Talk to me like I'm stupid: how should I think about networking at a festival?

O

oxband

Well-known member
I have a short film accepted at the Hot Springs Documentary Film Fest. For the first time, I'm traveling to actually be there for my film screening at a festival, in part because I'm going to be moving to Arkansas for two years and I feel like I don't know who I might meet there that might lead to future projects in Arkansas. So, how would I want to think about networking with that in mind? This is all new to me. How much time would I want to be there? In the ideal world, I'll be there all 10 days, but I'm a student and so can't pull that off. Any help and advice would be great.
 
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Meet N Greet, have a few drinks, enjoy.

Take a road trip to visit to the sights in little rock while you are here and say hello.

All the Best!

Dave
 
The first thing I'd do is not post black text on a dark grey background. Then I'd print some business cards also not black on dark grey. Check out the films that are in the genres and styles you personally like and try to meet the filmmakers. You will have a lot in common with those making movies in the same vein as you so it will be easier to talk to them. Also make yourself available at your own screening to people who want to talk to you.
 
I think the best thing is to not be too foward with the networking. Don't approach people as if you're approaching a business meeting. Just have a good time, meet filmmakers working in similar genres to what you want to do, and hopefully you'll go out for drinks with some people. Most business relationships in this business are probably forged over dinner and drinks.
 
One of the reasons I don't attend that many festivals even if I am in unless I can bring my producer (who is very social). I am TERRIBLE at networking. I guess the fact I don't like people very much doesn't help. I've been to 5 day festivals where I screened twice and outside of QAs didn't talk to a single person.
 
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