The Top 10 Ways To

Network With ProducersGeno Scala

Executive Producer & Showrunner

How can you get to knowproducers without sendingthem your work?

Here are a few ideas on how you might wantto "get to know" a producer ­ or for that

matter, anyone ­ in the business. Most ofthese are "common sense", but we know how

"common" that sense is sometimes...

Research

Find out about their prodco; check theirwebsite and IMdb; review their LinkedIn

profile, Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram,etc. You know that you're on these time­suck

sites all day long, at least put some of thatwasteful time to work for you!

Be Sincere

You can spot a fake from miles away.

Social Media Relationships"Like" or "follow" them & their projects. Send a

short note ("short" being the operative wordhere):

"Saw your website today. Nice. Love the titleof your current project. Take care!"

Trust me; they'll remember your name nexttime you write them.

Pay It Forward

If they are currently searching for a particularscript­ which does not fit the script you are

marketing­ reach out to your network.Nothing is more rewarding than introducing a

fellow writer with a great script to thatproducer looking for that script.

Volunteer

If they are a small prodco, and theyare filming in and around your

area, offer to volunteer at the shoot.Do anything­ drive people, run

errands, make coffee, grip, security,make­up, etc. Do NOT ask to rewrite

the script or to direct, however.

Share

If they post or tweet something on socialmedia that you can support, share it!

Know Their Specialty

Do NOT send a horror produceryour rom/com script. Don't send

them a manuscript if they producemovies. Don't send them a short if

they produce features.

Ask For Advice

Most people LOVE to give advice,especially if they can be helpful in any

way. Keep it brief, and don't bedisappointed if you don't get a response.

Do Not Rush It

Water finds its own level. If youcome off as too needy, too

helpful, too "stalker", therelationship will never develop.

Be Kind

Thank them when done. Besomeone that someone else

would want to work with.