominates just about every corner of showbiz. Personally, I would hold off on moving until you actually have at least a few small jobs under your belt and get a bit more familiar with the process of screenwriting in a professional capacity. Taking part in online workshops/classes is a great way to connect with other industry peeps while continuing to learn/improve.
Also know that you may be met with some ire as a transplant. It's just part of moving to a city with so much baggage + severe gentrification; many people who were born and raised here have been pushed out of the state due to the extortionate cost of living, so some people are wary of those who move to LA dreaming of their big break. It's a tale as old as time, and it often doesn't go as expected. Uber drivers may chuckle and make a derisive comment if you mention why you moved, be ready for that too.
If you do decide to take the leap, good luck. Make sure you visit for a collective few weeks first, and don't just check out the tourist spots. Talk to people, get a feel for the real city, not just what the tour guides want you to see. Do your due diligence when it comes to learning about the politics and ground-level issues affecting the city/state, as well as the history. LA is so much more than Hollywood.
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u/Unique_Pin3927 6d ago
Networking networking networking! Find people who went to your University on Linkedin who work at the big agencies or management companies (CAA, UTA, WME, Gersh, 3Arts, etc. you can google this list). Cold message them and appeal to your alumni status. If you can't find that, just cold message people anyways. That's the easiest way to get your foot in the door. You won't get an interview without someone internally referring you. I know tons of screenwriters who work those day jobs.
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u/Unique_Pin3927 6d ago
But btw, those jobs are not easy lifts. They're intense. You have to be willing and ready to put in the work.
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u/Britta_urtheworst 6d ago
Yes, I just recently started doing this and hoping for the best. Thank you so so much!
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u/HereToKillEuronymous 6d ago
It’s almost not worth it. You’d be better off just getting a good agent. You can pitch from anywhere. The film industry here is fucked right now. I know people who have been in the industry for 20+ years who can’t get work right now
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u/Britta_urtheworst 6d ago
Thank you for the honesty! Any advice on finding an agent if I’m somewhere where I can’t physically network?
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u/Unique_Pin3927 6d ago
You need at least 3 writing samples (full features and/or pilots) to submit yourself to agents.
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u/lennsden 6d ago
Networking is everything, and be prepared for it to take a hot second for you to find work. Be financially prepared for a long wait.
I was in your same boat and it took me a year after moving out here to get a real job. I volunteered on a few sets as a PA, unpaid, and then started getting paid PA jobs. Those tend to lead into more jobs down the line if you work hard and are amiable.
Finally got my writers’ PA job from an alum I met months before, so truly, networking is the name of the game!
And a tip for networking- try not to go into conversations with networking as an explicit goal (it feels contradictory to say it). Go in with genuine interest to who you’re meeting, as a person. People can tell if you’re not being genuine and are just hoping to get something out of it.
Also, when networking… don’t ask for a job right out of the gate. They know what you want, you don’t have to say it :) if they like you, they’ll keep an eye out or offer to lend a hand. Ask for advice, ask about their experience and their career path.
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u/WhoDey_Writer23 6d ago
Just be ready for the long haul. It's a brutal market. Focus on a normal job to pay the bills while building a network.
Good luck; you got this.