When it comes to networking in the film industry, filmmakers in New York have got it down. Ive noticed that my business cards seem to be doing a lot more for me in getting opportunities flowing than my CV aka my resume. Compared to London where you’d be pushed to give out 20 business cards in a month, in New York cards are exchanged like handshakes.
The 21st century filmmaker knows that just like all the other elements of the filmmaking process networking is a skill, the skill of selling yourself as a way to get others to buy into what you’ve got to offer. For me, I feel slightly embarrassed proclaiming as a conversation starter that “Im an award winning filmmaker with an amazing skillset producing great works”, as its so not the British way; but this brazen attitude that American filmmakers exhibit surely must be contributing to the collaborative advancements in the independent film industry.
Networking my way in New York
Being new in New York networking is my tried and tested way of settling in fast. Personally I like chatting to people so I went and tried out several networking events happening all over the city looking to learn something new whilst connecting with like minds. One great event called Broadway Night Out was buzzing and incidentally I met the sista who hosts it over the rim of my laptop, in a cool café called Breadstuy.
We got talking and she tells me her name is Raqiyah Mays..
… the founder of Broadway Night Out that produces a seminar and networking event called The Filmmaker’s View an event for actors, writers and producers, where guest speakers have included, writer/director/producer Malcolm Lee and Emmy/Golden Globe nominated writer, producer, director Nelson George.
Me and Nelson George at ‘The Filmmakers View’
Raqiyah Mays is also an actress and performed in Off-broadway play Platanos & Collard Greens for 3 years, and is certainly a pro in the networking department so I found out more.
Why is networking a key tool every filmmaker can use?
Networking is and should be a key tool to every filmmaker and anyone in the entertainment business. This is a biz of who you know, not always necessarily what you know. It’s about seeing and being seen. Out of sight, out of mind – super visual. So you have to network, shake hands and kiss babies and get yourself out there to get the contacts you need to take what you’re doing to the next level.
What do the independent filmmakers you bring on have in common?
The Filmmaker’s that I have on Broadway Night Out’s “The Filmmaker’s View” have all achieved a certain level of success in filmmaking – writing & directing, producing. And because of this success, they all have a unique perspective and insight that they’re willing to share with others on the come up.
Tuesday 14th June – This months Filmmaker is … Rashaad Ernesto Green share his success on becoming an actor turned critically acclaimed writer/director making Filmmaker Magazine’s elite 25 New Faces of Independent Film list.
Rashaad Ernesto Green
Rashaad Ernesto Green comes to The Filmmaker’s View to provide Indie tips on:
• How to Gain Film Festival Screenings Worldwide
• How to Assemble an All-star Cast
• Finding Financing
• Finding Distribution
• How to Market & Promote an Independent Film that Attracts Hollywood Attention
Tuesday June 14
The National Comedy Theater
347 W. 36th St (Btw 8th & 9th Ave)
Doors Open: 6:30pm / Showtime: 7:15pm
$20 Adv/$25 Door
Limited Advance Tickets Available At:
http://broadwaynightout.wordpress.com/
For Info & Press Inquiries:
BroadwayNightOut@gmail.com
SPONSORED BY:
African American Women in Cinema
&
The NY Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Good looks
Peace
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