Pilot season is one of those elusive Hollywood concepts, like SAG vouchers or scale-plus-10. We know it exists; we know there are actors who profit by it. But what, when, and where it actually happens gets harder to pinpoint each year. We're in pilot season already—if you didn't know—and we'll be in it for another two months or so. Or longer. You see, pilot season is temporally amorphous—and seems to get more so with each season. But if you, our East Coast and Midwestern brethren, want to fly in by the plane-full again this year to help us celebrate it, we say, "Welcome!" And we offer this guide to make your stay in L.A., whether temporary or permanent, a little less crazy.
Inside this issue you'll find the complete story on housing, transportation, communication, food, fun, and more. Because, while you may not find every casting director's arms open to you, Back Stage West figures the more the merrier. Not only will we give you the scoop on how to do just about anything out here—except of course how to easily land the next big network show—we'll also give you a picture of what life may be like for you if you decide to pitch your tent here for good (in our "New to Town" feature, pg. 10).
But before you break out the stakes, there are a few things to consider. Are you really ready to set up shop in L.A.—even for a few months? You are welcome to the jungle, absolutely, but without the right supplies you're going to be tiger meat. So before we even get into what to do once you're here, here's a warning about what you should have before you get here.
The two essential tools that any intrepid performer must have before entering L.A. are a picture and resumé. Of course, when you get here, there will be lots of pressure—from friends, new agents, managers, etc.—to get new photos taken. And some of their advice might be spot-on. However, whether they're perfect or not, an actor needs photos before he can do anything in this town. You can't show up to an audition or a meeting empty-handed. So make sure you have something.
That goes for the resumé, as well, which brings up an important point. What makes a great photo is debatable. The golden rule, of course, is that it must look like you—and trends change often. However, to have a good resumé, it's inarguable that you must have the credits to fill it. Logically, then, an actor who arrives in L.A. with few or no professional credits can't expect people to be too impressed by his resumé. Remember, a great-looking resumé and a great resumé are two different things.
As Tombudsman advises actors every week, building credits—onstage, in commercials, in local television, in whatever medium is available—before coming to Hollywood is wise. It might seem that starting out in a town where the most work is available would make the most sense, but it's not necessarily so. A big fish from a small pond has a better chance of getting things going when he first arrives in that ocean that is the L.A. entertainment industry. Get the credits before you get here.
As important as credits—or more so, depending on whom you talk to—is education. While Back Stage West would encourage all actors to continue their training in some way once they get to L.A., a newly arrived actor, we hope, won't show up here to begin his training. More than any other town except perhaps NYC, L.A. is a city with high expectations of actors coming to audition. You'd better have the training under your belt.
In addition to pictures and resumés, actors who want to work on the screen, big or small—and if you don't, why would you be coming here in the first place?—may fare better if they have some sort of reel. Now, if you're coming from Wichita, of course agents and managers won't expect a reel with clips exclusively from feature films and primetime television. But throwing together a reel of community theatre productions is generally a bad idea. Your reel should be short, professional, and catchy.
Perhaps less important than experience, education, pictures, resumés, and reels is the other—often annoying but essential—actor's tool: the pager/cellphone. Before you get here, or at the very least the minute you arrive, set up voicemail, a pager number, or at least a cellphone number. After all, you have to have some way for all those managers and agents and producers to get hold of you once they see that fantastic picture and resumé.
Also keep in mind that wherever you may end up staying in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas (see "Where Do I Stay?"), you must have a voicemail or cellphone number with a (310), (323), (818), or (213) area code. CDs, agents, and producers are less likely to call you in if they know you live outside the immediate area. So even if you're staying with your surfer buddy in San Diego, make sure you've got a local number.
Above all, you're never going to earn your wings during pilot season if you don't have an agent or manager or both. The best—and some would say only—way to get auditions during pilot season is through an agent.
But let's say you've got it all: agent, credits, marketing tools. When should you come? Aye, that's a good question. Most seasoned actors are all too familiar with the idea (and ideal) of pilot season, the three-month period each spring when most of Hollywood scrambles to pull together a new TV series shot in time for the networks to choose their lineup in mid-May. For series creators, it's a hectic time of bringing together experienced writers, technical staff, and cast members in a short time. For actors and crews, it's hopefully a prime opportunity to get hired.
Pilot season runs from about the middle of January through April. All the networks are casting for pilots, which are essentially nothing more than sample episodes to show producers, networks, and TV audiences. If a pilot is polished enough, it becomes the first (and often only) episode of the series. However, the discouraging reality is that even if you are lucky enough to land a pilot, your chances of having it aired are slim. Although each pilot can cost several million dollars to create, networks traditionally pick only three or four pilots for every 50 they view. About 2 percent of the pool of pilots each season ever hits the air.
For the most part, pilot season can be just as risky and challenging a time to be in L.A. as any other. Actors who have found the venture successful are well-prepared, realistic, and organized. It is only three months or so, after all. For out-of-town actors, consider this your time to check out Los Angeles and to knock on a few doors. At best, the season can open a few of those doors for you and help you decide if L.A. is worth the permanent move.
Where Do I Stay?
Temporary housing isn't cheap. Therefore, if you've got a friend you can freeload off for a few months, freeload. (Or, more honorably, throw in some dough for the rent while you're here.)
If, however, you've saved up some cash, sharing temporary housing with a friend or friends can be the way to go. Most places require a 30-day minimum stay and will run you about $2,000 a month, but the perks usually include gym facilities, pools, rehearsal space, etc.
Temporary Housing
Globe Corporate Stay International
Provides fully furnished individual apartments throughout the city.
(323) 960-3455
The Oakwood Apartments
Perhaps the most popular locations for visiting actors. Apartments have all the amenities a performer could desire.
www.oakwood.com
(800) 942-2787
Park La Brea
Ideally located off the Miracle Mile, another souped-up facility for the actor with some cash.
www.parklabrea.com
(800) 315-1613
Rent.net
Offers an extensive listing of temporary housing. www.rent.net (look under corporate housing)
Permanent Housing
If you're buying an open-ended ticket to Tinseltown, you may be looking for a permanent (or semi-permanent) housing situation. Remember that most of your auditions will take place in West Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Burbank, so plan accordingly. The following services are essential to the Pilot Season actor who plans on making the season last a lifetime.
Roommates
Roommate Matchers
www.roommatematchers.com
(323) 653-7666
online and in-person service, $49.95
www.roommateclick.com, free online service
Easy Roommate
www.easyroommate.com
online service, $49.99
Yahoo Classifieds
www.yahoo.com, free online service
Rental Times
www.renttimes.com
(323) 653-7666, online and in-person listing service
Apartment Source
www.la.apartmentsource.com
(800) 313-9738, online listing service, $25
Westside Rental Connection
www.westsiderentals.com
(877) 872-6998, online and in-person service
L.A. Homefinders.com
www.lahomefinders.com
Online listing service, $49.95.
Los Angeles Times
www.latimes.com.
www.apartments.com, free online search service
Pets and People Homefinders
www.pets-people.com
(310) 398-1413, online and in-person service for pet-friendly rentals, $69
Pets R Welcome
www.petsrwelcome.com
online service for pet-friendly rentals, $50.
How Do I Get Around?
L.A.'s public transportation may not be as bad as Speed portrays it, but face the facts: In order to get around in Los Angeles, you need a car. If you're not bringing your faithful wheels out with you, here are some numbers to help get you on the road.
