Why I Left New York City and Moved to Seattle (a local filmmaker's perspective)

[@Maryam-ev7jy]

I live in NYC and agree with you. Looking to move out. Over it here

[@dkhill0]

I moved to Seattle this summer after years of wanting to and your reasons are basically what drew me here. I love it here and hope you enjoy it.

[@Scriptshepherd]

Glad to hear I'm not alone. Funny timing though for my video with the weather we just got haha. Enjoy the snow.

[@eoleol4750]

Hello. I tried to find an email through KZbin to ask a few questions. Are you part of the the film community? If so, how is the film community there? Also, in general how is life really in Seattle?

[@fatimataouedraogo9091]

I am glad you did. I have been trying for 2 years but fear of the unknown keeps me here 😢

[@frankieslapz7362]

Nothing but facts in this video! Appreciate u making this video. I'm from new york moving to seattle this week! Cant wait!

[@Ava2969ny]

I 100% agree with you on this idea that many people assume that there's nothing going on in any other city outside of NY; and there is a tremendous social pressure to stay here because "if you can make it here," then you've supposedly "proven" yourself, you've showed that you have "what it takes" and you can make it anywhere...but that's a load of BS. People need to put that mindset aside, and figure out what works for them because to stay in a city (whether it be NY or LA) where you have to put up with high rents and small spaces, dirt, noise, mentailly ill people on the subways, parking tickets galore, guarded/suspicious people, just because of this perceived opportunity, when it could likely be that you don't even have the mental clarity or inspiration to make the most of those opportunities, is just counterintuitive. It took me a long time to figure that out...years that I could have spent in another, less chaotic city.

[@Scriptshepherd]

You took the words right out of my brain :) so true

[@Ava2969ny]

@@Scriptshepherd - you are so lucky to have figure things out early in your life.. and that's a credit to you being wise enough to trust your instincts. I would give anything to go back to my 20s and to have been smart enough to leave NY back then; (I'm currently trying to leave and doing as much research as possible). I stayed and went through the worst stages of anxiety and depression that it took me years to bounce back from. So considered yourself wise to have left when you did.

[@bettyparker3476]

Well said.

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

LOL. Spent a year in Europe years ago and couldnt handle NYC after that.

[@winslow_j]

This is a very interesting, well put together video and take on this topic. I’ve been considering moving to New York in the back of my mind for a while now, just because it’s New York. I’ve been filling my brain with all the positives, but I know it’s just as important to take in the negatives as well. All things to consider. Thanks for this input!

[@riapatel2362]

I am a film student and also recently left NYC for Atlanta. It’s closer to home for me and the quality of living is so much better.

[@ickaboo115]

I agree with this completely. Only my first year at NYU, and it's cool, but NYC is A LOT. Nice to visit, but not exactly living. Three more years to go, and hopefully I can move some place more quiet after graduation. Also... the city SMELLS so bad 😭🤣

[@Scriptshepherd]

Yeah, NYU can be tough starting out, especially I imagine during Covid. Take advantage of the resources there, as there are a lot. And try to study abroad if you can. It's sometimes cheaper to do a semester or summer abroad in Europe, and it was the best time of my life.

[@yoongi9707]

This video really describes my life growing up in NYC. Dreaming of moving to seattle 🤞

[@ikechicoreralation]

The most accurate video about New York City ever made lol Wow! Perfect! 🗽😆

[@andrewr01]

Wow nice video, loved the content. I grew up in Seattle, left a decade ago, now living in NY for a few years, after a few years of fancying it. Been thinking of coming back home lately :D

[@Scriptshepherd]

I appreciate that! And I've truly been enjoying your hometown so far. Not a bad place to be.

[@anocreon]

i'm a newyorker heading to seatle, so this video was quite informational to me. i hail from nyfa and full sail, so the coincidence is all the more shocking. good post, man.

[@user-gq2vn1xj2r]

Pretty good take, but let me warn you about one thing. You point to the 'consistency' of the weather in Seattle as a plus. By the time May comes, you will see that it is actually a negative. Gray for months does take its toll on many new arrivals.

[@Scriptshepherd]

Hey, yeah it may be I’m still in a honeymoon phase and the weather catches up to me. Hopefully not though. But we shall see in a few months. Thank you for the heads up!

[@MaxmoeGamer]

I appreciate your perspective, I'm the opposite (From Seattle and moved to NYC in 2018). and I've got to say although I don't particularly like Seattle, I am proud to have my parents from there and visit on occasion. I can appreciate the history from Bruce Lee to the music of the 90's. I respect your view on leaving NYC, I think it's in the cards for me very soon. Much love to Brooklyn and Queens

[@Scriptshepherd]

Hey, thank you for this comment! I appreciate you respecting my view haha. It's cool we each get to experience each other's hometowns and have a fresh perspective on them. I hope NYC is treating you well.

