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At my college freshmen orientation, they lined up all of us young hopefuls and told us very bluntly to look at the student on our right... then look at the student on our left... and realize that "one of these people will not be here when you graduate. And, keep in mind, two people just looked at you."
Pretty profound, huh? Actually, mathematically speaking, it made no sense. Their equation basically eliminated everyone on line except the two people on either end, and even they only had a 50% chance of survival and prosperity.
Someone should do this in Hollywood. The odds sound about right.
We all know that the odds are stacked against making it in Hollywood. We know that, right? Maybe not. If we knew it, we wouldn't be here. This is the land of illusions, after all, and the first person we have to fool is ourself.
There is a documentary titled The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years about musicians struggling in Los Angeles amidst the late 80's music scene. There is a scene where the interviewer asks the magic question: "What will you do if you don't make it?" The answer was the same for everyone: "I'm going to make it."
That was a long time ago. They didn't make it.
Of all the hopefuls in that film, I can identify two of them - one who was in a band that recorded two albums, and one who became a friend of mine through another friend. I couldn't tell you where either of them are today. I couldn't tell you where most of the people I have met in L.A. are today.
So, what keeps people pouring in to Tinseltown day after day with stars in their eyes? Probably the same thing that keeps people buying lottery tickets. Forget about the fact that the odds of winning the lottery are about the same as being struck by lightning. Everyone figures it's gotta happen to someone, it might as well be me. Even a small return on the continued investment is enough fuel to keep hope alive. I'm sure if some psychologist were to do a case study comparing Hollywood hopefuls to gambling addicts he would find some amazing parallels.
This column will focus on the trials and tribulations of someone struggling in Hollywood, starting from the absolute bottom-level and working towards the goal of becoming a screenwriter. I feel like I've been through it all, and I hope my tales and speculations will both amuse and educate you as I put this town and its people into my own unique perspective. I also hope my stories will inspire those of you with true talent to continue on the path towards your Hollywood dreams... even if you feel like you're waiting to get struck by lightning while holding a winning lottery ticket.
Hi. I'm Sam... and I'm a writer.
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