Screenwriting : Networking in the screenwriting world: where to start? by Michelle J Kenoyer

Stage 32 is an excellent networking tool, especially for the industry as a whole. You're lucky that in Orlando there is a large community of creatives. I'd suggest also getting involved with the film festival, look into events sponsored by Full Sail or UCF's film programs and maybe even try to join a 48 hour film project. You can utilize the network here from anywhere just by being active in the lounge and elsewhere, locally -- boots on the ground will surely broaden your reach and give you some hands on experience. Tampa is home to the Florida Film Network, their group is sporadic but there is a lot experience within as well.

I'm actually a member of a screenwriters' critique group in Orlando, but since I live relatively far from it (an hour and a half away in Tampa), I can only make it once a month, if that. I work FT and have a family, so my time to travel to Orlando is rather compromised. However, the Full Sail and UCF programmes sound like they could be worth a look for sure. I have a friend who goes to UCF and she might be able to connect me with someone there. thanks for the reco!

HI Michelle, before you battle I-4 anymore than you have to, check out floridafilmnetwork.com, they are based in Tampa. Good luck!

Michelle, firstly I think you are very wise to look into networking and open a conversation about it. It is something we're routinely told is essential and is one of the few widely acknowledged must-dos that's backed up with statistics and evidence. Secondly, it's time to get excited, networking is one of the most rewarding aspects of being in this industry, it need not be a chore nor something that's daunting. This is a wonderful business to make new acquaintances that can quickly become good pals. Some of my dearest friends and closest compadres are people I've met through Stage 32. The place to start is, well, somewhere, anywhere. Plant your roots in the ground and start growing out from there. The key thing is to think long term and take each day as it comes. With a little networking each day or week, you can build a massive group of contacts. It's important to get your house in order first, RB often advises closing the loop, connect up all your online presences so they link to one another. Put your Stage 32 profile link (remember you can get a vanity URL now) in your profiles for LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc and vice versa. Try to keep all your details up to date across these platforms or choose one (preferably Stage 32 or your own website) as a hub which the others all point to. Check out Laurie Ashbourne's blog on how Stage 32 is really an on-going film festival packed with networking oppotunities; https://www.stage32.com/blog/The-Stage-32-Festival Watch On Stage With RB where the art of effective networking is often discussed; https://www.stage32.com/webinars/on-stage-with-rb You are in a very exciting place right now, Stage 32. The access given here is unprecedented and it's completely changing the game. I can assure you that, from direct experience, you are two degrees of separation from some of the biggest names in the business. It is unbelievable. I simply cannot believe some of the people I have connected with on here. My advice is to nurture the numbers. Many people try to be either superstars or stalkers, either chasing the numbers or chasing individuals, neither works well. I feel it's far better to reach out to many but care about who you reach out too. It's essential to establish who you are likely to align with and where they are. It's also important that you don't come across as a self serving shark, there are a LOT of those out there, swimming around sites and meetings with dollar signs in their glassy eyes, only ever talking about themselves and their projects. You have to be thinking about what you have to offer, not what there is to take. Ultimately this means not kissing up to those above and scoffing at those below, promoting your friends rather than using them to promote yourself, and sending the lift back down when you get to a higher floor. It's also imperative to see people as multifaceted individuals and not their job title, role, credits, associates etc. Building a genuine relationship with a like minded ambitious person regardless of where they are right now is always going to be far more mutually rewarding and positive than trying to superficially cling onto the coattails of those you revere. Here's a little story from my own experience where second guessing my judgement nearly caught me out. A couple of years ago I'd listed my short scripts on Inktip and was getting a lot of read requests. I would always check out who was reading my material and, being a bit green at the time, was easily impressed with those who seemed to have impressive profiles. One day a young woman contacted me, making it clear she was a student and had no budget, but was interested in one of my scripts. I admit there was part of me that cringed a little, the part of your brain which is always playing devil's advocate. I sent her the script anyway and was shocked to read an email from her asking if she could option and produce it. While my heart wanted to say yes, my mind was more hesitant. Was I selling myself short? Being a gut feel kinda guy, I said yes and she did an amazing job. But here's the thing, while she was indeed a student, she had avoided mentioning she was running her own tv talk show as a teenager, that her father owned a media empire and the largest soundstage in Southern Europe, that she was more than aware of the life of a celebrity being the daughter of a famous female popstar. She couldn't have been more perfect and our crossing of paths more serendipitous. So yes, network, enjoy it, see everyone as a potential friend, build loving teams, and give what you can, because that in itself is incredibly rewarding.

You should check out that meetup platform, and search for any nearby film groups. It's a great way to find people to physically interact with, IMO. One problem I find with Facebook, is that it's become too commercial in nature. You want to find people you can click with, rather than strangers you merely work with once or twice. Stage32 is great, but not very big over here in Australia - as yet (IMO).

I joined the WGI (Writers Guild of Ireland) and started attending their meetings to network with other writers and directors. Most meetings have a very specific agenda, like discussing contracts, or discussing craft etc. It's a great way of getting informed as well of the social aspects of chatting to likeminded people.

You should catch up with jessica@thegreenlightcoach.com. She has a lot of really great ways to meet people and network.

Hey Michelle, I will be in Orlando in October speaking at the Florida Writers Association conference - another great place to network! But would love to chat with you about your writers critique group!

CJ, what a great experience, and what good advice you give about keeping karma and the community of writers (not just oneself) at the forefront. I love the aspect about sending the lift down to others when you reach a higher floor. I sure hope I can be in a good spot to do this someday. Danny, I'll have to look into the FWA Writer's Association Conference and learn more about how to get involved and attend. Perhaps some of my fellow Orlando Screenwriters are already planning on going! https://floridawriters.net/conferences/florida-writers-conference/

Hi Michelle, I like Stage32, LinkedIn and the ISA International Screenwriters Association. The ISA has two groups on LinkedIn. Screenwriters Wanted-Producers Wanted and ISA. I also like Slated.com. Vince

Don't forget the face-to-face stuff. I try to attend area film fests, area screenings of local films, any panel discussions at a local college, film slam, etc. I bring a few business cards and chat with folks -- other writers, actors, crew standing in line near me or wearing a festival badge. Friendly and casual. If it goes well, I follow up at home with a brief email or other connection that might seem natural (could be LinkedIn, Stage32, Facebook). These folks might be locals like yourself, but you'll come to grow that local circle and some will make connections or get up the ladder before you, and sometimes you can do a favor, swap a script, etc. You never know where a connection will come from.

Thanks all for the great information! I have a friend who is a part-time filmmaker; I should check in with him on events that are coming up in the Tampa/Orlando area. :)