HOW TO MOVE TO LA AND BECOME AN ACTOR | 10 Los Angeles acting tips
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ย. 2024
- THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE on how to move to Los Angeles to become an actor. From finding the best place to live to whether or not to hold the script in your hand during an audition, I go over it all! I also talk about whether or not you should join SAG/AFTRA and how to do it. I even go over the best casting websites to use and how to self-submit on roles so that you can audition in Hollywood.
The "How to be an Actor in Hollywood" GOOGLE DOC: willwestwater....
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INDEX:
10. 00:59 Do you need a car in LA?
9. 02:18 What's the best place for an actor to live?
8. 03:52 Your headshot, reel and resume
7. 06:07 Casting profiles (Actors' Access, LA Casting, backstage etc.)
6. 08:08 Auditioning tips and self tapes
5. 15:50 Getting an agent or manager (talent agency)
4. 17:05 Joining SAG/AFTRA
3.19:29 What classes to take, coaching & acting workshops
2. 20:20 Side Gigs
1. 21:12 Making your own stuff and hustling.
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Will Westwater 2018
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cbs stanislavski bumble bee meisner film courage actors access
Are the auditions back in person or are you having more self-tapes? I am trying to decide if I need to live in the LA area or will it be alright to live a bit further since most auditions now-a-days are self tapes? Thank you!
Hey there good question! It’s OK to live a bit further away; almost 100% of my casting is still remote (self tapes). I’ve moved since this video to a location further away from the city, and it’s all good!
Thank you Will!
@@WillyDubz are these auditions for real roles? or just commercial tv auditions or extra roles or are they serious roles you do?
I think it must become very tedious for you or anyone living outside of LA for something very small that only generate 100 dollar but take you whole day to get into LA and back next day being an extra in the middle of the night for a tv series and it later led you nowhere...
I been to more than 400 auditions now and so many never led me anywhere, and for those jobs I got only a few felt like it was a good connection for the future, but so small roles, often not a chance to speak even, though interacting with the main character in some way...
but my question to you is, - how to stop getting into the wrong auditions that will not help you anywhere?
without an agent, what do you do?
I am a Swede by the way...
Love your channel , just found it yesterday!
I understand everyone comes from different backgrounds and have different expectations, and different abilities of course of how well one can act or not.
I guess I am ambitious and been through so many small acting jobs that I am reflecting this period in life of how to think and act differently about where one best look for serious auditions and who one shall best interact with so to step up on ones dreams and not keep repeating what is not working.....
hope you see my point, I been studying at Atlantic Acting School in New York City ... Am thinking of planning to go to LA....
so, want to see how people approach it the right way and take this seriously.
have a good week!
i have absolutely no fucking idea what i'm doing but i've fallen in love with acting so thank youuuu!!!
Woooooow lovely
GO FOR IT!!! GOD gave you this talent and HE will help you succeed and you owe HIM nothing except to do your best and be brilliant and HE will help you do it!!!
@Achievement Junkies Ive always wanted to visit there! Thank you!!!
@@janellerollins5893 thank you so much Janelle! Im always praying 😊🙏🏼 extra roles now, leads later 🥰
@@marraragon7533 Amen
You NEED a car! My agency sent me out to LA for 2 months and I spent more money on Ubers than I made from modeling.
How about public transport?
@@fk8395 public transport is really bad in LA:(
Auditions can usually be done on public transit but once you're booked you might have a 7AM call time in Santa Clarita and if you're living in Burbank or Hollywood that's going to be tough. You really do need a car unless you're self booking with no agent and look VERY carefully at every single casting notice.
Great video! Moving to LA from Miami in a couple months and this was very helpful!!
Aww your so pretty too!! I can see why you're a model! Keep going sis! 💜💜
Out of everything I’ve watched for advice, this is by far the best. Straight to the point, answers all the questions and great advice. Love this.
Jodi Lyn Richardson thank you for such a nice comment. I’m glad it helped! I’m working on more stuff!
TheWillyDubz excellent. Thank you
Me: lives in England :)
Also me: *moving* *to* *America* *in* *when* *im* *18* :)
And maybe learn english?
