Postcard from California: My True Hollywood Story

Early in my career, there were plans to move to California and work in film and TV production. I already had experience acting on the stage and screen, so I was destined for Hollywood, right? When I talked about my California dreams, one of the first questions I usually received was, have you ever been? I got tired of saying, not yet.

The inspiration for the trip was to get a feel for the town, thus many touristy spots were on the itinerary, even though I’ve realized there’s so much more to a city than its hot spots. I wonder how many locals haven’t even been to some of these places. I know I haven’t seen all the sites within driving distance around home. 

Staying in Marina del Rey gave us a taste of the coast, but we were hungry for more. So after some tacos, we walked along the colorful Ocean Front Walk in Venice Beach among the funky street musicians and rollerbladers. Then we drove along the Pacific Coast Highway to stroll a stretch of Malibu, ogling the expensive real estate.

To prepare for my time in production, a trip to WB Studios landed us on the set of many popular TV shows. It was mind-blowing to see the Gilmore Girls town of Stars Hollow around the corner from the hospital exterior of ER and the Central Perk cafe where Friends would gather. Our studio guide was so accommodating that he extended our tour to drinks at the House of Blues that evening. 

In keeping with the entertainment theme, we toured Hollywood and Highland, careful not to step on dedicated stars along Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame. We stopped outside the Kodak Theatre where Oscars are awarded and the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre where the sidewalk is imprinted with countless celebrity hands and feet. 

Taking a break from all the Hollywood hoopla, we visited the Griffith Park Observatory and LA Zoo. A pitstop at the Farmers Market helped refuel before heading to The Grove for retail therapy. Inspired by the thrill of shopping in LA, we ventured to Rodeo Drive where I had to call home to be talked out of buying a very expensive piece of art. 

Our rental car received quite the workout as we took the scenic route across Mulholland Drive to several overlooks, finally coming down Laurel Canyon back into the city. We splurged on one fancy dinner in Santa Monica before flying back east—an anticipated return trip. 

While there were many exciting parts of the journey west, there was something surreal about this excursion. Maybe it was being surrounded by set facades and acting accolades, basically praising people for portraying someone else. There’s a lot to love about California, and I only saw a small part of it. But there’s also the relief in coming home, back to a world that feels more real.

Even though I didn't end up moving, I still had plenty of set experience on the east coast. My cast and crew credits for independent film and major motion pictures even inspired my debut novel.

It's interesting how Hollywood has coming calling again, as I'm now back to writing scripts destined for the large and small screen. Now the question I get is, anything I've seen? Not yet, but this Hollywood story isn't over.