[@lavendersprig2905]

You did the right thing . I don't think I could stand living in NY . It sounds like an over glamorized trashcan . In " Sex and the City " the girls are always lunching in quaint places , partying , and shopping in ideal weather .

[@Scriptshepherd]

Haha Sex and the City is a great reference for how New York looks to the world

[@25447carepear]

New subscriber. I'm here because I saw a news report talking about how Seattle is the most unaffordable place in the US. I decided to look up info and came across your channel. I miss KZbin channels like your channel. Please don't change unless to improve. You are my new fav and remind me of Nathaniel Drew. 💜💜💜 I love the way y'all narrate and do your videos.

[@Scriptshepherd]

Aww this is maybe the best comment I've ever received. I will remember this.

[@sfrank7799]

This is so well done

[@Scriptshepherd]

Thanks farmer boi!

[@BreedofDMC6669]

I know that this is way late. I dreamt of visiting, but your views as a former NYC help give me that push.

[@BonniciAlexia]

Haha! I live in NYC and am thinking of moving to Washington. You are so spot on with everything, especially the noise. As I write this, there's drilling and a Hello Fresh idling truck blasting through the window since 6am. It's now 10am.

[@Scriptshepherd]

Damn, that's rough. I've been in similar apartment situations in New York - I had to listen to a disposal truck crush metal outside my window every evening for a year :) I hope it gets better, and wherever you move works out for you

[@BonniciAlexia]

@@Scriptshepherd Thank you!

[@julienalexander6113]

Thank you.

[@naverich4603]

Regarding the rain I just remembered how I grew up to love England even though I hate when it rains. But the difference between my home country and England is that when it rains in my country it fucking pours down like the Gods rage for three full days and you cannot even go out without getting completely soaked. In England you get a lot more rainy days and it usually rains two or three times a day but it is always just a mild rain that stops in 15 minutes and you good to go outside and do your thing.

[@advenchureswithmatt97]

I’m born and raised in the Bay Area. I hate it here. I visited Seattle over the summer for a weekend and I fell in love with it. It just seemed like a comfortable place for me to be in. New York is great too in a lot of ways, but it’s too crowded and hot and expensive. Seattle has better weather IMO, lots of jobs, and more affordable rent than the bay are or New York. Hope you’re enjoying your time in Seattle

[@Scriptshepherd]

It's funny you say that because a lot people compare Seattle and the Bay - probably because of the tech scene. I gotta visit there at some point. But yeah, Seattle in the summer is unreal - what an amazing time. I am still enjoying Seattle a lot, and actually gonna put out a follow-up to this video now that I'm out of the honeymoon phase haha

[@RavenBrianne]

I’m currently living in London and is planning to move to NYC but was half-hearted about it because like what you’ve said, it’s as if I’m setting myself up to the same trap. I’ve considered Seattle before but I think after watching this, I will be making a more informed decision now.

[@Scriptshepherd]

Yeah I imagine London to have similarities with NYC because of the size, but probably nicer :) Seattle actually reminds me a lot of the UK because of the climate, nature, and history of music

[@RavenBrianne]

@@Scriptshepherd For some reason, I love the London weather unlike most people. I don’t mind the gray skies. So if I’d be paid more in Seattle doing the same work then I guess it’s not a bad idea to move there. :)

[@samiryahiaoui]

You made me laugh so hard! I live in NYC and i agree with all what you said about the city.

[@Scriptshepherd]

I'm glad I made you laugh haha. Looks like you're gonna finally get some snow again this weekend!

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

LA wasnt always so crowded. It used to be much smaller and open. Its population grew faster than NY. LA has a geography that encourages migration to the suburbs but that being said its a pain to get around.

[@WhatIsThis-zq4hk]

Unlike most US cities, Seattle's zoning laws are surprisingly pro-development with tons of housing options always getting built, which helps keep the prices down. Unlike California or NYC which has a much worse housing shortage.

[@jpbarbagelata4842]

Im moving at the end of the year and seriously considering Chicago instead of NYC for these same reasons (besides the weather)

[@NoHurriesNoWorries]

Thank you for the anecdotal advice and i tend to agree. I'm currently deciding between Seattle and NYC. I prefer a carless life.

[@Scriptshepherd]

You're welcome, and that's awesome

[@NoHurriesNoWorries]

​@@Scriptshepherd i feel absolutely stumped so it's really helpful to hear someone giving their honest opinion from real life experience .. do you still feel happy with the decision as far as the quality of life and comparison to NYC entertainment/socializing? and has it helped with film making?

[@Scriptshepherd]

​@@NoHurriesNoWorries I'm glad it can help. My preferences for a city might be different than yours, but yes I am still very happy with the decision. The bigger half of my decision was leaving NYC, as the city was making me unhappy, and I was just lucky to land in Seattle by chance. I do feel the quality of life is much higher here for my taste - it's still an expensive city, but it's much cheaper for rent than NYC, and has much more space both indoors and outdoors. There's an abundance of nature both in and near the city - and when it's warm, you're usually near a body of water you can swim or paddle board in. In NYC, I had to drive two hours upstate to get a fraction of the nature that's in the PNW. Others might disagree, but I find there's a solid balance of driving and pedestrian freedoms in Seattle - you can drive anywhere, but there's also the Burke Gillman trail that runs around the whole city, and is ruled by bikers and walkers. Conversely, NYC has more ubiquitous public transport, but it's crowded, unreliable, dirty, suffocating, and stressful to get anywhere. Cons of Seattle: The 7 months of winter are grey and can be rough for some (though the weather is much tamer than NY). People here/social culture can be extremely passive - social life is a toss-up. The drivers are horrible, though traffic is a breeze compared to NYC. As far as my film work, I'm able to pay the bills with a lot of commercial video work here. However, one thing I do miss about NYC is the actual movie/tv industry and the community around it. There's not much narrative film or hustle in Seattle. That said, the quiet, idyllic vibe is the perfect environment for me to write in, which I spend more time doing than actually making the film. By the way, if you haven't seen it, I also made a video updating my thoughts on moving: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hovcnaGZp7yDatE I don't know what kind of carefree environment you're looking for, but I definitely wouldn't describe NYC as 'carefree'. Seattle can be depending on your needs, but I'd also check out somewhere in SoCal, like San Diego.

[@NoHurriesNoWorries]

@@Scriptshepherd wow.. thanks for such a thoughtful response. I'll check out your follow-up video for sure! This past winter i took a trip to portland for 3 weeks, 1 week on the oregon coast, 1 week in Seattle and 2 weeks in Denver and i really fell in love with Seattle. I also frequent NYC (currently visiting a friend for the summer on west 108th). I think this place brainwashes me into liking it way more than it deserves. Lol .. btw i loved the PNW in the winter because all of the touristy places were empty.. like the beaches, waterfalls, mountains, etc. Thanks again!

[@EricaGamet]

@@NoHurriesNoWorries I moved to Seattle 6.5 years ago and got rid of my car when I moved here. It's definitely doable, depending on your day-to-day needs. I work from home and live near the downtown core (Capitol Hill). I'm from Denver (well, the suburbs) and I feel like you get all that Denver offers with the bonus of the ocean (or rather ocean-adjacent, with Puget Sound). Hope your move goes well!

[@kalebtx]

welcome to the greatest American City..this is my 3rd time living here and not going anywhere

[@Scriptshepherd]

Haha thanks man! I've been here almost 2 years now and still love it.

[@kalebtx]

@@Scriptshepherd what's not to love? you need to endure fall and winter then the gift of spring and summer keep you wondering why not to leave Seattle..well worth it

[@AmazinMusicNYC]

I’m from Brooklyn ny I can’t wait to move out. I need my personal space Too crowded out here Fam Dead ass yo

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

NY was always a dense crowded place which is ironic given most of America is wide open space.

[@WillMruzek]

Hi Ehud, thanks for your thorough and thoughtful video. I’ve been faced with a similar question of location. “Should I move to LA, NYC, Atlanta???” My interests are short and indie film, not really the the studio system or working in it as a day job necessarily. (I thankfully have other skills that can support me.) In terms of location, I’m mainly concerned that there are enough resources, namely actors, rental houses, sound stages, and a supportive community. Do you have any insight if Seattle has those? After a year in Seattle, how has it been going for you personally and creatively? Have you overcome the “Seattle freeze”? Also, great work on the cinematic quality of this video. The colors are amazing. And if I’m correct you’re shooting with a Blackmagic camera, bravo! I’ve seen many other struggle to harness its power. Cheers 👋

[@Scriptshepherd]

