An Actor's Guide To Making It In Los Angeles - Bill Oberst Jr. [ACTING MASTERCLASS]

[@billoberstjr]

Wow. I just dropped in here and am blown away by the number of views and the positive comments. I thought people would hate me for harping on how hard the business is. Thank you Film Courage and thank you everyone who had nice things to say. Let's all kick some butt in 2015!

[@edunlap6594]

Thank you for shattering illusions and being so real! Everyone needs this.

[@xkillyourdarlingx]

actually it's exactly what we need to hear, not to come to LA, especially that no one will hook you up, if you won't do it yourself no one else will! of course even after watching this video 99% will still not realize how difficult it is because they haven't experienced all that yet but it's important to hear! thank you so much Bill Oberst Jr.

[@Liochavez]

Mr. Oberst jr. You are a very Authentic person, the most important quality of all, therefore you are my Hero. Many greetings from Melbourne Australia sir. Lio Chavez

[@sara09298]

Lio chavez I watch this video whenever I need inspiration and have shared it with all my actor friends. Thank you!

[@Liochavez]

Sara Nurmi Good on you! You have to do whatever it takes to keep going towards your goal! Best of luck in your journey.

[@NOTEVENBLONDE]

This is the most honest interview that I have ever watched in my life.

[@pitpride1220]

This should be required watching. It could have and can save souls and lives. Practical, realistic and no bullshit. Phenomenal interview that is always relevant.

[@desamania]

Shit doesn't scare me. I have nothing to loose. I'd rather die trying to succeed then die wondering, "what if."

[@jadameyoha7468]

hey. how is it going?

[@shreyashk7417]

hey so how you doing man, have you succeeded?

[@woman2251]

I wish I could be like this..

[@ProperLeg]

RESPECT to the interviewer. she asks such great questions in every interview.... as if she is in an actors curious mind. well done... really good stuff.

[@filmcourage]

Atlantis Wade Thank you for the kind words! A mixture of our own thoughts from years in Los Angeles and feedback from others we know. Appreciate you watching our videos.

[@ProperLeg]

Film Courage my pleasure. rare to find interview videos where mediocre questions aren't asked and realistic advice/help is actually in front of you bare naked. thank you.

[@deesplayworldtv]

Atlantis Wade I always say the same thing. Her voice is so smooth...she's very easy to listen to.

[@TheOscarzepeda]

+Film Courage I concur, to the Wonderful Interviewer !!! Amazing Questions for people who are highly considering in making the move to LA. Thank You !!!!

[@SquirrelsForAll]

Bill's view on Hollywood as a business are so exceptionally accurate and his knowledge of 'self worth' is crucial for anyone breaking into the business. He's honest and straight forward but extremely sincere which is a rare trait in this town. Bill, you're highly admirable and deserve the communities respect.

[@Markonia_]

This interview should be taught in all acting classes around the world. Such a cruel and honest reality. Good luck to Bill, I'm sure I'll follow him, great actor and a teacher!

[@usewisdom]

Excellent. This gentleman is awesome!

[@sophienachbaur6516]

This is an amazing interview. I love how he's so honest and real about the business, this is really what you need to hear if you're an aspring actor/actress because either you doubt your plans or you get motivated even more. I also want to say that the interviewer did an amazing job, the questions were very smart!!

[@sethbrolsma516]

You’re beautiful!

[@RickSanatorium]

If I was a producer or casting director, this interview would make me want to cast him.

[@Kawikarobbins]

I am SO thankful for people like Bill. Thank you for your honesty and relating your real life experiences.

[@filmcourage]

David Robbins Thanks David, glad you discovered our second interview with Bill. This is one of the best videos on our channel.

[@Kawikarobbins]

BTW: I love pushups, too! Haha.

[@Kawikarobbins]

This huge incandescent lightbulb over my head just turned into a halogen and gets brighter and brighter with each subject that is brought to Bill's table. I ask myself "How could I ever repay this man for the information coming from him?" My answer? "Listen and have the willingness to engage; to put into action what Bill is telling me." BOOM!

[@MysticSoulHealth]

A brutal, in -your-face, no sugar coating interview of the Truthful hard FACTS of Hollywood reality! BRILLIANT! Yes--the Strong do Survive! Thank you for your candidness! A must watch for anyone considering the business!

[@KendonChase]

Absolutely phenomenal interview. The interviewer asked amazing, thought provoking, and very common questions actors have and Bill gave such great answers in such a great manner. I watched this entire thing enthralled all the way through and now I regret not taking notes! Definitely need to watch this again, this time with a pen and paper!