Rental Cars
Able Rent-a-Car: (800) 225-3768
Alamo: (877) 252-6600
Avis: (800) 230-4898
Beverly Hills Luxury: (800) 479-5996
Budget: (800) 527-0700
Fox Rent-a-Car: (800) 225-4369
Hertz: (800) 654-3131
Internet Rent-a-Car: (800) 747-7766
National: (800) 227-7368
Sunbelt Sports Cars: (800) 314-4555
U-SAVE Auto Rental: (800) 343-4833
Public Transportation (for the intrepid)
L.A. Department of Transportation (DASH)
(213) 808-2273
(310) 808-2273
www.cityofla.org/LADOT
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
(800) 266-6883
MetroLink
(800) 371-5465
www.mta.net
Used Car Dealers
California Autonet
www.californiaautonet.com
Carmax: (310) 568-9272
Enterprise Car Sales: (800) 227-7253
Go Direct
www.godirectauto.com
LosAngelesCars.com
www.losangelescars.com
Los Angeles Times Marketplace
www.latimes.com/class
Where Will They Send My Sides?
Unless you have a fax machine in your temporary housing, you'll need to get your sides sent somewhere ("sides," if you don't know, are a portion of the script that a casting director will want you to familiarize yourself with prior to an audition). Kinko's is a good bet—and there are locations everywhere. However, some Mom-and-Pop fax locations can be just as reliable—and cheaper—so it doesn't hurt to look around your immediate neighborhood when you first get to town.
How Do I Stay in Touch?
They're annoying, but they're a necessity. You'll be spending a lot of time away from your home, and you'll need a pager and/or cellphone on your person so that your agent or manager or friends can get hold of you. If you already have a phone and a provider, you can usually just get service in this area. If you don't, you may want to consider renting a phone. Otherwise you would typically have to get a six-month or one-year plan from the major cellphone providers.
The following list is a good place to start when renting. Most important, as soon as you get to town, get reliable voicemail in one form or another. After all, if a call does come in, you'd better not miss it.
Action Cellular Rent-A-Phone
(800) RENT-PHONE
Travelers Telecom
15760 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 1201
Encino, CA 91346
(818) 325-2820
USA Phone Rental
(800) 964-2468
And for keeping in touch with your loved ones back home, there's always the Internet. The following list of cybercafés can get you a little caffeine to start the day, as well.
@Coffee
www.atcoffee.com
7200 Melrose Ave.
L.A., CA 90046
Phone: (323) 930-1122
E-mail: info@atcoffee.com
Price/hr.: $ 7
Business Anywhere
5711 W. Century Blvd.
L.A., CA 90045
Phone: (949) 250-4752
Fax: (949) 250-4757
Email: businessanywhere@yahoo.com
CyberBuzz
2897 W. Olympic Blvd., #201
L.A., CA 90028
Phone: (213) 480-6653
E-mail: nwsong@yahoo.com
Price: $2/hr. (for members), $3/hr. (for non-members), Membership: $10, One-day pass: $20
Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 12 noon-6 a.m.; Fri.-Sat., open 24 hours.
Cyber Java
www.cyberjava.com
7080 Hollywood Blvd.
L.A., CA 90028
Phone: (323) 466-5600
Fax: (310) 388-1313
E-mail: mail@cyberjava.com
Price: $2.50/15 minutes or $9/hr.
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-midnight.; Sat.-Sun., 8 a.m.-midnight.
Los Angeles Institutions
The following is a list of bars and restaurants that are as much a part of Hollywood as the sign. Most of these venues attract celebs and other Hollywood elitists, so expect some crowds and pricey cocktails as part of the experience.
Bars
360
6290 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
(323) 871-2995
This trendy restaurant/bar featuring live music is located at the top of a high-rise, providing a spectacular 360-degree view of the city.
The Cat and Fiddle Restaurant and Pub
6530 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood
(323) 468-3800
A trendy but mellow bar with a dartboard at one end and a banquet room with large tables and TV screens at the other. The outdoor patio is a popular hangout.
Chateau Marmont
8221 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
(323) 650-0575
A legendary hotel where Jim Morrison, William Holden, Jessica Lange, Spike Lee, and dozens of other celebrities have been welcome guests. And, of course, John Belushi died here. Bar Marmont offers a swank place to have a drink.
