From Hollywood Sets to Hoosier Roots: Why I Traded the L.A. Hustle for a Better Life in Bloomington
For over a decade, my life was measured in call times, red carpets, and the relentless hum of the 405 freeway.
As a film executive and producer in Los Angeles, I had the privilege of overseeing projects that many only dream of films like Chef, Nightcrawler, and the Academy Award-winning Spotlight. I spent my days chasing stories and my nights at screenings, eventually earning Emmy nominations for projects like The Mars Generation and UFC’s 25 Years in Short.
On paper, I was living the dream. But as any transplant in a coastal mega-city knows, the "dream" often comes with a steep price tag - and I don’t just mean the rent. It’s the time lost in traffic, the distance from family, and the difficulty of finding a community that feels like home rather than just a professional network.
The No-Brainer Decision
In 2020, the world slowed down, and like many others, my perspective shifted. I grew up in Indiana and graduated from Indiana University, but I always assumed that to work at the highest level of the film industry, I had to stay in California.
However, looking at my newborn son and thinking about the future, I realized I wanted a different rhythm. I wanted my children to have the space to grow. I wanted the affordability that turns surviving into thriving. And surprisingly, I realized that the "Spotlight" I had been chasing in Hollywood was actually shining right back here in the Midwest.
Coming Home to More
Moving back to Bloomington wasn't a step back in my career - it was a step forward for my life.
Returning to the Hoosier state allowed me to bridge my past with my future. Today, I’m not just a spectator of the industry; I’m helping build it from the ground up right here. Teaching the next generation of storytellers at IU’s Media School has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. We aren’t just making movies; we’re growing the Midwest film industry.
But the biggest surprise wasn’t the professional fulfillment - it was the community.
Finding Your People
There is a massive wave of "Bloomerangs" and new transplants who are discovering that Bloomington offers something Los Angeles simply couldn't: immediate belonging.
In L.A., you can live in an apartment for five years and never know your neighbor's name. In Bloomington, you move in and within a week, you’re invited to a local meetup, a hike around Griffy lake, or trivia night at Heartwork Brewing.
Since 2022, MakeMyMove and The Mill has helped over 80 households transition to this city. Whether you are a remote worker, a creative, or a tech professional, the barriers to entry here are non-existent.
Why Bloomington?
If you’re currently scrolling through MakeMyMove, wondering if a move to the Midwest is the right call, let me tell you what I’ve found:
- Affordability with Substance: Your dollar goes further, but you aren't sacrificing culture. We have world-class cuisine, Big Ten energy, and a thriving arts and music scene.
- Time is Currency: My commute is no longer two hours of brake lights; it’s a ten-minute breeze through tree-lined streets. That’s more time with my family and more time to create.
- A Culture of "Yes": Bloomington is a place where you can actually make an impact. If you have an idea for a business, a film, or a community project, people here want to help you build it.
I traded a life behind the camera for a life focused on this community in frame, and I haven’t looked back once. If you’re looking for a better way of life, I’d love to welcome you home.
