Uber and Lyft drivers can set their own schedules and need nothing more than a car and a license. The aspiring actor or writer driving for these car services in Los Angeles has the added bonus of potentially picking up an industry contact that could change their show business careers.
More aspiring actors in Los Angeles are ditching their wait staff aprons and signing up to drive for Uber and Lyft, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The job allows them to stay flexible for possible auditions and keeps their brain space free to learn their lines rather than the menu specials.
About 60 percent of Lyft's L.A. drivers either have a job or want a job in the entertainment industry. Uber doesn't release information about their L.A. drivers, but "anecdotal evidence suggests" they also are pursuing their Hollywood dream, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Some L.A. drivers carry business cards to give to all their passengers. Others get lucky and have a big talent call for a ride.
"I picked up this one musician who makes music for TV shows. I've picked up a few writers. It's nice to hear people's point of view and have a conversation about the creative process," former Uber driver Justin Park told The Hollywood Reporter. He also picked up actress Ana Gasteyer and called the ride with her a "acting master class in my car."
Uber estimates its New York City drivers can make as much as $90,000 a year and $74,000 a year in San Francisco. The car service takes a 20 percent commission, and drivers must pay for their own gas and car maintenance.
