Meet Rachael Shapiro from New York who moved to LA 20 years ago to continue her career in entertainment.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I’d been working in film and TV in New York since the late 80s and used to visit LA on business, for press conferences and other work. Clearly LA is the leading city in the US if you work in film, TV and digital content so it made sense to spend some time working here. In addition, I’d always liked an active lifestyle but living in a metropolitan city, it was a challenge to fit it all in. If you didn’t keep a car in the city just getting out for hikes or beach sports took a great deal of coordinating. I’d been to LA enough to realize that I could work and play, the beaches and mountains were very accessible. Seemed like a great way to have a balanced lifestyle.
What do you miss most from home?
For sure, my long-time friends and family, the brisk, fall weather and the bustling streets of Manhattan. Especially now that I have my own family, I do miss the opportunity of easy cousin gatherings and family get-togethers with extended family.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
I’d already been coming to LA on business for a few years so I did know what to expect more or less. But I do recall on those early trips being struck by how many people there seemed to be out and about. I mean, didn’t anyone work in an office? No matter where I went, there were tons of people who seemed to be doing anything but work. But then, between the weather and ease with which people were able to do contract work, it started to make sense. Now living here and working in a freelance capacity or as a consultant, I can fully appreciate how great it is to work on your own time and create your own schedule.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus NY?
I had been living in the heart of Manhattan so first thing of course is the transportation! Walking and subways have been replaced by driving and biking. Then there’s the weather – of course always the weather! The change of seasons on the East Coast is so much more evident than the mild changes we get here in LA. But, too, it is always nice and feels like a constant vacation here. The life in NY is so much faster, busier, more crowded.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
I live in Venice and our favorite restaurant is 26 Beach. It is not large but the food is fantastic and the service is great. I don’t know if many beyond the locals know if it but I highly recommend it.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
Research the neighborhoods and be sure to pick a spot not too far from work. The traffic has become terrible in the years I’ve been on the Westside and that shows no sign of letting up. Decide what is more important to you – lifestyle during the week or on weekends. If you like city activities or beach/outdoors and then pick your area based on that. Also, if you don’t already have a network of friends or co-workers, be prepared to step out of your comfort zone. Join a sports league or club for your hobby. LA as so many groups and placed where you can find like-minded friends, many also transplants eager to connect and make new friends.
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?
Try to create a good work-life balance. Many here get caught up in trying to do everything at the same time and burn out quickly. When I left NY, I left a very fulfilling job and lots of friends. The job took many hours and included a lot of travel; The friends were and still are life long and we ran around the City taking it all in. But simply put, I was more than just a little burned out. The move served to re-invigorate me and let me engage in new hobbyies and sports.
Lastly, how can we find out more about you ? Are you working on anything at the moment?
Yes, I am managing a channel on Amazon called Best of British (amazon.com/channels/bestofbritish) so I am constantly looking for ways to reach our potential fans and subscribers on Amazon. We use social media, follow blogs, and try to show the genuine shows from home – comedies, factual, docu-series, reality shows – we have recently added Australia, English Canada and Ireland to our program line-up but most of our shows are British. You can find us at facebook.com/BOBTelevision or Instagram.com/bestofbritishtv
