Directed a few things, now how to market yourself?

[Aceism]

Okay, so I just finished directing a one-hour television pilot last week. I am also directing an 8 episode web series on the weekends. The pilot and part of the web series are in editing right now, and I am in talks to direct a trailer, and hopefully eventually the movie.

I am glad I was able to direct those projects, but my question is what is the next step? Of course, you should have a director's reel, but where should I take it?

I contacted several people and I've heard conflicting answers. One woman told me to bring my reel to a production company. Another person said production companies don't look at freelance directors, and that I should look at the major Hollywood agencies for representation. However, someone else said the major ones won't even look at your work unless you are first signed to a production company. So which is it?

I would like to be a director for scripted television and feature films. But I am not sure how to market myself or where to go. I was also told to have a website to showcase my reel.

Producers, people in marketing, help?

 

[capitalP]

The truth is, there is no formula. Just keep doing what you are doing now which is just shoot and hopefully your work will get recognize not just by your peers but industry professionals as well. If you're looking for representation, it won't happen until your work gets recognize, in order to do that, you just have to put in the work and submit to film festivals, have presents on the web etc...

Besides social media(Facebook, YouTube, etc...) The Film Festival circuit is still the best way to get recognition out there for your work.

Bottom line, you are headed in the right direction, you don't need to do anything different but hustle some more. Just keep shooting. I'm not sure there are Festivals for television pilots but you can check here www.withoutabox.com. As for the web series, I know for a fact there are festivals for short films, so maybe you should give those a shot.

This business is 99% who you know and the other 1% is luck, considering you have talent couple with that. And some may argue 99% who you know and no talent you'll still get in, but it makes things a lot easier if you are skillful at what you do.

So keep working and make contacts like you are doing on here and with enough hard work, it should come to you. But there is no formula and no straight answer.

The people that gave you the answers are right. No production company or Hollywood exec will see your reel without a referral or an Agent, so I wouldn’t even consider that an option unless you have a connection.