Learn how to effectively network to improve your career as a screenwriter from Steve Desmond, the screenwriter of M. Night Shyamalan's KNOCK AT THE CABIN and a writer on the upcoming TRANSFORMERS ONE for Paramount Pictures!

Plus! You'll receive a query letter template you can use to help you make the most out of networking!

You want to be a professional filmmaker, but how do you make connections to get your foot in the door?

We’re all in the business of telling stories, but we’re also in the business of building relationships. Without those relationships, the entertainment industry can seem daunting. So how do you meet new people and make meaningful professional connections? In this webinar, we’ll throw the stereotypical “networking” pretenses aside, and focus on what it takes to begin crafting real partnerships and collaborations, with the hopes of elevating each other’s careers. The old adage holds true - it’s not just about what you know, it’s about who you know too… But who you know is ultimately up to you.

This is an industry that is built on relationships. But far too many aspiring filmmakers don’t spend nearly enough time meeting new people and building those relationships. Just like writing, meeting people takes time, effort, and focus. The onus is on you to reach out and stay in touch. It’s not just about meeting people who want to do the same thing as you (i.e. writers meeting other writers). It’s about meeting people that can be helpful to your career, and who you, in turn, can be helpful to theirs. The bottom line is that your chances of success improve exponentially when you combine skill with a network of like-minded colleagues. 

In this exclusive Stage 32 on-demand webinar, you will learn the skills and tools you need as a screenwriter to network effectively and build and maintain long lasting business relationships to help you shape your career. Teaching you everything you need to know about networking as a screenwriter is Steve Desmond. A longtime member of Stage 32, Steve co-wrote KNOCK AT THE CABIN, which was directed by M. Night Shyamalan and released theatrically by Universal Studios. It opened at # 1 at the box office, and subsequently #1 on VOD on Peacock. Steve is one of the writers on the upcoming Transformers franchise prequel, TRANSFORMERS ONE starring Scarlett Johansson and Chris Hemsworth, which will be released in theaters in fall, 2024 by Paramount Pictures. His screenplays have been voted onto the prestigious industry Black List four times, including THE SATURDAY NIGHT GHOST CLUB which he is attached to direct with Brad Fuller (A QUIET PLACE) producing. He sold his sci-fi adventure screenplay, HARRY’S ALL-NIGHT HAMBURGERS, to Warner Bros in a bidding war, with Oscar nominated producer Andrew Lazar attached. His short film, MONSTERS, that he wrote and directed, has amassed over two million views online and screened in over 100 film festivals worldwide, winning 46 awards. Steve is represented by APA and Ziffren-Brittenham LLP.

In an information-packed 90-minutes, you will learn how to make the most out of in-person and virtual networking events, how to utilize social media for networking purposes, and strategies to maintain relationships once you make them. Steve will teach you who you should be targeting when networking (hint: it’s all about who can actually buy your script!) and how you can research and get in touch with writers, producers, and reps in an organic way.

PLUS! You'll receive a query letter template you can use to help with your own networking!

In today’s ever connected world, it is easier than ever to network to improve your career, you just need to know how!

Praise for Steve's Stage 32 Teaching

"No wonder Steve's career has taken off. It's clear he has a strong sense of how to write and also how to handle the business of the industry. Learned a ton from him." - Anthony M.

"Incredibly valuable webinar for everyone to take - not just writers. Networking is a tricky thing that I've never felt comfortable with, but Steve's approach and recommendations honestly make it way less daunting." - Laura L.

"It's the well known truth that you have to network to make it in the film industry. But even approaching networking is a hard thing to do. Steve broke it down in a sensical and practical way that I think can work for everyone." - Matt C.

• The Big Picture: Redefining what Networking Is
  • Focus on making friends, not “connections.”
  • Helping each other - A relationship is a two-way street.
  • Putting in the work – “Who you know” is ultimately up to you.
• Who Do You Want to Meet?
  • The differences between film and television
  • Why you shouldn’t only spend time with fellow creative
  • How to meet executives, agents, and managers
  • The value of assistants – They are tomorrow’s bosses.
• Understanding the Hollywood Ladder
  • Taking people off of pedestals
  • The three basic types of meetings
  • Knowing how far to drive to meet someone
• Being Proactive
  • Crafting Your Contacts List
  • The 5 People You Need to Reach Out To Every Week
  • How to set up a meeting
  • Gaining referrals
• What If You Don’t Know Anyone?
  • The buy you a cup of coffee approach
  • How to pull off a cold call
  • Do query letters still work?
• How to Conduct Yourself in a Meeting
  • Don’t bury the lead.
  • How to get someone excited to read your work.
  • The relationship is more important than the result.
• Staying in Touch
  • The art of the follow-up (this is where most writers lose touch)
  • How often should you email? How often should you meet?
  • Everyone loves a congratulatory note
  • Becoming the person that remembers names
• Networking Events
  • The “one new” goal
  • The casual accordion pitch
  • How to work a room
• Bonus Lessons
  • Social Networking
  • How to meet people if you don’t live in LA
  • Dealing with anxiety
• Q&A with Steve

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to effectively network to improve their careers.

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to meet the right people to help further their careers as screenwriters.

Producers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to effectively network to meet creatives and further their careers. 

Actors who want to take control of their careers by networking with industry insiders to further their careers.