quade 4 #26 June 30, 2009 Quote I don't believe a visa is needed when you're a US citizen from PR. Unless, of course, he's not from PR. Wendy P. Neither am I. It's a territory, but I'm not sure what the deal is if you want to work. I know that pretty much nobody but the porn industry would probably even consider him unless he had all his work ducks in a row. You can't even register with Central Casting without proving you're legal to work. Now, if all he wants to do is sign up for an improv class, get on stage and say he's done improv in LA . . . that's a whole other matter. One of the things that does bother me though is he said "months." Normally people should give themselves "years" just to break into extra work. That's not to say that miracles don't happen, but months seems a bit short.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcobi2004 0 #27 June 30, 2009 I'm from PR, so I don't need a work visa"Fast is slow, slow is fast" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcobi2004 0 #28 June 30, 2009 Quote Quote I don't believe a visa is needed when you're a US citizen from PR. Unless, of course, he's not from PR. Wendy P. Neither am I. It's a territory, but I'm not sure what the deal is if you want to work. I know that pretty much nobody but the porn industry would probably even consider him unless he had all his work ducks in a row. You can't even register with Central Casting without proving you're legal to work. Now, if all he wants to do is sign up for an improv class, get on stage and say he's done improv in LA . . . that's a whole other matter. One of the things that does bother me though is he said "months." Normally people should give themselves "years" just to break into extra work. That's not to say that miracles don't happen, but months seems a bit short. ok, I'm sorry that it bothers you that I said months, but I've been planning this for a while, I've already done extra work in films that they've filmed here in Puerto Rico( including Rum Diaries with Johnny Depp). Obviously if I cant get there in months I'll get there in years, but my goal is to get there asap. Like I said, I'll need all the help I can get since I don't know anyone over in LA, and I do appreciate all the advice that you might have for me... good or bad"Fast is slow, slow is fast" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #29 June 30, 2009 Quote I'm from PR, so I don't need a work visa Awesome. Ok, make sure you BRING all the documentation necessary to get a "normal" job. Your very first step is going to be showing up at Central Casting in Burbank. http://www.centralcasting.org/LA/actors/registration.html This is one of the major extra casting agencies. It's the absolute bottom of the ladder, but it's where a LOT of people start. Along with that you're going to want to start taking classes and meeting people. Jobs in LA usually go to people other people know and have worked with before. At the same time, you also want to get some exposure and have some sort of showcase where people can come to see you. One thing I'd suggest is signing up for some improv or sketch comedy classes at places like Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade or Acme Comedy Theater. However, before signing up at any of them, go see their Friday and Saturday night shows. This will let you see what kind of work they're doing and let you become familiar with the neighborhoods in general. Depending on where you're actually going to be living, one may be better than the other just based on location. One word of caution would be that you're going to have to pay your dues at all of them. The competition is fierce and it may be 3 or 4 months just before you have paid enough at one facility to be part of a show on an off night.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #30 June 30, 2009 Quote ok, I'm sorry that it bothers you that I said months, but I've been planning this for a while, I've already done extra work in films that they've filmed here in Puerto Rico( including Rum Diaries with Johnny Depp). Obviously if I cant get there in months I'll get there in years, but my goal is to get there asap. No problem. I just thought you might have some very short time schedule that you wanted to do this in and then head back to PR. If your intent is to stay in LA as long as it takes, then just be aware it can take a lifetime just to go nowhere.