Leo No lol
same
emily lawrenson good luck with a visa...
@@hamzie3828 ik they are pretty hard to get
Me: * gets anxiety just thinking about all this * haha its so overwhelming but one step at a time i believe everything is possible with hard work and passion! #followyourdreams
Of course, if it doesn’t scare you it’s not a dream big enough, it’s not worthy!
Omg I Feel The Same Way !
❤
fucking loved this. thank you so much for taking the time to make this!
Alwayshungry hell yeah no problem! Stay hungry!
Ikr
I’m 14 from England and I know there are so many people going into this industry but I will make it I promise you! Not one day but day one
There is no country called it's United kingdom
@@cani5761 huh? There is a country called England! 🙄😂
@@sophiaoram_ what about visa
Honestly one of the best videos about the subject of moving to LA.
Xak Phane thank you for the love!
after chris pratt you would probably be a good starlord
YESSSS. DREAM ROLE. Pew pew!
I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING
eric jacquez lol like a throwback younger story of StarLord
eric jacquez tbh
I would love to play Night crawler or miles Morales in Spiderman.
I moved to Los Angeles back in July of last year. I watched your video one of the first weeks after I moved out here and I just wanted to personally thank you! I have booked a bunch of things on casting network over the past year and other sites and I now qualify for SAG (haven’t even hit the year mark yet) I am hoping you are getting all the good karma/blessings because you truly deserve it for making this video and helping others who truly have no idea where to begin. Thank You❤️
Awesome! I am so happy it helps. YOU did the work. Way to go!
My dude, thank you for sharing. Taking classes in the ATL at 53 is a humbling experience, have no freaking idea where im going, but I love the journey
jack salem it’s also extremely inspiring! Thank you for this comment! 🙏🏼 and best of luck!
Me too I'm 56 and ready
Oh wow. And I thought I was late! I'm turning 24 soon yikes!
@@fk8395 I have the spirit of a 24 year old..lol
It's never too late
Faith Carol bruh 24 is so young
I've been watching many TH-cam videos and listening to podcasts for tips on becoming an actor. This video is seriously my holy grail! The way you break it down and even provide resources is awesome. You are really giving out useful information and advice, thank you for making this!!
Plus Size Millennial you just made my morning! Happy it helps.
Totally agree with you girl, this guy IS THE BEEST
I plan on moving to LA soon to become one of the biggest actors in history.
Edit: thank you everyone I honestly appreciate the positivity and support 💜
Edit edit: I’d greatly appreciate if y’all just checked out my channel and leave a comment on my acting videos and subscribe 💜 thank you everyone
Headass
you got this!
Headass thing was a joke. keep on trying
I appreciate it lol
Hope you make it!!!
You have no idea how much I needed this! I’m 17 years old living in a town where acting and movies/tv shows are unheard of. I live in the UK too so my plan is to move to LA by the time I’m 20 and that’s all I know. I have no idea how I’ll become an actor I’ve never had experience in acting (school plays when I was 5) and I’m scared to think about failing. It’s not an option. I appreciate this video so much because I’m only just now really serious about this ‘dream’ of mine and I’m researching how I can make this work. I hope I can achieve this goal of mine primarily to prove to myself and those who have never really believed in me, but I know it isn’t an overnight thing. I also hope everyone else with this dream can make it and I hope to see some of you alongside me at the top❤️
I literally have the same situation as you bro. 20 years old lives in Turkey, a boy from Afghanistan actually... where acting is not only such thing but also looked down upon. I finally made it to Turkey and I'm going to start working and saving money so that i can make it to LA and be one of the greatest actors of this time.
Don't ever stop believing in yourself and one day we WILL make it. 😊
7ay sal see you on the other side bro❤️
Ben Saunders Same! I’m 15 and I live in Cyprus where acting is no such thing. I will try theater and my main concern is that I’m too late or I’m not talented 🤷🏻♀️ I really want to move out at the age of 18 and head there and live in a van so won’t have to pay rent
@@alyagyzmova9252 Bro always remember that hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard enough.
