Networking is essential for screenwriters. If you want to connect with industry professionals, find opportunities and gain valuable insights, consider incorporating these strategies to build your network.
1. Attend Industry Events
You can’t just sit in front of your keyboard and expect stuff to happen. It pays to connect with the outside world. Film festivals, screenwriting conferences and other similar networking events are a great way to meet filmmakers, agents, producers and other writers. Whether it’s a cocktail party, workshop or screening – you’re sute to bump into other industry experts with more than a few opportunities to say what you’re up to, what projects are in the pipeline or maybe even pitch something.
2. Join Online Communities
Okay, so you can’t pull yourself away from your desk. Go online, embrace the digital ether. Join screenwriting forums, online writing groups or use your social media for outreach. Engage in discussion groups, get feedback, share advice or just connect or collaborate with other writers.
3. Leverage Your Personal Network
So you’re a screenwriter. Just how many people in your immediate circle of family and friends even know this? Don’t just stand there – reach out to your contacts, find out if they have any connections in the industry and schedule meet ups. These gatherings can happen at industry-related events with introductions. Or, why not consider offering your writing services to your sphere of influence to see who needs help with various writing projects.
4. Cold Pitching
Do some research to identify production companies, agencies or development execs who have a similar vibration to your writing. Consider writing a letter or trying to locate a key contact within this prospective company to drop a query letter that encapsulates your experience with portfolio snippets or project ideas and be sure to follow up.
5. Volunteer Your Time
If you’re wanting to network, consider signing up as a volunteer. Working with fellow industry professionals will already be an “in”, a way of accumulating experience and learning the behind-the-scenes at film festivals or non-profit organisations. Whether you’re co-ordinating programmes, facilitating screenings or liaising with talents – there’s bound to be a number of exciting opportunities to network.
Being consistent, patient yet persistent will help you on what should be a continuous process. So hang in there, be positive and take advantage of opportunities when they get thrown your way.