Meet Andy Henbest from London who moved to LA 14 years ago to pursue animation and production design.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I lived in NYC for five years and was curious about Los Angeles as I was contemplating a career in animation. I was a big fan of (independent animation company) Klasky Csupo who were also in Hollywood. I ended up a production designer!
What do you miss most from home?
Lush green countryside and the pubs.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
I discovered it was idyllic for riding motorbikes and walking dogs, so I got four motorbikes and four dogs. Love it here!
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus London/Surrey?
Brilliant weather vs Dreary weather.
Do you have any hidden gems in LA that you want to share with us?
Los Angeles Crest Highway for motorbike rides, Fryman Canyon and Bronson Canyon for hikes with dogs and La Poubelle (on Franklin Avenue in Hollywood) for dinner.
A lot of people have misconceptions about LA – did you?
I came here after living in NYC and it agreed with me although I love(d) NYC
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
It is such an extreme opposite of England, but I can’t imagine not having this California lifestyle now. So go for it, as it will be a different journey for each person, so the only way to find out if it is the right one is to just do it.
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?
Be grateful for your surroundings… it could be a lot worse
Anything else to tell us?
I am also currently involved in a fundraiser for Great Ormond Street Hospital and we are looking for all the support we can get. Five of us are hoping to raise £10,000 by riding off road in Cambodia for the next eight days. A big thank you to our sponsors Belstaff & G Shock.
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is an international centre of excellence in child healthcare. Together with their research partner, the UCL Institute of Child Health (ICH), they form the UK’s only academic biomedical research centre specialising in paediatrics.
Since its formation in 1852, the hospital has been dedicated to children’s healthcare and to finding new and better ways to treat childhood illnesses. Donations and fundraising allow the hospital to buy equipment, fund research and provide better facilities that would otherwise be unaffordable under the NHS.
To find out more about the charity and how the money we raise will be used go to: www.gosh.org/why-we-need-your-help
