New York vs. Los Angeles: How to Choose

A few years ago, I received a frantic call from a friend. For months he’d been mulling over whether to stay in New York or give acting a go in Los Angeles. 

“I love New York,” he said. “But I want to do more TV and film.”

For many actors, there are fewer decisions more agonizing than figuring out which coast will better suit their pursuit of an acting career. 

And the more people you ask, the less certain you become.

Ultimately, you have to decide where you think you have the best chance of fulfilling your goals as an actor. Of course, it never hurts to be diligent in your research.

Here’s my take on the pros and cons of each market:

New York pros:

It’s New York! One of the most vibrant and unique cities on the planet. There’s an endless stream of inspiration to draw from.

New York is populated by millions of ambitious people who come to be the best in their chosen fields. Complacency is not an option in this town, which can motivate you in positive ways.

Opportunities to hone your craft are easy to find. There’s always a reading, workshop, play, or student film happening somewhere in the city.

New York is still the mecca of theater. Well beyond the bright lights of Broadway are hungry artists telling bold and compelling stories in dimly lit black box theaters and makeshift artist spaces.

The densely populated metropolis makes building creative alliances easier; community is already all around you.

New York cons:

This place ain’t cheap, which can make hanging your hat in the Big Apple a doozy. As remarkable a city as New York is, everything is tougher: the weather, the breakneck pace of daily life, and the cost of living.

There are several episodic series and films shot in New York every year but remember: it’s still a theater town. If your sole focus is television or film, New York may not be your best bet.

Depending on your goals, you may start to feel the industry in New York has a ceiling. One can only appear on “Law & Order” so many times. And though there are pilots regularly filmed here, the limited number of productions means there’s less opportunity.

Los Angeles pros:

New York pales in comparison to the amount of TV and film being shot in L.A. If the silver screen is your first love, Los Angeles will likely be your next mailing address.

A far more interesting city than it gets credit for, Los Angeles is a wildly diverse and stimulating place with a great deal to offer well beyond casting calls. And contrary to what many people believe, there are some respectable and interesting theaters in and around town like the Red Cat and Pasadena Playhouse.

Sunshine and beautiful beaches may not seem like a hard sell but the atmosphere can lend itself to a healthier mindset. Make no mistake: you must work hard in Los Angeles but the town’s temperament, if used sensibly, can contribute to living a more well-rounded and grounded lifestyle.

You can’t turn a corner without running into an actor, writer, or producer (or at least someone who claims to be), which can make collaboration easy. Just make sure you surround yourself with a tribe of like-minded, productive, and focused people.

Los Angeles is home to some of the top film schools in the world. Many of these promising students go on to do big things but before their Oscar acceptance speeches, they shoot lots of films. Films need actors. You’re an actor. See where this is going?

Los Angeles cons:

Community. There’s that word again. Simply put, you need a car in L.A. I suggest a list of great audiobooks and a very comfortable driver’s seat because the two of you are going to become fast friends. Community exists, but unlike New York, it’s up to you to seek it out.

Because Los Angeles is so spread out, it means your auditions will be as well. I’ve had auditions in Culver City, West Hollywood, and even Brentwood. Unlike New York where many of your auditions are often within a seven or eight block radius, you’ll need to allow yourself more time than you think to get to each audition.

There are a lot more projects being shot in Los Angeles, but there are also a lot more actors. A simple breakdown for say, a co-star role can literally receive thousands of submissions. It can be a grind to cut through the noise unless you have a top-tier agency.

Even then, it’s no guarantee you’ll be seen.

It’s a lot to consider, but try not to get discouraged. I suggest giving some serious thought to the type of work you want to pursue as an actor. 

If it’s the theater that beckons, New York is your town. 

If your dream is to work with J.J. Abrams, Los Angeles is probably your best option.

Most importantly, consider the quality of life you want to have when you’re not bouncing from one audition to the next. 

Where you call home significantly impacts the way you approach your career. 

As simple as it sounds, live and work where you think you’ll be happiest.

                  *** This article was previously published for Backstage Magazine

Plans are Useless but Planning is Indispensable

American army general and statesman, Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, ""In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable."

Eisenhower's point was that plans never go the we think they will but having one allows you the flexibility to strategically pivot when the situation calls for it.

The other day, my friend and the director of my first feature film arrived from Los Angeles. We'd been preparing a fundraising campaign video for weeks but hadn't actually rehearsed it together.

Last night, at about 9:00 pm we stumbled through the first draft of the script before realizing it simply didn't strike the right tone. 

For the next several hours we tweaked the wording before finally agreeing on the right message. 

In the end, we discovered it was the original framework that allowed us to improvise. It was the structure we had in place that allowed for greater creativity. 

                                                                -----

If you enjoyed this article, sign up for my bi-monthly newsletter with my favorite book, film, and travel recommendations in addition to my latest articles on productivity and inspiration.