Keep believing in yourself even if no one does and be sure we'll make it... 😁
let me know how it goes dude
Wow I never usually comment on videos but this was such GREAT advice. Just needed to say thank you 🙏🏻keep hustling.
Noelle Gabrielle thank you! Happy to help!
I need to do all my best cause I am a 12years Russia girl who wants to be a Hollywood actress. All Besides that I live in Russia, I live in a very small town. It will be very hard. But. I’ll go after my goal and I will do it.
Remember me😂👌🏿💪🏿
Don't forget about me when you're famous
Jose De Leon Hahahah ok I won’t😂
ill remember you sis, one day YOU WILL MAKE IT :)
Count your fans here
That is dream job for people
I have a tip for getting headshots for free!
If you or a family member has an iPhone 7+, IPhone 8+ or iPhone X use the portrait mode in the camera to take super good headshots. In this mode, it will focus on your face and blur out the background to make it look like a professional picture. Most the time they even look better than the professional ones🤷🏻♀️❤️
Cool, thank you
How to not get an audition 101
Not even close unless you have good editing skills. Best to invest in pro ones still unless they ask for a selfie style one.
No, absolutely not. Always get professional headshots. That faux depth of field from portrait mode can be spotted five miles away. Not to mention, there’s a certain style to entertainment headshots that these photographers specialize in.
Do NOT use an iPhone to try and imitate a real DSLR/DoF. It’s not professional.
This is everything; honest, friendly and concise. Congrats, and best of luck in your career!
Nadia Asencio thank you so much!
I've been on one heck of a journey. I did an audition for NYLA and out of 300 only 5 passed. I was in the top 5, but I had to pay this fee. My mom said you should never do acting gigs where they make you pay, but I really wanted to do it. My mom couldn't afford it and so I couldn't go. If I had paid, they would've made me move to L.A to be in their agency. It's been a year since I auditioned and I've been practicing and trying to improve my acting skills and dancing and singing just in case I'm in a musical one day. My bsf wants to be a famous fashion designer and she applied for an apprenticeship at Louis Vuitton and Prada. They both accepted her but she chose Prada. We want to become big celebrities together at the same time. We're both 16 turning 17 soon and we won't stop till we reach the top. We've both failed before, but we got back up and we're gonna keep trying. My name is Abbrienne Emerson (Abbie) and I'm white with brown hair. If you see me as a star one day just know that i made it!! Wish me luck!!
As a guy with barely any background in the industry, but wants to end up doing basically exactly what you're doing, I found this video wildly helpful and I can't thank you enough!
I came into this video expected half realistic points and half “if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere” “just don’t give up” bullshit but to my surprise, this was stupidly realistic and very well thought out. Every single point is valid and something everyone should take into account. Brilliant video and definitely going to subscribe!
Hope all the acting is working out for you and you get a massive break through soon. 👌🏼
Ethan 84 thanks man. I’m trying to keep it real. This industry can be glamorous no doubt, but it’s a whole lot of work and time. I don’t want people to get the wrong idea. 🤙🏼
These video makes me more comfortable ☺️
After making vids like these u realise that u are encouraging aloot of young actors to persue their dreams including me
I live in algeria i hope to win lotterie so i can come to usa and work for couple of years to make some money so i can moove to la to become an actor but thank you very much
Im waiting for your next video to watch and get more motivated
@sneaky stepdad yup i know but i hope ill win it anyway
I don’t know how right now but I trust In God I will start my acting career and never give up so that I can rise to success !!.
Dude, thank you. Planning a move to LA in the fall, and this really helped. Subscribed
Jenner Wilt that’s great to hear! Thanks for the kind words and break a leg!
Jenner Wilt not worth it lol
Jenner Wilt good luck
Have a positive attitude and grind hard with your career and you will be 👌
Hi how did moving go??
This is easily the best video on the topic I’ve ever seen
Rayo Mln thank you man. So happy it helps.
This really cleared up a lot for me, especially the SAG/AFTRA section. I was getting overwhelmed but am determined to go after my dreams. Thank you so much and good luck! hopefully you've come along way from 2018!