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LisaH 0 #31 June 30, 2009 Why are you giving him such a hard time????Be yourself! MooOOooOoo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcobi2004 0 #32 June 30, 2009 Quote Quote ok, I'm sorry that it bothers you that I said months, but I've been planning this for a while, I've already done extra work in films that they've filmed here in Puerto Rico( including Rum Diaries with Johnny Depp). Obviously if I cant get there in months I'll get there in years, but my goal is to get there asap. No problem. I just thought you might have some very short time schedule that you wanted to do this in and then head back to PR. If your intent is to stay in LA as long as it takes, then just be aware it can take a lifetime just to go nowhere. I know, Trust me, I know, and yes, I know that its a long shot, odds are against me, I probably wont make it... but I'll be happier going over there and failing and knowing that I at least tried, than staying here in Puerto Rico for the rest of my life and getting a normal job while I watch the years of my life pass me by as I keep wondering "What if?". Like I said, I started this post just to get as much help as I can, even if its bad news or reality checks. And I'm willing to stay over there as long as it takes"Fast is slow, slow is fast" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #33 June 30, 2009 Quote Why are you giving him such a hard time???? Hard time? Have you ever tried to work in show business? What I'm doing here is NOT a hard time. This is simply cautionary.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LisaH 0 #34 June 30, 2009 Quote Quote Why are you giving him such a hard time???? Hard time? Have you ever tried to work in show business? This is NOT a hard time. This is simply cautionary. Live, explore, take risks, learn, fail or succeed. All dreams and goals must be pursued. Be yourself! MooOOooOoo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcobi2004 0 #35 June 30, 2009 Quote Quote Why are you giving him such a hard time???? Hard time? Have you ever tried to work in show business? What I'm doing here is NOT a hard time. This is simply cautionary. It may seem that he is, but he's not giving me a hard time, he's just being honest. And I know, I've worked in show business. Rejection is the norm. But, like I keep saying, all the help I can get I'll use for sure. And lisaH, believe me that I'll let you know when I'm on my way over there so you can welcome me "Fast is slow, slow is fast" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #36 June 30, 2009 Quote And lisaH, believe me that I'll let you know when I'm on my way over there so you can welcome me Bow-chicka-bow-wow.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,523 #37 June 30, 2009 Quote Quote Quote Why are you giving him such a hard time???? Hard time? Have you ever tried to work in show business? This is NOT a hard time. This is simply cautionary. Live, explore, take risks, learn, fail or succeed. All dreams and goals must be pursued. Yes, they should. But you need to take those risks, and follow those dreams with your eyes wide open. Understanding how much work is involved in succeeding is an important part of deciding whether or not to pursue that dream."There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LisaH 0 #38 June 30, 2009 Hard work is good for you. Be yourself! MooOOooOoo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcobi2004 0 #39 June 30, 2009 Quote Quote Quote Quote Why are you giving him such a hard time???? Hard time? Have you ever tried to work in show business? This is NOT a hard time. This is simply cautionary. Live, explore, take risks, learn, fail or succeed. All dreams and goals must be pursued. Yes, they should. But you need to take those risks, and follow those dreams with your eyes wide open. Understanding how much work is involved in succeeding is an important part of deciding whether or not to pursue that dream. Yes! I agree, and I know it's going to be uphill, but I don't care, I'm going to take the risk."Fast is slow, slow is fast" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #40 June 30, 2009 Quote Yes! I agree, and I know it's going to be uphill, but I don't care, I'm going to take the risk. And that's totally cool. People do it all the time. You already know you 100% absolutely need to have a "day" job to support yourself too. What typically happens is that at some point in the process people start making "enough" in their "day" job that going out on auditions becomes difficult in the equation and the question becomes, "Do I call in sick and go to this audition risking my day job or is it just not worth it any more?" It's a tough call to make. Now, I think you mentioned somewhere that you're thinking of working as a packer to make money. This might be an issue. The biggest issue is that NONE of the drop zones are closer than an hour and a half from LA on a GOOD day. This means if you're living in LA you have a hell of a commute to look forward to which, in LA is almost never a good thing. Conversely, if you're living at the DZ, going in for auditions will be equally horrible. The other thing is how quickly you'd be accepted in the packing community at the DZs. Usually there is one person at each DZ that is sort of the resident paid packer guy in charge. You'll want to find that guy and talk to him before just trying to set up shop. Otherwise, you could be in for a world of DZ politics (which you probably will be anyway).quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites