Thinking about moving to Hollywood to work in the entertainment industry?

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Facebook RSSTwitterLinkedInDo you have dreams about making it big in Hollywood? Do you think you have what it takes to work behind the scenes on a film or be a star on Dish Network TV. Do you want to work as a Hollywood director, DP, camera operator, editor, production designer or producer? Do you want to be an actor or have a modeling career or a job in fashion in L.A.? If you’re passionate about working in television, film, music or theatre and you’re considering moving to Hollywood, C.A., the ‘ORACLE’ can help you figure some important things out before you get to L.A. We’ll show you how to move to Hollywood.

Hollywood Jobs

Photo By : Ted VanCleave - Click to See More

In fact, we can offer you extremely important information even if you’re already here.

Most people only get a few chances in life to pursue their dreams, but Hollywood can be brutal if you are not prepared. Planning your entertainment career goals and knowing what to expect before you arrive in a town like L.A. will make all the difference. That first entry-level Hollywood job and that new place you’ll call home will set the tone for your first couple of years. (more…)

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Hollywood Studio Lots – Are The Best Places To Work in Hollywood

That was the title of my last post. I’m pretty sure now I’m not that enthusiastic about them anymore. I hate you Hollywood Studio Lot! Why have you forsaken me?

One of the hard truths that you will find out about if you finally do decide to try and make a career in the Hollywood Film & TV industry is, jobs come and go at the blink of an eye. You may never know when it will happen or why it happens, but just know that at some point it will happen to you. And most likely, it will happen when you least expect it. So you better be prepared to roll with the punches if you’re gonna survive this roller coaster of a town. One day you’re thinking to yourself, I’m King of the World and then somehow out of nowhere on the next day you find out that you’re actually now King of Jack-Shit.

Hollywood unemployment lineFive weeks into my new reality show job, which was supposed to last for the next 5 months, just got the axe from the network. That’s right, entire show cancelled even before the first episode of eight was in the can. WTF is that all about. There’s nothing like witnessing 30 people get fired all at once, it’s quite a site I must say. That’s why you should always be very leery of that mid-morning conference call that everyone from production is ordered to listen in on. It’s never gonna be a good conversation!  Just remember, on a conference call no one knows who’s making the fart noises on the other end, so feel free to fart away if you’ve just been fired over the phone! (more…)

What’s Outside Your Window at Work ?

What’s the coolest thing about working in the Hollywood Production Industry?  For me, it’s especially frick’n cool if you can get a job on a Hollywood Studio Production Lot.  Mainly because,  it’s all about the crazy things you get to see everyday. Many times on a lot, movie props or sets get shuffled by you and you have no clue what the hell it is or what show it’s for. Other times, you see things that have defined a generation. Things the rest of the world only wish they could see or be apart of. There’s nothing better than sitting in your new office and seeing a prop from one of your favorite TV shows being parked right outside your window. And then it hits you, you realize that they’re actually filming your favorite TV show right outside your building for the next 3 months. And you think to yourself.. Wow! That’s Cool. And then you  remember why your in this business.

Who can guess what show this Movie / Tv  Prop is from…? Anyone… ?

Dexter Slice of life

Hint.. Dead people in trash Bags don’t float..

<< Click here for the Answer >>

Dreams are only Dreams until you do something about them…

The Oracle

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Step # 1 – Move to Los Angeles… (Hardest Step of All.. Just do it you big baby !)
Step # 2 – Find an Apartment in Hollywood…  (Not that difficult.. Not that expensive)
Step # 3 – Find a Job in Hollywood. (PA Jobs are the best. Waitress will do.)
Step # 4 – Start playing the Hollywood Networking game… (Play Hard. Play Smart)

The Hollywood Job ladder….

