Should you wait to get a bite first before you move to L.A.? Maybe get an agent, have meetings, a script circulating; then take the jump? As an experiment, to study the effects of L.A., we should track Werner Herzog. When a world famous filmmaker moves to L.A., does his output and quality go up? He's been there a couple of years now, no?

David, there is no single answer to your question about moving to L.A. before you break in. Every writer is different and none of us can read the future. Certainly the opportunities for networking and just the sheer luck that is often involved in getting that first break rise exponentially if you live in Los Angeles. That's why I recommend to all of my college students who are serious about making it in the entertainment business to move to L.A., land an internship, then get a gig (hopefully) as an assistant, and keep at it for at least 5 years. If you're young and single, why not, right? But that may not be the best choice for you. People with families or a steady job which allows them time to write, an argument could be made it's best to stay right where you are. While luck and connections are a big deal, at the end of the day it all boils down to what you put onto the page. And as noted, you can write ANYWHERE. Plus there has never been more access to managers and industry types from OUTSIDE L.A. than there is now, witness what the Black List has pulled off in the last year, or even just interacting with professionals via Twitter. Finally to underscore a point I made in the OP, you never know how living in L.A. will affect you creatively. It could be a huge plus... or not. You have to do an honest assessment of who you are as a person, what your persona is, how you would like (or not) living in a huge sprawling city, whether you would be motivated (or not) by having (seemingly) everyone around you writing a spec script, etc etc. On the whole, however, I generally advise people - if they can - to go to L.A. It's an amazing place especially if you are into movies, TV, and creative endeavors in general. Plus there is that mysterious kismet factor of living there, you never know who you will intersect with... and how they may change your life.

Scott, I am not sure if this is a poor question - but is it possible to live in two places at the same time? Especially once you have dealt with the first bite, got a sale, deal etc? My family for example - my husband owning his own business that requires him to stay where we are (toronto) and other family issues make the idea of moving completely almost impossible so just curious if there are other screenwriters who manage to live/commute between two places and still do their hollywood thing?

Aarthi, sure. I know a screenwriter who splits time between L.A. and Austin where his wife is currently in a grad school program at U. of Texas. Again since most of the work we do is in a room by ourselves, we can do that anywhere. In that situation, it's best to spend at least a few weeks, even a month or so of your time in L.A. Flying in for a few days or a week, it's tough to do everything you need re meetings. Plus meetings get pushed and postponed, so if you're in L.A. for 2 weeks, that is much more user friendly, at least as far as interfacing with Hollywood is concerned. Living in Toronto, you may be able to do your meetings in NYC. Studios and prod cos may have offices there. If not, execs will often travel to NYC, so there's that.

Thanks Scott. I feel like I can breathe now - I can still pursue my Hollywood dreams, yes! Usually haven't seen a more clear response to that question which I know other people have asked so this really helps clarify for international writers like myself! Thank you!

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