Where's Hollywood
The past few years have seen some significant shifts in how people consume media, from how we watch movies to what kind of content we look for. Studios are struggling to keep up with these changes, so many feel that they just don't want to make entertainment products anymore.
There has been an alarming rise in stories about studio employees talking trash about the industry, or even quitting because they can't stand what is being produced. People are expressing their frustrations online, talk radio is overrun with angry listeners, and boycotts and protests seem to erupt everywhere you look.
Some believe that this shift away from making popular films is happening because movie studios no longer understand how to do it well. They think those that run production deserve too much credit for creating successful franchises, and that having lots of money doesn't guarantee success any more.
Many fear that the death of the blockbuster movie is imminent, which would be a tragedy not only for fans, but also for the career opportunities that could vanish along with it. After all, who wants to work at a company that makes boring, safe movies?
But here's the thing -- it's time to move on. Movie studios have been producing big blockbusters for almost 100 years, and while they still hold an esteemed place in our culture, they're now going through something of a dry spell.
Burbank, California
As you read above, not only does it take a lot of money to produce a successful movie, but it takes a lot of money to market that movie!
Having a large media market is an important part of marketing a film. The bigger your city, the more people see the movie, which can help boost viewership and therefore income.
Many big cities are marketed through TV commercials, billboards, online ads, and/or print advertisements. Some even have promotional tours organized by the film’s producers or its distributor.
But what if your town isn’t very popular? Or at least, what if there aren’t too many tourists visiting from outside of your area? What if everyone in your community doesn’t like the movie very much?
It may be hard to promote your movie when there’s no one around to watch it.
Los Angeles, California
With its rich history as one of the most influential creative hubs in the world, it comes as no surprise that many consider Hollywood to be the capital of our culture.
It is quite easy to understand why this has become such an assumption. After all, almost every famous movie you’ve ever seen was filmed here!
And not just any movie, but ones with some incredible stories behind them. You can even make a case that the concept for much of America's modern sense of patriotism came from a scene shot somewhere within the city limits.
But while Hollywood may reign as the cultural force that it once was, things have changed dramatically over the past few decades.
In fact, if you're looking to make a living as a filmmaker or are already working in the industry, then chances are good that you'll find more opportunities outside of LA.
That being said, there are plenty of ways to earn a decent income in the film business without having to live in the sprawling desert metropolis.
West Hollywood, California
In west Los Angeles, you will find some of the most expensive real estate in America. Some say it is because people with money live there or that the area attracts more affluent individuals. Either way, it is clear to see why this part of LA has such a flashy reputation!
West Hollywood is one of the wealthiest areas in California and even the locals seem to keep up with the latest trends. Even though the average person probably can’t afford a house here, it is very easy to identify who all the rich people are.
It isn’t necessarily because they are famous or wealthy themselves, but because they go out for coffee or drinks with other rich people almost every day. People talk about how great their lives are and how much success they have, so obviously they are doing something right.
There are many theories as to what makes an individual from the upper class become friends with others like them, but no matter what it is it works. It is definitely a nice perk to know at least some of the secrets to becoming well-off.
Beverly Hills, California
If you’ve never been to Beverly Hills before, there is so much to see and do here that it can feel like an entire vacation in itself! This wealthy area of Los Angeles boasts some incredible attractions including beautiful scenery, famous landmarks and museums, great dining options, and more than enough things to do at night.
Beverly Hills is home to many well-known tourist destinations such as The Ritz Carlton Hotel, where Oprah has her offices and lived for several years; The Ahmanson Theatre, which hosts Broadway shows and major events such as the Oscars; And Century City, one of LA’s most popular business districts with large skyscrapers and top quality shopping.
It’s also not too far from downtown or other parts of Los Angeles, making it easy to explore the rest of the city. You could even take public transportation down here if you wanted to!
And don't worry about finding a place to stay while visiting - this town really does have it all when it comes to hotels! There are plenty of places to relax after a busy day, and they're usually within walking distance of the best areas of town.
New York
The city has always been known for its hustle, its bustling energy, its diversity of people, and its flashy nature.
This is what makes it so attractive to filmmakers. It’s easy to see why directors choose to make their homes in this beautiful urban space.
Hollywood loves to flaunt its wealth, just like New York does. And with all the amenities that cities like Manhattan offer - from restaurants and gyms to theaters and museums - there’s never a lack of things to do.
But not everyone enjoys living in a place where there are a lot of tourists walking around or people who talk too much about themselves.
That doesn’t apply to filmmaking. You need to be able to communicate well, and you have to enjoy being surrounded by lots of other people.
And even though many movie stars live very lavish lives, they don’t spend every penny they earn. So there’s an understanding between artist and moneyed-up owner of the organization.
In fact, some say that having enough money makes giving more can help your career. Money gives you freedom!
Now, I’m definitely not saying that everyone becomes best friends after a meeting, but it’s pretty common.