Hi, It's been my life's dream to work in the entertainment industry. It finally dawned on me that the only way to do it was to do it. I took everything that I had left and moved to Burbank. Now I plan to practice my craft in TV and Screenwriting.
Introduce Yourself : I Made the Leap! by Gregory Q. Jenkins
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Nothing beats an effort, but, a try!
The leap turned out to be a short one. Really tough to find a way to make a living while you practice your craft. Sadly, I had to move back to the East Coast. Maybe some day.
How long did you live in LA for?
Well unfortunately you can't be expected to immediately work in the industry and sell something right away. You should have stayed and made contacts and took some sort of job to hold you over. Just a piece of advice. I moved from Boston but made sure I had a full time job before doing so.
I was in Burbank for only 2 weeks. I had no expectations to make money from writing as I am a beginner and still need to hone my craft. I thought I had a job lined up. It did not pan out. Patience is not something I have any more. I feel my life and time slipping away and I am danger of not doing the things in life that I most wanted to do. Fortunately, I don't need to be hired by someone to write.
Sorry it didn't work out. I know as we get older, we feel like we have to rush to do the things we always wanted to do. Don't focus so much on time. Just do the best you can each day and it will pay off.
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I agree with Christine, things will take time, and building up connections is the right place to start. Luckily, there are plenty of competitions you can enter and contacts you can make online. Good luck with continuing your craft, I wish you all the best!
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Thanks everyone. Best of luck to all of you as well.
Gregory, those of us in this discussion recognized the need to have a day job while pursuing our craft. As with me, I maintained a part-time job with the flexibility to get a union job, once called for an audition or getting hired to do a commercial or a role. I waited tables, a janitor to keep wash rooms clean, worked Security, Dispatched cabs and drove town car and limousines to pay for my $20K tuition to attend Estelle Harmon's Workshop, where I received my MFA in 1979. Participated as an Actors in Master Thesis Films at AFI, USC and UCLA, as my training ground and private coaching. So, being a student was always my first priority and I learn something new everyday. This is a brutal industry and only the strong survive. Ageism does not exist in our profession, as the reason I keep going is that this is not being a one hit wonder and only getting my 15 minutes in the sun, but, rather a mindset that I will bop until I drop. So, young man follow the lead and advice from my colleagues to always move you forward. But, if you decide to give up then you have destroyed your dreams and aspirations to pursue you craft while always concentrating on your Art, as this is about longevity and never say die! Peace Out my Brother and always remember the Blessings always come first! YOLO!
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Hi Gregory, Andrea Park here from Thursday nights! I'm reaching out. I would love to play my game show, SENSE OR NONSENSE on your podcast. Any interest in hosting a game night?
Awesome, Gregory! Courage is the most noble of all human emotions. Go for it!
Hi Andrea. I’m so sorry. I just saw your comment regarding the possibility of hosting a game night on my podcast. I’d like to discuss further.
Hi Gregory - I hope you are well. Yes, I would love to talk. Please reach out to me when convenient. My email is apark@parkplacesolutions.com. Also, still sending good vibes for your family. Best, Andrea