shifting base to hollywood

[paulson lang]

Hey all,
I am from asia and did a lot of digital intermediate stuff on resolve. I am planning to shift my base to Hollywood to put my own studio with resolve on mac. please give some suggestions for that. My focus is on digitally shot films.

Thanks
pl

[Alexander Ibrahim]

Make sure your reel is SHARP.

Get some work there first- any work you can manage.

Bring money.

L.A. is filled with tons of really well qualified competition for people doing what we do. Connections are as important as your skills and gear.

You need to spend time building those connections. Working on some low paying films - the kind you can't possibly make rent with - is the best way to start those connections.

So, my personal L.A. plan is to simply not go there without enough work or savings in hand to pay for a year of living there minimum. My actual goal is 18 months.

I've also toyed with the idea of doing the MFA at UCLA ... it keeps you in town for several years and working with lots of people who form a strong basis for your future connections, all without much earnings pressure.

Now, with any luck, this plan will be for nought and you'll get work fast. There's a lot of work to be had in LA.

Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

[paulson lang]

thanks for the rely. It is quite useful.

Pl

[Alexander Ibrahim]

Glad I could help.

[AnthonyFlores]

Also, I think it's helpful to have a good website and use plenty of networking and marketing avenues (even Craigslist can be useful -- though it can sometimes be shady, I realize) .... but I think marketing and getting your name out there is something many guys underestimate.

I have posted jobs (hiring DP's and DIT's) on various sites and got some really great responses. I wouldn't now because Reduser is such a better source of pros to hire, but still -- just something to think about.

And Ibrahim, I think you're right about having enough security -- it's the Mecca for film in LA, but also the fiercest competition. Also, cost of living is often higher than other areas -- it can be managed and kept down, but things can spin out of control ... especially with rising gas prices and all the driving/traffic that sometimes is inevitable.

PM me your guys info -- I'm in LA once in a while until I move back full time in September, after which I will be starting my own boutique studio mostly focused on our own marketing projects. But the reason I say PM me is that I may need DIT stuff at some times and it's helpful to know everyone I can :)

Anthony Flores