Hollywood Los Angeles Directions
Finding your voice as an artist is more than just showing up to work every day and putting out what you have in store for everyone, it’s about experimenting with different styles and approaches to put yourself out there.
It’s about being willing to take risks and be intuitive with how you express yourself so that people can see all of you - not just the part of you that is trying to fit into a mold or match the style of someone else.
That would definitely be easier and probably even more successful if you didn’t try to imitate anyone too much!
Hollywood isn’t known for its introverts, but they are few and far between. Most actors need at least a little bit of alone time to re-calibrate after spending hours acting around other people.
If you ever feel like you’re no longer finding anything new to say when interacting with others, consider whether that's because you're saying the same thing over and over again, or if you’ve run dry of things that you want to share.
Your personal life aside, as artists we should always be looking to learn something new. We can never truly know everything, and that’s okay! What we do know may not seem very interesting to us now, but maybe later.
There will come a time when what we make art out of directly impacts our own lives, either positively or negatively.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Located in the San Fernando Valley, just north of Beverly Hills, Universal Studios is easily accessible via the 101 or 110 freeways as well as Metrolink train lines.
The best way to get around is by car as there are many attractions that you can visit while exploring the area. There are also lots of restaurants nearby so spending money is not a problem!
Universal has several different theme parks for all types of people with The Simpsons Ride being one of the most popular rides. This is a virtual reality experience where riders don’t need special equipment to enjoy it because you put on your own headset!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is another very famous attraction at Universal which was inspired by the books and film series. It features eight themed areas including Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts Castle.
These three areas were designed to look like settings from the book or movie and they are connected by the Magical Monorail.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
Located in West Hollywood, California, Grauman’s Chinese Theater is one of LA’s most well-known landmarks. Opened back in 1927, it was designed by artist Frank Emile Addison and built by Oscar Hammerstein II.
Hammerstein had wanted to name his theater The Show Biz Palace but was overruled by producer William Randolph Hearst who insisted that it be named after China instead.
It took over 10 years before the building was completed due to financial issues. When it finally opened its doors for business, it had an astounding 2 million dollars invested into it!
At the time it was constructed, the theatre could host up to 5,000 guests which makes sense since this was during the golden era of movie making when large groups were very popular. It has also been known as Landmark Memorial Gardens and Pacific Plaza Hotel.
Since it first opened, many famous people have visited or worked out at the hotel including Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, among others.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame was created in 1927 to recognize famous people with small bronze plaques that read their name along with where they are affiliated with or received an award.
In 1937, the organization expanded by adding large brass plates that include both their name and career as well as some brief characteristics and quotes. These plates are placed within feet area of each other making it easy to spot your favorite actor’s or actress’s plaque.
These days, there is no longer a need for the larger engraved plaques because online databases have been established to find information about anyone.
Sunset Strip
The most famous stretch of road in California is not Highway 101 or Interstate 5, but rather the Sunset Strip. This is due to it being featured prominently in several major films.
The Sunset Strip runs along the Pacific Ocean in West Hollywood. It begins at La Cienega Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard where there are many restaurants and nightlife venues. Then it travels west towards Wilshire Boulevard with more entertainment options.
Some say that the name comes from the sunset view of the ocean you get as you drive down the strip. Others believe it was named after an actress who lived next door to the hotel that now occupies this location!
There’s no denying though how beautiful the beach is here so the first part of the name makes sense. You also won’t find too many people talking about the uniqueness of the area because it’s very popular.
Overall, if you love movie scenes then do not miss out on the Sunset Strip! There are lots of places to eat and drink and even some things like photo opportunities.
Beverly Hills
Located in the west of LA, Beverly Hills is known for its rich history that includes both film production and wealthy inhabitants. It has some of the highest average household incomes in America!
Beverly Hills was founded as a small farming community in 1885 by real estate developer Henry T. Allen. At this time it consisted mostly of open fields and farms with few buildings.
It wasn’t until the 1920s when things started to take shape. The city grew quickly during this decade due to an influx of new residents and business owners. Many came here to enjoy the beautiful weather and lifestyle that Beverly Hills offered.
Nowadays, many people refer to Beverly Hills as ‘the most famous suburb in America’. This is because so many films have been made here, including ones such as Gone With The Wind, Driving Miss Daisy, and Million Dollar Baby among others.
Rodeo Drive
Located in Beverly Hills, California, just west of Sunset Boulevard is what many consider to be the heart of Hollywood. Considered by some as “the golden mile” of America’s most famous street, Rodeo Drive is home to some of the world’s top fashion brands.
Many people know about this area because it was mentioned frequently in popular culture. In fact, outside of movie studios, no one really lives here anymore.
The Valley
The term ‘valley’ is typically used to describe lower income or rural areas, but in terms of where your career can take you as an actor, writer, director, etc., the valley is more like the middle school stage. You grow up here, it helps prepare you for bigger things.
The film industry has exploded in size over the past few decades, with every major city having their own thriving movie scene. And while there are lots of ways to get into this field, not all parts require a college degree or professional training.
Most people start working in media as interns, apprentices, or casual employees before getting full time jobs. These non-professional positions are great opportunities to learn about production, marketing, journalism, and other fields within the entertainment business.
There are many cities across America that have large enough movie scenes to find employment quickly. Some even have organized events and activities to connect aspiring professionals together.
A lot of these places focus more on providing experience than diplomas, making them worth your time if you are looking to advance your career. The California Film Industry being one such place!
Here we will discuss what makes the San Fernando Valley so special when it comes to acting, writing, directing, producing, and filming.
Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown is the most popular destination for tourists in California. There are plenty of ways to visit downtown LA, but none more famous than walking down Broadway or Sunset Boulevard through the bustling area.
Downtown has something unique for everyone- from major attractions such as The Staples Center, LACMA, and the Grand Avenue shopping district, to culinary hotspots like Melrose Market and Chasen Restaurant.
If you’re looking to enjoy some nightlife, there are many options beyond movie theaters! With large hotel spaces that offer nightclubs and bars, this is an ideal place to relax after exploring the city.
Getting around downtown can be tricky at times due to traffic and limited parking so make sure you know your surroundings before going out to explore. Buses run frequently during peak hours, making it easy to get where you need to go. For those without a vehicle, taxis are easily accessible and cost about $6 -$8 per trip depending on location.
You won’t want to miss what downtown LA has to offer! Visit now for all the details.