Screenwriting : Widening my circle of contacts by Mark Apostolou

Mark Apostolou

Widening my circle of contacts

Hi all

I am a screenwriter looking for advice as to how best to secure new contacts/networking opportunities.

I have two shows under my belt, both in development, but feel I could do with widening my circle

Any tips/suggested contacts, will be joyfully received

Annie Mac

Hello Mark, what kind of shows?

Kevin Carothers

See if any of your existing contacts have a linkeId profile. If they do, connect there. Then either automatically or on your own volition "suggestions" will come up - both from you to your contacts connectictions and vice versa.

IDK if you've already tried this - it's just a suggestion.

Mark Apostolou

Hi Annie, the shows have been dramas. Of the two 'optioned' one is espionage based the other a mystery/thriller. The third, next most close to completion, is crime based drama. Wolf of Wall Street meets Captain Fantastic

Mark Apostolou

Thanks Kevin, that's a good call. Thanks

Annie Mac

I could not get to the espionage one you posted...But I found the log line inspiring.

Kat Albert

Come to the Austin Film Festival, the writers fest. There will be a lot of networking and you can ask your question to the pros.

Julia Dibbern

This is a very interesting thread, and also very sobering. I guess having been a writer for most of my adult life kinda makes it impossible to ever have a script of mine produced (writers don't make any real money, see). I'll still enjoy the fun of writing while it lasts. If this hits the screen, I'll be thrilled (and flabbergasted). If it doesn't, then the next one will. Or the one after that, or the one after that, while I am building a network.

Mike W. Rogers

Hey Mark! I am addicted to Twitter and Stage 32 makes the most sense so your half way there!

Annie Mac

Bonne chance Guardino and your team and CONGRATS.

Annie Mac

Thanks Vitaly for keeping us all on our guards.

Mark Apostolou

Thanks all of you for your advice. I've secured meetings with a few relevant production companies/film funds, so all good.

Doug Nelson

Vitaly - IMDB is not an indicator of your past career achievements - some of us old retired types predate IMDB. We didn't care then & we don't care now; my advice, don't hang your hat on it.

Doug Nelson

Well Vitaly...I might be slow, but I'm ahead of you.

Annie Mac

Guardino, are you a rat or a squirrel?

John Ellis

Mark, hi! I just came across this thread and boy, has it gone off the rails! I think Kevin offered some good advice (about LinkedIn), although I wouldn't totally depend on any social network. Get out there, find others in your locale who are working in the biz, meet, shake hands, etc. As a general rule, offer what help you can first (even if it's something small, like helping strike a set or offering rides, doing errands). Because the best, long-term, most satisfying networking comes from developing relationships. Look at the idea that connections are friends first, and career helpers second. That's my two cents!

Annie Mac

John, you're so right. The 3 short videos I posted here were all made with lay and professional people I had given a hand in many of their cinematic projects. They voluntarily pitched in their skills, talents, or time to pay forward on mine. In turn I reciprocated and we built a nice little close-knit troupe of loyal co-workers. In time we all found our own niches and I applaud their successes as they did mine. There was little social network then... By the way, if you're interested, please take a look at those early attempts at screenwriting, directing, and co-producing on a limb and on a shoo-string budget, and let me know what you think

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