Meet Ray Trickitt from the London, who moved to LA four years ago to pursue acting.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I always wanted to come to the States , either NYC or LA , and LA seems to be where the majority of work opportunity is, although now it seems there’s a lot of opportunities for work in the industry in other cities too. It’s an industry town and I wanted to check it out.
What do you miss most from home?
From home, friends you could say really, country pubs , getting easily around town, no car needed…and the four seasons! Don’t get me wrong, I do like the sun!
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since? If so, why?
Well, when you first arrive it’s all new, exciting and you’re finding your way. But it’s a whole different thing when you move out here and commit. It’s not for everyone and the only way to see of course is to live here and see how the system operates. The workings of LA and if it’s right for you.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus London?
I would say getting about, Everyone says this, but it’s true. The car is king. In London you can get around really easy using public transport. Also you find yourself walking more, with other people doing the same. Yes, it’s smaller and seems more hectic but getting around town you don’t you don’t really need a car. Here I find you can find yourself cut off from people when you spend the majority of your time in a car, And yes, everything is spread out, but people are more positive I find here, and it you have a passion for something; an idea, people are interested. It seemed harder back home. This is the land of anything is possible!
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
It’s not really a hidden gem, but I really like going up to the Griffith Observatory. It’s a wonderful building, with great views over LA, and of course parts of the classic film Rebel Without A Cause were filmed in and around the building. Also, along Pacific Coast Highway, a little past Malibu there’s a place called Neptunes Net with great seafood. You can usually see a large number of motorbikes turning up there at the weekend
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
If it’s what you want to do, go for it! But keep in mind to check things out first, research as much as possible and be prepared for the long haul. If you decide to take the plunge, it can be tough coming to a new place and starting fresh, finding friends, etc. I think it takes a good year or two even to settle in and finding a good support network of friends is really important, but hey, there are some wonderful places here in California to check out and explore, and opportunities to be had, after all, that’s why we come here!
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Well apart from getting the basics sorted like working visas, etc., bring a large stash of money – survival money – here, you’re going to need it and it quickly disappears! It’s not easy here, you have to be tough and persevere. But follow your desires, or you will never know.
Lastly, how can we find out more about you? Are you working on anything at the moment?
Photography by Cécile Delepière
