Anything Goes : Best way to network by Lisa Lee

Lisa Lee

Best way to network

Hi all!

Forgive me if this has been answered somewhere else already, I typed "network" in the search bar and read 18 pages of posts before coming here. I recently finished a short film script and would love to find people to bring my words to life.

That being said, I'm not sure how best to go about it. When you guys are looking for other creatives to work with, do you post in a specific lounge, as a job posting, or do you individually contact people in your network? I'm still a bit shy when it comes to networking and I feel like contacting individuals feels a bit presumptuous, verses putting a general post out to anyone who might be interested.

Thanks for your advice.

Doug Nelson

I've learned my lesson and never go there anymore.

Scott Frederick

I think either way is fine. Are you looking to co-write, or have a freelancer do most of the writing based off an outline or something?

Lisa Lee

Doug, do you mean that you never use job postings?

Lisa Lee

Hi Scott. I actually wrote the script already. I’m hoping to find cast and crew, or maybe a director that already has a group of ppl he/she works with.

Scott Frederick

Ah, didn't read closely enough. What is your closest city?

Lisa Lee

Minneapolis/St. Paul. Though, I’m not a stickler about location. I figure anyone interested can film from wherever they live.

Doug Nelson

Lisa Lee - I never use the S32 job postings. I used to fall for that ruse; 'I got a ready to go short script, all I need is someone to Produce it'. History has taught me that they are never even close so I don't even bother anymore, I like to avoid the arguments.

Russ McDonald

Lisa, i grew up in St.Paul soooo miss the pizza, anyway.. there are a lot of was to go. Does the short take place in one location?

Lisa Lee

Russ, pizza is a food group in our house, but growing up on Chicago pizza has made us pizza snobs. Little Oven's pizza is fantastic though.

As for the short, it takes place in a single home, but in different rooms throughout the home.

Doug Nelson

Lisa - so what's your question about your short? Sounds to me like it's a simple format question of some sort.

Lisa Lee

Doug, honestly, since this is my first time trying to get anything I've written filmed(on this site and in general) I was curious if there a was a preferred way to find a crew within Stage 32. Though, since posting my question, I've come to discover that it seems like any way I try to connect should be fine.

Russ McDonald

you need to secure these key positions, Director if you are not doing it yourself, if you are you want to secure a DP he'll find the grew you will need for most of it. A line producer is a must, since it's one location it should be a lot less complicated, if you are directing get a good AD. last and the most important is a competent script supervisor. if it's AN EXPERIMENT IN BEHAVIOR it's less than 10 pages thats 3 pages a day over the week end, very doable. the last thing this is very very important feed them well

Karen "Kay" Ross

I've written over 50 blogs here on Stage 32 now, and more than a few of them on networking. I would highly recommend starting with this one: https://www.stage32.com/blog/How-to-Make-Friends-in-the-Film-Industry-The-New-Approach-to-Networking

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions, happy to help!

Lisa Lee

Sounds like a plan. Thanks, Karen!

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