Screenwriting : A Successful Connection by Mitch Bechtold

Hey Everyone!

I just wanted to share a bit about a meeting I had this week.

So back in September, a friend of mine randomly remembered that I was a screenwriter and they wanted to reach out and see if I wanted an introduction to a friend of theirs who did "something" in the industry. This was pretty vague, and it was clear that my friend didn't know much about the industry, but I'm a big proponent of networking and jump at any opportunity big or small.

So I grab the email, reach out, "Hey I'm Mitch, a bit about me, what I've been up to, and what I plan to do". As it turns out, this "friend" of theirs happened to be a producer for one of the Big 4 Networks!!

I was floored, and nervous, and didn't want to blow this opportunity. We said our hellos and small chit chat about meeting up, but nothing ever happened with busy schedules and the holidays. FINALLY, last month we were able to agree on a date to meet up (this past Tuesday), however, all signs were pointing to this meeting being conducted over the phone so I had to very persuasively suggest coffee. We met up and it started off formal at first, but at some point, I mentioned this very local dive restaurant that they magically knew about and the whole mood of the meeting relaxed. We found out that we had more shared experiences in common, and ended up talking for an hour and a half!

The meeting finally concluded with the result of "I'll keep you in my back pocket for later, and keep my eyes open if any opportunities present themselves." This was everything I could have hoped for from this meeting.

A few takeaways:

1. Perceived reality - I tell anyone that will listen that I'm a screenwriter. This isn't a past time activity. I actively write all the time so that when people ask how the "screenwriting thing" is going, I give them real updates (I wrote this much recently, or I just finished a story about this). My goal is that when anybody thinks of me, they think of me as a screenwriter.

2. Accept all connections -No matter how small or how random the connection might seem. You might meet someone who could benefit you down the road, or maybe you'll meet someone who could use advice from the experience you've gained.

3. Be patient, be persistent - We were connected in September but weren't able to meet until April, and this was due to me politely checking in from time to time about how they were doing. Don't be rude, Don't be aggressive.

4. Do your research - Find out what they've worked on, how they've progressed through the industry, and maybe you'll find some common ground that will turn a meeting into a friendly connection.

5. Don't bet everything - This experience might be a very helpful resource, but it isn't a Golden Ticket. Don't rely on any one person/project/contest to pave your way to success. Keep writing, keep networking, KEEP WORKING.

I hope that my experience encourages, motivates, or inspires.

Good luck writing!