We all recognize our need for help in the filmmaking world. In fact, there is a well known saying in the industry, “it’s who you know…” With the few people “in the know” getting bombarded all the time by those in need of their help, how does one get the right strategic partner to actually consider helping them?

I do not consider myself “in the know” but do get asked quite often in reference to me helping someone out with the film project. As we wind down 2018 and get ready to set New Year’s resolutions for 2019, I wanted to offer a few thoughts on giving you the best chance to get the right strategic partner on-board.

1) Create value-add for them. Find out what they want/need and find a way to help them with their goals. 1st help them create a win.
2) Create leverage. Leverage can be primarily in 2 forms: 1) Money/Investment, and 2) Attachments. So, let’s say your uncle in Robert Downey, Jr. and you can get a script in front of them or get them attached – that’s leverage.
3) Don’t hold back. You must go all-in on helping. You better off not doing than just halfway doing it. Don’t hold back “that one investor” you’ve been holding on to for 10 years. Remember, a contact is only as good as they are willing to pick up the phone. Just because we have someone’s business card, doesn’t make them a contact.
4) Be humble.
5) Be a fan of their work & be complimentary. This seems like a no-brainer but recently heard of a young filmmaker bashing the early work of a potential mentor they were hoping to get. No one things it will get back to the filmmaker and yet it always does. They, of course, missed out.
6) Be doing. Work with what you have. I cannot tell you the number of times I ask “filmmakers” what they are working on and they all seem to be waiting. Waiting for what? The perfect time, resources? That’s not the way it works. Show people what you can do with what you have and that begins to showcase that you can do. You find yourself in idle? Take a class, working writing, volunteer for someone else’s project.
7) Push their agenda. If they win, you win. If they are good enough to go after, you helping them become successful will only yield dividends to you later.

I hope this helps you in working towards achieving your goals in 2019. Here is did a Facebook LIVE and spoke about this topic: HERE.

I also would encourage you to check out RB’s vlog from Stage32 HERE, talking about writers finding agents/managers. PS. You can find me on Stage32 HERE.