Meet Emma Pyne originally from Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, who moved to LA from London 7½ years ago, to further her career in acting.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I often get asked this. I wanted to do American TV and film so this was the place. But then of course as soon as I moved here lots of great shows (Game of Thrones, Vikings, The Fall) started filming in Ireland!
What do you miss most from home?
Definitely my family. The time difference can suck a bit for making calls. My sister is almost deaf, so we can’t speak on the phone and I really miss that connection and now that my parents are getting older I really feel it that I’m not around as often as I’d like to be. Sometimes I only get to see them once a year and that’s not really enough, although now with so many airlines in the game it has brought the prices down and I have already been home twice this year, with another trip planned in August/ September, when I’ll be shooting a short film I wrote with acclaimed British director, Stuart Douglas. We are in talks with some pretty big name actors for the film so we’re very excited.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
Oh my God, I fell in love with the place! It has a kind of honeymoon magic that you only experience when you first arrive. I think that love affair lasts about two years. I didn’t even start to notice the underbelly for about two years; I was just dancing along, chasing glitter in the sunlight like a happy little puppy. I don’t think LA itself has changed, it’s still pretty wonderful, but I’ve certainly become more seasoned. I love when people come to visit because it’s still so exciting for people who don’t live here.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus in Ireland or London?
Sunshine! I love the outdoor lifestyle and the ocean. And I love not having to take public transport. Driving is so easy here. I actually think I’ve forgotten how to drive stick! There are also far greater opportunities for the writer/actor/performer, and now that I’ve taken up stand-up comedy again (after an eight-year hiatus) there really is no better place than LA to do stand-up. Did I mention the weather? Yeah, there’s no place like Ireland on a fine day, but the summers in Ireland usually last about 48hrs. If we got the weather in Ireland, LA would be out of business!
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
My dad was here recently and he loves golf so we played at Rancho Park Golf Course. It’s a great public course and is very inexpensive. And Tiago, located at 7080 Hollywood Boulevard for their Lavender latte. It’s my crack.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Come out here for three months or as long as you can afford or your visa will allow. From afar, we think it’s just like the movies and that’s a fallacy. While LA is great and has a lot to offer, living here is nothing like the movies and it’s not a constant vacation. We don’t lie by the pool scratching our arses all day, and then wonder what party we will hit up later. If you do that, you will get nowhere in this town, and people like that are easily spotted. It’s a daily hustle, it’s not for everyone, and it does not happen overnight. Be prepared for a slog and that might take 10 years. Yes it could take six months but that is rare. Be realistic. Ask yourself if can you generate an income stream that will help sustain you, or will you be okay with working in Starbucks or waiting on tables for quite a while, even if you’ve already got some big credits in the UK?
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?
Here are some things I’ve learned since living in LA: Be happy for everyone else’s success. Genuinely. You will draw in that good energy and it’s a sign that yours is close. Stay humble. Be someone that people want to work with. Meditate; it’s a great way to keep you grounded. And I love Kevin Spacey’s quote: “If you’re lucky enough to do well, it’s your responsibility to send the elevator back down.” Let’s help each other whenever we can.
And Join Brits in LA. Seriously. I arrived here on my own and that was how I met lots of my great friends. (Advice from Eileen Lee!)
Lastly, how can we find out more about you?
I have just done a movie with Ed Asner, Jamie Farr and Marion Ross directed by fellow Brits in LA member Trudy Sargent. It’s going to Cannes this month, and we’re all very proud of it, so fingers crossed it does well! It’s an intellectual comedy called ‘Angels On Tap’, written by Burt Prelutsky, who used to write for the TV series MASH.
I’ve also got lots of stand-up gigs around town coming up, including at the Comedy Store and the Improv. The best way to keep track of me is on Instagram: @emmampyne and Twitter: @emmampyne