Many times, the one with the biggest Rolodex wins the game of life in LA LA Land. Opportunity is always knocking in Hollywood.  Be the Doorman and you will most likely at some point own the door.  (p.s. For all you kiddy’s out there,  if you don’t know what a Rolodex is… Google it and stop making me feel old! )

hollywood Job ladderWhile your working at that first Hollywood job you get, no matter what it is. Better yet, even before that point. You must become the ‘bone collector’ (those are business cards or at least phone numbers) of everyone and everything you come across that relates to what you want to do in showbiz upon your arrival. You must become an ambassador of goodwill for yourself and or your company that you may represent. Just like that old guy at your local Walmart that greets everyone that comes in the store, you need to be the doorman now, if you really want to succeed in this town. Meet and greet everyone like they’re your new best friend. Your dreams just may depend on it..

The goal being, hopefully one day you may get to choose the vendors your company uses or you may get to hire the freelancers that make-up the rank file of your production crew.  That fat Rolodex of contacts you’ve created over your past few gigs just may be what gets you that next Hollywood job promotion. Don’t be that person that’s ‘To Cool’ to ask for a card. Because having those (more…)

Never fear, the ‘Hollywood Oracle’ is here. If you got a question, we got an answer.
Help us.. Help You..

‘Kelly’ writes in
Love your site.. I’m graduating college from the University of North Texas next x-mas with a degree in Tv’ / Film Production and was wondering if I should move to LA right away or should I wait till the summertime.? I guess what I’m asking is… Are their more jobs available now or during the summer. Thanks for any response… Kelly.

‘Oracle’ Reply
Hey Kelly,
Thanks for loving our site… The quick answer to your question is.. Right Away!  January and February is great time to arrive in LA to find work, if you can afford to that is. If money is tight after your graduate get a job at home for a few months first and save some cash, then get your butt out here ASAP. Because you won’t survive out here if you only have a couple $1000 dollars on you. The money will go quick, too quick and then you’ll be back at home wondering how the hell your mother turned your bedroom into a knitting barn in less then 3 months. (more…)

UTA Job List

The UTA Job List (United Talent Agency)… It’s one of the most sought after and anticipated Entertainment Industry Job Lists for Hollywood. And it’s main area of expertise is for assistant level employment in showbiz. This list is not for the weak or simple minded person. If you apply for these jobs, you better have your shit together. That doesn’t mean you need prior experience necessarily. It just means you better be a go getter with a brain on your shoulders. Having thick skin and a big set of a (b…s) won’t hurt you either. This list is not made public for the average ‘Joe Shmoe’ and can not be re-printed or re-published without the direct consent of its creators.

Luckily one of our local fans here at the Hollywood Oracle has access to this list and publishes it monthly on his website Blog. If you’re a Hollywood Oracle Facebook Fan Page follower, you may have seen (more…)

Hollywood Dream Unknown…

What are you good at?

For some of you lucky ones out there, you already know what you want to do in Hollywood before you even get here. But for some, it’s not as easy. For a few, It will be like starting a four college with ‘UNDECLARED’ for a major.  It’s going to take some time to figure out what you’re good at and what you like to do for 70 hours a week.  Luckily for you people, we discovered this hilarious ‘Job Flow’ diagram for the Hollywood Entertainment Industry. We’re not sure who it was created by, but thought we would share it with you in hopes it can clear some things up for you in regards to your Hollywood Career path.

Good Luck, And make sure you follow every possible route for a better understanding of what you’re getting into.. Start at the Top Center

Cheers!  -  (CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

 

Spotlight: Gary Goldstein, Screenwriter / Playwright

Every so often the Oracle selects entertainment professionals with established Hollywood careers to interview about their work, opinions and what advice they have for the next generation of up and comers wanting to make it in Hollywood. This week’s session is with Gary Goldstein, Award-Winning Screenwriter & Playwright for Film, Television and the Stage.

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Gary Goldstein, Hollywood Screenwriter

So Lets Get Started…

THO -
Can you tell our readers a little about where you’re originally from?

Gary -
I’m originally from a town called Valley Stream on the south shore of Long Island, New York.  It was immortalized in the great crime movie “The Honeymoon Killers.”  It’s also the hometown of Steve Buscemi (who shot his movie “Trees Lounge” there) and Edward Burns (who shot much of “The Brothers McMullen” there).

