Meet Peter Foldy from Budapest via Sydney and Toronto, who moved to LA 25 years ago to pursue music and film.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I was signed by RCA Records in Los Angeles as a recording artist and the moment I stepped off the plane, I knew I would end up here. L.A. was the place that most closely resembled Sydney, which is one of my favorite cities in the world and was a great environment to grow up in. Beaches, sunshine, really cool people. Love Oz.
What one thing do you miss from home?
Home has been three other cities so far and each one has something special. Budapest has an incredible history and culture, with great theater, music and it’s own cafe society. Friendships are long lasting and meaningful there. Sydney, as mentioned above has the great beaches and Toronto is where my mother and sister live so I do go back often. Toronto is also the place that launched my music career, where I was able to record a demo of my music, land a record deal an end up on the top of the Canadian charts – and I do miss that part of my life, when my music career was really taking off. It was really a once in a lifetime moment.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus everywhere else you’ve lived?
For people in the entertainment business, Los Angeles is the city where no one really looks down on you for following your dreams. No one says: what are you going to do when you grow up? Or don’t you think you should have a back up plan? If entertainment is the business you want to be in, there is really no other city that is more accepting and supportive. I’ve gone from being a recording artist to being a film director, working on feature films with top name actors, and now back to music again, having just recorded a new 10 track CD called Nine Lives, which is coming out this month and available on iTunes and Amazon and all the other outlets (sorry for the shameless self-promotion). No one told me I was crazy to do that, in fact I got nothing but encouragement, and that is one of the reasons I love L.A.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
I like a restaurant called Ca Brea, very close to where I live. Great Italian food, and a cool, intimate bar with a happy hour that goes from 5 – 10 every night. Friendly bartenders, $5 drinks and appetizers that are delicious. Great for a conversation.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Learn how the business operates. There is an order here, a method to the way the business is run. Figure out how to approach people in the industry in the most professional manner. Cold calling people, or emailing headhsots or script ideas generally doesn’t lead anywhere, in fact many people don’t accept them and it could make you seem like an amateur. The best thing to do, assuming you really have the talent, is network, find allies and make connections who could then, if they believe in you, introduce you to the people who can help move your career forward. This is a town where people tend to work with their friends and friends of friends. Become one of them. Don’t let the concept of Hollywood overwhelm you. It’s actually a small town in terms of the industry. The chances of it happening are generally greater here than anywhere else. Unless you want a career in the theater, in which case London is the place to be. Currently, L.A. loves Brits and Aussies. Work it.
Lastly, how can we find out more about you ? Are you on the Internet?
I do have a newly redesigned website:www.peterfoldy.com Please say hello. Always happy to hear from new friends. I have spent a lot of time in the UK and have a great affinity to Brits. I think I was one in another life.
I am on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeterFoldy
And Twitter: @peterfoldy
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