Hey folks! Canadian independent director here (www.matthewdirects.com) with a decent reel, some solid shorts, and a ton of actual industry experience. My local reputation stands from being easy to work with, and knowing how to shoot visually exciting, high production scenes on a budget (check the reel).
I am looking to hit up LA and put my name out there as an independent director (who isn't?), but I'm not sure where to start in LA. I'd probably be there for a week.
Looking for independent production companies creating low budget features who need a creative, visual driven director with the skills to back the talk up.
Would love to meet folks who are making movies, but might not have a director attached yet.
Thanks for watching and reading! :)
Interesting reel with lots of action & violence that seems to be edited in a frenic style.. There are some really nice cinematic angles and juxtapositions - I think it will do you well in that action oriented market.
Check out "The Asylum". Lots of folks get their start there.
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Not saying this is a waste of time, but the best thing is to have realistic expectations about what your visit might accomplish. If you are not here for an extended period (ie. months and years), you are not likely to get any serious interest. Unless by chance you come across some synergy with a producer who intends to shoot in Canada. But then again, there are thousands of Canadians here more or less permanently on that account. Out of sight, out of mind and there are thousands of directors and producers here pushing themselves every day.
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@Mathew do you have to “physically” be there to check out interest? Why not test the waters beforehand with pitches and online interviews etc. At least when you arrive in person it will not be cold calling but you will already be on targets radar.
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I know there is a group of Canadians here in LA that meet on a semi-regular basis to network. That seems to me a great place to start! As others have said, a week is too short an amount of time to make a dent in the film industry here, but if you can start building your connections with your in-person visit, then you've laid some groundwork for your next visit. Best of luck!
Get an agent who'll be here year-round to determine the best opportunities and save you time.
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Dawn Alden I would love to know of such a group, if there is one, so if you have any more info, please pass it on! I am from Canada, have been here for 20 years and I have never heard of such a group.
Doug Nelson Thank you sir! Really appreciate that. My reel definitely aims for the action market and I think that's the one thing that helps me stand out a bit, not many indie directors have action like mine on their reel, which is why I'm trying to use that as a calling card.
Debbie Croysdale Definitely would like to test the waters, just not sure where to start. I don't know which companies I should be e-mailing who are doing $500k films that might need a director with an eye like mine (except maybe Asylum).
Erik A. Jacobson I've looked for any agent but without a feature or a larger award under my belt, I haven't had any luck finding representation.
Dawn Alden Where might I find such a group?
Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg I am definitely not expecting to come down for a visit and just land a picture deal or anything, but I know there's more opportunity for potential financial connections and upcoming producers+production companies that might really gel with my directing style. It's definitely a grind and I know there's a lot of people struggling to get their big break.