Hollywood: Do I need to move to LA? (with Beatty Smith - Part 1) — Emerging: How to Eventually Make it in Film & TV

How many times have you been told you have to move to LA to "make it" as a screenwriter? Well, brilliant writer and friend of the podcast Beatty Smith did just that, and lived to tell the tale. Join us for Part 1 of a very deep and informative chat following the ups and downs of Beatty's long and windy journey from Lancashire to Hollywood, to London (and back again).

Beatty gives us all sorts of practical insights into everything from making the decision to move, to how she paid her rent, whose couch she slept on and how her American VISA worked, as well as what good networking looks like and what point she finally started calling herself a writer. It's a vital chat for anyone even remotely considering life in LA (and it's just full of generally brilliant wisdom from a very exciting working writer too!)

💬 In This Episode:

Beatty’s chaotic and brave move from the UK to LA
Being a secret writer while climbing the assistant ladder
The difference between British and American creative cultures
How to write on nights and weekends without burning out
When to stop networking and start writing
Planning a two-month “break-in” trip to LA — with no job waiting
Getting represented in the US (and why she didn't chase it)
Notre Dame, neuroscience, and saying no to safety

🧰 Resources & Mentions:

USC Peter Stark Producing Program
A3 Artists Agency (archived)
42 Management & Production
The New Writers Collective – TV Foundation
PMA Job Board (UK production and literary assistant roles)

📬 Get In Touch:

Email us: TheEmergingPodcast@gmail.com

Ben is @bmlrobins

Martin is @bananabreadfilm

Tray is @ByTrayepps

✨ Support the Show:

If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review! And share it with a fellow emerging writer who's plotting their next big leap.

Hosts: Tray Epps, Martin F Wong, Ben Robins

Editor: Ben Robins

Music by: Adrian Leung

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