The Derby
4500 Los Feliz Blvd., L.A.
(323) 663-8979
Great place to see old-school swing and rockabilly acts, and excellent dancers. The club also offers lessons for neophyte swing dancers. Heavily featured in the movie Swingers.
Dresden Room
1760 N. Vermont Ave., L.A.
(323) 665-4292
Jazz musicians and lounge act duo "Marty and Elayne" have been favorites at the Dresden Room since 1982—and were also featured in the film Swingers.
Encounters
209 World Way
LAX Airport, L.A.
(313) 215-5151
Perched aside LAX's bustling main terminal, this 1960s Star Trek outerspace lounge draws as many Angelenos as fly-by travelers (including John Travolta, who had his star-studded birthday party here).
Formosa Café
7156 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood
(323) 850-9050
This dark bar is a piece of Hollywood history with memorabilia from its celebrity list of past patrons.
Lola's
945 N. Fairfax Ave., Hollywood
(323) 736-5652.
A chic low-lit restaurant bar. Famous for its extensive martini menu and soft cheetah-print couches.
Pig 'N' Whistle
6714 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood
(323) 463-0000
This Hollywood mainstay opened in 1927 and has enjoyed legions of fans since Hollywood's Golden Age. Shirley Temple was a regular. Spencer Tracy, Loretta Young, Howard Hughes, and Barbara Stanwyck dined there, and the restaurant continues to bring in celebs and Hollywood locals.
The Sky Bar
7702 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood
(323) 848-6025
Sweeping city views and sophisticated decor make the Sky Bar at the Mondrian Hotel one of the area's most sought after spots.
The Sunset Room
1430 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood
(323) 463-0004
Located in what was once an old film supply warehouse, just two blocks from the closed-for-remodeling Cinerama Dome, the Sunset Room is an elegant mix of restaurant, bar, and nightclub, harking back to the supper clubs of Old Hollywood. And since its opening, it has been attracting celebrities in flocks.
The Standard Hotel
8300 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood
(323) 650-9090
A great view of the L.A. basin from an Astroturf pool deck; ultra kitsch, ultra hip.
Ye Coach & Horses
7617 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
(323) 876-6900
Richard Burton used to stop for drinks, and Billy Idol was a permanent fixture at this mostly young-industry-types watering hole.
Restaurants
Canter's
419 Fairfax Ave., L.A.
(323) 651-2030
This famed 70-year-old restaurant known for its huge sandwiches and low prices has catered to the hunger of many of Hollywood's greatest and latest celebrities. The restaurant also houses a bar with a stage for live bands, the Kibitz Room, where Slash (formerly of Guns 'N' Roses), The Wallflowers, and Blues Traveler have jammed.
Duke's
8909 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
(310) 652-3100
A coffee-shop institution on Sunset, a stone's throw from legendary live music clubs like the Whisky a-Go-Go and the Viper Room, Duke's is a very Hollywood experience, with communal cafeteria-style tables filled with bleary-eyed musicians waking up from last night's gig and a waitstaff that runs from older ladies with bleached hair to Goth Gen-Xers grinning beneath black hair and pallid skin.
Fred 62
1850 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Feliz
(323) 667-0062
In the heart of trendy Los Feliz, this '50s-kitsch coffee shop couples a fun and relaxed atmosphere with a great people-watching experience.
Geoffrey's
27400 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu
(310) 457-1519
California cuisine set against a backdrop of crashing waves. It's typically famous faces that can afford the menu. Scenes from Robert Altman's 1992 film The Player were filmed here.
Kate Mantilini
9101 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills
(310) 278-3699
The ultimate power restaurant (and pricey). You'll see execs and A-list actors making million-dollar deals over its signature white chili.
Musso and Frank
6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
(323) 467-5123
More than 80 years old, this watering hole is one of the only "Old Hollywood" restaurants left with a rich history and an eclectic menu.
Pink's
709 N. La Brea, L.A.
(323) 931-4223
Orson Welles used to come here once a week and down a dozen chili cheese dogs. This local landmark is a favorite place for a late-night snack, and the lines get long once the bars let out.
Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n' Waffles
1514 N. Gower Street, L.A.
(323) 466-7453
A close proximity to CBS Television City has turned this simple restaurant into a goldmine for easy and accessible industry executive hobnobbing.
(Also located at 4907 W. Washington Blvd., at La Brea Avenue, (323) 936-3730, and 5006 W. Pico Blvd., (323) 934-4405.)
Swinger's
8020 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood
(323) 653-5858
It's so money and it knows it. The film of the same name shot some scenes in this 24-hour hipster diner.
More About Los Angeles
Since we don't have enough pages to tell you everything about Los Angeles, we recommend the following books and websites for those pilot-season hopefuls who really want to delve into the culture and history of our fair city.
Books
Newcomer's Handbook for Los Angeles by Joan Wai and Stacey Ravel Abarbanel
The Underground Guide to Los Angeles by Pleasant Gehman
Los Angeles Survival Guide by Curt Northrup
Relocating to L.A. and Orange County: Everything You Need To Know Before and After You Get There by David Seidman
Websites
gola.about.com/travel/gola/mbody.htm
@LA at www.at-la.com
Boulevard's Guide to Los Angeles at www.losangeles.com
City of Los Angeles at www.ci.la.ca.us
CitySearch:L.A. at www.losangeles.citysearch.com
Hotel Guide, Los Angeles at www.losangeles.hotelguide.net
Los Angeles Real Time Traffic at www.traffic.maxwell.com/la
www.citypick.com
www.wherela.com
www.cities.com
www.citytravelguide.com
www.seeing-stars.com
L.A. Movies
If you need to brush up on some Hollywood do and don'ts, here's a tip—do bring a cellphone with you everywhere you go, just don't leave it on at the movies. For more glimpses from the inside, check out the movies below and prepare to be enlightened.
Grand Canyon
Mary-Louise Parker, Alfre Woodard, Kevin Kline, Danny Glover, and Steve Martin star in this L.A.-based drama of intersecting and connecting lives. While this film is equally loved and hated, it's worth seeing purely for its strong affiliation to the city.
L.A. Story
In this comedy Steve Martin plays the weather presenter for a Los Angeles television station. Martin gives a wonderful performance as he battles insane conditions and people caused by the manic chaos that is L.A.
Swingers
Wannabe actors become regulars in this stylish new-lounge scene. Rat Pack hip is back in this film launched when the swing craze was sweeping the land. If you can handle the dialogue, this is a film worth checking out
Get Shorty
A mobster travels to Hollywood to collect a debt and discovers that the movie business is much the same as his current job. This is a hilarious satire of Hollywood.
The Player
Follows the ordeals of a studio executive who is being blackmailed by a writer whose script he rejected. Loaded with Hollywood insider jokes, the plot is written on a backdrop of sleazy Hollywood industry deals.
Short Cuts
The everyday lives of a number of Angelenos are the subject of this loosely knit collection of short stories. One of director Robert Altman's most sprawling and dark films.
Slaves of Hollywood
A group of recent college graduates at their first jobs in corporate Hollywood work as personal assistants to a variety of maniacal producers, agents, and studio executives. The glamour of working in Hollywood quickly begins to fade after endless days of making coffee and babysitting the boss' children. Follow the characters as they struggle to move up the corporate ladder while keeping their sanity and morals intact.
Sunset Blvd.
This 1950 classic stars Gloria Swanson and William Holden, superb in this look into the dark side of Hollywoodland: Swanson as the insane Norma Desmond, a mad silent movie star languishing in her old mansion surrounded by reminders of her glory days, and Holden as a bitingly cynical screenwriter playing gigolo to Swanson.
Swimming With Sharks
Frank Whaley plays a young Hollywood executive assistant who works for a big-time movie producer, Buddy Ackerman (Kevin Spacey). Ackerman tortures his assistant mercilessly until the young executive kidnaps his boss and visits all the cruelties back on him.