Meet Kerry Marlowe from West Sussex, who moved to LA eight years ago to pursue acting and producing. She now owns her own Motion Picture Production Company with her husband Evan, called Sweet Home Films.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
After years of acting for the stage, I really wanted to do more TV and film and the UK was a very closed shop at the time. So after a couple of years of meetings and auditions in LA I realized I needed to move Stateside to get in on the movie action. Having studied film and acting I was able to bring my writing and producing skills into the mix and immediately these opened many more doors than I could have ever imagined. I booked a film within three weeks of being in LA.
What one thing do you miss from home?
My family mainly. I just had a beautiful little boy a couple of months ago and I miss not being able to see my Mum and Dad and siblings as we are such a close family. I also miss our local Chinese restaurant. It is my first port of call every time I go back. I love a bit of crispy seaweed.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus the UK?
The main difference I really noticed was when I had my little boy. The cost of having a baby in the US is extortionate. You see obstetricians, parentologists, pediatricians, hospital staff etc and they all cost. Thankfully after paying for expensive healthcare I only had to foot a small potion of the $30k bill.
Additionally everyone always seems to be far more optimistic about life here. Everyone really rallies for their dreams and to make things happen. I’ve been able to create my own film company, make movies, win awards and live the life I wanted. You don’t need a million dollars to feel like you are a million dollars. You just have to enjoy the moments you have and appreciate those that help you along the way. Like (Brits in LA founders) Craig and Eileen. Just doing the Toscars and being a part of this community has opened a lot of doors and I’ve made some close friends thanks to Brits in LA. Craig also appears in a number of our film projects (which can be found online at: www.sweethomefilms.com
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
I do love Paradise cove. Not really a hidden gem but a gem none the less. It is the place I go with my Sister Deanna everytime she visits, our little beach haven. You can sit on the deckchairs in the sand and watch the sun go down over the ocean with a glass of something cold or fruity. It really is a nice way to spend the day at this restaurant on the beach. They also filmed one of the American Pie movies there.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Do it. Give it a chance. Some people stay the course and others find it a little overwhelming. I thought I would give it eight months and eight years later I am still here, married an amazing American man and have a gorgeous little boy. I wrote, starred and produced two films, which are now out on VOD & DVD, Blood Rush and Horror House, which I didn’t think I would ever get to do back in the UK.
So come out, join Brits in LA, go to the breakfasts, check out the housing pages for people to live with and you will soon find it is a home away from home!
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