Awesome advice! I’m a non - union actor from NYC and I haven’t booked not even one extra job, it’s so hard. I’m currently living in NYC and watching your video about self tapes and other websites to find auditions is really helpful. I do know that I have to practice my craft, find improv classes or other classes work on my resume and self tapes and just have fun! I also have a side hustle as a chipotle crew and I also go to college, and trust me it ain’t easy! Thanks for the advice and sorry for the long comment I just felt like I had to comment about this.
DanixMarzz Thank you for the comment. This whole thing is hard. I get told “no” probably 80 to 100 times for any “yes” to happen. It’s weird and tough and rewarding all at the same time. Best of luck!
TheWillyDubz thx man!
Just to add. This dude has a Degree in theater from college. And a lot of production credits from theater shows. Meaning, training and starting with theater is a great way to get some practice and experience and build up ur resume before moving out to LA or hoping to be cast in Netflix or whatever the big dreams are.
I will be one of the greatest actors of this generation by 2025 mark my words.
Part of success is the failure. Dont resent or resist it; embrace it.
The Cinema Fiction same
What year are you born in?
Me too hun 🙏🏻🙏🏻
i wish you all the luck in the world. i want to pursue my career in acting and become a fashion designer so ill make it too mArk my words
Your headshot 😍😍😍
Really good information! Best of luck with everything.
Thanks! Happy I could help.
This is by far the best resource on the subject matter available online. Great job mate.
jwjvl thanks man! Happy it helps.
@@WillyDubz following you on IG too!
Im so gassed someone made a video on this. Its actually so important to understand all of the details of becoming an actor.❤
I don't know how I got to your channel, but this is one of the best videos on TH-cam. It was extremely informative and made me consider taking acting lessons in the future. Great job!
Michelle Grant thank you for this lovely comment!
You have such a pleasant voice! And personality!! Amazing advice and it had me binging like all of your videos lmao I also subbed! I’m excited to see more from you
Thank you Shonna!
Hey buddy..I was really confused how to startup my acting career after I finish my acting course..I was not aware that there is so many things to do to startup...a very big thank you for giving knowledge...Lov from India 🇮🇳
What a great video. I subscribed immediately, I'm a video producer in London. I moved here and had no tips or tricks, so I had to figure out everything myself. But now I'm rolling, still hustling. Great content, nice structure. I wish you luck with your career!
Pretty spot-on information! Our family moved to LA 2 years ago for us to become actors. And we had to learn how to do this from scratch! Wish we saw this sooner :).
I wish i saw this video when i first looked into the industry 15 years ago. Times have changed and it's nice to see wonderful resources such as this. thankful for people and videos like yours!
This is literally what I was looking thanks to much!
Cayla Rivera :)
Man, this is so informative! Thank you so much, I hope to meet you someday! Cheers!
Luke Hayes Happy to help friend!
Great advice! Concise, but detailed. Thank you so much. :) Goodluck to everyone else here looking to be actors!
The Reel Virginia 😀thanks for your nice words!
This is awesome. Thank you. I sent this to my brother when he was moving and it helped him alot. Fast forward years later and he is now a working actor. Big ups, respect Mr. Will.
Just what I was looking for! Planning on moving to LA the beginning of next year! Thank you for the tips! GREAT VIDEO!
Yetlanezi Rodriguez 🙏🏼thank you!
Wow...I am from Holland and actually think about moving out to La in the near future but had no idea how the world of acting works in LA. That Sag/Afra section was something that I had no idea of. In holland they don't work with unions. Now it seems it is really important to know that stuff. So thanks for opening up about this!
That video was amazing! I’m moving to LA in Dec to help support my partner in the quest to become an actor. Thank you for taking the time and for being so thoughtful to help others in this career challenge. Every detail you touched on answered every question we had. Thanks man. And good luck in your future too.
K C Happy it helps. Thanks for the comment!
Thank you for this! I’m moving to Los Angeles later this year to pursue acting. This has by far been the best video I’ve seen. Thank you again
Armando Benton thanks Armando! Good luck, work hard and be patient.
