Hollywood Connect

Arrive, Survive & Thrive
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Hollywood Connect offers resources for people in the beginning stages of their professional careers in the entertainment industry or those considering such a career. Since its inception in 2003, thousands of people have made Hollywood Connect their career launch pad.

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Valuable resources that are accessible and immediately useful for creative artists of all disciplines and backgrounds.

With workshops, mentoring, and other resources, we offer a wealth of information that leads entertainment professionals toward healthy careers and community in Los Angeles, helping them thrive creatively, relationally, spiritually, and professionally.

We also help college students & graduates explore the transition from college life to the industry. So no matter where you’re coming from, start with Hollywood Connect!

Upcoming Hollywood Connect Events
Hollywood Connect Quick Links

Navigation Sessions

These popular workshops explain how to navigate Hollywood, with experienced industry panelist providing you with all the ideas, insights, and strategies you need for pursuing your entertainment career!

Resources

Here’s all the information you need for starting your entertainment career in L.A., including resources for housing, websites, recommended reads, software, film festivals, unions & guilds, and much, much more!

FAQs

Whether you have recently started your professional entertainment career or you’re just considering making that transition to Los Angeles, here are answers to the questions everyone is asking!

Get you headstart at our next session.
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You can navigate Hollywood, and to show you how, we’re hosting our quarterly Navigation Sessions!

Hollywood Connect regularly invites panels of experienced industry professionals to lead its popular Navigation Sessions, providing you with all the ideas, insights, and strategies you need for a comprehensive pursuit of your entertainment career.

These sessions are geared toward people in the early stages of their creative careers. Each session covers a wide variety of helpful and actionable topics, giving you the rare opportunity to ask plenty of questions and receive insightful answers from experienced industry pros.

You will be equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to launch your career in the entertainment industry while developing relationships and potential collaborative partnerships. These sessions are a great way to get plugged in and connect with creatives of all levels.

Navigation Session Quick Facts

Who Should Attend

If you’re an actor, writer, producer, director, musician, editor, or any other creative professional who is considering a career in Hollywood or in the first two years of your career in the entertainment industry, the Navigation Sessions are for you!

Topics Covered

  • Transitioning to and getting started in Hollywood
  • Networking and building industry relationships effectively
  • Finding jobs in the entertainment industry
  • Getting an agent or a manager
  • Pitching and selling your screenplay
  • How to get the artistic training you need
  • Getting plugged in with entertainment organizations, creative groups, and even churches
  • And much, much more!

What to Bring

  • Paper & pencil (or you know, your computer) or anything else to take good notes
  • Business cards
  • All the questions you have about launching a career in the entertainment industry!

Hollywood Connect Resources

Save time and start your search here.
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Our curated and up-to-date resources help our members with all things professional and personal. A holistic approach to building a career in the arts and entertainment industry begins here.

Explore our Resources

Click the Resource Areas below to go to that Resource page.

Housing Resources

Recommended Books

Spiritual

Actor Resources

Bookstores & LIbraries

Government Services

Free Stuff

Writer Resources

Software & Apps

Professional Services

Join The Greenhouse

Websites

Guilds & Unions

Film Festivals

Hollywood Connect FAQ

Start here for answers to common HC questions.
The Greenhouse Art & Media Inc - photo of arm holding antique compass over background of mountain, hill, and dessert brush greenery

Hollywood Connect provides a ton of great resources and ways to get connected and plugged in.

Many newcomers have had similar questions. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, reach out to us on our Contact page here we’ll point you in the right direction.

General Questions
What is Hollywood Connect about?

The Greenhouse’s Hollywood Connect program exists to help people arrive, survive, and thrive in the entertainment industry. It is particularly for people who are either considering a move to the Los Angeles entertainment industry or who are in their first 1-2 years in the industry.

Our goal is to help those creative professionals grow emotionally, physically, spiritually, intellectually, creatively, and professionally.

How do I contact Hollywood Connect?

You can get in touch with us on our Contact page, by email at [email protected] or by mail at:

The Greenhouse
Attn: Hollywood Connect
P.O. Box 3832
Valley Village, CA 91617

We especially love fan mail. And care packages with homemade cookies.

Can I submit my script, book, or idea to Hollywood Connect?

Unfortunately, for legal reasons, we are not able to accept any unsolicited material. It’s our policy that we either return or discard without reading any such material we receive. If you are interested in submitting your material to us, please do so only via your agent, manager, or talent representative.

We do have a Script Review Service available for purchase.

Do I have to move to Los Angeles to get into the Entertainment Industry?

Actually, you don’t! The way the entertainment industry is currently set up, there are lots of opportunities to get involved in the industry wherever you find yourself right now! With that said, in many ways, Los Angeles is the main center for a lot of the entertainment arts, including film, television, music, video games, new media, and many others.