[@TeKeyaKrystal]

I agree ! I just watched it for the second time and on my third viewing I'll take notes .

[@HollyHargreaves]

So good! He was so honest and real.

[@leroylawrence3410]

Superb interview, a lot of what he says can be applied to life in general, not just for the film industry.

[@nissimmayost]

That's right 👍💯👍

[@howardcampbell1202]

This was honestly one of the most benificial ways I could of spent my night. The questions asked were spot-on and the answers were very helpful. I almost feel like I owe you both something just for making this video! I know I will meet this man and thank him some day in the future.

[@filmcourage]

Feels good to have this series all posted as one video. Right now, this is probably our best video for any actor who wants to pursue the film business in LA. Appreciate your feedback, thanks for watching.

[@snoozeking7497]

I live in Vancouver and know dozens of Canadian actors who say they would love to move to Los Angeles and pursue their careers in that city. They really should watch this video.

[@Amtran727]

This is one of the best acting interviews I have ever watched. Fantastic questions by the interviewer and a lot of insight by Bill Oberst Jr.

[@filmcourage]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@darkfalco124]

This is priceless... Only once before have I ever gained knowledge on Drama so detailed and real. Thank you!

[@TeKeyaKrystal]

Bill Oberst Jr. blesses us with pure GOLD in this interview !

[@filmcourage]

Hi Bill, we are thrilled to see so many folks benefiting from your humble, no-nonsense approach to your craft. You define what it means to be a professional. If we are all still at it, let's consider another visit this upcoming March / April. And thanks for the shout!

[@Ishmaelgaynor]

this is one of the best interviews ever

[@Life_And_Stuff]

This is the most phenomenal knowledge I’ve seen for young actors (or any actor) moving to LA to pursue a career in Film and television. After seeing this video, I now recommend it to any of my friend considering coming out to LA. The advice is truly spot on! Well done, Bill! I’ll be cheering for ya!

[@sOsOmega]

The REALIST interview on every aspect of being an actor and living in Los Angeles.

[@abrahamfranco536]

Great interview by Bill Oberst Jr. tremendous value he adds by giving his perspective and experiences from working on 100+ projects. I'd pay to get this level of insight. truly amazing, no gloss, raw and powerful because he speaks like he'd wished someone told him all this before he moved to Los Angeles...but he still would have moved anyways.

[@JimMalmPHOTO]

This might be the most compelling video I've seen on KZbin. There are so many life lessons here let alone film actor tips and tricks. Chock full of wisdom and insight. Seems to me an hour spent watching this could replace so many books, seminars & even acting lessons. This is a very mature man, his singlemindeness of purpose is astounding - he simply wouldn't be denied. Becoming utterly responsible for your own success. That's the takeaway.

[@filmcourage]

That is very strong praise. The foundation of our channel in it's current state began with our first interview with Bill Oberst Jr. so we obviously hold him in high regard. Thanks for visiting with us and sharing your thoughts.

[@TylerDurden-oy2hm]

this kind of openness and honesty...and humility is oh so rare in this world.im so glad i found this video...its refreshing!!

[@kellygedwill4654]

Such a charming and intelligent man. Very interested in seeing his films

[@massbygus]

Wow Mr Oberst, this interview is "A go to" when in need of ANY information on ANY aspect of film industry. Thanks sooo much...!

[@tiffanywaldon4875]

This is a BRILLIANT, candid interview!!! I wish I'd learned all this before that move to L.A. I would have done some things differently. Thank God it's not too late! Thanks, Bill!

[@peteberwick]

Tough-love reality check for aspiring actors. Brutally honest, gritty, and very informative. Second time watching this, posted in one of my actors groups. Forget the red carpets and the pie-in-the-sky of getting richer than God as a movie star--Bill Oberst Jr. is the blood and guts reality of a life dedicated to acting. Watch this and learn!

[@SepherStar]

My family has been in this business for 100 years and everything this man says is true. You must be in it for the love. You must love acting so much that it wouldn't matter if you never made it big. There is one thing that seems to give people and advantage though. Get into it, and get representation while you are a kid. My sister used to be in acting and many of the kids she would routinely run into at auditions are big names now. And if you do get into it as a kid, make sure your parents are pleasant for the casting agents and producers to deal with. And if you do get into it as a kid, even if you are getting a lot of parts, don't skip college, because few people get parts all of their life.

