redrock red carpet

Well from what I read here, I guess you have to take a look at networking like a meet-and-greet. As that is all it is. Maybe a verbal quickie, if you will.

When I have gone to events to network, I bring an immense amount of cards, and introduce myself to a large amount of people. If I make it to the next event - I will go up to someone, "Hi, how's it going? Matt Watkajtys, director of Perchance to Dream". Thank them for showing up. Maybe a little chat, ask who they are, be nice. Hand the card over. Most likely they will give you one as well. Thank again - exeunt. And move on.

Don't blow someone off because they aren't a hollywood producer. If it is a DVXer that you will see later on in the night, say you will catch a drink later but I want to move around a bit more. (And get that drink!)

It's about the people skills, knowing how to move, yet still have a great time.

My input.
 
Jeff, Your advice is sound, and is good advice for a cocktail party where everyone is mingling, but just imagine yourself with very limited time scooting from one person to the next trying to find the "important" people. Not only is it not possible, but people were already talking to others so you cant very well interrupt to check them off your list.
 
Exactly what I'm talkin about - well said Mattykins! :thumbup:
Mattykins said:
Well from what I read here, I guess you have to take a look at networking like a meet-and-greet. As that is all it is. Maybe a verbal quickie, if you will.

When I have gone to events to network, I bring an immense amount of cards, and introduce myself to a large amount of people. If I make it to the next event - I will go up to someone, "Hi, how's it going? Matt Watkajtys, director of Perchance to Dream". Thank them for showing up. Maybe a little chat, ask who they are, be nice. Hand the card over. Most likely they will give you one as well. Thank again - exeunt. And move on.

Don't blow someone off because they aren't a hollywood producer. If it is a DVXer that you will see later on in the night, say you will catch a drink later but I want to move around a bit more. (And get that drink!)

It's about the people skills, knowing how to move, yet still have a great time.

My input.
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Diner? What's that? I was over exaggerating in that post. I totally realize that all the DVXuser Members I met are great connections. I have said this a thousand times before. I ws just pointing out the other side. Oh, and what the hell do you mean by "I wouldn't even blow of penguin?" Someday when I accept my Emmy I will remember the people who were nice to me! :)
 
No big deal for me. It doesnt even concern me anyway. But just so we're clear, we're not talking about people that have no social skills or dont know how to mingle, meet and network.

What you are saying is correct, but you weren't there.
 
Well with large numbers of people, limited time, and groups of people chatting.

If you recognize someone, jump in and say "good to see you". I mean, groups will form. Human nature. People feel safer in groups and more likely to engage in conversation with unknown people in groups.

People won't be conversing for longer than maybe 5minutes (at most). Someone will get antsy and want to move out. You might catch them on the tail end as they walk away. I mean, you could also position yourself in to move after - but since we are all friends here at this thing, ideally we will be introducing each other to people.

Though I sat behind my computer with Vodka...I will be at the next one though

Further Addendum:

I know I wasn't there, and I know this wasn't about mingling. My original response was prompted by questions on what to do. What it is sounding like though is what Jared said. I was under the impression this was to have people see your work, have it in Hollywood, and be the first public screening many film makers had. Maybe meet a name person. If this was supposed to be to meet hundreds of producers and such. I have a feeling people were under the wrong impression.
 
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GageFX said:
Jeff, Your advice is sound, and is good advice for a cocktail party where everyone is mingling, but just imagine yourself with very limited time scooting from one person to the next trying to find the "important" people. Not only is it not possible, but people were already talking to others so you cant very well interrupt to check them off your list.

Matt, again, it's not an issue of not understanding mingling and meeting.
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Well that can be a problem when there are a few "important" people and they have large groups already around them. I'll have to give you guys that one and having not actually been there I obviously dont know alot of the specifics on that. What prompted my initial response was Penguin pondering just asking people what they did and who they were. Thats exactly what you should do. Now if you cant get to them or dont have time. Yeah I dont have answers for that. Hopefully next time there will be a bit more time to mingle. In the meantime I guess be glad you got to meet whoever you met.

Still pretty cool all these people came though - great exposure for the featured filmmakers and DVXuser.
 
I wasn't there either but it sounds like those who are bent out of shape for the perceived missed networking opportunities A) went for the wrong reason and B) need to learn how to move around a room. But mostly A.
 
