We're considering it, pretty seriously, but it's a scary thing to leave security and a place we've lived for years behind ... but we're seriously thinking about it.

The writer is only presenting two options - stay in LA or go back to the South. What about following the film industry out of LA to places like New Mexico or Michigan? Both states (and others) have passed generous tax incentives to film productions, bringing in quite a few productions. The best thing is that, in these states, there's no overflow of people craving to get into the film business. I have a friend who just graduated this spring in Michigan and is interning on a DeNiro/Norton film. No way would she get anywhere near that if she had moved to LA. And the cost of living is much cheaper.

However, most of the available jobs in these states are on set/office PAs. It's typically a move in, move out deal (except I heard New Mexico has some infrastructure and Michigan is looking to build). If you're looking to be an executive or a writer, not necessarily the way to go.

I'm graduating college in December, and I plan to move to L.A. as soon as possible. Of course, I'm scared to death, but it'll be the beginning of the rest of my life. Sappy, I know.

My immediate thoughts are not charitable. How does this kid know he's not just another of the thousands and thousands and THOUSANDS of I'm-so-creative types that really have nothing to offer this industry?

But then I think about when I moved here, back in 1999, on the same day George Lucas raped my childhood by releasing THE PHANTOM OHMYGODTHISMOVIESUCKS. I thought maybe I was one of those fooling themselves, but I still made the drive from Virginia in four days in a car with 100,000+ miles on it and no cruise control.

Ten years later, I remember how I too whined after A WHOLE YEAR that I was getting nowhere. Except that an A-list writer had told me to keep writing because I had potential. And now, I'm closer than ever despite the terrible market (at least, that's what pros have told me independent of each other). Had I given up and gone home, well, I'd be miserable. Beyond miserable.

Maybe this young wannabe won't make it, but I have to agree -- what's the alternative? Times are tough all over. Breathe, realize this is a marathon and not a sprint, and give it your all until it's no longer fun.

And if you have to take some time off, DO IT. I took five years off, and it's the best thing that ever happened to my writing.

I've been living in LA about a year and a half now. It's been tough, and I relate to a lot of what the letter-writer said.

Joshua James: I think you SHOULD move to L.A., you're getting stuff produced. You're making tangible progress in your career -- besides just writing. Moving to L.A. for you makes sense. GO!

I'd move to L.A. IF I sold somethin', or had some serious heat indicating I had a future in the industry. OTHERWISE going to L.A. doesn't feel right: getting lost in the shuffle, as it sounds like this person suffers from, doesn't sound very appealing.

It seems to me you have to be LIKED by someone who believes in you, or your just spinning your wheels.

In life you get cues it's time to move. Me and my aunt were JUST talking about that last night. And since I haven't recieved mine yet, I'm stayin' put -- for now!

- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA

Welcome to your mid-twenties. And stick it out. LA's a great place to live, but it can take a while to find people you can relate to. Once you do, you'll have a great time, whether you make it in film or not.

I think the writer lack tenacity, which is a must to get anywhere in the film industry in LA.

The writer also failed to mention what actions they are taking to accomplish their goals. If this person is a writer, are they writing everyday and cranking out specs and knocking on doors and making phone calls and getting their scripts into any and all's hands?

Accomplishing your dream takes work. And it's going to be hard. And if you think what's stopping you is being too smart, talented, and full of contradictions, then you should move home.

LA has too few opportunities for the amount of people who want them. Name one successful writer who had their career handed to them. No one's big break is their big break unless they're prepare to capitalize on an opportunity when it arises.

A year is not a long time. If you're not willing to put in 5, 10, 15 years into your ultimate dream, then you don't want it bad enough.

i've been in LA for two years. I know I will be here at least three more. the business is small enough that investing time is worth it, but large enough that time needs to be invested.

for the letter writer, one year means nothing in LA. it means nothing because so many people come out here and are gone after one year. no one's going to help someone who goes home when things aren't going well.

@Amy: I just heard from a friend of mine yesterday in Shrevesport, LA. there's been a lot of press about the rise of film in Louisiana due to tax credits but there are so few people, and so few real projects that only come to town every so often, that most of the time he's stuck as a runner. if you're going to be a runner, you might as well be a runner in Los Angeles. (LA just got really confusing there...)

@Adam: good to hear you say it like that. i'm warming up to the city, but hate most of the people, though i'm finding more to relate to the longer i'm here.