[@scubatuba1083]

Child acting can be extremely damaging to their mental health and usually the parents putting their children into that are like pagent mom's, they are living through their children. They force their children to work instead of letting them be a kid.

[@filmcourage]

Bill is awesome. Ideally, we'll get a chance to revisit with Bill down the line.

[@belleoftheball2night302]

DAmmmm I love you BILL OBERST. I swear this is something I needed to hear.

[@Bernacanbeldekofficial]

great interview !! im moving there.. and everyone is telling me.. DONT GO ! but i really don't care. i am obsessed with expressing myself !

[@Thejoshter444]

Berna Canbeldek i hope everything is going your way!!!

[@trex4842]

Heyyy idk what happened to you,but I really wish things are going really well,even if it doesn't you got this , don't give up on your dreams

[@jadameyoha7468]

hey how has it been going?

[@mikekillagreen9432]

My goodness the interviewer asks great questions, knows how to follow up and mostly let's the guest speak. I'm guessing that's why only the guests are on camera. There are many hosts that can learn from this channel. This will be a tv series soon. Bill is an inspiration!

[@filmcourage]

Thanks Mike, we're doing our best and also trying to get better. Bill is awesome in this interview, we're so glad we had this opportunity and experience. We appreciate you watching and your kind words.

[@ryanlynch5670]

Incredibly truthful and inspiring! Thank you to both the interviewer and interviewee!

[@actresscaciliehughes5823]

AMAZING INTERVIEW!!!! The Actor and the Interviewer!

[@betterthanrevengebom]

I stumbled upon this video and wow. An eye opening view on the world of showbiz.

[@filmcourage]

Paige T-B Thanks Paige, we're glad you stumbled upon this interview. Here's another if ever you want more realism like this one - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHu0dHV6o8yBe7s

[@tdrm135]

I love everything about this...I'm a REALTOR too and love that analogy. Marketing. It's your job to promote yourself. You are in a relationship for life with your projects. ALL of this is such good advice.

[@MrFramemichael]

Dear Mr Oberst Jr, greetings from Edinburgh, Scotland. Your video doesn't just speak for actor's in Los Angeles, it pretty much speaks to actor's globally. A truly exceptional video. I admire your honesty, downright honesty, your sense of humour, your confidence and most of all, your spirit. I had to go look you up on IMDB and man, you must eat a lot of steak. Best wishes on your continued success. Michael Frame.

[@lookingforlolita]

Thank you for your honesty Bill and great interview!

[@randallpaul6559]

At 9:00 he talks about hooking you up. Absolutely correct. I think you have to remain neutral and be ready to service the industry . I know so many guys and there is no way I would ask for anything. You are either right or you're not. They'll find you if they want you.

[@riofairchild1538]

Thank you for asking all the right questions, and for the good answers, Bill!

[@WonderTomi]

So honored to have worked with you Bill. You truly are a grounded person with so much talent and you are so humble. I hope we get to work together in a future project again. All you said is so true for Los Angeles, and even though I live in Vegas, I still treat my career like a business and manage to make it work for me. Thanks for your insights! Tomiko

[@ericp.howard2471]

This interview has been incredibly helpful in thinking about my move to L.A. soon . As Bill has been in this business a long time and I have also . Thank you so much Bill , I will step out in faith and make that move to L.A. without fear. Thanks again Eric Howard

[@TheSuperZufan]

Excellent interview! The most honest and useful advice for actors I’ve ever seen. Can’t believe I’m just seeing this interview and it was posted 8 yrs ago. Thank you for this.

[@kwixotic]

Very helpful, savvy advice. However, I'm one of the very few "avocational" actors around which is why in class I invariably stand out as the "resident old guy" or the "elder stateman" though I'm not horrendously old(68).

[@RicoGio75]

1:01:48 One of my many favorite quotes from this interview. This man speaks the truth. I have said this quote to myself in the past. Amazing.

[@filmcourage]

We love that one too. It's one of the few clips we've posted to our Vine.

[@queendarlene89]

This gentleman is brilliant!! He will be famous for sure!!

[@filmcourage]

queendarlene89 Any advice you are going to implement right away for yourself?

[@queendarlene89]

Film Courage Yes, all of it. :) Thank you for making this interview.

[@daisies53]

I love the honesty! Really brilliant and invaluable I would say too!

[@filmcourage]

Is there a specific filmmaking guide you would like? Our complete series with Sheri Candler, Gary W. Goldstein & Joe Wilson are excellent.

[@lamerafiera]

I absolutely love this, I write and I want him in what I'm writing, I really hope he makes it big!