There needed to be structure of SOME sort. Maybe a 'have the 8 finalists get on stage' or even just Mark ushering us into the VIP room, or maybe something as dorky as nametages in the form of NAME-COMPANY. It was impossible to cold call 200 people in that environment in that amount of time.
 
Jared Meyer said:
I wasn't there either but it sounds like those who are bent out of shape for the perceived missed networking opportunities A) went for the wrong reason and B) need to learn how to move around a room. But mostly A.
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Yep, you weren't there. I was. I went for the advertised ones, not for wrong reasons, and B) I know how to move around a room.
 
ConspiracyPenguin said:
Diner? What's that? I was over exaggerating in that post. I totally realize that all the DVXuser Members I met are great connections. I have said this a thousand times before. I ws just pointing out the other side. Oh, and what the hell do you mean by "I wouldn't even blow of penguin?" Someday when I accept my Emmy I will remember the people who were nice to me! :)
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Emmy? Go for the Oscar! Its cooler looking. Just messing with you penguin. Yeah I think misinterpreted part of your post or took it of context maybe. Either way yeah I wasnt there and you guys were, and like Gage said its not like you guys are socially inept. Not even you penguin. So I'm done as I think I'm on the same page as you guys now. I'll be at the next one though. We can have a mingle-off.
 
What was the reason to go for people across the country, if not for the networking with Hollywood heavy-hitters?


Again, Matt, this isnt about not understanding networking. I'm very successful at my business and it was built entirely on mingling at Hollywood parties. And, once a year, parties in New York. You haven't said anything that I dont know already. This was different.

What prompted my initial response was Penguin pondering just asking people what they did and who they were. Thats exactly what you should do.
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I'm not Penguin, so I dont know, but it seems he's not wondering how to meet people, he's wondering how he was supposed to target the important people in a very limited time frame.

I assure you that if you tried to blanket that room in the manner you say, it would be much more ridiculous than helpful.

But I'm backing out of the conversation since it doesnt pertain to me. I'm more concerned about people with films in the screening that came a long way for the networking.
 
And lets make a few facts clear.

1. I am GLAD I went. I am amazed at the overflowing hospitality of Brian, Mark J & Luis and the awesome coolness of 100% of the people I met.

2. I am simply engaging in a healthy debate about how a big opportunity was lost that I thought I was going to get, and could have under different circumstances. The reason for this healthy debate is that this is supposed to be an anual event, so I'd like to see the next one done well. For instance, I'd like to be able to get into the following conversation:
Me: "Hi, I'm Shawn Nelson, I directed Aetas 2: The Revenge of the Killer Eyelashes"
IP (Industry pro): "Hi, I'm xyz from abc....
(small talk)
Me: "I'm wondering if you're looking for pitches for scifis in the 5-10 mil range?"
IP "Yes we are"
I then give my elevator pitch.
 
GageFX said:
What was the reason to go for people across the country, if not for the networking with Hollywood heavy-hitters?


Again, Matt, this isnt about not understanding networking. I'm very successful at my business and it was built entirely on mingling at Hollywood parties. And, once a year, parties in New York. You haven't said anything that I dont know already. This was different.



I'm not Penguin, so I dont know, but it seems he's not wondering how to meet people, he's wondering how he was supposed to target the important people in a very limited time frame.

I assure you that if you tried to blanket that room in the manner you say, it would be much more ridiculous than helpful.

But I'm backing out of the conversation since it doesnt pertain to me. I'm more concerned about people with films in the screening that came a long way for the networking.
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backing out as well - as said I think I misinterpreted Penguin's initial response and somehow missed the time constraint issues. Your original post Gage that I think Penguin quoted make a lot more sense now. Kinda hard to meet alot of people in that amount of time.

Yeah I said I was done but thought I'd throw this out there as a maybe next time - been to a few networking events where everyone sits at a table, you get a number and go to that table number next after everyone goes around the table and gives their 60 second speel on what they do and tosses out business cards. Its a good way to make sure the room is shuffled well, but yeah you only get 60 seconds, but tons of contacts. Plenty of ways you can change this up or improve upon it I'm sure.
 
GageFX said:
What was the reason to go for people across the country, if not for the networking with Hollywood heavy-hitters?


Again, Matt, this isnt about not understanding networking. I'm very successful at my business and it was built entirely on mingling at Hollywood parties. And, once a year, parties in New York. You haven't said anything that I dont know already. This was different.
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I wasn't doubting you. I'm sorry if I offended anyone. I never intended to do that.
 
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