Should I move to a studio apartment in L.A. to fulfill my dreams?

Question

I'm 18 years old from the Philippines. I moved to San Diego a year ago (Nov 2015). I see studio apartments that are ranging from $500-690 utilities included in Los Angeles. Would it be reasonable to get a studio apartment for that price with a minimum wage income? Say, $1,500 a month. I'm still in High School, but the time I graduate I wish to fulfill my dreams of filmmaking. Writing screenplays, become a cinematographer, and in the future, maybe become a director.

I'm a realist. I know I may sound naïve to you people, but it just feels right. I am currently planning and planning, and until I save money up to at least $5,000 or more, I'll just pack my bags and balls to move out there.

Maybe one of the main problem I have with moving is getting a job. Would a landlord give me a place if I don't have a job (yet)? Would my saved money make a difference? Because I could perhaps pay the rent 3-6 months in advance and live there while looking for a job. 3-6 months is a lot of time to look for a job, right? Of course, I'm not going to be picky with jobs, I could work in fast food, a full-time and part-time, anything to make ends meet. It may not sound like a fulfillment -- not until I get an apartment and a job will I pursue "the dream".

I want to live somewhere around the actual city. Downtown if need be. I wouldn't want to move somewhere in Compton, Inglewood, or Long Beach.

Help me out, beautiful people.

Answer 1

Getting into the film industry is not an easy task. You would be better off it you would attend a school such as Southern California, who has one of the top film department in the United States.



Most employers in the film industry would want you to be ready to go upon hiring you and not you being a student. In going to a college, you might be selected as an intern at a local studio or on certain projects. High school graduates,are very seldom asked to be interns.



You might find a local college or trade school in San Diego that would be able to teach you in this field you would wan to enter. Look around and see what is available in your local area, before you make a decision where you would be a waiter or fast food operator and not being able devote a lot of time to getting an education as oppose to paying for a place to stay, food, clothes, transportation and the like to stay afloat.



Those studio apartments you see advertised for $500-$700 per month might be in neighborhoods you would find not to your liking and unsafe.



I lived in Long Beach for many years. The rent for a 2 bedroom 1 bath was $1,275 per month and you were

required to pay extra for a garage. This was 5 years ago. I know that rent has increased, since I was there. The apartment I rented was not at the very top of the economical ladder nor was it at the very bottom of the economical level. It was a security rental unit with swimming pool.



Each city has it's own problems. You will find Long Beach the second largest city in Los Angeles county. There are many economical levels you may choose from. In the Los Altos, Bixby Knolls area you will find adequate rental units that is moderately priced.



You will also find that Long Beach is located in a very attractive location as you are able to be any place in Los Angeles county within about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.



In applying for and being approved for a rental unit would require you to have a job. Being able to pay 3-6 months rent would limit you to a lease agreement for that time.



Normally you would be required to pay a deposit, equal to the first month rent as well as first month rent. Using your high figure of rent you would be required to have a minimum of $1,400 for the first month rent and deposit. With your $5000 you plan to save you have enough money left to pay for 5 months rent. You have no money for food, gas, insurance, clothes or other things you might want to do financially.



Living down town Los Angeles. Where exactly is down town Los Angeles?



There are many waiters, fast food workers, Wal Mart employers and other individuals doing other jobs, residing in the Los Angeles area that want to get into the movie industry.



While living in Long Beach, I personally met many of them. Some had been working other jobs for many years.



In order for your dream to become true, you would be required to concentrate and keep your goal in sight. Get the best education as possible in the field you would want to enter. Apply for intern positions as they become available. Apply for any job in the field that become available.



You may do this in San Diego and perhaps learn your trade and get to know individuals in the trade to network with.



I hope this has been of some benefit to you, good luck.



"FIGHT ON"

Answer 2

Keep in mind that you can't get a job without a work permit, so don't even think about it if you can't get one. But I commend you on saying you will not be picky about a job and that you don't expect to roll into town and get any sort of job involved in the industry (because you will not).



$500-690 is very low, you will not find that in any area you want to live. $800 will get you something in North Hollywood, which is a step up from Compton.



Aside from that, just go into it knowing the odds are long.

Answer 3

if you're a realist, you should realize you need to go to college to have any chance of getting a job in that field (which even then is very unlikely)

Answer 4

No landlord will rent to you unless you have a job (and therefore obviously a way of paying rent).

Answer 5

move to orange county...you can move in wit a family and celebrate christmacha......what's your dream.....how you gonna sneak illegal into country