Do you currently live in L.A.?  Did you start your writing career in L.A.? How old we’re when you arrived in L.A.? (more…)

We’re Back…

I hope everyone had an amazing break from reality over the holidays, but it’s time to snap back and get your head on straight. Production life continues on in Hollywood 24/7 and will do so indefinitely with or without you. So, assuming the Mayans are dead wrong and the world isn’t going to come to an end this year, we here at THO have planned some great things for you in 2012. So pay attention and don’t stray to far away, we know people who know people, if you catch my drift. You can’t afford to miss what’s coming! Cause Jack Bauer ain’t gonna be around to help you or save you when your ‘Hollywood Time‘ comes calling. We’re all you got… Otherwise you’re on your own. Good Luck!

Business First… As you can see, we’ve been busy prettying things up around here. Hope you enjoy the new look. Tell us what you think, to much or just right? We also just wrapped up the New 2012 Edition of our ‘Hollywood Survival Guide’. If you haven’t checked this downloadable comprehensive guide out yet you should, that is if you’re still considering the big move out west. Trust Us… It will be the best $9.95 you ever spent!

So Let’s Get To It…

To get the new year started off with a big bang here at The Oracle, we’ve prepared a great “Insider Spotlight Interview‘ for you tomorrow on Jan 13, 2012. It’s with award-winning (more…)

As promised, A Hollywood Insider’s Look… Our very own, Rose Pendleton’s Fashion Show interview and photos from her Hollywood Art & Fashion Event a few weeks ago with RAWartists.

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Hollywood Insider’s Look – Click Here To See Photos (more…)

Paid to Scare?

Hollywood, Ca

Want to work on your acting skills without embarrassment or have anyone recognize you when you mess up your lines? Would you like to perfect your movie make-up skills but have a hankering for blood? Don’t have the dough or the real estate to use all of that lighting equipment you bought to finish your DIY Hollywood film on a bitching haunted house? You might be in luck.

scary hollywoodThough the job market in Southern California and across the U.S. may be frightening to some — many local theme parks and other venues are offering some quick cash to those who aren’t afraid of the dark.

As it does every Halloween, Knott’s Berry Farm will turn into the 39th annual Knott’s “Scary” Farm later this fall, and the park is looking for a few good ghouls to haunt thirteen mazes, seven live shows and four “scare zones.” The call doesn’t just go out to high school kids looking for extra pocket money, many entertainment aficionados and Hollywood locals flock to the theme parks and or other Hollywood Scary Events to have a great time and get paid for playing their part in the Halloween festivities. (more…)

Spotlight: Charles Donohoe, Editor for Television

Every so often the Oracle selects entertainment professionals with established Hollywood careers to interview about their work, opinions and what advice they have for those wanting to make it in Hollywood. This week’s session is with Charles Donohoe, Editor for Television.

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So Lets Get Started…

charles donahoe

Charles Donohoe, Editor For Television

1. If you can, tell our readers what company you’re currently working for, what’s your job title and on what show are currently working on? What are the Last 3 shows you’ve worked on that your proud of most as an editor or AE?

Currently, I’m working as an Editor for Prometheus Entertainment, a production company based in Hollywood. The job I am working on right now is Kendra, for E! Entertainment Channel, a reality docu-drama following Kendra Wilkinson as she copes with being a new mother. And the last three shows I’ve worked on were Finding Bigfoot, a ridiculously fun adventure reality series following a group of scientists as they go searching the far reaches of the planet for traces of a sasquatch; Parks and Recreation on NBC, a scripted comedy (more…)

Hollywood.  What does it make you think of? Celebrities? Actors? Most people only think of the entertainment or film side of the industry.  What some people don’t realize is there are more than just entertainment jobs in Hollywood where you still work hand in hand with the entertainment company. Weird right?

