Filmmaking Stuff Filmmaking Stuff provides resources for independent filmmakers. The website includes articles on how to take a story idea from script to screen, including articles on scriptwriting, producing, finance, shooting, editing, directing, marketing, distribution and how to build an audience. Filmmaking Stuff also has articles detailing how to make money making movies – including interviews with Hollywood Producers, Directors, writers and other filmmaking professionals.

Boldness is rewarded. This is the new motto I’ve been working to live by for the past year or so. And I’ve found this belief plays out pretty well when it comes to meeting Hollywood Heavyweights. Just this past week, I had 3 conversations with people I’ve only previously read about in the trades. And I’ve accomplished this by being bold – but also being professional.

Here are my tips for meeting powerful people:

1. Compile a list of people you want to meet.
2. Write them a letter. Follow up with a phone call.
3. When you speak with the assistant, be professional. Reference the letter. Ask for the meeting.
4. If you get the meeting, awesome! If you don’t get the meeting, ask again weeks later.
5. Repeat the process.

Posted under FILMMAKING

Even if you don’t live in Hollywood or New York, finding a movie industry mentor can happen in almost any town. Look in your yellow pages or do a web search for location production companies. If you’re in college, apply for internships. Then, once you get your foot in the door at one of these places, find someone who is willing to teach you what they know.

When I started out, I met a guy named Joe who ran a small market production house in Pennsylvania. He took a liking to my work ethic and made a point to teach me about production. The lessons I learned working with Joe became the foundation of my Hollywood success. And thankfully the same rules apply.

1. Find someone in the organization you like. Have they accomplished what you hope to accomplish?
2. Become friends with that person. Ask questions during lunch breaks.
3. Show up early, work with enthusiasm and leave late.
4. Take responsibility for your mistakes. Never pass the blame.
5. Be willing to do what is necessary to get the job done.

Posted under FILMMAKING

What is a Mentor?

A mentor is a person who is not directly involved in your project, but has accomplished something similar to your current goals. He or she will be available for advice and to commensurate, but may not be directly involved in your projects.

Finding a movie industry  mentor can be  invaluable to your filmmaking success. This week, we will focus on how to find a mentor.

Posted under FILMMAKING