Anything Goes : Social Media Outlets by Rachael C Marek

Hi Rachael. Really you need them all. Facebook (page and profile), Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn and of course Stage 32 at the bare minimum. They all have strong points and weaknesses. When you say you want to create as many opportunities as possible, what do you mean specifically? Direct message me if you prefer with the answer to this question and I will give you some cool tips.

First of all, thank you! I use Wordpress for my blog so when I discovered Tumblr was basically another blog service, it seemed redundant. I do use all the above mentioned sites as a means of building my "brand", but I feel like I'm wasting a lot of time. As a writer, I'm wondering how much time I should give to all of these? And I'd love any tips.

Really everyone including myself is looking for a great script. If you focus on your writing, write a great script it wouldn't be difficult to get represented. If you give me the great script tomorrow, I can get you funded just like that.

I'm working on my portfolio at the moment, so it's good to know who to go to when I'm ready! :) Thanks!

Find a copy of Hollywood Representation Directory 2014 & Hollywood Creative Directory 2014. Sometimes hard to find one because everybody grabs it as soon as it's published. You may find one at the Barnes & Nobles 3rd St Prominade in Santa Monica, or The Writers Store in Burbank, CA. Any decent production company in LA should have a copy so ask around to borrow. Or you can buy a used one from Amazon for $500+! http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_19?url=search-alias%3Daps&field... I have one but I'm in NYC.

I purchased the Hollywood Screenwriting Directory this year. Are you familiar as to whether or not it's comparable to these others?

Yes that's a good book in part for how to's, and some good addresses, emails. The Hollywood Rep Directory is entirely focussed on production contacts, I would say use both. It's essential to stay updated, but since it's costly I reccomend trying to take a look for yourself to compare first. I wouldn't just target film production companies and agents, but absolutely everyone film related. That's what I did years ago. Today is easy with email and the web. You could setup a personal website with all your stuff and resume, and just email to everyone. They would expect you to sign a standard release, so you could include that release waiver right on your site. But don't spam, or hassle, send only once then wait 2-4 wks before a followup letter/email. If no reply, wait another 4-6 months and send another letter with updated material. If by then no one returns your call, it may be time to rethink your material, redo and improve. Don't be discouraged with rejection letters, many times it's a matter of timing for the industry, everyone is looking for certain type of story, and your work may not be a right fit for them that's all.

Thank you for the advice! I appreciate it!

Anytime Rachael. Here are some of the best free websites: https://www.strikingly.com, carbonmade.com

It can take less then 30 minutes a week to post on all the sites. Just copy and paste the same post across all formats. You can also join Buffer to post on a few at a time. It's free for about 4 or 5 sites. Let me know how you go. If you'd like me to check out your sites and give you some more specific advice just post the link to them in response.

Thank you, Elissa! I appreciate that!

Hi Rachael. It may be obvious but better I mention. You should properly copyright your work before sending it out, especially on the web. Also, even though some companies are listed in the above directories, it does't mean they're not sharks, unfortunately Hollywood is loaded with them. Whether you submit paper or online, always keep logs of everything.

Thank you. I have all my work copyrighted. I'm paranoid, and skeptical, so I do my homework before I do anything. And I have a sticky note about keeping a paper trail from an article I read. I recently met someone who was claiming legal issues, but didn't know she needed to register her work...I'm new, but not that new. ;)

I wish you success.

Thank you! And to you!

You can pitch to Bob, if he likes it, he'll get it to the right people in Hollywood: http://www.moviepitch.com. Suscribe to Done Deal to keep an eye on what's Hollywood buying: http://www.donedealpro.com/default.aspx

You are awesome! Thank you. These are two I hadn't heard of.

Here is Jessica Brody, whom u should connect with. She's young, very talented, very giving, and just recently got a 3 picture deal with the Big Studios in Hollywood. They're producing a big motion picture of her novel 'Unremembered'. She's going to get big and busy, so connect with her and she'll tell u how she did it. http://www.jessicabrody.com