Hollywood: The Inside Scoop
by Hans Hernke | Edited by: Kacie M. Reagan

I moved to Burbank only a month ago, and I've learned so much already, even how different the industry is in California. I realized what
Hollywood is all about; it's all about you! I believe Hollywood was built specifically for people like the actors, and the actresses. This is our town; this is where we make our dreams come true. You are the one who makes yourself noticeable and marketable, and as you begin to do things the right way, you have more faith and confidence in not only your abilities but yourself as well. But, it all depends on how well you plan and research your move out to California. I did months of research before I moved to Burbank. Here are some of the following things I considered: 1. Where is the best place to live in Hollywood? 2. Who do I sign up with and who do I avoid? 3. How do I create a budget for living out here? 4. Should I get a job or just rely on myself to book my own work?

I believe one of the most important assets out here is how you look, if your 20 and you look 14, you will work a lot, and I mean almost everyday a week. You will work more if your non-union, but I recommend joining SAG before you move out here, just trust me on this one. Your pay is awesome; you wont even have to get a regular job if you feel you can book work almost week. I was stunned to see how many people were signing up with Central/Cenex Casting each week. If your interest is steady work, this is where you need to sign up. It is up to you to book your work though. During the past month, I've spent all day on the phone calling the hotlines for work until something came up that was workable for me. Sometimes the work was really slow, and sometimes it just poured in! To those actors and actresses who can afford it, get a calling service to book the work for you. It relieves the stress of calling those hotlines. However I check those hotlines numerous times just in case. I have told my calling service to book me on the jobs they didn't hear about on the hotlines. It is up to you to make the moves and the calls. Now the next thing that is important to you is your set etiquette. I'm sure everyone has heard about this, but I want to stress it again for people who are serious. A lot of things are done differently in California. They are very strict on talking to the actors, getting photographs with them, and the studio security has gotten tougher because of the September 11th attacks. Make sure you bring all the necessary items: wardrobe, your ID, Passport (if you have one), your Social Security Card (copies are not acceptable), and if you have one, your SAG card, and last but not least a good attitude. Do not complain about anything, even if it is something that you don't like, like the wardrobe they put on you. For instance, I worked on the WB show "Do Over," the casting director received a list of people that complained about the wardrobe they had to wear. They didn't look good on them. The show is set in the 1980's, the wardrobe was designed to help get into your character thus helping the actor to be more believable to both himself and the audience. Bottom line, keep it cool at all times, become well known with the urroundings on the set and the soundstages, make friends with the right people, especially the ADs, and make sure you keep in touch with them. Everyone you work with will always remember you and how you acted on set or around him or her. Your reputation is everything out here. Don't' put it on the line!

Speaking of friends, I have noticed in Hollywood, it can be very lonely. Almost everyone is busy on shoots, auditions or other jobs and have no time at all! Some people in this town are just down right flaky to. When they say they will call you, don't get your hopes up, more often then not, they wont call you. So you make sure you call them, just don't call them so much that it pisses them off. You don't want to piss anyone off here what so ever. Friends are your greatest allies out here.

Out of everything that I have told you, it simply boils down to you. Its up to you to make the moves, the calls, to do the research, to establish a reputation, and make yourself a marketable person in demand! Don't rely to much on others I have learned that some will bring you down. Keep the faith, keep dreaming, and stay focused and you will do great things.

Your friend in Burbank,

Hans Hernke
Edited by: Kacie M. Reagan