In the Network: Connecting With the Industry

 I am sure that you have heard the saying, “It’s all about who you know,” and if you are anything like me, you retaliate with “Yea, yea, I know, but where do I meet these people I need to know?” Good news! I have finally figured out the elusive secret to this question: industry events! As a filmmaker, currently living in Orlando, FL, it seems that I am a bit disconnected from the film industry in my day-to-day life.

The last few days I have been in Savannah, GA, soaking up every bit of the Savannah Film Festival that I could; meaning meeting and handing my business card to everyone and their mother – literally, I gave my card to someone and his mother. This year, I was so blessed to have a film playing in the festival, however you do not have to have a film playing in a film festival to make the most out of the experience! There are not many places these days where you can rub elbows with up and coming filmmakers, as well as those who have pioneered the industry for years. However, film festivals tend to be one of those places where there is a common ground among all in attendance: a great love for the craft of filmmaking.

 Striking up conversations with random strangers – and even strangers who’s faces you have seen on the big screen half of your life – can be nerve-racking, but allow me to share what may have been some of the most valuable words ever spoken to me, “Fake it, ‘til ya make it, baby.” This sentence came straight from the mouth of my freshman speech professor, Professor Bruce, at the Savannah College of Art & Design. Look at it this way: you never know whom you may encounter that will open a door of tremendous opportunity for you in your career. All it takes is one friend in the right place to kick start your first feature and push you into the industry.

Director Ted Kotcheff is primarily known for his work on several television shows, like Armchair Theater and Law & Order SVU, as well as for several films, notably Wake In Fright, which played at the Cannes Film Festival in 1971, where something interesting happened:

                                   

You see, you never know who you may meet, who may view your film and where that relationship will get you down the road. Whether it be a small town festival or Cannes, I encourage you to attend as many of these events as you can.  Make the most of every opportunity you are given, shake every hand extended to you, and cultivate as many relationships as possible! 

Check out this list of top 50 film festivals and see if one is near you!