Plus, I’d love to share my free Creativity Day Planner — a simple two -page template on building good daily habits.

6 Ways to Help Your Agent Help You

• Stay in regular contact with your reps. I didn’t need to make a daily wake-up call, but if I was working on a project, or doing something noteworthy I let them know. I also made sure to keep an ear to the ground for audition opportunities I thought I’d be right for. I wanted them to know I was serious and proactive about my career.

• Be kind and prepared. As a former acting teacher one said to me, “Spread good contagion,” which means develop a good reputation by being kind, prepared, and grateful. I took her words to heart and made sure I was always courteous, off-book, and on time for appointments. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but you’d be surprised how far a strong work ethic and a generosity of spirit can get you.

• Keep getting better. I continued taking workshops and classes to improve my technique. Acting is like anything else; if you don’t continually polish your skill set, in time they will atrophy.

• Invest in good headshots. I hired a great photographer who shared my vision for what I wanted my headshots to ultimately look like. (We’ll talk more about this later). I also made sure I had a variety of options or “looks” available in my repertoire, i.e. a business look, a “hip” look, a young dad look, etc. If you’re represented it may not be a bad idea to ask if there’s a certain photographer whose work they admire.

• Take care of yourself. It may sound self-explanatory, but it is absolutely imperative you look after your well-being and stay fine-tuned physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. Each state can positively or adversely effect the other. There is nothing wrong with having a good time, but it must not come at the expense of eating right, exercising regularly, protecting and nourishing your mind, and taking time out for yourself. The challenges of the industry are abundant and tough enough. You can’t work at a deficit so bring your “A game” each day.

• Take initiative. Finally, I didn’t wait for the phone to ring. It’s important to always be on the lookout for your own opportunities. Agents and managers are often inspired by clients they know are proactive. Sometimes it’ll even light a little fire under them to push you harder to casting offices.

To download my free EBook, To the Prospective Actor please visit:

https://www.nickmaccarone.com/books/

You're Closer than You Think -- Lessons from Long Distance Swimmer Florence Chadwick

In 1952, a woman named Florence Chadwick decided to attempt to swim the 26 miles between the California coastline and Catalina Island.

During her swim to Catalina she traveled with a team who kept an out for sharks and were ready to assist in the event of cramps, injury, or fatigue. About 15 hours into her swim a thick fog began to set in, which clouded not only her vision but sense of confidence. Chadwick's mother happened to be in one of the boats at the time and listened as her daughter told her she didn't believe she could make it. She went on for another hour before deciding to quit. As she sat in the teetering boat she discovered if she'd just swam another mile she would have reached the island.

Many people quit a dream right on the brink of its realization. It's often when the most challenges set in that we're actually getting closer. If we learn to not let a little fog discourage our confidence and fortitude we'll find that it fades creating that clarity to move forward. 

But what's important to remember is the fog never permanently stays away. It comes and goes just as doubts do. The key is to recognize the value of forging along anyway -- to bring your own weather when it comes to pursuing meaningful endeavors. Keeping your poise is an essential skill and will enable you to navigate through moments of uncertainty. 

Two months after Chadwick's failed attempt she tried the swim once more. Again, a thick fog set in. But this time she had a mental image of the shoreline in her mind as she pushed herself along. Not only did she succeed the second time, but she ended up making the same swim two other times.

Chadwick was also the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions, doing so in record times.

You Get What You Tolerate

The opportunities you get in your life will organize around the standards you set for yourself. This took me a little time to figure out.

One area in my life where I needed a little fine tuning was as an actor. When I graduated from drama school I was chomping at the bit to take Broadway by storm. I was so earnest in my desire to grace the stages of the Barrymore and Schubert theaters I overlooked what I was willing to tolerate in order to get there.

In time, my relationship to the industry evolved. I started to place greater emphasis on living a well-rounded life than finding the perfect agent. To me this also meant traveling, volunteering, reading widely, taking bold risks, and honoring my core values.

By the time I arrived in Los Angeles I was quite comfortable in my own skin. I took things less personally and realized there was more to life than getting the perfect headshot. Though it was still my goal to be a professional storyteller, I realized you can want something without needing it. This all led to a healthy outlook on the types of roles I was willing to audition for and what I wasn't willing to compromise on en route to a dream I'd had since I was 11 years old. So when my new agent in Tinsel Town asked me in a rather lengthy questionnaire what I was not willing to do for a role, here's what I said:

I won’t compromise my personal ethics, morals, or core principles. I also will not perpetuate what I perceive to be ethnic stereotypes, or undermine my ethnic heritage.  (i.e. the butt of a one-liner Asian joke in a sitcom, etc.) Also happy to elaborate if there any questions.  Fortunately, it’s never really been an issue.  I really appreciate you asking!