Although movies and television are shot around the world, most films and television shows are produced here in Hollywood. There is also a wider range of interests, careers, and levels within Hollywood which means that you have more room to grow and expand within your career here.

Arrive, Survive, and Thrive
How much money should I save up before I move to Hollywood?

It would be tempting to think that the moment you step off the plane or bus you’ll be inundated with entertainment opportunities and that you’ll never have to watch your bank account run dry. Okay, it happens to people occasionally, but that’s rare, very rare. Like everything when it comes to moving to Hollywood, we recommend approaching your finances like you won’t be the exception to the rule.

The moment you get your boots on the ground here in L.A., you’re going to encounter a lot of costs that you didn’t necessarily anticipate: a hefty deposit on an apartment, fees for registering your car, gas that is $1 more expensive than anywhere else in the country, new headshots, and all sorts of other necessities.

There are ways you can keep your expenses down, but generally, the cost of living is much higher in L.A. than anywhere else. So take the time to save up some money before you get here.

There are a lot of opinions about how much you should have in the coffers, and it will have something to do with the standard of living you’re used to, but we recommend saving at least $5000 before you make the move. And a little more than that ain’t gonna hurt.

How do I find a place to live in Los Angeles?

Finding your housing should be the first thing you do when you get to Los Angeles. There is a tremendous amount of competition for affordable housing, and so it is likely it will take you some time find a place.

Visit our Resources page to learn about housing services and local resources!

Should I get a side job while I am working toward my big break, and if so, what kind?

We’re certain you are very talented person, and with talent comes opportunities! But even when those opportunities come a-knocking, it still can take time for you to move your way up in Hollywood, and until that big break happens, you’re going to need a way to pay the bills! So typically, we recommend that you get a job that will make you some money at the same time you are pursuing your entertainment industry goals.

So what kind of job should you get? A lot of this depends on what your industry goals are. For actors who need a more flexible schedule to allow for unexpected auditions, a non-industry job that has that sort of flexibility will be important. However, for other types of creative professionals (such as producers and agents), it is better to get work in the industry itself to build up experience and relational networks in those areas of interest.

Some people worry that if they put a non-industry job on their resume they will be looked at funny when they finally land that incredible interview for the entertainment job. Typically, that’s not the case. Employers know that it takes time to find that right position, so they aren’t going to look down on you if you have a good non-industry job listed. Besides, it shows good work ethic, builds up professional references, and every once in a while, lets you buy those way-overpriced coffees you like so darn much.

PS: If you’re a member of the Greenhouse Community you can search our job boards.

Do I need a college degree to break into Hollywood?

You’ll hear all sorts of opinions on this topic and lots of stories about successful Hollywood folks who did not get a college degree. But usually, having a college education is going to help you meet your entertainment industry goals. Having a college degree will not guarantee you a job, but most of the time, it will be a big plus. And in some types of entertainment jobs, you have to have the right degree. For example, you can’t be an entertainment attorney without graduating from law school.

But no matter what your discipline is, a good education is going to give you a strong foundation to build your career. The most important thing to know in terms of your education is that you must never stop learning, and you should encourage yourself to keep educating yourself with challenging new skills. Some of the most successful filmmakers still consider themselves “students of film” and even go back to college to get extra degrees.

So go get that college degree. Ninety-nine times out of 100, entertainment people are glad they did.

My apartment doesn't have a refrigerator!

Okay, that’s not a question, but we know you’re in shock and this ain’t Jeopardy, so we’ll let that one slide.

Los Angeles is one of those few places where apartments tend not to come with refrigerators, so you’re most likely going to need to go get one.

So where do you go to get a fridge and all the other stuff you need for your new living space? Of course, you can always buy new, but we recommend starting at thrift stores for some pretty good deals. Salvation Army stores often have 50% off days, typically on Fridays and Saturdays, and you can find a fridge in the $80-$100 range. Also check out Craigslist and other classified ad sites.

Where do I go to find some folks to hang out with?

The most difficult parts of growing a career in the entertainment industry are often loneliness and discouragement. Maintaining a trusted circle of friends who will encourage you and always tell you the truth is extremely important.

Also, you’ll want to get plugged into your church or place of worship and creative organizations. (May we suggest The Greenhouse?) There are lots of organizations and opportunities for community out there, so find one that fits you the best! Definitely check out the Ministries section on our Resources Page to find some good options. Whatever you do, don’t go at it alone!

How much time should I give things before I pack up and go home?

We sometimes hear individuals say, “I’ll give it one year, and if I haven’t made it by then, I’ll go home.”

To those people, we reply, “Save yourself the heartache and find another career.” Developing an entertainment career takes a long time. This is a bit of a generalization, but we tell people that it will take at least 5 years to get an acting career off the ground. For writers, it’s even longer – as long as 10 years. So if you’re not willing to come for the long haul, it’s best that you choose a different path.

