Should you re-locate to Hollywood?

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. If you’re serious about acting and really want to become a professional actor, there should be a season where you prepare to come to Hollywood .  There should also be a season when you actually make the big move out to the City of the Angels, the movie-making capital of the world. Let's face it and get down to the nitty-gritty.  If you ever want to make it as a successful, consistent working professional actor, you must eventually re-locate to Los Angeles.  However, it may not be time for you to make that move just yet.  Yes, there may be some acting work in your local town or city or maybe you had the opportunity to do some “extra”  or “background” work in your town already.  That’s great but I must let you know that 95% of all film and television productions are shot and produced in Los Angeles.  So what’s that tell ya?  Not to mention that all of the major studios are headquartered in L.A., all the top agents are in L.A. and 99.9% of all sit-com TV shows are right here in Hollywood.  I wouldn’t advise you get your plane ticket just yet though. Yes, I know, plane tickets are A LOT cheaper now but is it your “season” to move out here yet?

Take Your Time, There’s No Rush

Perhaps your specialty is theater? Ah, then New York is definitely the place.  Wherever you decide to go, just know that there is no rush.  Hollywood isn’t going anywhere and as long as there are people in this world, there will always be a role for you to audition for.  The key thing you must do in order to fulfill your dream of becoming a successful actor is to plan everything out. Start writing your goals down. Yes, remember I said there was a time and a season for everything?  You’ve got to thoroughly plan ahead.  Scope out your territory.  Perhaps a short visit to L.A. may be the thing for you.  Or perhaps you’re already in Hollywood and are struggling.  We’ll that’s a whole new article so stick around and bookmark The Actor’s Portal Page and I’ll help you out as much as I can.  Anyway, you don’t want to rush into something that you’re not totally sure of.  You actually don’t want to rush at all.  You want to KNOW EVERYTHING you’re getting into BEFORE you make that move. Reading this article is a great place to start.

I’ve “Been There and Done That” Many Times Before

I’ve been an actor for well over 20 years and I can tell you the gospel truth that you will be challenged and discouraged at times when you do finally make it out to Cali to pursue your acting career.  How do I know? I’m never one to brag…I just want to help you see what I already know and have seen over and over and over countless times.  Actors giving up...and way too soon. Who am I to tell you this?  No, I’m not some false acting guru.  There are actually many so-called acting gurus (especially on the Internet) who claim to know their stuff about the world of Hollywood and the "acting experience".  Well, the proof is in the pudding and here’s my proof Ross Video Resume.  That’s actually not all my work.  I have tons of other programs and movies I’ve done and don’t even have myself.  In fact there are TV series and programs I’ve done and have never even SEEN before.  My acting video resume was compiled from me looking through my garage for video tapes my friends recorded for me. I must repeat, I AM NOT trying to brag.  Actually, if I had any EGO, I certainly wouldn't be looking in my garage for old tapes of my work.  My work would be on gold-plated shelves, lol.  I just wanted you to see that I’ve experienced a lot and want you to be prepared before you come here, that’s all.  I am an honest, God-fearing man who has hopes and dreams myself and acting is NOT one of them.  I do feel it sort of a "calling" of mine now to help those who have little to no knowledge about the acting business.  I feel I have a mandate to guide those who just don't know the business like I do.  I don't care if you're only 14 years old.  I want you to know everything you can about the business.

Overcome the Challenges and You’re A Success!

You may want an Oscar or Emmy or Tony.  You may want to make a lot of money or just be famous.  All of that is great if it comes.  However, if those are your only goals, you have a good chance of coming up short.  I’m gonna teach you how to change your focus a little so that your mindset and strategy is a bit different than the average "would-be" actor.  If I was to ask you why you want to become an actor and you tell me, “Because I want to be famous!”, you're either in middle-school, 14 years old or a little older and ignorant of the business. I certainly wish not to hurt your feelings with that statement. Hey, don’t worry, if you're 13, 14, 15 or whatever age you may be, you can still accomplish your goals by learning some basic knowledge of the business.  I will share it all with you.  Stay “tuned” for more articles on this subject.