Another change of perspective.
I'm a huge fan of shifting focus in order to gain insight. Taking a different side to see if its worth taking. I think that's why I don't get up in arms when I meet someone that disagrees with me. For most people, at least people militant in their beliefs, the main question upon meeting a dissenter is how someone could possibly feel differently. As if people don't have different life experiences or biases that lead them to certain, differing opinions. That it's so unfathomable that someone would see things in a different light. Once you get over the fact that people think in different modes, things get a lot easier.
In Hollywood, there's a sage piece of advice that gets thrown around to those fortunate enough to hear it. With an environment of chaos and competition, Hollywood sells a dream of fulfilling your passion while shoving its boot into your throat. Yes, it's that bad. Sometimes.
The key to it is sheer numbers. Millions move out there specifically for one job market. Cities like this exist - Midland/Odessa, TX for oil, DC for politics, but they are slowly evaporating - perhaps even Hollywood is. The point is that not only does everyone not make it out there, the vast majority don't. It's a lottery system. A few get it all while the masses get nothing.
The advice I was so lucky to receive involves purpose. People go to LA with a purpose - to write, produce, direct, act, design art, design costumes, create musical scores, etc. Unfortunately, since no one is handed the key to the city and pointed in the direction of the nearest studio where they can claim their dream job upon moving in, people end working at Starbucks, restaurants, delivery services, as costumed heroes and princesses on Hollywood Blvd. outside Graumann's Theatre, etc. These jobs are pointless - they keep you in LA, but no where closer to your goal.
The real key is to get a job that's tangential to your ultimate goal. The golden example of entry level work for almost anyone (except actors) is as a production assistant. Long hours (12-16), low pay (free - 125 per day), and you're at the bottom of the totem pole, constantly told what to do. You aren't allowed to sit because it looks bad. You have to constantly be ready to work at a moment's notice. And you better hustle, but, like a friend of mine once said, "At least you're on the totem pole."
Here's the advice: When you have a plan A and a plan B, you should make your Plan B, your Plan A.
Switch perspectives.
If you came out to Los Angeles to write and ended up being a production assistant, you should stop making writing the focus and start making your assistant job the focus. Counter-intuitive? Perhaps. But most great advice is.
People usually get nowhere just focusing on their art. You have to be incredibly talented, tenacious and after all that, have to rely on someone else being able to recognize those traits and take a chance on you. As a low-level assistant, there is nothing to lose. After I started focusing more on my assistant work, I got more jobs, made more connections and eventually became a production coordinator. Then, I was telling assistants what to do on set. What's even more - the connections I made started becoming interested in me - why was I out there? What did I want to do? People realize that being a production assistant isn't the dream, so they ask you what yours is.
Now, after making my Plan B my Plan A, I have a few great friendships with some incredible people out in Los Angeles. Had I stayed out there, I would working just about as steadily as one can and well on my way to climbing toward my goal. See, most people don't know how to head toward their goal because they don't know how to take the first step. Exchanging for your Plan B for your Plan A is that first step.
I bring this up because someone reminded me of it yesterday and I've been thinking about whether it can be applied to relationships or other goals. I wonder this, because I claimed it could.
Let's say for instance that your Plan A is to get a girl to like you, to become her boyfriend. Would Hollywood's advice work here? Could you focus on something other than making her your girlfriend in order to make her your girlfriend? Perhaps becoming her friend or just getting to know her better?
What if your plan was to make a friend? Learn how to change a tire? Become a diplomat? Start a co-op? Become healthier?
I understand that this advice is not universal, but I'm starting to question how far flung it can go. I know it's not for everything, but I'm sure it can't just be for Hollywood. What are some situations where switching your focus could help you attain your goal in the longer run?
Also, I couldn't help but think that if B.A. Baracus of TV's "The A Team" followed this advice, he'd become A. B. Abrbcus of TV's "The B Team".
I'm really sorry.
17 October 2007
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