Hey how is it going ?
I wanna do that too
But I’m scared
great all-encompassing video .. I've been here almost 3 years now and am finally ready to start pursuing my craft
I come back to this video to get myself the courage and knowledge on how to make this move. Thank you.
Hi Will, thank you so much for this. I just got a B.A in Theatre from Sacramento. I keep thinking about moving to L.A to act in films and shows, but I'm afraid. I appreciate you sharing your advice to help fellow artists
bout to binge watch your channel; thank you for making these, they’re the only ones that have been genuinely helpful :))
Spot on with all the advice about acting!! Making the move to la next year and thanks for helping!
Cory Griffith no problem! Break a leg!
Man I can't even tell you how many times I've watched this video. It is the most helpful video I have found on moving to L.A. and acting. I have wanted to come out there as Long as I can remember and am finally putting a plan together to make it happen. This and all of your other videos are the best and most informative around, I hope you keep making them.
I don't often comment on TH-cam, but that was a really well thought out video, and you spoke about a lot of practical stuff that others don't talk about. Awesome job.
I’m from NYC and I absolutely love LA when I visited . So similar yet soooo different .
Thanks so much for this video! I'm planning on moving to LA in the fall to pursue acting, and the info you provide in this video is awesome. You the man
Crixus89 thank YOU for the comment and I do hope it helps!
That’s my dream too 😆
Move outside of LA the traffic here is already congested
This is probably the most helpful video about moving to LA to pursue acting. Very good information and it was not extremely long. I’ll probably refer back to this when I officially move this summer. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for this video! I'm moving to LA in a couple of weeks and this was a very well rounded list of tips to help Actors like me make it. GOD bless!
"Amine Boughanmi" gonna be an international actor. You re gonna see ❤
Let's all be, friend
Most real and positive video of information. Thank you so much! I really hope you get a big break soon 💪🏽
This is literally the most helpful resource in all of the internet. THANK YOU
Honestly this is such a great video, amazing job!
There was so much information packed in this one little video that I actually had to just bookmark it instead of taking notes. You're amazing, thank you.
Waw, this video was extremely helpful and it made me know what to do and expect, thanks a lot man !
this is so informative, i love the fact that you said you will audition SO much and to kind of just have fun with it because if you don’t, what you love (hopefully acting in this case) will start becoming even more stressful. this was a great and informative video, thank you! 😊
This video was so helpful and informative. I’m thankful that I found this video it’s a blessing! I’m gonna try and take all the advice
Your positivity within speaking about moving to LA & becoming an actor is everything!! Motivates me even more, thanks 🙏🏽.
You make this seem a lot less stressful than it needs to be. Thank you!
Michael Navarro no problem!
Suing for sexual harassment..emotional damages
Can we all take a second and thank this man on saving us time & MONEY THANKS 😊
This has been one of the most helpful videos! Keep doing what you're doing 💕
Sydney Jones Glad you liked it! Will do!
I'm so glad I came across this video. Thank you so much Will. Hopefully I'll see you in LA soon!
Thank you for this smart, concise, and helpful video. I am returning to LA after a long hiatus and the business is a different animal lmao...huge learning curve but u made sense of it. Big help...
Elizabeth Ann Gardner happy to help! Thanks for the nice words!
Thanks so much for this clear video. This is the path my teen wants to take and as a parent it's reassuring to hear the steps and reality in your positive and balanced video. Thank you!
I’m so happy it helps all these years later!
Wow. This helped me so much. Thanks for sharing!
Corrine Wright Anytime!
I have absolutely no interest in becoming an actor but your videos are so interesting i cant stop watching. Thanks brother!
i want to be an actor in a netflix movie/show
Rose Lee u add me in it please
Rose Lee me too please
Rose Lee heyy that sounds amazing can I be a part of it please? If it's on Instagram mine is @pooja.kunaparaju
Rose Lee bro add meee my insta is elliexbowlin
Rose Lee wow sounds amazing. Can you add me too? My ig: bl.iay
These videos are not usually helpful for me, but this is an exception! Thank you for all of this great information. I will definitely be referring back to this when I start acting.
