How writers can start building industry connections
A question came up recently at my group, the London Writers’ Meetup
“I’ve written a pilot script that I’m happy with. I’ve entered it into a BBC competition. But apart from competitions, what else can I do to get it into the hands of producers?”
The short answer is: quite a lot. And it starts with networking.
Time for networking – but don’t panic!
I know, I know, lots of writers hear that word and just want to hide under a rock. But hear me out. I’m a classic introvert, and yet I’ve found a way to make networking work for me. It doesn’t have to be intense and scary. You can do it your way.
Networking can be both online and in person, let’s start with in-person networking.
Film & TV Festivals
You can go to film festivals, watch cool films and pilots and then seek out the producers and directors who made them. If you genuinely like their work, you’ll have something to say to them. If talking to them in person feels daunting, you can connect with them on social media later and say you appreciated about their work.
Depending on your level of experience, consider whether they are the right people to try and work with. If they’re much more experienced than you, that doesn’t stop you from having a conversation, which is the key part of networking. You never know, they might have some helpful advice, be able to put you in touch with someone else, or even become a mentor. Though don’t go into the conversation expecting anything other than a friendly chat. Anything more is a bonus.
If you’re fairly new to the industry, try to find people at your level, whose work, ideas or ethos you admire, then you can rise up together.
Conferences
Attending media conferences is another great way to meet people. If it’s a writing conference, you’ll hopefully meet lots of friendly writers, share notes and spur each other on. Go to the talks and panel discussions that resonate the most with you, make a note of the speakers and try to connect with them afterwards. There are often drinks receptions, parties, and opportunities to mingle between sessions. This can feel scary for introverts, but go with a friend if you can, or seek out other newbies to hang out with.
I write children’s animation, and the annual Children’s Media Conference in Sheffield is a great place to network in a very friendly environment. If you write in a different area, seek out conferences in your own field. You’ll usually find out about them by talking to other writers and seeing what other people recommend.
Screenings
Another way to meet producers is to go to industry screenings, especially ones with a Q&A afterwards with the people involved in making the programme or film. See if you can ask a question, approach them or connect online and start a conversation that way.
Panel discussions
Organisations such as the Writers’ Guild, PACT, BAFTA or Women in Film and TV often host industry panel discussions, which is another great way to find connections and start conversations. So sign up for their newsletters to get alerted to their events. If you make friends with other writers, you’ll find like-minded people who will share organisations and events that they find helpful.
Online networking
In terms of networking online, I highly recommend using LinkedIn. (Read my article about ‘Linkedin for Writers’ here.)
You can use the Linkedin platform to connect with writers, script editors, development executives, producers and commissioners. Many people are open to connecting on Linkedin and are willing to chat online, offer advice or even meet for a coffee, so connect widely and start having conversations.
What to say
When you connect, send a short note to start a conversation. I’m not talking about asking for a job, pitching your pilot or asking them to read your work straight away. There’s nothing worse than receiving a massive, long email and pitch from someone you’ve never met before. If you’d love them to consider your script, lead up to it gradually, testing the water as you go. Start by saying you like what they’re doing, thanking them for connecting, or responding to something they’ve shared in a post.
If you’re new to the industry, you might ask for advice. If you build some rapport and they seem open, you could ask whether they’d be willing to have a brief chat. Many people will be up for having a chat and sharing their words of wisdom, if they have time. If they’re producing and looking for projects, you might eventually ask whether they’d be interested in reading your work or meeting for a coffee or zoom call. But take baby steps, and keep your messages short.
Reach far and wide
You don’t have to limit yourself to the UK. You can connect internationally through Linkedin. Also, make sure you connect with people at the start of their careers as well as those who are well established. The wider your network, the more it grows — and you never know where it might lead.
The key is to meet as many people as possible and find ways to have real-world conversations with them. People are more likely to work with those they know. So you have to find ways to get to know them (this is possible, even for introverts like me).
Not everyone will respond. Not everyone will be up for a chat. But some will. So keep reaching out and look for the people whose work resonates with you and who seem to be on your wavelength.
Set networking targets
This might seem weird, but set yourself networking targets – you’ll find it much easier to keep going and track your progress. As writers, we have to deal with a lot of rejection, and that can be very demoralising. If you’re always working towards your targets, you won’t take each rejection so personally. For example, you might say: I’m going to connect with 10 people every month on Linkedin, and every year I’ll arrange 6 chats, attend 2 in-person networking events and 2 online events. Set goals that fit your life.
Keep writing
Finally, if you’ve only written one script, write another. If you’re struggling to get people to read a feature or a pilot, consider writing something shorter, such as a short film. People are often much more willing to read a short film simply because it doesn’t take long. Shorts are also cheaper and easier to make, and they can be a very good first step into the industry. They start conversations. So don’t underestimate their power.
And if you are sending out your work, make sure you’ve had feedback first. Don’t send something out unless you’re confident it’s as strong as it can be. Ideally, get feedback from two or three people — not just friends and family. You don’t have to act on every note of feedback, but if you hear the same issue raised more than once, there’s probably something in it. So go back and rewrite it.
I hope that helps. Good luck with your own pilot scripts. Do let me know how you get on.
About me
I’ve pitched my own projects (both film and TV) all over the world, including at Cannes, LA, at the Children’s Media Conference and on stage in front of hundreds of people at Cartoon Forum (the most important pitching event for animated TV series in Europe). I’ve had over 50 animation scripts commissioned, received development funding for my own animation series, and coached writers of all medium for over 6 years.
Coaching
If you’re struggling to summon up the courage to network or don’t know how to get started, I coach writers with this. Check out my website to find out more, and feel free to book a Discovery Call if you’d like to meet me ask me about coaching.
London Writers’ Meetup
Have a writing question or want to hang out with other writers? Come along to the London Writers’ Meetup – it happens on the second Tuesday of every month, at 7.30pm UK time (online). It’s a great place to ask questions and gather ideas from other writers. It helps us remember that we’re not alone, we’re all figuring this out together. We’ve just celebrated our 6th anniversary – we’re almost up to 3000 members!
If you’d like some company while you write, I also host Silent Scribes a couple of times most weekday mornings. It’s a free online session where we simply sit down and write. It’s a great way to increase your productivity.
I can’t wait to meet you soon!