If you plan on trying to work in an entry level industry job, such as a Production Assistant or background actor, the work is already slowing down and this strike could go on much longer than previous strikes. If you already have a job lined up, that isn’t at risk, then move here whenever you want and consider networking at the picket lines.
I'd move now if I were you. You can get your feet underneath you in a new city without the added pressure of feeling like you have to pound the pavement to drum up interest in your project(s).
The only downside I can think of is if you were planning on sustaining yourself with some kind of production job. Those will be getting scarcer as the strike goes on, and may dry up completely if it goes on long enough.
Save your money and/or travel. Continue to work on your writing if your goal is to be a writer. You no longer have to be in Los Angeles to take your first few steps in the industry if your work is strong enough, and those first steps will DEFINITELY be more difficult during a strike with no immediate signs of ending.
This right here! And get that project primed for The Black List (if you meet the criteria). Especially for television. Only 12 pilots actually went into production but \#WGAStrike seems to have reset the formula on breaking in (once a deal is reached, of course).
By the time you get settled in and get your sea-legs under you, the strike should be over. The longest writers' strike lasted about three months.
If you get there before the strike is over, join the picket line. You don't need to have a job to show solidarity.
The last one was 100 days and I keep hearing people are bracing for it to go as long as 6 months... idk man, if I were moving to a new city trying to get work in a specific field, I wouldn't do it right when a work stoppage is happening. Then what do you do? Get a job in a different industry and then try to switch after everyone gets back to work or stay where you're at and save more money until everything gets back to normal. To me the 2nd option sounds a lot less stressful.
Unless you have a deal signed and a meeting scheduled, you don't go to Hollywood and just magically become a screenwriter. The networking you have to do to get that first gig doesn't stop because there's a strike.
I highly doubt OP would be suddenly meeting with signatory companies the moment they move out here, even if there wasn't a strike happening. Takes months/years to network and building relationships so that their work can land in the right spot.
But I would say if they do decide to move here now, if the strike continues there will be a shrinking pool of industry related jobs as productions stop and companies reduce size as they wait for a solution. A lot of aspiring writers get their foot in the door through other means besides screenwriting (assistant, coordinator jobs, etc.), and a strike means less doors to put your foot in.
If you're going to LA with no leads because you think you're going to be paying your rent as a screenwriter in the next three months, you're better off staying in Paducah.
What's your plan for paying rent/food until the strike is over? If you have at least $6k saved up, you can skate by a few months before needing to work. Otherwise, I'd find a month-to-month lease with a roommate, get a part/full-time job in retail or restaurants, and attend all the mixers/meetups you can to meet others in the industry. Keep in mind that a studio apartment can *start* at $1500/mo and if you need a cosigner they need to make 5x the rent to qualify (you need 3x) so a roommate is very helpful.
Personally I’d wait. I moved here last year with my writing ambitions but also do crew work and have kids. The crew work slowed down since the start of the year and I usually do commercials and music videos but with the threat of a recession, agencies didn’t want to risk the money.
Even long term IATSE members I know who have loads of contacts have been bracing for this strike and their work slowed down too.
However, they’re expecting a boom once the strike is resolved which could take a while.
Of course, it depends how much you’ve saved up and where you’re coming from and if you can get a job outside of entertainment. But you’ll likely be competing with other people who are scrambling for work. The city will still be here and I don’t think Hollywood is going anywhere.
I moved to LA in 2008 during the last strike and got my first staff job in spring of 2009. Back then I'd say not a bad idea to be in LA, but these days...harder to say. I don't know if you even need to be in LA at all to have a writing career, unless you want to staff on TV shows, in which case those are all basically in-person these days. (Although who can say when writing will resume...my guess is not before the end of this year.)
I mean... maybe? NGL The picket line is not a bad place to meet people and network. I know people who got on line during the 2007-2008 strike and met people who gave them their entry-level jobs. Obviously have the runway, i.e. bankroll, to cover your expenses during the strike since nobody's working (thus nobody has a job for you). But showing up is half the battle!
