Meet Fraser Precious from Newmarket, England who moved to LA 2 years ago to pursue acting and producing.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
Ever since I graduated from Sedbergh School in England I always had a burning desire to see the world and develop my skills as a performer. Growing up as a musician I always felt I was destined for an adventurous life, so it was while gaining my music degree in Sydney 10 years ago that I first developed my passion for acting and creating my own stories. I always aspire for the top in everything I do and right from the second I realized acting was my future, I knew I had to get to Los Angeles. LA is the pinnacle of the entertainment industry and where endless opportunities are available for you to grab and embrace and progress. There is no where else I would rather be. My career and success will always determine my life.
What do you miss most from home?
Strangely, I do miss the rain now and again! I would never complain about the beautiful weather here, but being a very proud Englishman I do like a good old drop of rain! I think that’s my nostalgia of Britain kicking in, but the beautiful countryside of the UK is definitely something I do miss. I also miss the history and culture that we have back home, especially the Proms! But most importantly I do miss my family and friends a great deal as they have supported my crazy journey through four countries to Los Angeles.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since? If so why?
My first impression of LA is exactly how I have come to find it. Just, awesome. I had formed many images and preconceptions of LA over the years and just being here has catapulted my burning desire for success and why I am here. It’s like with anything, you get out what you put in. I came here to advance my career as an actor and producer, so that is exactly what I have done and am doing. I’m well aware of Hollywood’s perception to the many people who sit from afar and judge, but I have never been one to let others form my opinions. I love Los Angeles. This is a city and industry I am proud to work in…and having a series of beaches, amazing weather and not to mention the other incredible cities in touching distance is to me, a dream come true. The positives always outweigh the negatives if you stay open-minded.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus Newmarket?
HA! I love that question. The town of Newmarket I grew up in and am still home to, is far far away from the land of Los Angeles. I think they could quite possibly be the two opposites! Newmarket is a small, family size town that thrives on the horse racing industry. It is a truly unique and charming town that I hold very dear to my heart. There is nothing excessive or over the top about it, just a peaceful collection of humble people going about their daily business week by week. Los Angeles is like a world of its own. Nowhere have I found more ambitious, creative and motivated people with one common goal: to succeed. It is a city that gives you a constant buzz and that driving desire to continuously achieve. I wake up every day thinking how I can better myself and what I can create to make that happen. The resources and opportunities here are there to be taken and if you are aiming for the top, there is no other place that can provide that platform.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
One location springs to mind as a bit of a gem, the ‘wisdom tree’ at the top of a mountain overlooking the valley in Burbank. Just a glorious spot and view across the whole city. Griffith Park Observatory would be another. The outdoor movies at the Hollywood Cemetery also stand out. But to me, the hidden gem here is in you as person.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Prepare! Preparation is key with anything. Being spontaneous and acting on impulses is great with certain moves and countries (having moved to Australia and Sweden quite spontaneously) but moving to LA is a whole different ball game. I spent five years preparing for my move here, both mentally and through research. I intricately studied everything there was to know about Los Angeles; the industry, working as an actor, producing my own work, where best to live, what visa I could get on and maintain, how I could sustain myself financially, what to expect from the career I had chosen, how difficult the opportunities would be, etc. There is never enough preparation you can do for a move to LA, especially if you are moving from a humble town in a land far far away. If you are moving here for acting, you better have the thickest skin possible and be as mentally resilient as a soldier. You HAVE to be incredibly determined, persistent, committed and hard working to succeed here if you are working in the entertainment industry. Without one of those qualities, you will struggle. That is a hard truth for this industry, but also applies to anything in life. Los Angeles just happens to present those opportunities that can literally change your life, so if you came here with that belief, do everything in your power to achieve it. Otherwise, just have a good time!!!
Lastly, how can we find out more about you?
I can be found anywhere I am needed! Facebook – Fraser Precious, instagram @fraserprecious and my website fraserprecious.com.
I am very proud to say that I just produced and was the lead actor in my own short film ‘To Feel Human’ that just premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last week which I was fortunate to attend! As well as Cannes, the film was nominated for several awards at Nice International Film Festival and will be screening at three further film festivals this year. I am also excited to get cracking with my upcoming projects this year. First up I have a lead role in a feature film shooting this month, followed by a major British car commercial! I will then produce and star in a TV series I have created with producing partner Josh Levine called ‘Jet Loungin’. The show is about the adventures of two long-lost cousins navigating Hollywood with the most futuristic entertainment vehicle ever made, called the Jet Lounge. Then I will tackle a project I have been dying to make, a feature film about my previous life as a professional trumpet player, highlighting the classical music world, mental health issues and the homeless community/musicians all in one inspiring story.
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?
The best thing I can say is to take in every bit of advice that comes your way and shape it into one big umbrella that you can pull from and use with everything you do. I am highly motivated and determined to succeed in the path I have chosen as an actor and producer, so all I can say is to develop that same type of hunger for whatever you are here to do or achieve and never give up.
