Something I've learned over the years is that almost everyone in L.A. will tell you they're "in the business". Every bartender, server, driver, grocery clerk, and nanny wants to be an actress, producer, director, writer... you name it, they do it. The truth is that if they were any of those things then they wouldn't be serving me drinks. The people who actually work in Hollywood have a tendency to get out of L.A. and make their way to big festivals like Sundance, South By South West, and Toronto. This year I decided to make the journey to Tribeca in New York. I have to admit it was a little intimidating thinking about getting my way around the city at 3am, but a very good friend of mine recently told me the key to success is to get out of your comfort zone. I have to say it has been one of the best experiences I've had at a festival so far.
The entertainment business is a tough nut to crack. There's no clear picture on how to get work, when you do have work how to get the next job or keep the one you have going. At the end of the day, as with most things in life it's all about people, about building relationships and being an enjoyable person to work with. Of course also doing your job well. Like many artists there is a constant struggle with some kind of consistency and getting paid what you're worth, but if feels like festivals are a good start to meeting the people who can provide you with the connections we all need to start those relationships.