You never know who may be on the other side of the emails you send. I've connected with a couple of well-known actors including one from a TNT sci-fi series and recently, one from an ABC sitcom. These connections were made answering blind ads. I also sent a query letter to a famous director who did request the screenplay.
What has been your most surprising connection?
Pamela: Nice one. Good luck with it if it's still in play.
I hope it doesn't involve a restraining order, Pam. LOL
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Not so much interesting, but the doorbell and phone have worked for me. It's not so much about the how to make the connections with as it is who to connect with. Filmmaking is not for the shy/timid souls...you belly-up to the bar, glad-hand a few folks and inquire as to what you can do for them. Don't try to tell 'em what you want them to do for you - they'll figure it out.
My most surprising connection came at the end of a screenwriting retreat that I hosted several years back: At the end some guy I'd never met introduced himself and ask if he could read some of my stuff. It turned out that he was a highly respected Hollywood Agent - we've been together ever since.
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I live in the world of IMDbPro--it is one of the best tools I use. I search and search and make my own lists. I found my two leads, who are now attached, for the first screenplay of my franchise, based on their information on their pages. Then I started making a list of talent and literary agencies to start looking for representation--lo, and behold, I found that the agency that represented the male lead also is a literary agency. So, I emailed him about looking at the scripts, and he said yes.
Whether they represent me or not, they have an investment in the production of the film--their client likes the role and the screenplay itself--so, perhaps they can refer me to someone else if they decide no.
I once interviewed Sean Astin for a story about "getting out the Vote" - it was a freelance assignment, so I didn't want to be pushy and risk him complaining to my editor.
At the same time, chances like that don't come around every day, so at the end of the interview, I mentioned I write screenplays and if I wrote him into my next screenplay would he read it.
At the time- I had nothing he would've been able to act in, but was getting ready to start a new one.
He said "Sure!" Probably thinking it would never happen- or would suck- or I would never be able to get it to him. Only the last option came true.
Again- I didn't want to be pushy, so I didn't ask for his number, email, etc. I just figured- write the thing first- then try and get it to him. I honestly didn't even have a character in mind for him. But a year later, I finished one of my best- and sure enough- there's a part written just for him- and it's a good one. But of course, I have no way to get it to him....
I also covered a rally with Tarisha P Henson and Jane Fonda, and a news conference by Steven Spielberg, but missed out on Mark Wahlberg- and might have actually got somewhere with him.
So, I guess my point is- if you live in LA or New York- or another big film city- get a job as a freelance writer and you might just get to interview somebody big and get your chance that way. I'm in Detroit, they only swing by here from time to time.
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I went to a screenwriting symposium many years ago, and at the end I asked the person who was the speaker, a working screenwriter, if he’d look at my script if I sent it. He said yes, gave me his card.
Fast forward to a couple years later, I finally had a script and reached out to him. He remembered me, loved the script and helped me get my first agent.
He’s become a great friend and mentor, we’ve visited him at his lovely LA home, and he is still one of my first readers when I complete a new screenplay.
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Jody, (I'm giving my age away) RIGHT ON; that's the best way to make it work - that personal touch.
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Jody: Wonderful story. Well done!
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Twitter! I finally had the gall to tweet one of my favorite casting directors a few years ago and she answered me that same hour. She invited me to her Facebook group, I wrote a few letters to her, we eventually exchanged numbers and she's been a great mentor to me ever since. It taught me the importance of really connecting with people. I know she is a casting director, she knows I am a writer-actress and we discuss everything under the sun but that. She's even given me amazing advice for my kids. The power of {social} media is real.
We started a website on a specific show and suddenly everyone on that show got in touch with us.
sleep with people. it totally works.
@owen family issues, man... still ongoing but taking a peek sometimes.