How to "Network"

thef0x

thef0x

Active member
I realize now that I don't have any extra money to hire professionals for anything short (short film) that I do. Any extra money is spent on better gear/food for free workers.

I need to find people in the Pacific North West (I'm in Seattle) who will work for free--actors and crew.

I don't know anyone.

How do I shove my thumb in the local network?
 
ya i was about to advise the same.. you will prob have to swim through some freaks. but it is a start. check the film commision if there is one. they may know of some networking type events in the area.
 
http://www.911media.org/
http://www.nwfilmforum.org/
http://www.seattlefilm.org/news/


Bada-Bing, Bada-Boom! Done! Call me when your famous. :)

Shoreline CC has a well respect sound program that you could find guys (and gals) looking to gain some experience.

And http://www.seattlefilminstitute.com/ has a great flim program with a ton of students looking to practice their craft.

No guarantees but a couple of months worth of places to start visiting and getting to know people. I would not suggest approaching anyone with a copy/credit offer. Most people have wisened up to this crap. Try offering to work on their projects in return for help on yours.

Good luck, Seattle has a lively and friendly independent flim community
 
I love it in Seattle, thanks for all the replies.

I REALLY appreciate the information so far, but I'm more interested in knowing HOW OTHER PEOPLE "broke in" so to speak.

What did you talk about, who did you talk to, ect.

Wabbit, I really appreciate the words.
 
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Places like the Seattle Film Institute or 911 Media Arts have classes you could take and the socializing/networking just happens naturally. The classes cost a few bucks but figure you can get a return on that investment with just one useful contact. Other places have seminars, gatherings, screenings, etc. Attend them and let your personality take over.

The beauty of networking is one contact can lead to another, and that one to maybe two more, etc, etc. It might seem slow at first but with time you will have a rolodex full of people to work with.

Lastly there are a quite a few Seattle DVX's in here. You can always put out a shout here. And there is talk of a HVX boot camp coming here so that will introduce you to a ton of us. :)

Cheers
 
Great advice. I'm looking at short summer programs for next summer, but its hard--a job, writing/producing/directing, internship--something I will have to accept if I want to stay afloat and pursue a dream.

I'll do the shout-out. Realistically I'm going to make a very good production plan and basically sell that.

I'll try to get enough investors to pay for acting and all gear/crew expenses I cover--mainly buying the best D.P. package for visual composition and hoping for a really quality sound guy--this will be hard to find for free. (My favorite and arguably the most important scene is a semi-sexual romantic conversation that MUST happen outside under these stars--seriously amazing guys, I'm already in love with this film). Anyway-

MORE ADVICE! I beg of it.

Wabbit--didn't think to check your location--Did you see Police Beat?


Cheers to all who've responded already-
 
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Regretably I missed Police Beat when it was playing at the Varsity since I am friends with a number of crew. Everyone keeps saying how good it is, did you enjoy it?

The great sound guys with experience and equipment do not come for free (though I know a few that will go pretty fricking low) but if you check out that Shoreline CC audio group, they probably have some guys who would like to cut their teeth on your film to get some experience.

A friendly suggestion; film a short or two or ten and work on other people's projects before trying to tackle a feature that you are "in love with". There are a million and two pitfalls for the first time filmmaker and you don't want to get burned by them while working on your "love".

Good luck
 
wabbit said:
Regretably I missed Police Beat when it was playing at the Varsity since I am friends with a number of crew. Everyone keeps saying how good it is, did you enjoy it?

The great sound guys with experience and equipment do not come for free (though I know a few that will go pretty fricking low) but if you check out that Shoreline CC audio group, they probably have some guys who would like to cut their teeth on your film to get some experience.

A friendly suggestion; film a short or two or ten and work on other people's projects before trying to tackle a feature that you are "in love with". There are a million and two pitfalls for the first time filmmaker and you don't want to get burned by them while working on your "love".

Good luck
Click to expand...

Police Beat was beautiful--interesting film to say the least.

And the Shoreline CC outlet sounds really great.

And unfortunately this movie wont be more than thirty minutes--realistically it shouldn't take more than a week to shoot but that's with a ton of pre-production work.
 
Craigslight is a great source but remember actors can be flakes, particularly actors from CL. You have to make sure your actors are serious. You may do better putting up posters at the local film or theater schools. I've met people from CL, some cool and some way uncool. There's no real mid point here.

-Nate
 
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