Networking Strategies for New Scriptwriters: Attending Film Festivals

Welcome to the world of aspiring scriptwriters, where the journey to success begins with strategic networking. Attending local and national film festivals can be a game-changer, but to make the most of these opportunities, you must come prepared. Here are three achievable goals to achieve before and during your festival attendance.

Pre-Festival Goals: Crafting Your Best Work

Before you pack your bags, there are three essential tasks to ensure your visit to the film festival is both productive and successful:

Finish Your Scripts: Ensure you have at least 3-5 completed, polished scripts ready for the festival. These should be tight, final drafts that showcase your unique storytelling and style. Prepare Compelling Loglines: Every script should have an engaging and captivating logline. Think of the pitch you would deliver in an elevator ride. Refer to books like Sell Your Story in A Single Sentence: Advice from the Front Lines of Hollywood for inspiration and guidance. Keep Hard Copies at Home: Resist the urge to hand out hard copies at the festivals. Instead, keep them at home or carry digital copies. This approach showcases professionalism and ensures you’re ready to follow up as needed.

During the Festival: Making Connections

With your scripts prepared, the next step is to network effectively. Here are three key strategies to focus on:

Identify the Right Bars and Locations

Identify and frequent bars and social areas where industry insiders gather. Engage in conversation and be social. One of the most crucial pieces of advice is to avoid mentioning your status as a screenwriter. Instead, position yourself as a script shopper. When asked about your work, remain humble and nonchalant.

Craft a Compelling Pitch

When someone shows genuine interest in your scripts, provide a brief and compelling logline for your best work. Use insights from the conversation to tailor your pitch to the individual. For example, if they mention an interest in a specific genre, you can mention that your best script fits their interests.

Exchange Contact Information

Leave with business cards for key industry contacts. These people can make significant connections and offer future opportunities. Keep these cards for a while to maintain the relationship.

Post-Festival Follow-Up

After the festival, don’t rush to follow up immediately. Give it some time—wait a few weeks or even months. This allows the relationships you’ve built to develop naturally. Remember, the goal is to cultivate real, meaningful connections, not just a hasty exchange of information.

Conclusion:

Attending film festivals is an invaluable opportunity for new scriptwriters. By focusing on these three achievable goals—finishing your scripts, preparing compelling loglines, and networking effectively—you can increase your chances of success. Keep your expectations realistic and approach the festival with a blend of preparation and patience.