If you're an actor, what are the disadvantages of Hollywood?

Question

And who are actors, directors, etc. that have left Hollywood for various reasons and what are their stories? And what have they done to contribute to entertainment or how have they returned to normal lives after leaving Hollywood? Any websites about all this? Same with the music business? Would you do the Hollywood thing? What actors HAVEN'T done the Hollywood thing?

Answer 1

With all due respect it might be as easy for you to do a general search, but an immediate, direct set of thoughts might be,,,

For one who happens to be located on the East coast, wanting to be a FILM actor, Hollywood might be a stretch.

For someone wanting to be involved in Live performance Acting, the East coast might be a far better experience, IE: NYC

For anyone involved in any Hollywood setting, they may be there through some disallusionment, and find the competitive forces too great, most especially given that you can count on two hands the numbers in the Millionaires club, while those at the standard for 2008 of just under $49 K, which could fill several metro phone books, might be starving.

For many who are most passionate about the craft, they may drown in the tabloid type atmosphere of Hollywood. The air is pretty "congestive"

For those not at all interested in a Film career, they can enjoy a substantial and fulfilling life in any metropolis that is supportive of that genre.

For those who got ON THE BOARDS, then did something Hollywood-ish; many, often return to Broadway.

For those who ACT, no matter in what genre, I suspect all,,,with a passion for it, contribute something. That may not mean they ever walk a red carpet, but in some measure, no one should be in the craft for the $$$.

   Obviously in this country, (USA) we have two MECCA's on opposing coasts. The initial choices made, particularly by the young, the dreamers, might be the GLITZ, of Hollywood. No sin in dreaming by the way.

   The two genres, Film and Live, are about as different as a hand and a foot, and some prefer the methods of LIVE over Film, in all aspects.

   On a stage, I might have to be precise in my timing and scheduling. In Film, I could sit in a trailer 8 hours a day waiting to do 2 minutes of film.

   Finally, "Normal" is probably relative and subjective, but also relates to the individual, and their aspirations, goals, plans, dreams, and what effort in their passion they wish to expend.

   OK one more. A song by Joe Cocker,,, ballad type,,, last line,,, "It takes a whole lotta "medicine" for me to pretend I'm somebody else."

Answer 2

Well I would say the competition is the biggest part. You have the people with no talent who have agents (better than someone new to the industry) and the REALLY good people who beat you for the roles. I'm sure the living expenses are skyrocketing due to the economy. Trust me no new actor is going to be able to afford the rent living on their own on an actor's salary.

Answer 3

People always being in your buisness and saying something innocent and fun is naughty and whorish