Anything Goes : The fan vs the professional by Cintia Taylor

I mean, I wouldn't approach them if they were on their own private time. I've seen loads of people I admire on the street and never bothered them. But let's say, you're at a cocktail party. Your dream-filmdirector is there and you have 2min with them. What then? I have never managed to do this right. I end up or interviewing them or praising their work... (#douche)

The likelihood of gaining anything within that 2 minutes is slim. You need a full conversation, sit down with them type deal if you want to get hired. So you're basically just hoping they like you enough to invite you to the after party...in which case be yourself, strike up a conversation like you would with any other stranger. If you have something rehearsed...they can tell. If you just want to say they've been an inspiration than do so. Talk about their work specifically rather than generally-that usually works. I've met a few amazing filmmakers at TIFF and just chatting with them was rewarding...I wasn't looking for a job though.

Be a human, not a fan.

Don't come across sounding desperate and don't pitch, NEVER NEVER NEVER PITCH. Sound professional and strike up a conversation on a common interest. Chat with them and if they like you, you may get a door opened. If you come across showing that you are trying to sell yourself, then they'll add you to the long line waiting behind you. I have struck up conversations with "A" listers before and had a good response. Talk about something that they are passionate about and not necessarily film.

Just tell them you admire their work and leave it at that... because in all honesty, two minutes is about all you will have if you are lucky. In other words be professional. Although, if you do find yourself at a cocktail party or stranded in an elevator with this person, know of something in common and talk about that but know your subject/s! And follow -- Alex's advice "NEVER NEVER NEVER PITCH (!!!)"

Okay, you're at a cocktail party. Your dream-filmdirector is there and you have 2min with them. I would ask them about themselves. Rachael said it; be a fellow human. Personally I would even say I admire their work. In theory you know a lot about your “dream-filmdirector” so I would ask about something they are interested in. I met William Shatner while shooting a reality show. At the end of the day I asked him about horses - we spoke for a good hour. I know nothing about horses. I don’t even like horses. I wanted to chat with Shatner.

I think if you just talk to them about their work, what they're working on next, find a mutual common ground about a project they did, they will be impressed. I have noticed friends of mine who are in the business will talk to famous actors on the street, but about normal things we all go through. It's just finding that common ground and treating them like people. Then again, I have been in that situation with a famous actress at a party who lives in our neighborhood and I was just being a nice, neighborly person. And the woman was so sure I was just trying to know her for who she was. In my mind I was so over it. So you just never know. But I think common ground and a passion for what you do and what they do will be our best shots.

I would ask them if the whole man walking on the moon was a Hollywood setup :)

Rejina, if I was a film director or producer I'd hire you on the spot - just because of that great sense of humor. :)

It's happened to me. Since I never, ever, ever want to sound like a groupie, I just acted like this person (a producer) was just like anybody else I would meet at a party. Struck up a conversation about volleyball (which I play). And then he started asking questions about what I do. I really don't volunteer information about myself unless asked. May miss out on some stuff but I would NEVER want to be one of "those people" and it's a fine line.

Niecy, that's the best thing you can do. Do you know how many people must try to hound these people for career advancement. I think building a real relationship with someone like that is our only hope. Even if it's just one time. You never know if you'll meet them again.

I totally agree: don't pitch your work, don't push it, don't go on selling yourself. As I said, I do get nervous if it's someone I would love to work with. But it mustn't have been that bad because the times I have asked for their contact details, they gave them to me. But I suppose it's all about timing: if I am working on something I think could interest this director or producer, then I'll mention work and a possible future meeting; otherwise, I'll hold to that card and wait until the time is right. Sometimes talking to someone about their great work is just as good as a job-deal for me. :)