ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXWhat is the best way to meet people that work in the film industry? I would like to produce my own film.
9 years, 9 months ago - Benjamin Batey
I am back in London after years living aboard. I was suggested shooting people to find people to work with in the film industry. I haven't completed my profile yet on shooting people, but thought in the meantime to post a question asking see some work from screenwriters or writers, so if I like there style we can meet up and talk about doing a film project together. Most of the responses were that I wasn't to be trusted, that I wanted to steal ideas. Anyway this not the case, this is the first time I do this in the UK and I am just trying to get to know people so I can put together a film project. Any suggestions of the best way to do it and make people understand that I am serious about it?
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9 years, 8 months ago - Paul Campion
I'd agree with all the above comments about not wasting your time with writers that just think you want to steal their ideas, and that you need to offer something first.
You need to explain a little more about what you would like to do, what your experience is and what YOU can bring to the table.
Do you want to be a producer or a director or both? What's your background - if you haven't got any film experience do you have any other experience that might be relevant? - eg theatre.
What type of films do you want to make ? Shorts, documentaries or features?
It's unlikely anyone will be interested in working with an unknown with no track record to make a feature film (unless you have a lot of money to spend!) If you're wanting to learn how to make films, it's best to start with short films or music videos so you can learn the process of just making a film.
What genre do you want to make? Comedy, thriller, horror, romance, action?
If you want to be a producer, the best way is to offer money - if you're honest and say you want to learn how to produce a film, you have eg £500 of your own money and you're looking for a short film script that can be realistically made for that, then you'll find people will come to you.
Response from 9 years, 8 months ago - Paul Campion SHOW
9 years, 8 months ago - Dan Selakovich
People that think you want to steal their stuff are rank amateurs, so it's best to avoid them anyway.
Good advice from everyone.
Here's the awful truth: unless you have access to money without a track record, most people won't waste their time. If you have a little money, you could probably discuss buying an option on a script. If you have a little more money, I'd find a book you'd want made into a movie and option that. Money people want some kind of proven audience. That will increase your chances.
Response from 9 years, 8 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
9 years, 9 months ago - John Lubran
Thanks for explaining your position just a little further. What we do know so far is either English isn't your first language, or that, like me you're a bit dyslexic. For us dyslexics it's even more emperitive that we double check our spelling and grammar. Our message is often the only thing a prospective contact has to know about us.
When you say you want to produce a film it usually means you want to act as a producer. The usual meaning of producing is that you are able to some how empower a project and it's team to make a film; typically by sourcing money or providing other empowering elements. You've not yet told us what it is that you have to offer in any way at all; it's this that's deemed somewhat risible.
Response from 9 years, 9 months ago - John Lubran SHOW
9 years, 8 months ago - Marlom Tander
BUY LUNCH. TAKE COFFEE.
This applies to almost any business - but a really good way to get the skinny is to work out who you'll be handing money too, e.g. Kit rental houses and phone them up, explain that you're new and can you come and see them? They'll give you coffee and hope that one day you'll be a client.
Also work out who you'll be pitching to (in due course), like distributors and money peeps, and phone them up, explain news above and offer to buy them lunch. Those lunches will be gold.
Don't have the time for this process? Then you almost certainly don't have the commitment to make it work. It's a good reality check.
Response from 9 years, 8 months ago - Marlom Tander SHOW
9 years, 9 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
Hi Benjamin, the best way to appear serious is to be serious - start making some films so others can see you're active. How about also looking at the Script Pitch newsletter/archive, which is full of great ideas and scripts, without the paranoia of 'you're trying to steal my ideas' (although any writer feeling that way will find it hard to ever do a deal)
Response from 9 years, 9 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
9 years, 9 months ago - Jane Sanger
Join networking clubs like Media Lunch Club, Escargot, BAFTA, WIFTV (women only) Century , many more, They all hold evenings or lunch time talks and networking on many things in the industry. Some have a membership fee, but worth it.
I think Shooting people are paired up with BAFTA for a 'shorts day" tomorrow in London . Most film festivals are a great place to meet people and eg Cannes or Berlin hold many networking events.
Response from 9 years, 9 months ago - Jane Sanger SHOW