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Keilana
Student
Asheville, North Carolina
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Where should I move after college to start a sustainable SFX makeup career in film or theater?
I am a college art student planning to become a special effects makeup artist for film or theater. I have looked into a few cities on my own and, based on cost of living, I feel more drawn to places like Atlanta or Toronto than LA or Hollywood. I do not want to lock myself in too early, though. For people currently working in the field, which cities would you seriously consider if you were starting now and wanted both steady income and good creative opportunities, and why would you choose them over the usual “big name” places?
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Michelle M.
Actress
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Keilana !
It's good that you are considering career location and it's a very normal phase for actors and tech people. Keep in mind that I graduated with my degree in theatre many decades ago when the world was a lot different, the economy was sensible and the industry was run differently and more logical. The two main hubs you should indeed consider are New York City, NY or Los Angeles. I started out in a small Northern California city at that time, went to L.A. then to New York City but now, since I seek a different level of career, I am in a small suburban town in which once in a while roles come across for my age and type. I don't seek the same things I sought when I was young.
With intense exploring, you will be able to decide where to move for your career. It is an exciting adventure. I had already known NYC very well but visited L.A. only twice before moving there just to check it out. I recommend actually taking a trip to both cities.
I know the idea of rent in both places is very daunting. For New York City, the good thing is, you are already closer to it than L.A. and you do not actually have to live in NYC. Surrounding counties such as Duchess County, Westchester County, Fairfield County in Connecticut have lower rents and can be doable with roommates or applying for subsidized housing. For Los Angeles, everything is far if you ask me. And I lived in L.A. (in Hollywood, Los Feliz area) with my own apartment and NO CAR !
I had to look this up - nothing is affordable near L.A. these days. But roommates may be an answer. I remember that five of my classmates that were actors planned the move to New York City. All five of them were roommates in one NYC apartment. It's going to depend how much you want the work.
I think for you, a reasonable consideration would be to try New York City - a nearby county - at first. Since you're closer to it now and it wouldn't be such a huge move as it would be to move to Los Angeles. I would not advise moving to a different country, especially Canada. You may have to travel to Canada for a production out of NY, perhaps, but I would not advise getting involved with moving that far and having to deal with immigration expectations.
But it wouldn't be a post from me without reiterating that you really need to change your major to Theatre. Finish this semester for the art major, but right now, obtain the information for switching to the Theatre Major. Visit the Theatre Department and speak with them. This is very important as I emphasize in all the posts I've written to you. Also, again, a reminder that steady work or guaranteed work is not how the film industry works. If it does happen, that is great, but it is project by project and you'll have to do strong networking so people would know you, have a strong resume with a variety of work and have an understanding of how the film business is run.
It will help to decide on location by reading employment notices for film makeup artists at the Entertainment Careers website (link is below). Also read notices on SimplyHired and Linked In. Indeed may have some also. Another website is Job Monkey. Read where the productions will take place and that will give you an idea of how much is happening in various places. Atlanta has a small amount being done there, not as much as L.A., but it's growing. To increase the possibilities for the most work, it's still either NY or L.A. You don't have to move anywhere directly after graduation, you can spend some time in Asheville or another place before making a big move.
I hope this helps and never stop asking questions for this awesome career !
EntertainmentCareers.Net
It's good that you are considering career location and it's a very normal phase for actors and tech people. Keep in mind that I graduated with my degree in theatre many decades ago when the world was a lot different, the economy was sensible and the industry was run differently and more logical. The two main hubs you should indeed consider are New York City, NY or Los Angeles. I started out in a small Northern California city at that time, went to L.A. then to New York City but now, since I seek a different level of career, I am in a small suburban town in which once in a while roles come across for my age and type. I don't seek the same things I sought when I was young.
With intense exploring, you will be able to decide where to move for your career. It is an exciting adventure. I had already known NYC very well but visited L.A. only twice before moving there just to check it out. I recommend actually taking a trip to both cities.
I know the idea of rent in both places is very daunting. For New York City, the good thing is, you are already closer to it than L.A. and you do not actually have to live in NYC. Surrounding counties such as Duchess County, Westchester County, Fairfield County in Connecticut have lower rents and can be doable with roommates or applying for subsidized housing. For Los Angeles, everything is far if you ask me. And I lived in L.A. (in Hollywood, Los Feliz area) with my own apartment and NO CAR !
I had to look this up - nothing is affordable near L.A. these days. But roommates may be an answer. I remember that five of my classmates that were actors planned the move to New York City. All five of them were roommates in one NYC apartment. It's going to depend how much you want the work.
I think for you, a reasonable consideration would be to try New York City - a nearby county - at first. Since you're closer to it now and it wouldn't be such a huge move as it would be to move to Los Angeles. I would not advise moving to a different country, especially Canada. You may have to travel to Canada for a production out of NY, perhaps, but I would not advise getting involved with moving that far and having to deal with immigration expectations.
But it wouldn't be a post from me without reiterating that you really need to change your major to Theatre. Finish this semester for the art major, but right now, obtain the information for switching to the Theatre Major. Visit the Theatre Department and speak with them. This is very important as I emphasize in all the posts I've written to you. Also, again, a reminder that steady work or guaranteed work is not how the film industry works. If it does happen, that is great, but it is project by project and you'll have to do strong networking so people would know you, have a strong resume with a variety of work and have an understanding of how the film business is run.
It will help to decide on location by reading employment notices for film makeup artists at the Entertainment Careers website (link is below). Also read notices on SimplyHired and Linked In. Indeed may have some also. Another website is Job Monkey. Read where the productions will take place and that will give you an idea of how much is happening in various places. Atlanta has a small amount being done there, not as much as L.A., but it's growing. To increase the possibilities for the most work, it's still either NY or L.A. You don't have to move anywhere directly after graduation, you can spend some time in Asheville or another place before making a big move.
I hope this helps and never stop asking questions for this awesome career !
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