How do you first start off to get into an acting career?

I highly recommend studying as much as you can. It is possible, certainly in hollywood, to start a career at a very young age, but a career endures when an actor has a sense of craft that will stay with him long after his youth and beauty fades. I think it's very important, in the midst of being an actor, to also live a life, for whatever that may mean to you, so that you have something to act about, so you have experience to inform you in your work. Certainly at the age of 14, life experience should always be more in the forefront of your mind than career ambition. None of this is to discount personal drive or passion, not in the least. Pursue your dreams as fervently as possible and never give up on them.
L.A. is full of creative people to meet, and no doubt dozens of workshops where you can meet agents and casting directors, as well as countless film-makers and local theatres looking to cast actors of all ages and types. And don't worry about meeting the right people, you will know the right people when you find them, they will be the people that move and inspire you the most, the people you want to make art with. The point of theatre is to connect with people and the way we start to pursue the opportunity to get work in the theatre is by connecting with people. Connecting, connecting, that's the whole thing. It's a human need as much as it is a necessity of the business.
I think any and all endeavors to find work and start a career will be made more boldly and confidently if you have the utmost certainty in your talent, and that comes from training, from long, exhausting, dedicated work.
I grew up in hollywood. I studied at a wonderful place called the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. I would highly recommend auditioning for them. The dedication, standards, and craft I got there lead me to college which lead into the profession.

I am honest I too was raised out here in CA. I took my daughter to many scam workshops and auditons that cost money so rule of thumb if you have to pay it is not a legitmate company to attend. Acting pays you. People try and scam constantly out here. This is a big city and if you are not from here you will have culture shock. This is a place where if you do not have money you cannot make a good living. Calif. is very expensive. I would get a degree go to work and do this in the spare time. Hobby, I have seen people go broke in music, acting, etc. I say its only for the daughters or sons of those who made it you must know a person who is in film or go to a magnet school that offers performing arts and drama classes. Stay away from any people that tell you they can get you in the door false. Auditons are long wait times long lines and very harsh on people from what I read above other responses hold false promise for a career only a handful ever get. If you noticed we as a nation are using many british actors for less pay as well the industry is changing. So with that. Do not go to CA thinking you are going to make it you probaly wont without a good academic program backing you. Start with high school or college plays. Good luck I hope you do make it you can if you put your heart soul and mind however, sometimes your best is not good enough.

Firstly, Acting is an Art. It's a fire born in you not necessarily from birth, but often somewhere in some special moment sometime after. This fire, this passion must motivate all things that propel you forward as you solve the practical aspects of how & where to perform your craft. I did plays in elementary, middle & high school. I did local community theatre. I took an audition class. I got headshots & put together a resume. Two years out of highschool - I Was planning to go to college - I auditioned for a professional theatre company - with whom I had been acquainted since middle school - & they hired me. At the age of 19, I became a Professional Actor in the theatre! Theatre lead to TV, which lead to Film, & everything leads to commercials, etc... One step leads to another as you connect people & experiences...follow the passion!

Acting in Hollywood is different from NY, in that it is moire film/TV based and very much about looks and contacts. Be a GOOD actor first! STUDY STUDY STUDY! Take classes with diffrent teachers. Learn about yourself.
Veronica James