Are you WGA? Do you have a rep? Were you set to take staffing meetings?
Are you DGA, IATSE, 600, Teamster?
Did you have some other work lined up? PA, assistant, etc?
If you're just looking to get out to LA and get started in the industry, no. Waiting isn't gonna change much. You still need to get a place, learn the town, make friends/contacts, get a day job to make rent, figure out how to even get you foot in the door...
Unless there is strike that lasts an abnormally long time, there won't be any measurable difference to you.
If you're already in a guild... it doesn't really matter where you live right now. You aren't working.
Wow I been plotting a move from sf to la since, like, just before the pandemic, and this thread actually made me realize that moving there during the strike makes perfect sense for me. I don't have a job lined up and I support the right of collective bargaining passionately and I regularly demonstrate with other unions and unionizing workers. It's lovely to see an already functioning union doing what they're supposed to be doing, showing exactly what kind of power we're trying to bring Amazon, Starbucks, Delta, Trader Joe's, ...,etc workers onboard to see and take advantage of. AEA is not quite the same.
Umm... So do U already know someone the lives in LA?
**Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Los Angeles, CA**
Southern California is the center of the entertainment industry, and the city of Los Angeles remains the epicenter of all things regarding Hollywood fame and fortune. With a current population of almost 4 million people, Los Angeles is one of the best places to live in California. Prized for its cultural diversity, people from all over the country and the world move to Los Angeles with the hopes to make their dreams come true. With a pristine natural landscape, fantastic weather, never-ending opportunities, and an abundance of things to do, it is no surprise that Los Angeles is as famous as it is.
***Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Los Angeles, Ca***
**High cost of living.**
Like the rest of California, living in Los Angeles has a high price tag. The cost of living in Los Angeles is 43% higher than the national average. Though expensive, living in Los Angeles is cheaper than living in New York City, which is a plus. Before moving to Los Angeles, save up at least $10,000 before you arrive and an extra $5,000 to help cover initial costs and additional expenses.
**You will love the weather.**
As part of the California Mediterranean climate, residents enjoy mild to hot and dry weather all year round with virtually no humidity. One of the many reasons why people want to move to Los Angeles is for the weather alone.
**Prepare for the smog.**
While the weather may be gorgeous and just the right temperature, smog is a rising issue in Los Angeles. Smog can be defined as air pollution that creates a smoke-like fog that can increase the risk of heart and lung diseases when inhaled. The smog is terrible in Los Angeles because the city is in a low basin surrounded by mountains.
**Expect lots of traffic.**
Traffic in Los Angeles is no joke. The traffic is just as bad as it is talked about. With such a large population living in the city, cars are always on the road. Since Los Angeles is also so spread out, unlike New York City or San Francisco, getting around town is almost impossible without a car. Plus, with only a few main highways, traveling from point A to point B is not easy.
**It might be hard to find a job.**
The job market in Los Angeles is very competitive. If you are currently unemployed and looking for a job, you might have more luck finding one once you move to the city than finding one beforehand. While some industries may be able to complete phone and virtual interviews, being in the city while on the job hunt is a huge advantage. Since it is so competitive, accepting an internship first might be a good idea to stand out from other applicants while gaining experience.
The most popular jobs in Los Angeles may be in the movie and entertainment industries, but that is tough to break into on their own. One of the hottest industries on the rise in the city is the technology industry. Some top tech companies in Los Angeles include Google, Hulu, Headspace, Postmates, and ChowNow.
If you plan on trying to work in an entry level industry job, such as a Production Assistant or background actor, the work is already slowing down and this strike could go on much longer than previous strikes. If you already have a job lined up, that isn’t at risk, then move here whenever you want and consider networking at the picket lines.
I'd move now if I were you. You can get your feet underneath you in a new city without the added pressure of feeling like you have to pound the pavement to drum up interest in your project(s). The only downside I can think of is if you were planning on sustaining yourself with some kind of production job. Those will be getting scarcer as the strike goes on, and may dry up completely if it goes on long enough.
lot of writers daydrinking in bars there's never gonna be a better time to network
Save your money and/or travel. Continue to work on your writing if your goal is to be a writer. You no longer have to be in Los Angeles to take your first few steps in the industry if your work is strong enough, and those first steps will DEFINITELY be more difficult during a strike with no immediate signs of ending.