Figure out what you stand for and protect it all costs. You get what you tolerate. 

What Los Angeles Traffic Taught Me

Anyone who's lived in Los Angeles knows there's traffic. A LOT of traffic. I realized pretty quickly there was a unique opportunity to take advantage of those moments of idleness and turn them into a mobile classroom. Here are a few quick insights that may nudge you to turn daily gridlock into the "University of Traffic."

-- One way to set yourself apart from the herd is to optimize moments most people use for entertainment with education.

-- Divide your audiobook selection into different categories that interest you -- (e.g. Fiction, History, Personal Development, Finance)

--  The average US commuter spends roughly 42 hours in traffic per year. That’s nearly identical to a semester of college. You have a remarkable opportunity to turn your commute, workout, or daily chores into the equivalent of a college degree.

-- After listening to an audiobook make note of at least three things you’ve learned and can implement, track, and measure. Keep an audiobook notebook in your car so you can jot a few notes after your commute.

A Few Simple Thoughts on Deciding Where to Live for Work

Be honest with the type of work you really want to pursue as an actor. If it’s theater that calls, New York maybe your town. If you dream of being on the next JJ Abrams series, Los Angeles is your best bet.

Remember to also consider the pros and cons of living in each city. Where you call home is going to have a huge impact on your quality of life and how you approach your career. 

Live and work where you’ll be most happy.

Find Someone Who Only Believes in Possibility

If you're ever in need of inspiration get around someone young. I recently started working with a 22-year old actor from Los Angeles who has infused a new sense of energy into, To the Prospective Artist movement.

His excitement and enthusiasm for the mission to help actors and artists live bold lives "off-stage, full of new experiences, relationships, and people has been a real inspiration to me.

There is just something about having everything out in front of you than can't be fabricated. There's a joy and belief that anything is possible that accompanies youth and though we can protect that sensibility as we get older, being around someone who only sees how an idea will thrive is pretty special.

The University of Traffic

One of the most common complaints I hear for not beginning projects of value is, "I don't have any time." And many times it's a valid argument. I certainly don't want to be insensitive to the many hats we all where in our busy day-to-day lives.

But if there's one thing I've learned it's that successful people have a way of converting "shoulds" into "musts." They take inventory of how much something means to them and decide it will, however difficult, get done.

When I first moved to Los Angeles I spent several hours of my week stuck in traffic. Invariably, I'd grow agitated each time I thought about how much time I was losing. 

But when I made the slight adjustment to use that time to inform myself and turn gridlock traffic into the "University of Traffic," I slowly found other ways to utilize my time more productively, even when it seemed I didn't really have any options to do so.

You can find "pockets" where you might listen to an interesting podcast, or audiobook on the way to work, or while working out. 

You can also do something author, photographer, and high performance expert James Clear (http://jamesclear.com/) calls, "stacking." Maybe you do your laundry, while treating yourself to a Netflix show. This cuts down on wasted time and moves the needle forward in both tasks that need attending to and projects you're passionate about.

The best part is that you're building a muscle and conditioning yourself to optimize the time you have. You'll grow much more conscious of time wasted and look to find creative ways to invest in your development. 

6 Months

Last night I spoke with an actor friend who said, "It's finally starting to feel okay living in Los Angeles." She'd lived in Tinsel Town for about 6 months. Over the years I'd heard people say the same thing about New York, Houston, or really any place when I sat and thought about it.

There's something about allowing yourself time to stumble through a new community. Everything from getting familiar with the local highways to carving out your own circle of friends can seem overwhelming at first. I remember moving to Los Angeles a few years back and spending a considerable amount of time scolding my GPS system for leading me astray in the maze of highways that make up Southern California. 

In time, I got my footing the same way I did in New York and any other place I've lived for an extended period of time. If you're in a new town and starting to feel a little isolated or lost, make sure to give yourself some time. As long as you keep putting yourself out there and making the most of each opportunity you'll be sure to turn a corner. 

Old Theaters

Whether in New York, Los Angeles, or the San Francisco Bay Area, I often find myself strolling past old theaters. Many were clearly churches, synagogues, or community centers at one point and depending on the type of actor you are, perhaps you already view the theater as a tabernacle of sorts anyway. Maybe the transition is all relative.

I love looking at the upcoming seasons posted outside the doors and when I get a chance, I'll even go and check out a show. My reasoning is simple. The longer you do anything the easier it becomes to lose perspective and forget why you fell in love with something in the first place.

Being near the theater, any theater, reminds me of the fervor, the enthusiasm, the passion I once couldn't contain. I allow myself to get back in touch with that young man who was once convinced one monologue would change the world.

It's not about living in the past or trying to recreate what once was. It's simply a way of reminding myself why I still need this so very much.

Work Where You'll Be Most Happy

Yesterday, at around 6:00 pm, I phoned a friend back in New York. I'd received his text message earlier in the day, which read:

Nick - love to talk to you about LA sometime soon. When might be a good time in the next few days/week?

It seemed only just the other day I was the one frantically texting, emailing, and yes, even phoning mentors and friends to pick their brain about the very same matter.

Anthony and I spoke for about an hour. His concerns and thoughts on leaving the "City of Cities" for Tinsel Town mirrored my own, and presumably every serious actor at one point or another.

"I love New York, but feel like it's hard to get a fair shake out here," I'd hear over and over. It was a sentiment I too felt more often than not.

In the end, I gave Anthony my little spiel, which was based on my experience living in Los Angeles, but drawn more from the heightened sense of self-awareness I had continually tried to hone.

I suggested that if trying his hand in Los Angeles was deeply important to him it was worth going. "There's nothing worse than regret," I told him. "Go out for a year and see if it's for you. If you don't like it you can always return to New York. Only now you'll take solace in knowing you tried."

I could feel his youthful angst slowly wane. If we were sitting across from each other at some busy Manhattan coffee shop I imagined he might be silently nodding.

My last bit of advice was broader in its prose but likely more important for him to hear. "You should also work where you'll be happiest. Even if you're wildly successful but have no joy there's simply no point."

It was a lesson hard won, but one I was glad to pass along. Thankfully it seemed to resonate with him, perhaps striking a chord or two.

"If you have no joy in what you do you have nothing," I concluded.

Fear Not

Within the span of about ten minutes, I spoke with two young actor friends who both reached out hoping to gain a shred of insight on the recent setbacks they'd experienced in New York and Los Angeles. There must be something about Sunday, I thought to myself. Unlike it's more festive and spirited younger brother Saturday, Sunday has always seemed to offer pause for thought, a bigger pool for deeper introspection. At least it always has for me.

On the surface, the two were wildly different in just about every way, including the places they chose to pursue their careers and hang their hats. Still, what they both shared, at least this afternoon, was a desire to talk about acting and purpose.

As I listened to Stephon, a recent MFA graduate, confess that he'd inexplicably felt no desire to perform in a Fringe show he'd auditioned for, I could feel the tension in his voice on the other end. It was a familiar tale that I'd not only heard before, but also experienced firsthand. Why did I go through all the trouble of becoming an actor if someday I'd no longer want to do this.

Aurora on the other hand was wrestling with figuring out the different nuances, valleys, and peaks Los Angeles offered that New York didn't. She eluded to being excited about the new opportunities but at times feeling rudderless and overwhelmed.

After speaking with each of them for about half an hour, I tried to convince them they were in good company. Regardless of one's endeavor, even the most productive and fulfilled people feel doubt from time to time about their careers. Just because you love something doesn't mean its meaning will not occasionally wane. "They key is to find other things that interest you, find other like-minded people, and whenever possible, volunteer. When you're serving others you don't have time to worry about your own challenges. Even better, it puts yours into context."

Each conversation ended on a high note and I was confident both would land on their feet and do remarkable things. Uncertainty is an essential component for growth. Actor or no actor.

Protect You Dream

Saturday mornings have seldom, if ever, been a day of idleness in my life. And today was no exception. I left the house just before 8:00 am and headed over to San Francisco, grinning from ear to ear as I crossed a nearly empty Bay Bridge. My friend Julie was hoping to get together so we could catch up after several months apart. She also wanted me to see her son, who somehow, was already two years old.

As the three of us constructed Lego cities and pushed trains along a windy track, we talked about what people tend to talk about: work, family, and the future. Julie was one of the most successful people I knew. She'd attended Ivy League schools, was thriving at her law practice, and married an ideal partner. And now, she also had a beautiful son.

Despite all of that, she confessed to still feeling a certain level of angst and judgement from her parents about what she could be doing better; a confession that completely confounded me. What could they possibly have to gripe about? I thought.

I then began to think about my own life and the many friends I had back in New York and Los Angeles; actors that had experienced the same protests for pursuing unstable and profoundly difficult careers in the arts. Admittedly, I'd felt the same worries from my own folks from time to time. Though they were patient and supportive in many ways, they didn't fully grasp their child's desire to live life on stage, or in front of a camera.

It dawned on me that good parents, friends, and colleagues would always offer feedback, which would sometimes take the form of criticism. As earnest as someone's intentions can be, it's often just a projection of their own failures, or regrets for not chasing their own dreams.

As an artist there are countless challenges you will face, including the inevitable, and sometimes very loud call to conformity. This morning, after realizing that even conventionally successful people experience the same strain, my takeaway was this: be grateful you have people in your life who care enough about you to offer their take then hug your dream even tighter, protecting it at all costs.

You're the only one who needs to understand why you do what you do.