Lights, Camera, HUSTLE

I was 21 when I moved to Los Angeles to become a star. I made my first comp cards in MS Paint. I lost my first big break because my car ran out of oil on the freeway. I once got screamed at on set for touching a lawn flamingo.

I also danced in music videos, played a showgirl as a featured extra, became a SAG member, invested in a modeling agency, and spent more than ten years working on film and TV sets, in front of the camera and behind it.

Part One is my story, with the wins and the embarrassing parts. Part Two is the guide I wish I'd had at 21: how background work and SAG-AFTRA vouchers actually work; comp cards and headshots on a budget; auditions and handling rejection; landing your first PA job and how to behave on set; art department basics, modeling and event gigs; scam red flags, and how to turn set experience into income.

Each chapter ends with a checklist, and there are notes for both the US and Canada. If you're dreaming about working in film, start here.