Article: If you want to make it in Hollywood, well, you've gotta be in Hollywood. At some point, you're going to have to make the leap. It's expensive and not nearly as glamorous as it's pictured, so make sure you're going in with a healthy dose of reality. But it has to be done; what better time to bite the bullet than now? It'll help you feel like your dream is coming true, too. Alright, so "Hollywood" doesn't necessarily mean Hollywood. It means Culver City, Glendale, Los Angeles, Lennox, Inglewood, Hawthorne, and others. California is one of the most expensive places to live in the entire world and living in a smaller suburb will likely be cheaper than living in actual Hollywood. If you have the option to push mail at a talent agency, on a set, or for production company, take it. If you're practically scraping the scum off the bathroom floor, take it. For starters, you need a job. What's more, you'll meet people and get a feel for the environment. Everybody starts somewhere, and those bills won't pay themselves. Harrison Ford was a carpenter on the set of Star Wars when George Lucas nabbed him for the role of Han Solo. It might not be as easy as that in your case, but it is a step in the right direction. In order to be taken seriously and to have less work on your plate, get an agent. They'll get auditions for you and get your name out there you just have to do the hard work of showing up and rocking it. A good agent is free. Never pay an agent before you get a gig they should only get a cut of the gigs they nab you. There is sort of a catch-22 with getting an agent they have to see you in something. So take whatever small gigs you can get and get them on tape. You can start creating a demo reel to submit to the agents you want. Apart from this, all you can really do is rely on word of mouth and networking. Is there a party on Friday that's supposedly going to be hopping, but you only know one or two people going, and that's only via Facebook? Go anyway. There will be drinking and laughter, and after a while, no one will remember that you're a stranger. You'll meet people, hear about their connections, and possible get a phone number or two to network with later. The more people you know, the better chances you have of getting recommended later. For performers, this will help you get an agent, too. After a few beers, B-rated sitcom star Bobby Whatshisname throws you his agent's business card and says he'll give you a heads up. Every little bit counts, and if you have to do some schmoozing to get ahead, so be it. You're going to hear no's out your ears. You'll practically be swimming in rejections. Even the most famous of celebrities have been told they're not suited for a role at one point or another. Remember that casting directors reject candidates because the latter may not have traits the former are looking for. It's perfectly okay to feel disappointed upon rejection, but it's also okay to spend some time to de-stress, whether it be exercise, food and a drink, talking about it with someone you trust, or partaking in a hobby. You must also believe in yourself and never give up! You made it happen after all, right? The life leading up to the life of a star is rarely glamorous. You'll likely be poor, hate your day job, and consider the littlest of victories huge. And they are! This is a tough gig, but you have to believe that eventually it'll pay off.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Move to Hollywood. Take whatever gig you can get. Get an agent if you are looking to perform. Network, network, network. Get used to rejection.