Expert: Phil Nemy - 8/1/2007

Question
As rule of thumb, when and if I were to move to L.A. to persue an acting career, how long should I give it before quitting? Meaning, If I haven't "made it" by ____ years I should persue another career. I know that It takes a long time to become a Tom Hanks or a Jim Carrey (10-20 yrs at least). I honestly want to just be able to pay my bills steadily as an actor. Famous would be nice, but I know it's unlikely. Before I even get serious about it, I am going to get my B.A. degree just in case I need a fall-back career.
Scott Kalvert's parents live next to me and Scott has told me to stay away from Hollywood - too many dreams are broken. But all my life I have been entertaining and I thrive off of being the center of attention. By the way, in case you didn't know, Scott Kalvert is the director of Basketball Diaries and Deuces Wild. He's not big in Hollywood, which is probably why he has told me to stay away from it.

Thanks ahead of time for your help!!!!

Answer
Scott,

Thanks for writing. Unfortunately, there is no real answer to your question. An actor stays in Los Angeles and pursues his/her career until they've tired of pursuing it. Some actors don't last more than a year while others continue to pursue stardom their entire life without success.

To be realistic with yourself, set some short-term and some long-term goals. For example, say to yourself "If I don't land an agent in the first year and a half I'm in LA, then I'll get out." Or try "If I don't obtain a paid acting gig in the first 2 years of being in LA, I'm switching careers." Long term goals: "If I haven't been able to support myself solely from an acting career by my 10th year in LA, then I"m leaving town and switching careers."

Setting goals gives an impetus to work hard for the success you seek.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil