Tips on how to network at film festivals

scriptwriter74 said:

Ok, so I know I'm supposed to get out there and try to "meet people" who can help my script become a reality. I'm attending an upcoming film festival, but now what? Are there specific functions at film festivals that give you better access to meet people in the industry? Is it the receptions, parties or lectures?

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Trying to bump into people isn't going to yield many good results. Try and find out who's going that you want to talk to and set up meetings with them - just fifteen minutes of their time if you're pitching. If it's fifteen minutes and it's scheduled, they'll take the meeting if you sound professional. They'll know within a minute or two if it's worth listening to you for the next 13-14.

Depends on the festivals of course, and what they're offering. Some actually have schedueld 'meet and greets' - where they line up producer with writers. Some are more ad hoc. I've made connections by going to a lecture by one person. Then a DIFFERENT person in the audience introduces themselves to ask a question. Afterwards, I go up to the person from the audience, and ask them if they have a few minutes, or if I can buy them a coffee - I'd like to talk to them about a script. Sometimes we chat, sometimes they just say "Have you got it with you?" (The answer should be YES. I always attend events and meeting with at least three hard copies, and a thumbdrive copy)

It's about polishing your social skills really. Be polite, be to the point, and be ready to shake hands and leave them with only your card. A good impression is important.

From my experience, go to the place where the filmmakers will be recieving alcohol, either for cheap for for free at the festival or around town. Also bring a pack of cigarettes and find smoking areas outside. Be gracious and let the producers/filmmakers bum cigarettes off you, you'll get 7-8 minutes of their time just for one little cancer stick.

It helps working for the festival. I'm the accounting intern for the East Lansing Film Festival and had wonderful access to the filmmakers.

You definitely need to plan out who you want to meet and introduce yourself to them via questions, comments, etc.

Parties.

Rule #1 - don't sound desperate. People who just talk about themselves are boring.

You aren't going to meet people who can help get your film made at festivals.

You're thinking actors and directors and such can help. They can't. What works is people who invest in films, or who get people to invest in films. And they probably won't be there and sure as hell won't talk to you.

If you are a smashing bird, they might. But probably not on the subject you wish.

Some film festivals HOST seminars or boards for investors and producers - so yeah, I've met people looking to invest in films AT festivals. Like I said, research the festival, find out what sort of seminars or 'meet-ups' are planned. Do your homework.

Some film festivals HOST seminars or boards for investors and producers

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And they will take a script from a young writer? Cool. Could you be more specific?

Team 2012 said:

You aren't going to meet people who can help get your film made at festivals.

You're thinking actors and directors and such can help. They can't. What works is people who invest in films, or who get people to invest in films. And they probably won't be there and sure as hell won't talk to you.

If you are a smashing bird, they might. But probably not on the subject you wish.

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Haha! You are SO right. I watched a 'smashing bird' think she was getting somewhere with two producers and all they wanted was to get her kit off on their boat. I think that if you're trying to get a film made it's best to leave the looks to the actors as anything else gets in the way of the money.