This is a bit of a general question but what can an Author, like myself, do to build opportunities on this industry? For anyone who has read my profile, you will know that I have been a writer for 14 years and despite all that time, I am not much closer to finishing a novel then I was five years ago. For several years I have had an interest in establishing myself here within the film industry but with no clear idea as to how. So, now that I am here among people who are either already in the industry and maybe already established, what can I do to work my way in?
Aside from transitioning to scriptwriter, what other opportunities can I look for as an author to build my name in the industry and how might you recommend I go about it? If it makes a difference, I am most comfortable writing within the Fantasy genre.
Willem Lodewijk Elzenga And I will continue writing as its the only way to develop my skill. I will never stop writing to be sure lol. Still, as I am new to this industry, I just want to know what options I have as an author if there are others and if you do not know of any, would you know people who might?
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Get yourself to a film or television festival. You don't have to know anybody, and you don't have to have a script on the ready. Just go as your authentic self and talk to people about your intentions.
I did this, and it literally changed the trajectory of my career. I met people like me, and I met people whi were willing to help me take it to the next level.
At the cost of sounding like an oddball, my first festival was like an out-of-body experience. I realized what I had been missing for so long! It was like I was standing in the candy store of all answers film and writing related.
Go to the panels and listen to the professionals speak. Introduce yourself and network with others. And then when you come home, go to another festival or event, and do it all over again.
But stay connected with the people you meet. Send them an email and thank them for their time. Schedule a meeting to catch up with them for lunch the next time you're in town.
Stage32 is an incredible platform to do the same thing. But definitely get yourself out there to festivals as well.
Best of luck to you!
Joleene DesRosiers Ah, this was the post you mentioned to look back on :) Yes, well, as I explains before, I am restricted in my options with this but I really do hope I can get out to these. Do you by chance know of a place where one might find a calendar listing of scheduled festivals for 2019?
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First, I'd get something finished. Even if it's something short, get yourself self-published and then setup a website (I use Wordpress for mine, as it's easy to use and very affordable even with my own domain name). Then, and this is the hard part, get people to read and review it. Word of mouth goes a long way. I can't see anyone being interested in investing (both in terms of time and money) in anyone who hasn't been able to complete something in fourteen years.
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There are many options., many of which have been mentioned by other members. But if you’re trying to learn more about the industry, go to meet ups and festivals. You can do a goggle search and find listings for both. You can work on a set as a PA. You can finish something, anything. You can join another online community. But really what I think you need to do is be proactive. Set a goal to meet someone in the industry. Or finish a short or novella but pick something that is attainable and Do It! Then set another goal. No matter what your obstacles you can do it. I know a filmmaker whose working right now and he’s a paraplegic. You just have to be willing to find a work around to your challenges and not give up. GOOD LUCK!
As an author you can create an own website to introduce your books or scripts. Just with a short one page written pitch to get read. But, you then need the social networks and followers of your target group (directors, producers, publishers etc) to get your stuff read. Additionally you can write about your experiences on pages like HubPages. Just to reach a wider circle of readers. All the best!
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Elisabeth Meier Thank you for your feedback. I have honestly not considered a website before. Always thought it was going to be too expensive or something. Thank you.
Read this article
https://www.stage32.com/blog/Four-tips-to-help-you-begin-that-book
audience is the new gold
Christopher Poet A website can also be created with wordpress as a blog or jimdo or any similar - all for free.
Elisabeth Meier Thanks!