No matter where you are from, Hollywood is a long way from home. Check out all of the tips below as you are thinking about the move. Too many people pack up and run home months after they arriver here. Make sure you are ready to really get settled before you make the move.

As you are considering the move, think about why you want to head out to Hollywood. Read Jan Batchler's article on Why Not to Come to Hollywood. Also check out the "Am I Called to Hollywood?" article by Shun Lee Fong. Life out here is tough. But if you know you are supposed to be here, it is all worth it. So spend some time anaylizing why you are coming.

Lastly, Get PRAYED UP! Join the Hollywood Prayer Network and get prayed for through their I to I prayer partnerships. You will be matched with a prayer warrior who will pray for you, as you begin the process of beginning a new life here in the Industry!

 

1. Line up housing. If you need to look for a while after you arrive, have a place set BEFORE you come where you can stay for a few weeks or a couple of months to begin the process of finding a place to live. You can also visit our Classifieds for more listings.

2. Have money saved up. Life in Los Angeles is expensive.

• You will need at least $2,000.00 for car registration, insurance and apartment rental deposits.

• Figure out what your normal monthy expenses will be and plan on bringing at least three months of money with you. There is a lot of competition for relatively few industry jobs. Many people spend months trying to secure even entry-level employment. (If you end up living in one of the more desirable areas in the LA area you can expect to spend from $700 to 900 for a bachelor apartment and anywhere from $900 to $1,200 for a one bedroom -- sometimes even more. Water is usually included with an apartment, thus you will need to pay for electricity, gas, a phone, etc. yourself. On average you'll probably spend around $40/month for electricity (not including air conditioning), $15 a month for gas, $40 for a regular phone, and $20 to 45 a month for Internet depending on connection speed.)

• Think twice about coming if you have large debt – If you have a large debt, we recommend waiting and paying off as much of your outstanding debt BEFORE moving to Los Angeles. Otherwise, because of the high cost of living and the unstable freelance nature of the Arts and Entertainment industry, those with high debt spend the first few years of life in Los Angeles in “survival mode” with no time to pursue their “Calling”

3. Do a Vision Trip – Come visit Los Angeles BEFORE you move.

• Meet your contacts, visit places to live, get a geographical layout of the land, etc., and most of all…know what you are getting into!
• Visit as many of the Entertainment ministries and Churches as possible to meet Christians in the Industry. Through the body of Christ God provides a wealth of resources and connections.

4. Be sure to have a vehicle when you arrive. Los Angeles transit system is fair but is not exhaustive in its routes. For more on LA transportation check out the "Getting Around" section.

5. Sign up for the next Hollywood Connect Orientation Session.