Next Stop Hollywood

Episode 1

Week One

Hollywood is the worldwide epicenter of fame and ground zero for every actor's dreams. But it is also a city that is both tough and uncompromising. Ninety-eight percent of actors who go to Hollywood won't fulfill their dreams. NEXT STOP HOLLYWOOD charts all the excitement, frustrations, fears and tears of six Aussie actors as they compete for roles during the frenzied US TV pilot season. Craig Anderson, 35 (NSW); Michael Clarke-Tokely, 22 (VIC); Alycia Debnam-Carey, 18 (NSW); HaiHa Le, 29 (VIC); Penelope Mitchell, 22 (VIC); and Luke Pegler, 30 (NSW) allow the cameras to follow their every move as they pursue their dreams of fame and fortune. Facing judgment and rejection on a daily basis, these six young actors open their lives and hearts to the cameras. Some have come to LA fully connected to the industry with representation from agents or managers in place. Others are on the fringe and need to get connected quickly if they are to have a shot. Some are facing their past demons and others are simply staking their claim in a town where it is so easy to be passed over. From January to April, the US studios cast many of their test TV programs, mainly in LA. This frenzied period is known as pilot season and Hollywood is abuzz with hundreds of roles up for grabs. Thousands of actors line up each day outside casting agents' doors, hoping for favorable auditions. NEXT STOP HOLLYWOOD charts the ups and downs of pilot season, and takes a broad swipe at the myth of the overnight success story.