[@stefonlyne]

this was such a GEM! Thank you guys for this ever timely content!!! So informative and illuminating.

[@me1747]

Excellent interview. So sound. Sincere. Wonderful advice. Smart!

[@jasonnasiry]

Thank you Film Courage for all you do!

[@infaride]

I'm not an actor, nor do I have aspirations in that area but this interview is still wonderful. I'd like to suggest that Mr. Oberst make educational films for job seekers in most vocations given the information he has presented here.

[@alphonsoaustin6557]

First video I have watched/listened to that has inspired me lots to continue, Thanks Guys!

[@filmcourage]

Thanks Alphonso. Bill inspires us also. Love this interview. If you ever need further inspiration, check out a video we recently did entitled "Motivation." It took us a little bit to put together, we're proud of it.

[@jasonnasiry]

Wow this guy is great and very serious professional person... He really is giving solid advice to aspiring actors/actresses..

[@mexiaznann]

Thank you for this interview! I haven't made the move to LA yet, but I'm trying to prep myself as much as possible with more credits, etc. after hearing this, I'm realizing how much more I need to prep mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Thank you so much for making this!

[@NathanRubins]

I know this inside and out word for word, thank you for telling me what I've always needed to know.

[@j.louisemeeks2400]

I never get tired of watching this! Love it. Thanks, Bill, for doing this interview.

[@dovelyking3143]

Wow this was just great an amazing word mind blown

[@Jayschay]

Amazing interview. Thanks to Bill and everyone involved.

[@filmcourage]

Jack Schaberg Thanks Jack!

[@longlivingdude]

Great interview! I like his brutal honesty.

[@filmcourage]

longlivingdude What was the best part for you?

[@longlivingdude]

Film Courage Pretty much the whole interview. There aren't a whole lot of (famous) actors that are willing to be this open. As an audience, we usually only see the glamour or the "gloss" as Bill mentioned. I also liked how open he was about his finances, some may think it's private and perhaps embarassing to bring that up but it shows his transparency and honesty which is what I like in people. You have an excellent channel and you have a new subscriber!

[@teairrahthomas175]

I literally love this interview, actor and all ,this is conversation that I needed to have and info I needed to know, I'm only 17 but needed someone to keep it real I knew it was,hard but but just how hard and I need to be willing to trust and get through so thanks to the interviewer for asking the questions I needed to ask and the actor for explaining and keeping it real 😊👌👏❤

[@unluckypoorsoul]

Film Courage, Wonderful Questions and wonderful video. Thanku

[@filmcourage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@VAMPEDUPTV]

This is great! We just had the pleasure of interviewing Bill on our channel and it was a super interesting chat!

[@yoursubconscious]

man, this can be applied to any job. I will be back, halfway through! great listen!

[@perrypack2310]

I'm just here to say I love this channel. Like I feel every interview I watch. Soaking all this knowledge in 🎭❤️

[@tornadolover920]

absolutely magnetic person. wish he got more work

[@jonathanlerouxi]

Brutally honest and sincere, one of the best interviews EVER. This motivates me even more! Thank you for sharing this Film Courage!

[@filmcourage]

Thanks Jonathan. This is one of our favorite interviews. Bill is a treasure. Glad you found this one

[@WattyMcfly]

You told me I needed to watch this and I am so glad I did. Thank you for taking the time to do something like this. For those that are serious about Los Angeles and moving there to act, this is what you should watch.

[@filmcourage]

WattyMcfly Glad you had an opportunity to take this one in. Bill is the real deal. His words and wisdom continue to inspire us. And we agree that anyone considering making the move to LA should watch this beforehand.

[@WattyMcfly]

Film Courage Maybe one day you will be interviewing me! haha! One can only hope. 1 More year!

[@styledna24]

Wow thank you sooo very much for all your honesty.

[@samuelreed6519]

I’m loving all this while I’m working my desk job. ❤ I’m planning to move to LA this year. I’ve been saving and working on my craft. I only have 2 credits so it’s great to hear you went with only 2 and now you have 160+ credits. 😍

[@Puzzoozoo]

Very good interview, love how he tells any aspiring actors or actresses watching as it is with no fluff, just the cold hard facts of what needs to be done to get work in such a competitive industry.

