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My Fellow Writers,
Yes, that's right - I'm back on schedule. Last week, after ten years of contemplation and experience in the Industry, I finally broke down and joined the bandwagon that says, in order to be a screenwriter, you have to move to Los Angeles.
Now, just to clarify, because I've received a few notes about this. Some people have wondered if it's good for a novice writer - who is perhaps working on their first screenplay - to move to Los Angeles. My response is "yes" - as long as they know that they truly want to write, and they're up for the long road that it takes for almost everyone. Moving to Los Angeles is no panacea. They're not handing out writing assignments on street corners. But what it does offer is a chance to immerse yourself in some aspect of the film and television business. So even first-time writers can benefit from such a move. And Hell, if it doesn't work out, it's not the end of the world. Los Angeles has its faults, but it also has some of the best weather in the world and is among the world's most culturally diverse cities.
Here are some of the things you should do if you come to L.A. seeking a writing career. First, know that it's going to be a long haul. I mean five years minimum. You have to maintain your sanity and optimism through those years, so come with a realistic attitude - and don't come if you're not absolutely compelled to write, above all else. Second, get a job in the industry. Shoot for one that's at a company you respect. Any job. Be an assistant at one of the studios. If you're fresh out of college, or maybe just making that first career change, work for one of the major agencies. (I only mention the thing about age because, well, being very image-conscious, most agencies will only hire young people. Their rules, not mine.)
Read every book you can on surviving in town and in the Industry. Do not, under any circumstances, come to work in the Industry without reading William Goldman's books on the business. In fact, don't come unless you've not only read those books, but understand, fully and completely, that this is a town that chews up geniuses every day and spits them out. It's filled with people who write better and faster, and are related to studio heads.
Just some random thoughts that I don't have time to organize right now: If you do come, make L.A. your home, not a temporary experiment. People are often overwhelmed by the sheer sprawl of it. The people in L.A. can seem flaky. You'll meet cool people, then they'll never return your calls. That's just the way it is. You have to accept that not everyone is going to be your nearest and dearest friend. Move on. Find people with whom you share common interests. As a third-generation Californian, I've found that the only way to have a sense of community in Los Angeles is to make it yourself. Throw barbeques, plan movie nights, take classes - do things that interest you. Live life, and you'll run into others that like the same things you do. It really brings the city down to size to have a few friendly faces around.
Oh, and I know I've said this before, but if you come, don't forget to write every day. It'll help you keep your eyes on the goal. I'm just starting to work as a writer nowadays, and I have to tell you that, if you truly and deeply love writing, it's the greatest job in the world.
Good luck. Write with questions, comments, insults, and plans. I'm at EmailGrady@aol.com
Angeleno,
Grady
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