Girl on TV

Girl on TV by LFO

The set of "Friends"

Childhood dreams have come true this week!

Maddie waiting to be seated for "The Talk"

Going to a live filming this week I knew would be exciting. I never expected to be sitting front row center, let alone, the day that Brent Michaels came to visit! "The Talk" was my first exposure to live television. Fast paced and funny and super energetic. I like the idea of working for a live show but still not sure I would choose it as a career path. LA is already full of the word flexible, which is a word I am still becoming comfortable with. Live TV is just that, flexible.

Lorelei's house from "Gilmore Girls"

Gazebo from "Gilmore Girls"

Luckily, I was also able to experience the scripted side of television, while visiting the Warner Brothers studio. Traveling through sets and scenes that had become familiar to me throughout my childhood. It was like being a part of the shows I've loved for so long, knowing that one of my favorite actresses has stood where I was. 

As if our day wasn't busy enough, we got to interact with some of the OU alum who have moved out to LA. It was great. Everyone had so much advice that was honest and real. They were open and willing to help us if we chose to move out to LA. It made me even more proud to be a bobcat. Here are a few pieces of advice they gave us: 

1. Save money and lots of it. LA is cheaper than New York City and still 10 times more expensive then Ohio.
2. Make a long term goal and a short term goal. I like this idea because what you start out doing is 99.99999% not what you actually want to do for the rest of your life. So figure out where you want to be eventually.
3. Don't be intimidated or scared of the word "no". Everyone out here is doing what I want to do and some people will do it better. But that's when you have to remember what you have to bring to the table. And when someone says no, take the opportunity to ask what you could have done better.
4. Thank people. It's one thing that I've always done and I still appreciate when people bring up because I don't think enough people take advantage of those to simple words (thank you). Also, it would make the world a nicer place if we just all started genuinely using those words.
5. Have a thing. You can be interested in a million things but know why you are there in an interview and be passionate about it or else, don't do it.
6. Pay your dues. I've learned this in all my jobs but still important. You are at the bottom when you get here but don't be any less yourself. Do the bitch work and do it well.
7. Be bold but use your instincts. Don't be annoying about it but trust your gut.
8. Have the courage to come, have the courage to stay. Simply put, it's not easy. Don't give up.

I'm really grateful I had the chance to meet with so many wonderful alum, tour so many different sets and sound stages and experience a live filming. LA is all it's cracked up to be, and more. Also, here is a good article I read on LinkedIn last night for those of us who will be interviewing for jobs soon: 6 Questions To Ask During Your Interview That Will Make An Employer Want To Hire You

With Andrew and Mike on the set of "Friends"