my epic, self-indulgent thoughts on LA--
jamie and i moved here in January of 2002. we are in our second apartment. we got the first one through Westside rentals who aren't amazing, but as monopolies go, they're pretty responsible and reliable. the apartment had black mold and really thin walls. oh, that's something. these buildings are naturally not built for winter, and as such you can often hear your neighbors. very clearly. we had upstairs neighbors who fucked and listened to Marilyn Manson at all hours and at remarkable volume. i went upstairs to complain one time and i wore my Sonic Youth shirt so the guy wouldn't think i was some square who didn't get the kids. that's right. i wore a ten year old sonic youth shirt to prove my hipness. I AM AN IDIOT.
rents are cheaper. cars are mandatory. i didn't even know how to drive when I moved here and jamie in her infinite patience chauffered me around. i also took the bus a lot. but you need the independence that a car will give you. the subway is clean and lovely but does not go to the following neighborhoods: Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Century City, Culver City, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Van Nuys, you get the picture. Let me make this clear: YOU CAN NOT RELY ON THE SUBWAY FOR AUDITIONS. the bus is a crap shoot, too, but at least it goes to more destinations.
Should you also need to learn how to drive (why, John? We're not idiots like you.) try Melrose Driving School. Ask for Luis. His patience is exceeded only by his pedagogical skill.
don't get a $1500 muscle car. the engine will always need work and will be murder to get serviced and will end up costing you forever. I know, I know, you want a 65 mustang with fins. we all do. spend 10 grand on a used Honda and it will never let you down.
Andy mentioned the area around the El Capitan. We're near that. The foothills are lovely -- the flat part, south of Hollywood blvd, is hit or miss. some nice blocks, some really desolate ones. but you can walk around a little bit. ditto Echo Park. ditto silverlake. ditto Los Feliz. ditto the really hasidic part of Beverly Hills (around Pico and Robertson) although good luck trying to get a sandwich after sundown.
don't expect to come here and just start auditioning. you're gonna need an agent. once you have an agent, things will open up like they never could in NY or chicago. but you need that agent. how to get an agent is for another thread, although one person shows always seem to help.
IO and Groundlings are apples and oranges. Groundlings takes MUCH longer to get through levels. Like, years.
the grocery stores and movie theaters are beautiful.
those are some thoughts. but as William Goldman once said "Nobody knows anything. especially not matt and ben."
rock over and out.