I’m moving this year no cap remember my name one day ima come back to this comment
Djdu Djiddj yooo lets make shit happen
@arranckar me too! I dont know how I'll save up money
update?
Did you make it?
Your video was like help sent from heaven to me. I had so many doubts about persuing a career in acting and know i don't. You help me realize that acting is like any other job. You just have to put alot more effort to it. Now it's harder for me to understand how people dare to call the arts and easy job and not a real profession when artist tend to be very self-sufficient and self-taught people. Thank you so much for your advise. I hope you the best of luck and success with your career and personal goals. Keep hustling Bro!
Thank you so much for this vid!!! Definitely one of the most informative out there and has given me a great guideline to prep myself for LA in couple of years. I'm moving there from Europe and it's quite daunting. Thank you again. keep it up :)
I’ve always wanted to be a director but now I’m thinking of being an actor. I’m almost out of high school, so as soon as I graduate I was planning on moving to LA. You gave me amazing advice. Thank you!😁
Wow, solid advice! Thank you so much for doing this 🙌 Also- you kind of look like Chris Evans!! I saw the shield and you called your dog Captain, so I may be persuaded into thinking that... but I definitely see it!😆
Autumn Wyatt not gonna lie I’m a fan of Captain America! Thanks!
such great audition tips, best I've seen anywhere
Definitely helpful 💯💯 some things that were uncertain prior knowledge to me were confirmed, but ALOT of it was new information as well. I wish you the very best in your acting career , tysm ❤
Hey !!! I’m from India and I’m planning to move to LA for making an acting career. I obviously have no idea about how things happen there. After watching your video I surely know a lot . I’m going to work on all of this one by one. And be prepared before I move there. It’s scary but a feeling inside me tells me to do it.
Same Plan I wanna be an actor in hollywood and in future i try to move to 🇺🇲 America from India🇮🇳 after watching stranger things I definitely sure there is more career than India🇮🇳
Here are the exact prices for casting websites in 2019:
Actors Access: $68
Backstage: $149.95 (I got mines 50% off on Black Friday last year)
LA Casting: $194.50 (for the first year because of set up fee)
IMDb Pro: $149.99
Casting Frontier: $95.99 (for Premium Plus)
Total:$658.43
I already have Backstage and I did have IMDb Pro but I haven't renewed it yet. I'm probably going to get Actors Access next, maybe get Casting Frontier, then i'll work my way up to LA Casting (you get la casting for free if you have an agent...)
Sara Miles thanks for the updated prices!
@@WillyDubz just trying to help out😊
I live in K-town, I have a car, and I am 19 and I’m not anxious at all 🙅🏽♂️ I just need to really start doing this .. Awesome 👏🏽 video
This video was well done and I am so happy that I found your page. Thank you for sharing!!!
Channelle Bea I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for the sub!
Intercutting B roll from Runyon is spot on for this content
Great job on this! Great tips and motivating as well. Keep it up!
One of the best videos I’ve seen on this app! 🥳
I'm 5'11 and 11/12ths.... 6 foot with my shoes on. That's been my line for years. Cheers!
Harold Dennis that’s awesome haha
I’m going to book a job this week, hopefully! I just moved here as well and I know no one but let’s see. Thanks for the great advice!
Break legs!
Wow what an amazingly done and informative video! I was looking for exactly this. Thank you!
Mariam of course! Thanks for the comment!
awesome and clear description of the basic gear, good work man!
Amazing thoughts about the art of acting and I am really pleased and appreriace the effort put into this video. Thank you. :)
I've been a professional actor for 35 years and I don't live and work in LA. :) A lot of people become actors before relocating to LA or New York to seek work in the Business. :) I've been a trained playwright/author and Director for 25 years too. :) I completed Martin Scorsese's filmmaking class recently and am an indie filmmaker and a musician. To let you know everyone who makes a commitment to our career and passions isn't a beginner. :)
You and Bradley Cooper have the same voice