Expert: Phil Nemy - 4/7/2007

Question
Hi Phil. My name is Abe and im from Dearborn (metro Detroit), MI. I come from an arab-american background and I have always wanted to pursue a career in acting and singing. The only thing is my family doesn't really support this idea. They want me to stay at home, go to school and get a good job. My dream is to move to Los Angeles to pursue this career but I just don't know if I could do it. I have no idea where I would start or what I would do. I've never even been to Los Angeles and I don't know anyone who lives there.  Where would I live? Where would I work? How would I get around? I would be supporting myself completely and as a 19 year old with no money saved up, that would be extremely difficult. I don't know how to take a break from school and leave my family against their wishes. What if I don't make it? I know the road is going to be tough no matter what but what can I do to make this move and also make sure I have something to fall back on? Where do I start? Thanks,

Abe

Answer
Abe,

Thanks for writing. You have a difficult decision to make. Do you follow your heart and pursue something that may never proud you with enough income to survive, or do you honor the wishes of your family, go to school and begin a more stable career. Only you can make that decision.

I have a colleague who is of Persian heritage who has been working as an actor for a number of years. I'd like to suggest that you email him, tell him I referred you, and ask him for advice. Since he is of a similar background and look, he can tell you the struggles he faced and how to overcome these obstacles.

His name is David Ackert and his email address is david@ackertadvisory.com.

Good luck!

Phil