Thinking Outside of the LA Box

I know everyone comes to LA for the opportunities, but there's a way to expand your opportunities in LA by leaving LA. I guess the technical phrase is called working in other markets. If you have an address in any other major city and have the ability to be there should you receive an audition, I recommend finding representation in that market.

Here's the thing: so many shows and movies film outside of LA, and those areas outside of LA have so much less competition. So, you'll find you have a much easier time receiving bigger auditions than you might in LA. For all the struggle beginning actors go through just to get an audition for a Co-Star or U5 (under 5, the AFTRA equivalent) role, that process is a million times easier in other markets. Generally, there are only a couple of casting directors, so it's much easier for you to be on their radar. Those local casting directors cast all of the bit parts. So, say you're trying to get a Co-Star on Vampire Diaries. The show's LA casting director really only casts Guest Star and larger roles. Co-Star roles are cast in Atlanta, where the show shoots.

Same as there are actors that move out to LA "for pilot season", there are actors that chip in together and rent places in the other major cities where there is good work to be found (ie while a specific show is filming).

From a production standpoint, they're happy to hire locally because it's cheaper. So long as you have a local agent and a local address, they don't have to pay you per diem or travel expenses. That means, though, that you have to cover that part yourself.

Also, if you are a local hire in another market, make sure your LA representation knows. That can give you a leg up in the process of booking a larger role since those are cast in LA, but.. You will be responsible for getting yourself there and putting yourself up, since the assumption is that you live there.

I know this is may be a lot of information, and I may have raised more questions than I answered, so send them to me and I'll reply as best I can. I've gotten some badass opportunities outside of LA, so, maybe you will, too. You never know.