Networking at Film Festivals

[Charli]

I'm sure many of you have film festivals that pop up in a town near you. I implore you to go check 'em out. Even if you don't meet a movie star or big shot director, who you will meet are folks like yourself trying to break in, that means a possible connection, that means possible locations, etc.

I networked at a film festival in Santa Cruz and I met a director I liked after the festival. Through him I met a SAG actor, a set dresser, three upcoming actors, and had access to the university's equipment through him. What did he get from me? A couple of locations for his end year project. I can't express the need to network.

I'm heading out to the Damah Film Festival in Culver City today and I'm going to meet a professional writer (I hope), going to hook up with our own dvxuser who's film, "Obscure Brother" will be playing on reel 8. I'm going to put myself out there and see who's local and hopefully make new connections. Maybe I'll get a location out of it, some grip help, I dunno, but I won't get anything accomplish if I sit at home.

I can't wait to support our dvxuser on her film, "Obscure Brother" and see what else I will find. Go to film festivals and put your face out there. Being shy has no place in this business.

[Jim Brennan]

Good point. Networking is the most under-rated part of this profession. Spend at least as much time working on your networking skills as your other skills. It will help you more than you can imagine.

[Charli]

I have a business card of another producer who did a pretty good short, had a nice chat. I also was able to picth a premise line to an indurstry professional, my first ever pitch and he said the story idea was interesting. I was one of the few, I mean about two who he didn't chew up and hurl out in his feedback to our loglines. Means I'm doing something right, woo.

The festival was a really, really good experience and may I just say that the,

"OBSCURE BROTHER"

by our dvxuser VXTM10 was really a notch above the rest in cinematography, music and direction. The story was really rather unique. Hats off to our dvxuser VXTM10!! woo hoo, good job

[vstm10]

Charli, your pitch was really great, not just interesting. THAT was a movie.

Also thanx for liking my short. wow... "a notch above the rest in cinematography, music and direction". you ARE a kind soul.

and well...ok, it does looks pretty bloody amazing. If I may say do.

[ugafan]

if my comedy makes it, then maybe i'll see some of you guys in park city next january.