What are the best ways to connect with industry professionals after a film festival networking event?

1 Follow up promptly

Don't wait too long to reach out to the people you met at the event. Ideally, you should send them a follow-up email or message within 24 hours, while the conversation is still fresh in their minds. Thank them for their time, remind them of who you are and what you talked about, and express your interest in keeping in touch. You can also attach your portfolio, resume, or reel if appropriate.

2 Be respectful and professional

When you communicate with industry professionals, you want to show them that you are serious, respectful, and professional. Avoid being too casual, informal, or pushy. Use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Address them by their name and title, and sign off with yours. Don't spam them with multiple messages or calls, or expect an immediate response. Respect their time and boundaries, and wait patiently for their reply.

3 Offer value and support

One of the best ways to connect with industry professionals is to offer value and support. This means showing them that you can help them with their goals, challenges, or projects, or that you appreciate their work and achievements. For example, you can share some relevant resources, insights, or feedback that might benefit them. You can also congratulate them on their recent successes, awards, or screenings. You can also ask them for advice, guidance, or referrals, but only if you have established some rapport and trust.

4 Be authentic and genuine

Another important tip to connect with industry professionals is to be authentic and genuine. This means being yourself, sharing your passion and vision, and being honest and respectful. Don't pretend to be someone you're not, or exaggerate your skills or experience. Don't flatter them insincerely, or ask for favors without offering anything in return. Don't be afraid to show your personality and humor, but don't be rude or offensive. Be friendly and courteous, but not desperate or needy.

5 Keep the conversation going

Finally, you want to keep the conversation going with the industry professionals you met at the event. This means staying in touch regularly, but not too frequently. You can follow up with them every few weeks or months, depending on the nature and level of the relationship. You can update them on your progress, projects, or achievements, and ask them about theirs. You can also invite them to other events, screenings, or meetings that might interest them. You can also connect with them on social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram, and engage with their posts.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?