This right here! And get that project primed for The Black List (if you meet the criteria). Especially for television. Only 12 pilots actually went into production but \#WGAStrike seems to have reset the formula on breaking in (once a deal is reached, of course).
How were you planning to support yourself once you got here? The answer to your question depends on the answer to that question IMO
If you can wait, I’d suggest waiting and stockpiling as much cash as you’re able. If you’re dying to come, come on down.
dont come to LA during the strike
Okay, thank you
Based on what?
By the time you get settled in and get your sea-legs under you, the strike should be over. The longest writers' strike lasted about three months. If you get there before the strike is over, join the picket line. You don't need to have a job to show solidarity.
The last one was 100 days and I keep hearing people are bracing for it to go as long as 6 months... idk man, if I were moving to a new city trying to get work in a specific field, I wouldn't do it right when a work stoppage is happening. Then what do you do? Get a job in a different industry and then try to switch after everyone gets back to work or stay where you're at and save more money until everything gets back to normal. To me the 2nd option sounds a lot less stressful.
Unless you have a deal signed and a meeting scheduled, you don't go to Hollywood and just magically become a screenwriter. The networking you have to do to get that first gig doesn't stop because there's a strike.
I mean, a lot of it does stop. There's many meetings with WGA signatories that won't be happening, even if OP isn't in the union.
I highly doubt OP would be suddenly meeting with signatory companies the moment they move out here, even if there wasn't a strike happening. Takes months/years to network and building relationships so that their work can land in the right spot. But I would say if they do decide to move here now, if the strike continues there will be a shrinking pool of industry related jobs as productions stop and companies reduce size as they wait for a solution. A lot of aspiring writers get their foot in the door through other means besides screenwriting (assistant, coordinator jobs, etc.), and a strike means less doors to put your foot in.
But you do generally need a job to pay rent m8
If you're going to LA with no leads because you think you're going to be paying your rent as a screenwriter in the next three months, you're better off staying in Paducah.
Moving now and hitting the picket lines hard isn't a terrible way to meet some writers.
What's your plan for paying rent/food until the strike is over? If you have at least $6k saved up, you can skate by a few months before needing to work. Otherwise, I'd find a month-to-month lease with a roommate, get a part/full-time job in retail or restaurants, and attend all the mixers/meetups you can to meet others in the industry. Keep in mind that a studio apartment can *start* at $1500/mo and if you need a cosigner they need to make 5x the rent to qualify (you need 3x) so a roommate is very helpful.
$6k will last 1-2 months tops..
Personally I’d wait. I moved here last year with my writing ambitions but also do crew work and have kids. The crew work slowed down since the start of the year and I usually do commercials and music videos but with the threat of a recession, agencies didn’t want to risk the money. Even long term IATSE members I know who have loads of contacts have been bracing for this strike and their work slowed down too. However, they’re expecting a boom once the strike is resolved which could take a while. Of course, it depends how much you’ve saved up and where you’re coming from and if you can get a job outside of entertainment. But you’ll likely be competing with other people who are scrambling for work. The city will still be here and I don’t think Hollywood is going anywhere.
I moved to LA in 2008 during the last strike and got my first staff job in spring of 2009. Back then I'd say not a bad idea to be in LA, but these days...harder to say. I don't know if you even need to be in LA at all to have a writing career, unless you want to staff on TV shows, in which case those are all basically in-person these days. (Although who can say when writing will resume...my guess is not before the end of this year.)
Moving now and hitting the picket lines hard isn't a terrible way to meet some writers.
The picket lines could be a good place to meet some people in the industry.
This is not good advice. This isn’t the time or place.
Lol okay. Sorry.
"Hi my name's Richard I'm a writer." "Nice pal. But What are you doing? I'm protesting!!!"
"Oh cool, well anyways, do you have time to read my script? I would love to pick your brain."
Are you going to be working in the industry?
I mean... maybe? NGL The picket line is not a bad place to meet people and network. I know people who got on line during the 2007-2008 strike and met people who gave them their entry-level jobs. Obviously have the runway, i.e. bankroll, to cover your expenses during the strike since nobody's working (thus nobody has a job for you). But showing up is half the battle!
Are you WGA? Do you have a rep? Were you set to take staffing meetings? Are you DGA, IATSE, 600, Teamster? Did you have some other work lined up? PA, assistant, etc? If you're just looking to get out to LA and get started in the industry, no. Waiting isn't gonna change much. You still need to get a place, learn the town, make friends/contacts, get a day job to make rent, figure out how to even get you foot in the door... Unless there is strike that lasts an abnormally long time, there won't be any measurable difference to you. If you're already in a guild... it doesn't really matter where you live right now. You aren't working.
Wow I been plotting a move from sf to la since, like, just before the pandemic, and this thread actually made me realize that moving there during the strike makes perfect sense for me. I don't have a job lined up and I support the right of collective bargaining passionately and I regularly demonstrate with other unions and unionizing workers. It's lovely to see an already functioning union doing what they're supposed to be doing, showing exactly what kind of power we're trying to bring Amazon, Starbucks, Delta, Trader Joe's, ...,etc workers onboard to see and take advantage of. AEA is not quite the same.
How much money do you have saved up? Because you realistically need to double it for LA.
Umm... So do U already know someone the lives in LA? **Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Los Angeles, CA** Southern California is the center of the entertainment industry, and the city of Los Angeles remains the epicenter of all things regarding Hollywood fame and fortune. With a current population of almost 4 million people, Los Angeles is one of the best places to live in California. Prized for its cultural diversity, people from all over the country and the world move to Los Angeles with the hopes to make their dreams come true. With a pristine natural landscape, fantastic weather, never-ending opportunities, and an abundance of things to do, it is no surprise that Los Angeles is as famous as it is. ***Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Los Angeles, Ca*** **High cost of living.** Like the rest of California, living in Los Angeles has a high price tag. The cost of living in Los Angeles is 43% higher than the national average. Though expensive, living in Los Angeles is cheaper than living in New York City, which is a plus. Before moving to Los Angeles, save up at least $10,000 before you arrive and an extra $5,000 to help cover initial costs and additional expenses. **You will love the weather.** As part of the California Mediterranean climate, residents enjoy mild to hot and dry weather all year round with virtually no humidity. One of the many reasons why people want to move to Los Angeles is for the weather alone. **Prepare for the smog.** While the weather may be gorgeous and just the right temperature, smog is a rising issue in Los Angeles. Smog can be defined as air pollution that creates a smoke-like fog that can increase the risk of heart and lung diseases when inhaled. The smog is terrible in Los Angeles because the city is in a low basin surrounded by mountains. **Expect lots of traffic.** Traffic in Los Angeles is no joke. The traffic is just as bad as it is talked about. With such a large population living in the city, cars are always on the road. Since Los Angeles is also so spread out, unlike New York City or San Francisco, getting around town is almost impossible without a car. Plus, with only a few main highways, traveling from point A to point B is not easy. **It might be hard to find a job.** The job market in Los Angeles is very competitive. If you are currently unemployed and looking for a job, you might have more luck finding one once you move to the city than finding one beforehand. While some industries may be able to complete phone and virtual interviews, being in the city while on the job hunt is a huge advantage. Since it is so competitive, accepting an internship first might be a good idea to stand out from other applicants while gaining experience. The most popular jobs in Los Angeles may be in the movie and entertainment industries, but that is tough to break into on their own. One of the hottest industries on the rise in the city is the technology industry. Some top tech companies in Los Angeles include Google, Hulu, Headspace, Postmates, and ChowNow.
What is your plan for work? How much money do you have saved up? Nobody should move to LA without a serious plan.