Serious about screenwriting...relocate to L.A.?

[CLB44]

I was advised by an entertainment attorney that I should consider relocating to Los Angeles if I am truly serious about a screenwriting career (I currently reside in Atlanta). 8)

Any feedback?











"If you want something you've never had before...then do something you've never done before"

[JustinoXV]

Well, it depends on what stage of your career that you are in. If you have not finished your first script, it doesn't matter. However, if you have several scripts, then why not consider moving to LA?

The writers who are in LA can get industry jobs and internships that may give you the contacts to get repped or sold. Or, just by having those connections, you'll learn a lot more about the overall industry. So basically your attorney is right.

[JakeSchuster aka Ostroff]

Or, if you can afford it, be bicoastal. I knew a writer based on the Massachusetts coast who had (and still has) a lucrative career writing for features and TV. He has a place to stay in L.A. and, if he hears of a meeting for the next morning, he can hop on a plane in Boston and make it in time.

I think if you show that you have the flexibility to live this way it makes little difference to the people who'll hire you.

[filmcarver]

Jake is exactly correct.

I know three people with concrete careers who live in that way, but you definitely need to be able to be available in meeting season. Most of them spend a few weeks putting together the assignments and story meetings and such, and then vamoose back home for several weeks of writing/email/phone calls.

I think the point most are making is there is a point where you almost have to be in L.A. to become truly established, whether you take permanent residence or not.

[AvenueD]

That whirring sound is the electric can opener, gearing up for the worms...

[JakeSchuster aka Ostroff]

A friend of a friend offered me the use of an apartment within a house in the H'wood Hills whenever I'm in town. It gives me a base, shows the people I deal with that I'm serious, and then I can fly back and do the work here on the East Coast.