But keep in mind: you need to do what is best and healthiest for you, and that may be moving on. While we urge people to work hard in their careers, we also recognize the need to maintain a healthy life and healthy relationships. If leaving is something you’re considering, get in touch with us. We’ll help you work through the process of seeing whether you should stay or need to go back home or if there are other options available to you.

If it is time to move on to the next thing, do not think of that as failure! The greatest success you can have is to follow your true calling!

Actors
Can you help me meet an agent?

We get this question a lot! Unfortunately, we’re not able to find or provide an agent for you.

There are a number of ways for finding an agent, including the agency books that you can purchase at industry bookstores. Check out our Bookstore listings on our Resources Page.

These books are updated monthly, which will give you all the info you need to target those agents who are looking specifically for your “type.” And you’ll find that having a referral from another trusted actor is going to help in getting an agent.

What's the difference between an agent and a manager? Do I need both?

There is a difference between the two. According to California state law, only a licensed agent is permitted to get you work as an actor. However, managers are also good for developing contacts, working with marketing and publicity, and overall planning of your acting career. And remember, an agent will require 10% of your gross profits from any acting jobs they obtain for you, and a manager will require 15% of your gross profits for any jobs that you get.

You do not necessarily need to have both, although many actors have both. There are differing opinions as to which one is more important, however. The more important thing is to find representation that is getting the job done for you. Do your homework on potential agents and managers – find ones who are ethical, connected, and willing to work with your specific goals. It is okay to say “no” to those reps who aren’t.

I'm worried if I turn down an acting job I'm not comfortable with that I'll never get another opportunity. Is that true?

There can be a number of reasons to say “no” to an acting job. You may not be comfortable with nudity, language, violence, other content, or even just the overall type of project with which you’ve been presented. It is okay to say a firm and polite “no” when you are presented with something you’re not comfortable with. In fact, it is the true professional who is strong enough to say “no” when he or she does not want to take a particular job.

Now, you may end up feeling pressure to take that job – pressure from others and/or from yourself. You may have to part company with your agent or manager. You may even be told that outrageous lie, “You’ll never work in this town again.” Don’t believe it. If you’re talented, you will find another agent and/or manager, and you will have opportunities to work in Hollywood again. In fact, you might even have more opportunities because you said “no.” We know all sorts of stories of people who said “no” to projects for various reasons – even saying it to the biggest names in Hollywood – and those people went on to the highest levels of success, even becoming A-list talent.

The truth is that the most powerful word you can say is “no,” and if you say it for the right reasons, you’ll actually have more respect. Sure, you might have to burn a bridge or two in the process, but if you’re good, that won’t stop you.

So, say “no” for the right reasons, sleep with a clear conscience at night, and know that your career is in safe hands – yours, not someone else who isn’t truly looking out for you and your true goals.

Writers
Can you help me meet an agent?

We get this question a lot! Unfortunately, we’re not able to find or provide an agent for you.

There are a number of ways for finding an agent, including the agency books that you can purchase at industry bookstores. Check out our Bookstore listings on our Resources Page.

These books are updated monthly, which will give you all the info you need to target those agents who are looking specifically for your “type.” And you’ll find that having a referral from another trusted writer is going to help in getting an agent.

What's the difference between an agent and a manager? Do I need both?

There is a difference between the two. According to California state law, only a licensed agent is permitted to get you work as an writer. However, managers are also good for developing contacts, working with marketing and publicity, and overall planning of your acting career. And remember, an agent will require 10% of your gross profits from any acting jobs they obtain for you, and a manager will require 15% of your gross profits for any jobs that you get.

You do not necessarily need to have both, although many writers have both. There are differing opinions as to which one is more important, however. The more important thing is to find representation that is getting the job done for you. Do your homework on potential agents and managers – find ones who are ethical, connected, and willing to work with your specific goals. It is okay to say “no” to those reps who aren’t.

How do I copyright my idea?

Ooh, sorry, you can’t. There is no way to copyright an idea.

But you can take steps to protect your script, treatment, or other materials. Check with the U.S. Copyright Office to get some info and an application (there is a small fee to file the application, but it’s worth it). Also consider filing your material with the Writers Guild of America, which provides additional protection and the ability to arbitrate any conflicts.

If I let people read my script, will they steal my idea?

Well, that can happen, although it doesn’t happen as often as you might think. There are federal copyright laws that have been put in place in order to protect your work. While ideas cannot be exclusively owned, the way the idea is expressed can. Always register your script with the U.S. Copyright Office and/or the Writers Guild of America. We recommend registering at both. There are easy applications and low application fees.

Consult a licensed entertainment attorney if you have concerns. Check out our Resources Page for Professional Services like this.

Have a question that we have not answered? No problem, click below to reach out and submit a message.

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