The real reason I moved back to LA

Jeff’s Return to Los Angeles

After a difficult period, Jeff returned to his hometown of New York for a reset. Spending time with loved ones helped his mental health, but he ultimately chose to return to Los Angeles to pursue work and rebuild his career.

He wants to document his comeback honestly, including days when he feels unprepared to film and moments when things go wrong. He hopes to get back on top, though he admits he doesn’t know exactly where the project will lead.

Starting Over in LA

Jeff’s new Los Angeles apartment is much smaller than he expected; he signed the lease without seeing it first. When a friend compares it with other creators’ nicer homes, Jeff is reminded of the status-conscious culture in LA that he had wanted to escape.

While setting out to livestream with a small camera and gimbal, Jeff runs out of gas. A stranger gives him a ride, and he decides to include the mishap in his documentary.

Building a Creative Team

Jeff meets Baja, a filmmaker from Kazakhstan who has been in Los Angeles for about two months, and brings him onto his creative team. They discuss compensation and settle on a rate that the subtitles identify as $180 per day, though the exact terms are somewhat unclear.

Notable Details

• People: Jeff, Baja, Oscar, and David
• Locations: Los Angeles, New York, a new apartment, and a gas station
• Equipment: A streaming camera, a small camera, and a gimbal