10 Things You Need To Know About Background Acting in LA

1. To register at a casting agency you will need a valid state issued ID and a social security card. It does not need to be a California ID.
2. You do not have to be beautiful.
3. Casting directors look for specific types, ages and weights, therefore everyone has a chance to work.
4. If you do not show up on time and behave professionally while on set you will be fired.
5. You will be hired more often if you have a skill. Learn how to skate, juggle or do yoga. Casting directors look for people who have real talents.
6. You will need your own wardrobe to be cast. Background actors wear their own clothes and are often asked to submit pictures of themselves in the desired type of outfit in order to be considered.
7. You can be a background actor because you own a car. They cast some people based on what types of cars they drive. They typically do not use red, white or black cars.
8. You don't have to spend any money to register to be a background actor.
9. You can be a background actor if you don't have transportation. The public transportation system allows you to travel freely here.
10. Background acting is a great way to network with other actors, agents and photographers.

Fake People In LA

When I arrived in Los Angeles, I was told time and time again that most people here are nice and fake. While I was surprised by just how laid back people are, no one gets too upset and no one is overtly rude, I have not witnessed any violence or even harsh words. Over time I was able to understand what those initial warnings meant.

The entertainment industry here is wrought with people who are looking to see how they can climb the ladder of success. In order to become gainfully employed, you need to be likeable, have a great work ethic and be willing to do anything your boss asks of you.

This is where the fakeness comes in. You will find people who are smiling even though they hate the world. You'll find people who will agree to be friends with you, not because they like you, but because they believe knowing you will help them to prosper.

There is also a concept that I learned about called mirroring. Someone who is interested in gaining your approval will mirror your style, interests, speech patterns and activities. I saw this first hand when one of my roommates was having a conversation with another roommate and he pretended to like a certain cartoon so they would have something in common.

One man I met who works for a production company told me, "Success here is 20% talent and work ethic and 80% kissing ass and making sure everyone likes you."

The benefits of being fake in LA is you'll be gainfully employed longer and will get to work on awesome projects. The drawbacks of being fake in LA is you will be easily forgotten as a follower and you won't be respected as a leader if you don't have a firm opinion to share.

Preparing To Move To Los Angeles

Before I moved to LA I prepared as much as I could. I wasn't going to let something like- say- not having any money or a job or a place to stay deter me. Come on, life is an adventure and sometimes you have to jump in.

Take a  look at the videos I made as I mentally prepared for this relocation.

 

Here are the first 10 Episodes

Episode 1


Episode 2


Episode 3


Episode 4


Episode 5


Episode 6


Episode 7


Episode 8


Episode 9


Episode 10


View the documentary in REAL TIME on www.youtube.com/embraceyourfantasy

How To Find Cheap Housing In LA

Los Angeles, ahh, the city of dreams. Every other street corner is nationally recognizable by name and you'll feel like the star you are when you walk down Wilshire or drive by Rodeo Drive.

Unfortunately, actually finding a place to live in LA is not as appealing. Due to the extreme cost of living it is rare to find someone who lives alone in a spacious apartment.  have moved 5 times in 3 months and I still haven't found my ideal place yet, but I am surviving.

Here are the 3 BEST ways to find a cheap place to live in LA.

Couch Surfing
There are loads of people in LA who are signed up with Couch Surfing, an online community that allows travelers to be hosted for free in the city that they plan to visit. Before I moved here I met an awesome woman by the name of Ariel who agreed to allow me to sleep on her couch for a week while I looked for a place to live.

 

Shared Housing
The shared housing concept is abundant in LA. There are entire management companies dedicated to providing this accommodation to transplants. Shared housing is very much like a hostel in that you rent a bunk bed and live in a house with around 20 other people. The difference between a hostel and shared housing is shared housing is rented month to month while hostels are for shorter stays and may be restricted to international travelers. You will pay from $325 a month to $550 a month for this type of housing.

You'll find these ads on Craigslist under shared housing. You'll meet lots of other people who are new to the city like you are and you'll be able to explore LA together.

24 Hour Spa
This is the most interesting way to find a comfortable place to sleep after moving to LA. There is a place called The Wi Spa on Wilshire that you can go to instead of a hotel. If you have a lot of luggage this place may not be for you because there is nowhere to store it but if you are traveling light with a couple of backpacks they offer a locker to keep your things.

The Wi Spa is a relaxing luxurious environment and yes, it is a Korean spa. You can take a hot shower, jump in the jacuzzi, sit in the sauna and relax on the rooftop deck. They have free computers and a restaurant on the premises. They also have sleeping rooms where you can lay down a mat and sleep for as long as you want in peace and quiet.

The only problem is, you can not LIVE there. You have to check out each day and can return the next day. Depending on when you arrive, you may find that the price is only $15. I used this option when I needed a break from my noisy roommates.

When you arrive bring as little with you as possible to make this transition easier! You can do this!

Moving To LA

After moving to LA 5 months ago, I can tell you it's been quite an adventure. The highs and lows of surviving in this city will astound you if you're thinking about making the same journey.

Most people move to LA to involve themselves in the entertainment industry in some form. In fact, I've met people from around the world who have moved here to find their big break. The most beautiful people, the leaders of every group, the movers and shakers of the world all flock to this city to be noticed.

If everyone here is multi talented, how do you stand out in the crowd? I'll teach you. I'll teach you from start to finish. I'll show you an inside look at how I survived and how I support myself while I'm going after my goals.

Get ready to be informed and inspired! If you are an artist and you possess the Artists Might, you too can make it here and be seen!

Kenya Robinson Eats a Cracker In The Kitchen

(Photo credit 16 miles)

Kenya Robinson eats a cracker in The Kitchen

Website Publisher Becomes Homeless To Teach Readers A Life Lesson

Te-Erika Patterson, the publisher of My Savvy Sisters.Com will become homeless to teach women to overcome their fear of failure.