Hey, thanks for the comment. My sense so far is that Seattle has the stuff you listed, but it's much more scarce that NYC and LA. For example, you might have to work harder to find the right actor or a particular piece of gear. The indie film scene seems supportive, but small. That said, you can definitely make stuff here, and the Seattle International Film Festival is quite prominent. I myself only make high-production short films once in awhile due to budget and time, so I have no problem traveling to NYC, LA, or Vancouver when that time comes. Most of the time, I'm developing my film ideas and I'm earning pay in the pro video industry (non-narrative), which there is plenty of here and everywhere. In that sense, Seattle works for me because I find it easier to write and work here, and I can go make a narrative film somewhere else if I need to. Regarding the Seattle Freeze, I'm actually soon putting out a one-year follow up to this video where I address that, so stay tuned :)

[@WillMruzek]

@@Scriptshepherd Thanks for your insight. I’ve had the same thought of just traveling to those cities for production only and pre-production if needed. It seems viable given enough $$. I’m in this for the art, not the $. (But I wouldn’t say no to making money of course. 😋) And I like you would rather live in a place that assists in writing. Looking forward to your 1-year update!

[@alysdomalanta4163]

Hello, i love the quality of your video. I am an aspiring filmmaker/actor who want to become a famous director in the movie industry and become an actor myself. I currently live in the Bay Area with my parents and I plan to move out once I graduate from college as a theater arts major. Do you have any recommendation on where is the best place I can move out to when it comes to landing my dream job as an actor? my plan is to move to a place where I can get a job and work full time as an actor and filmmaker. And maybe Seattle would be my second option when it comes to quality living but there’s not Hollywood firm industry.

[@campuberstransportation548]

Nyc definitely isnt for everyone, some people hate it some love it. Gotta put yourself in position to take advantage of the city tbh.

[@Scriptshepherd]

Yeah, and some people love and hate it all in one haha. I used to love it and think it was the greatest city on earth growing up. But in my 20s, I need some space from it and to try something new.

[@eoleol4750]

A few questions if you don't mind. How's the Seattle Film Community? Are you part of a community that makes small films? I've been checking out your channel because you were very real about living in a large city. A person could end up spending all of their time and resources just surviving. Over 30 years, I have a few film industry skills and knowledge but I rely on my blue collar skills(electronics technician, mechanic) for true wages.

[@Scriptshepherd]

Thanks for checking out the channel! I don't sense much of a narrative film community here like NYC, LA, Atlanta, Vancouver, etc. Most people who work in video here are doing commercial, corporate, and sports, and that's where you can make a living. That said, we do have the Seattle International Film Festival, which is a major festival. And I also heard Washington recently got great tax incentives for feature films, which is what brings productions in. As for community, I recently shot a feature-length comedy, and was able to find a group of talented actors excited to be involved. I'm about to put out a video talking about it, but you can check out the film here if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpbdhoGop5x8o6M Overall, Seattle is not great if you want to work on big movie sets constantly. However, if you want to make money in other types of video, with better quality of life, while filming your own projects every few months - which is what I'm doing - it's amazing. Keep in mind that Seattle is not cheap, but if you're coming from California or NYC like me, it's much more manageable.

[@eoleol4750]

@@Scriptshepherd Okay. The last part of your message was great to hear. I will check out your film. I have to check myself because my information can be outdated but I hope you make some income from your film. When you make the video talking about the making of the film, I hope you talk about the cast and crew. Small films are the preferred for me. Even when I was a kid, it was the b movies, remote locations, etc, that made me want to be filmmaker. You know some places require a film permit for the smallest thing but that Western part of Washington appears to be perfect for a certain type of film making. Yes, if it's rainy and damp most of the time, the working conditions could be challenging for the cast and crew. But overcast, greenery, fog, diluted natural lighting can create a subtle, moody atmosphere. I'm sure you know this but in the "90's, that city was a cultural force. I think it was the grunge music community that inspired the other sections of artist. I miss those Seattle films.

[@eoleol4750]

I'm writing all of this because you seem to understand there is more to film making than just film making. It's very easy to know a lot about film making and never get to really do it. Someone will be good at an aspect of film making but will not be able to make a living and never use it. I'm here in Omaha. I'm not from here but have lived in a few places. Crazy potential in Nebraska. But it's weird in a sense; Lincoln is the college town, John Carson Communications, but I never see any student films, that rebel art community, the coffee shops are generic. I visited Hastings, a smaller town in central Nebraska. A much better arts atmosphere, film appreciation, paintings, art. I'm in Omaha but I'm not sure. Cost of living and availability of jobs is very positive but not so much inspiration for me. I'm not knocking the area. I have been told a few times if I start something, people will suppose it. But for my part, I resist being the leader, organizing things, negotiating situations, and playing the diplomat. It's a lot. Yes, I am responsible enough to show up on the set on time, carry equipment, move a lamp, know my lines. But I think I'm just not vibing with the atmosphere.

