You might be surprised to know that when Brian Hodge drives into work each day, the renowned Hollywood sign looming in front of him, he thinks of Wagga.
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Wagga’s relaxed lifestyle is the opposite of what he is used to in Los Angeles.
But he said without the continued support of his hometown he would not have the career he has today.
Mr Hodge began his career as a photographer with The Daily Advertiser before dabbling in acting on Heartbreak High, Home and Away and Wildside.
But deep down he knew that Los Angeles would be his ultimate destination.
His job at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast involved rebranding the casino and attracting big names, such as Snoop Dogg, Wynter Gordon, Mariah Carey, Rod Stewart, Kings of Leon, Jay Sean, Boyz II Men and The Village People to perform there.
American Idol’s Randy Jackson, who has become Mr Hodge’s mentor, convinced him to move to Los Angeles in 2012.
Mr Hodge spent a short time in the hotel business again before he was offered a role with Paramount Studios.
He has worked on Mission Impossible 5, The Spongebob Movie, Terminator Genysis, Hot Tub Time Machine 2 and is preparing to release The Big Short, Zoolander 2, Star Trek Beyond, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 and Daddy’s Home.
Mr Hodge has worked on film publicity, production and events with some of the biggest names in Hollywood but said people treat him like a celebrity when they learn he is from Wagga.
“It’s the name, it’s a double name and it’s kind of funny and Americans don’t really know how to pronounce it,” he said.
“I’m super passionate about Wagga.
“My success is from people knowing I’m from Wagga.
“I’m so thankful for people even believing in me and it all came from here.”
After one of his movies is released, Mr Hodge monitors the global feedback and said his biggest buzz comes from seeing people from Wagga Tweeting about a film he worked on.
Mr Hodge returned to Wagga this week to visit his family and take in a showing of the local production of Legally Blonde.
Upon returning to Los Angeles next week, he will prepare the filming schedule for the Baywatch movie.
Mr Hodge will also focus on work with Viacom and organising some of the country’s biggest award shows in 2016.
His message to the youth of Wagga is that they can have a similar career if they have the right mindset.
“It’s been really tough but I’ve been so committed and focused,” he said.
“It’s completely different to Australian life … but you just have to be open to that.”