[@karissaschroeder6604]

I love this guy he’s so right in so many areas

[@kdheithaus]

Last year I suddenly decided that "what I really want to do is act". I'm studying IT in school, and I work as customer service rep, and I play a little music, but I got the acting bug. Then I went on a few auditions - that went really well, but didn't materialize into work. Then I started an entertainment business - that went nowhere. And I read books that echo the things that Bill is talking about, and I wondered, "Do I really want to do this? Maybe I'll just work in computers instead." But even after hearing how brutal the business can be, I've started going on auditions again! All I keep thinking is, "God, I must be a masochist!" But this is what I'm called to do, even with all the misconceptions, the heartache, the criticism, the hard work building my brand (still trying to figure out what mine is!). If I put everything I have into acting and all I ever get to do is a bunch of bit parts and commercials, I'll be thrilled that I get to work doing what I love. And for that, it's worth it all. Thank you for telling it like it is!

[@filmcourage]

Kim Roberts Thanks for sharing Kim. Glad you discovered this video. Sending you our best.

[@actresskelsey7844]

I wish him great success. He deserves it.

[@nissimmayost]

Yessssss 💕 he is.

[@iKnowUrReadingThis]

Brilliant, an absolutely brilliant guide.

[@jadehymel]

amazing interview! Thank you!

[@filmcourage]

+TheIntentToLive Bill is fantastic

[@davywilliams8048]

Excellent refresher course even for veteran actors.

[@bradyjames354]

Love this guy ,great advice Mr Obsert.

[@marioruiz1976]

Don't like his attitude but I can appreciate his honesty and can understand for someone who has struggled to be where he is why he responded the way he did.

[@aansul333]

The best interview on this topic.

[@filmcourage]

What makes it stand out from others?

[@penaperala3804]

Film Courage Good and important guestions, I think

[@AnythingGoals]

Film Courage What makes it stand out is.. the realism and honest pragmatic approach of a WORKING actor. Most celebrity actor interviews I've seen don't go into detail about the day to day struggle, self initiative.. I feel like this interview grasps the essence of an actor right before they make it big. #hustler

[@vincebrocato7549]

Bill, thanks for sharing your experiences. You’re a very giving person! Many actors are selfish, but don’t realize that we’re all connected. I especially like the part where an hour before an audition or booking, to do something to fire up your passion! Best regards, Vince Brocato

[@MariaChelidoni]

So many truths in this interview. Thank you!

[@EnglishmanInDallas]

Watching this was a very constructive use of my time. Thanks for giving me the link.

[@rawdothmulan4515]

My Gosh such a great teacher. Thanks to the interviewer!

[@filmcourage]

We love this one, glad you discovered it.

[@wallysustube]

Thanks Bill Oberst Jr. Great info! Helpful for actors on all levels!

[@Blindcouragethemovie]

This was a great interview! Great tips!

[@Horus-e9s]

So educative

[@ArtMo444]

The brutal honesty, was great. If you need a starting point, this is great info!!! All around the board, great stuff!

[@filmcourage]

Thanks for coming back to share more of your thoughts. We agree with you, we admire Bill's ability to speak openly and effortlessly about his craft.

[@kaprisecolvin8058]

This was an awesome interview and real eye opener. Loved the tips and advice given. I'm a realist myself so I love how real you were. Just great!

[@archery411]

at 0:27 Bill mentions marketing seminars. I would really love to take classes that focus more on the business side like that and was wondering if he (or anyone else) had any marketing seminars or instructors that they found were really good/ they got a lot out of and would recommend? I ask this bc there are a lot of different classes and instructors out there and not all are created equal. It's helpful to hear reviews from ppl who have first-hand experience with these instructors before investing in a class.

[@ErickJorgensen]

Haha is it weird, that i got excited from this awesome interview? obsession was the keyword.

[@TheOscarzepeda]

+Erick Jørgensen I know right !!!!????? I was like yeah !!! I need to be Crazy and Obsessed !!!!! and Tenacious !!!!!

[@PaulaBressannperfil]

Amazing video... so much information! Thanks

[@MegaKarume]

Thank you so much for the video...those are great tips...

[@j.louisemeeks2400]

You are awesome, Bill! You hit it on the head--OBSESSION. The most successful people I've known in any industry tend to be obsessed, detail-oriented, with razor-sharp focus. Have you noticed that anyone who tells you that you're too obsessed is probably NOT at the top of their profession?

[@billoberstjr]

Thank you Karen Worden and David Branin for Film Courage.com! I use the resources on the site all the time to get answers to my own questions about the business. Film Courage is helping independent films get made and get seen. I am proud to be a small part of the archive there with this interview.

[@LeNiarfe]

This is the best video with the advice that I've been looking for so far. Greatly helped! Thank you