On this program , we tell about common expressions in American English and explain how to use them . Today we talk about expressions involving Los Angeles , California . Los Angeles is the biggest city in the western United States . It is the second largest U.S . city in terms of population , after New York City . So , Los Angeles is a huge city with people from many different walks of life . But for today's show we are going to focus on the dream–like , or ethereal , part of Los Angeles . Los Angeles -- or simply “L.A .” for short -- can be an unreal place , a place like no other . For some it is a city where big dreams come true ; for others it is where their dreams die in cloud of smog . Some Americans like to call it The Entertainment Capital of the World . The L.A . neighborhood best known for films and movie stars is Hollywood . Millions of people visit Hollywood each year . No trip to Los Angeles is complete without seeing the word "Hollywood " spelled out in huge letters on a hillside . And many actors dream of having their name added to Hollywood's Walk of Fame . This brings us to a nickname for Los Angeles , one that is also commonly-used as an expression : la-la land . La-la land can be any place that is fun , far from serious , and out of touch with reality . You can use the expression when talking about the mental state of someone who does not understand what is really happening . You might say that person is “in la-la land .” “La La Land ” is also the name of a 2016 movie . It tells the story of a man who wants to be a musician and a woman who wants to be an actress . They meet and fall in love in Los Angeles . The name of the movie suggests both the city's nickname and the state of being out of touch with reality . Now , there are many types of industries : automobile industry , farming industry , computer industry , and so on , and so on . However , when people in L.A . say they work in the “Industry ,” they only mean one thing – making movies . Like any industry , the movie industry has its own set of terms and expressions . Some are useful outside of La La Land . Not only actors , many screenwriters dream of making it big in Hollywood . To get money to make that happen , these writers need to pitch their stories . A pitch is a short description of a project you've been working on or an idea you have . You pitch your idea to someone who can help you with money or provide contacts to make it happen . Writers usually form a partnership with someone in the Industry such as a producer or director . These partnerships then pitch the project to investors . So , in Hollywood , the pitch is about scripts and making a movie . But you can pitch anything that needs financial backing . You can even say you are pitching yourself if you are looking for a job . But back to the movies -- let's say your pitch is successful . The first person you talk to likes your idea . So , you move up the line . You get to talk “Bigs .” In Hollywood , these are the people with all the influence and money . In other work situations , you might call them big wigs , decision makers or simply the “money people .” No matter what you call them , if investors like your pitch , they may green light your project . This would be the best news . You've made the big time ! Again , you can make the “big time ” or make it big in any industry , not just in the movies .