<p>So I know that LA has the most film opportunities in the country, but my plan after college is to do both theater and independent film, and I have heard that New York has a great independent film industry. Is there a lot of work for actors there who want to do what I want to do? Is it more competitive in New York? Is it hard to come to New York after college if I'm coming from LA?</p>
<p>All the major studios have offices in NYC and there are plenty of opportunities in film although not to the extent of LA. The vast majority of TV opportunities, however, are in LA. There is more commercial work there as well. It’s ridiculously competitive in both markets and it’s kind of hard to compare. There does seem to be a different attitude between the two cities. Apparently in NYC, the general response is “prove it” if you say you’re an actor while in LA, “EVERYBODY is an actor.” 
In general, theatre training and credits on your resume are a lot more respected in NYC while a good reel and the ever elusive “perfect headshot” seems to be the ticket in LA with theatre taking a backseat. It’s difficult to move to either city or stay after graduation even if you’re already there. Here’s a link to an old discussion I started dealing with the realities of it … <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/706040-post-graduation-expenses-settling-into-la-nyc.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/theater-drama-majors/706040-post-graduation-expenses-settling-into-la-nyc.html</a> I’ll bump it, too.</p>