Talk is cheap but talking is priceless
Connecting to other filmmakers is paramount on every filmmaker’s journey – but how do you do it?
Written by Mark Brennan
“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
It’s a phrase that fits the film industry like a glove. Filmmaking is all about building relationships, both on set and off it. In fact, it’s time spent developing the former that can often lead to more opportunity for the latter, and it’s why there are a litany of networking events for filmmakers happening all the time.
For some, the idea of walking into a room full of strangers and peddling ourselves/our wares, is nightmare fuel. No one tells you when you’re day-dreaming about becoming a filmmaker that, as good as you’ll have to be in screenwriting, directing, editing, etc, you’ll also have to be able to pitch yourself to any given person, at any given time, with a moment’s notice. So, depending on where you sit, networking is either a necessary evil or an exciting opportunity.
“So, what do you do?”
As someone who has both hosted and attended networking events over the years, there is one thing I’ve come to realise that is almost secondary to all else - what you do. It’s the first question people ask each other, but in many cases it’s not what matters. So, if you’re feeling any pressure to be dazzling right off the bat, don’t. What matters far more is whether or not you like the person you’re talking to, or they like you, which has nothing to do with whether or not one of you is a producer, director or writer. If you don’t like each other, it doesn’t really matter what either of you do. Your credits don’t matter, your experience doesn’t matter. Go in looking for nothing more than a nice chat and the rest, if it’s meant to, will follow from there.
“Do you come here often?”
As mentioned above, there are countless networking events for filmmakers running all the time, however, it’s not just dedicated events where networking happens. Film festivals are a great opportunity to connect with filmmakers, be at organised sessions within the event, or just naturally occurring as filmmakers mingle and chat. That’s one of the good things about Q&A’s at festivals; not just the chance for filmmakers to talk about their films, but also for everyone else to see who made what. It makes it much easier to chat and connect in the bar later when you already know who someone is and something about their film.
Of course, festivals can help facilitate those chats by hosting dedicated networking spaces and actively connect the filmmakers who are part of their programme. This can be somewhat dependent on the resources/venues that festivals have available, but there’s nothing filmmakers like more when attending a festival than knowing where to mix with their peers.
“What are you working on?”
Beyond festivals and networking events there is another obvious play where networking is just a bonus - actually making films! Whatever the size of the project, the brilliant thing about making any film is the near-instant rapport built between strangers all with a job to do and a common goal. That’s something to consider when weighing up taking part in a low/no budget film project, it’s a way to grow your network without actually networking, and there is a value to that. You also gain first hand experience of other people’s talent, while developing your own.
“A little bird told me…”
Twitter and Instagram are also popular tools for connecting to filmmakers without even having to leave the house. They’re especially useful when trying to reach people outside of your geographical area, especially if you don’t live in London or somewhere with a large pool of filmmakers. Seen a film you liked at a festival or online? Let that filmmaker know and shout about their work - they’ll appreciate it. At Festival Formula, we offer online promotional opportunities such as our Reel Opinions and Postcards From Festivals (if you would like to know more about these do contact us).
There are also online communities and regular events you can sign up to through organisations such as Genera Films, Cine Circle, and Shooting People, all worth exploring to see if any of them may be a fit for you and what you’re looking for.
Ultimately, filmmaking is a team game. While it’s technically possible these days to make a film completely on your own, where’s the fun in that? The best films and the best experience making them are with a team of like-minded people all working together excited to create new work, and it’s on you to find them. So, however you choose to do it, get out there and start meeting people.
Connected, naturally
Online opportunities