The Lady Gives A Little

Two people told me this past weekend that I had to give L.A. at least two years to show me her charms. What's funny is that I had already decided I had to stick it out for at least two years.

Things are looking up already. January is a slow month for the Industry and business in general, so maybe that explains some of the sluggish response to my early job search efforts, but things seem to be improving. I accepted yet another temp job in Santa Monica, at a private school, for the rest of this week, simply because I have to be out there anyway for dates after work. I also agreed to an interview, through the same agency, with an international business that sounds interesting. I also figured out the temp agency for the studio closest to me, Fox, and talked to them today about temp work. I noticed from their website that they have a substantial library on the studio lot-- something for me to think about...

The Commitmentphobic Temp

I temped at a one day gig at a hip advertising agency in Santa Monica today. They wanted me to stay on for a longer term temp assignment, but I turned it down. Tough decision, as I could have created a career path there, and most of the staff was around my age. I don't think I want to drive to Santa Monica every day though. It only took 40-45 minutes, less than I expected, but I think that would get tiring over the long haul.

Also, I've really warmed to the idea of getting exposed to L.A. through temping, and now I'm reluctant to tie myself down to one workplace. I need to get over the insomnia attack that hits me every night before starting a new job though. And, unfortunately, this city is too expensive for me not to commit to a full time job within the next few months.

This past weekend I went on dates with men who have worked in the entertainment agency through temping. One got his temp job by going directly to a studio that has it's own in-house temp agency. I should look into that. Another used my first temp agency and was placed immediately at a studio, where he has worked ever since. *Sigh.*

But now I'm even wavering on my commitment to work in entertainment...

Smart Dating

Went on a nice date last night at a small, cozy hotel bar in Beverly Hills. It was nice to get out, and I was even able to find a parking spot upon return. I have some more dates this weekend, and the men all seem bright and accomplished.

Austin has, I believe, the highest per capita number of people with college degrees. In Los Angeles I definitely get the impression that people with college degrees make up a much smaller proportion of the population. On the other hand, I meet a lot more Ivy Leaguers here. I guess a city this expensive is not for the faint of heart, so it makes sense that it draws the overachievers.

Online Dating, L.A. Style, Part II

My little experiment with online dating has experienced a turnaround. Let's just say I'm going to be drinking a *lot* of coffee over the next week.

Extraville

Before I turned to the temp agencies I considered trying to be an extra to make a little money and some possible connections in "the Industry." I called up one well-known company (Central Casting) that seemed legit, but they said I'd have to pay them $25 to take pictures of me. Some of my friends said they never heard from companies again after paying for photos. A couple of operations were fly-by-night and disappeared shortly thereafter.

So, I gave up on Extraville and headed to Tempville.

Screenplays in the Closet

So far I've met three people who moved to L.A. to become screenwriters. One (a lawyer) gave up completely after his first year in L.A., the other (a teacher) has a closetful of screenplays that he still hopes to sell after he gets a book published, and the third is still plugging away, finishing up a screenplay while he works in the entertainment industry.

So it's true, lots of screenplays in the closet here.

In other aspirant news, I ran into my aspiring actress friend J., the Brit, on the street the other day. She was eating outside at Toast. After receiving the two parking tickets, she was involved in a car accident that totalled the used car she had just bought. Poor thing! Getting in a car accident here is my biggest fear...

Back to the Beach

I had an interview with another temp company this morning. Headed back over to Westwood, the area of town I'd been temping in. This interview was a great experience; I really liked the staff and felt they were very supportive and agreeable. I got a call from yet another agency this morning, so I may be interviewing again this week.

I had to take all the computer tests again, so after the process was over I felt the need to hit the beach! It's been almost six weeks since I've been to the coast. I haven't wanted to go on weekends due to the crowds and the traffic. This time I took the 101 and exited Topanga Canyon Road to get to Malibu. I stopped and hiked Topanga Canyon for about an hour and then drove through the tiny town. It's a little slice of hippieville bordering the multi-million dollar homes in Malibu. But, let's face it, the modest houses in Topanga are probably astoundingly expensive. Then I drove on down to the water and strolled along the beach for a while.

Then, of course, I had to drive back in traffic, but I didn't hit the road until 6:30 to avoid the worst of it.

My plan is still to get busy with some short-term temp work over the next couple of months that will leave me with occasional weekdays off to continue exploring around L.A. I'm hoping to have found a full-time job that I'm enthusiastic about within 3-6 months. I could also go back to the "personal assistant" agencies at that point with a great deal more knowledge of and work experience in L.A., but I'm thinking now that I am just going to find a good job fit through temping.