[@wesleytaylor2623]

Not sure why you didn't look around, but there are a lot of apartments in Brooklyn that cost $1,700.

[@Scriptshepherd]

I actually did real estate in Brooklyn :) For $1,700, apartments are either tiny or not in good locations. You have to sacrifice a lot to live alone under $2k in NYC.

[@liannebedard5521]

The official word is it’s rainy and gloomy, you’d hate it, it’s expensive, the people are snarky, no one will speak to you. That’s our script, and we’re sticking to it… Welcome…

[@DivatoSabrina]

Would you say the film industry is more in Vancouver or London? I have an associate's degree in media production. I want to be in the horror film industry. I want to be a writer. I'm questioning myself if going back for a bachelor's degree would be necessary? I'm from nebraska. I want to relocate, there's not much jobs for media in nebraska. I don't know how to break into the industry if I'm not living in New York or California. Really I don't think I'm ever going to be completely satisfied until I go aboard. With New York's reputation right now deep down I don't want to move there. What advice could you give me?

[@Scriptshepherd]

Hard to say about Vancouver vs. London, England. There's a substantial industry in Vancouver, but London is like the NYC of Europe, and funnels a lot of its talent into Hollywood, and they have their own industry and awards. You would find work in either city. Bachelor's degree is not necessary for film, but can help with day-jobs to support yourself financially. In the film industry, you'll have to work for free or cheap for some time. Alternatives to NYC/LA are Atlanta, Chicago, Austin, Albuquerque. Abroad options are Vancouver, Toronto, London, but those will be expensive. If you happen to speak another language, there are many abroad markets you can target.

[@DivatoSabrina]

@@Scriptshepherd Thank you for the advice. I'm only an english speaker. Learning french has been my dream. Lol !! Happy early Thanksgiving to you.

[@Scriptshepherd]

@@DivatoSabrina Same to you!!

[@ILoveWoolerbear]

I just relocated here after working and living in NYC, and I'm glad I found your video tonight ! Well done and well said ! I'm not 100 percent about Seattle, but yes, you get much more for your money in Seattle. No one trusts anyone in NYC, that's the reason for what seems like 'coldness'. I don't find the people in Seattle to be outwardly friendly at all, though, but there are few cities in the US with friendly people. NYC is great if you have a TON of money and can get out of the city often enough.

[@vickyyyy]

also going West or South soon! tired of this city.

[@Scriptshepherd]

Wishing you luck :)

[@dustinbranham9746]

I appreciate the candid tone of this video, and you make a lot of great points. I was just disappointed to hear you say it's nice that people drive everywhere. I've found that the more drivers a city has, the worse the city becomes. It creates physical and noise pollution, dangers to pedestrians and cyclists, and robs us of so much potentially great public space. We are moving to Seattle so that we can be in a more walkable city than where we currently live (Charlotte NC). But that's just an aside. I liked your points otherwise and it sounds like a great city for you.

[@Scriptshepherd]

Hey, thanks for the comment. To each their own with driving. My brother and father are professional cyclists, so I get the danger of cars, but you've got to be able to transport places haha, especially when you have the whole beautiful PNW to explore. I can tell you that in NYC, which is much more walkable than Seattle - and bad for driving - the physical and noise pollution is indescribably worse - it's one of the main reasons I left. Seattle is a great city for both driving and biking/walking, especially because it has the Burke Gillman trail that runs around the whole city. That said, the drivers here are terrible, which I'll address in my follow-up to this video so stay tuned! And best of luck with your move to Seattle!

[@premsprespective3507]

Seattle does have a good amount of bus system but limited rail.

[@danluke7336]

NY = Gotham Seattle = Metropolis ( x ) ✅

[@lamhuynh3107]

Predictable is the last word I would use to describe Seattle weather 😂

[@tamarathejudeochristianmedium]

This is very thoughtful. I’m planning my escape now 🥹

[@Scriptshepherd]

Haha thank you. Good luck with it and let me know where you end up.

[@tamarathejudeochristianmedium]

@@Scriptshepherd 🤣 will do

[@nweditor875]

Seattle Washington man is California bad dude.

[@stevenherrold5955]

i think N Y needs to downsize if they are growing their problems are getting worse during covid 19 is nightmare in of itself not mentioning any of the other issues that drive me crazy like the trash the gobs n gobs of homeless people and the drugs that are destroying peoples lives and the drug dealer does not care he says i'm just trying to survive yea right get a job

[@PS987654321PS]

Oh god, another narcissistic, rich kid becomes "filmmaker". Get a job and stop sponging. There are 80,000 working class kids who have far more talent that this guy but they dont have daddys money.