How to Make it in Hollywood

TV Guide: by Jenna Fischer from the Office. "My first piece of advice to someone who is serious about being a professional television or film actor is this: Move to Los Angeles. Moving to Los Angeles can be difficult, but it is the only city that doesn't put a ceiling on where you can go with your career. New York is the place to go if you want to do theater, but if you want to be in film and television, move to L.A.

I had a college professor who said, "If you can think of anything else you are passionate about besides acting, do that. Your life will be better for it." I actually think that might be good advice.

It can take a very, very, very long time to succeed in this business, and my best piece of advice is to not give up. You have to motivate yourself and just keep going. Create projects for yourself. Don't whine. The first year is the hardest, followed by every anniversary up to about Year 5, when you're so beaten down you don't notice the years passing any more.

I think the first priority should be to build a body of work — become a pro so that you are valuable to an agent. No agent wants to sign a nonunion newbie. It's not their job to get you ready.

Yes, you will meet some scumbags if you move to L.A. — people who prey on newcomers. I can tell you with absolute certainty that those people have no power in the grand scheme of things.

I have a great acting coach who says that success in Hollywood is based on one thing: opportunity meets readiness. You cannot always control the opportunities, but you can control the readiness. So study your craft, take it seriously. Do every play, every showcase, every short film, every student film you can get. Swallow your pride. Be willing to work for nothing in things you think are stupid. Make work for yourself. Make your own luck. Don't complain. Hopefully, the work will find you if you are ready.

Life is too short, and it's not worth it in the end. I always took off and did that stuff, and it turned out fine. I was often anxious and worried in the process, but I did it. I believe that in order for my professional life to move forward, I have to keep my personal life moving forward as well.

The success is not always in getting the part but in the seed that is planted... Slow and steady wins the race." Yeah, I'm still here and grateful.