Rose Pendleton - Fashion Designer & Actress

My name is Rose Pendleton, I am a young entrepreneur currently working many different areas of Hollywood. Acting is my first love and main goal, however, along the way I fell in love with another one of my guilty pleasures; Fashion. Creating it, that is.  This week my life is all about fashion.  I’m not talking about about who wears the best or worst clothing or the movie with the best costumes (unless you want to be a costume designer!) I’m talking about coming up with a concept of your own image, producing it and watching your creation take flight.

I’ve spent the past two months preparing for the runway premiere of my 2011 collection “I Believe”. Two months. When was the collection of clothing that’s premiering at the fashion show actually created? Last October.  Now this may just be because I juggle arts like shiny red bean bags but it took me a full year to create, promote, advertise and finally get my collection on the runway.  Is it cheap? No, but is any area in Hollywood? (more…)

Pink Slip Guide to “Outplacement”
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outplacementHere in Hollywood working in Human Resources can be, at the very least, interesting. You get to meet everyone. You learn a great deal about insurance benefits. Some of the employees are in the Local 700 and others are not Union at all. You get to be involved in all the behind the scenes (and in front of the scenes) drama and always get front row seats to any disciplinary action. The hardest job, of course is the terminations. Firing an employee is no fun (even if they have earned it) and layoffs in the entertainment business can be just as bad as anywhere else in the country.

One HR activity that the average worker bee might not be aware of is something called (more…)

Hello again, and welcome back to “I Was a D.I.Y. Zombie.”  So if you read my last installment awhile back (I was a D.I.Y. Zombie), we left you on the very edge of your seats wondering things like, “huh- that was nifty…but so what?” and, “hey- did that thing ever get finished?”  Well, now that we’re all back together, we’ll answer some of these burning questions and take you through the D.I.Y. process that will now become the pipeline for my new web-series, “Ask a Zombie.”

Hollywood ombiesFirst, go check it out and come right back… well maybe watch it a bunch of times from fifteen different computers, post it all over your Face-Twitter social networks and old-school email it to everyone in your office/ school (lord knows we could use the views).

http://youtu.be/m4ORFGJ79Dk

Back?  Good, now tell me how much you loved it.  What? You didn’t watch it yet?!!  Listen, this ain’t Junior College and I ain’t your underpaid State College system refugee who has to teach a slacker classroom that didn’t bother to do the assigned reading.  Do you homework!

Ok now.  Let’s begin:

We shot the zombie footage first- in fact we actually shot three different answers to three different questions on that same night.  Those answers were to be the basis of three different episodes so as not to kill the face of our long suffering Zombie who had to endure the D.I.Y. makeup session documented in Part 1. (more…)

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Zombie Survival GuideFilm Set Extras – Expendable in every way possible, this group of fame craving performers will continue to be mowed down, blown up, drowned, burnt, and crushed all for that one chance to be immortalized forever on film. So watch out all you soon to be extras they’re gunning for you.

That’s what I said 6 months ago in a 2-part article I wrote here THO.

Part 1 – Hollywood Jobs You Would Die For

Part 2 -  When Film Set Attacks!

Since it’s Halloween Season and we’re so big on Set Safety & Zombies here at THO, I thought it almost spooky that this bit a news hit the wire earlier today on TMZ. Especially since our very own Vlad Peters is releasing a Part 2 article on ‘I was D.I.Y. Zombie’ tomorrow for us. (more…)

Auditioning Online – The Glee Project

In the spirit of my recent online audition for The Glee Project (link is here, please click ‘like’ if you haven’t already!: http://www.thegleeprojectcasting.com), I decided to do an article about auditioning through the internet. Nowadays, a large part of the entertainment business is actually done online.the glee project You can submit resumes and headshots to agencies via e-mail, and you can apply to roles online through LA Casting or Actor’s Access. Being an actor is all about promoting yourself, and with technology improving the way it is, selling yourself just became a whole lot easier. That being said, there are a few key tips that you should follow when submitting anything online, because they can make the difference between getting noticed and someone clicking the ‘next’ button.

1. Make sure the pictures you’re using show the REAL you. Don’t use a headshot that looks nothing like your true appearance, because believe me, a casting director won’t be happy if you show up (more…)