Brushing Knuckles with Harrison Ford
Strange but true. I was at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014 and had managed rto get a ticket for The Expendables 3.? All the stars were coming, and I, thought, why not have some fun and enhance my own social media profile with pics of? some celebrities and me. And Harrison Ford was coming!
As so often in Cannes, the galas were oversold. I was turned away at the last minute. As I tried to cross the Croissette the French police blocked me. I looked up and saw a limo slowly approaching. The black window was? open a crack, a man's hairy knuckles were on the window, and cigarette smoke was curling out the window. I lunged forward, my knuckles literally inches away. I peeked into the window and it was Harrison Ford with Calista Flockhart. OMG!
Other than an interesting anecdote, this chance encounter has done my career absolutely no good!
Meeting John Malkevich?
The next day as I was crossing to the Palais, I saw a man dressed in a white suite with dark glasses like mine. OMG! It was John Malkevich! And as I struggled to step by him, I heard him say to his minder: "No way I'm going in there! I might be recognised!"
While these are cool stories and sometimes make for good pictures, it doesn't really mean anything. It might impress your mum, but are the celebs going to remember you? Does it help your career? I would argue that spotting celebs like Harrison Ford does you career absolutely no good whatsoever!
Meeting Jude Law?
A couple years later, I had to phone one of our amazing Raindance MA degree students, Sadie Frost. I knew she was away, but I didn't know she was on a boat in Greece. While speaking to her I heard a man call out "Hi Elliot!" I asked Sadie who the man was and she said "Jude'. Her ex, Jude Law, was with her. Cool I thought. Name recognition from someone with a name, Perhaps a bit more meaningful than brushing knuckles with Harrison Ford. And even more beneficial was his COVID speech at Raindance:
Meeting Adam Morse
Who is Adam Morse? He's the creator of Lucid with Billy Zane and Sadie Frost. He also made the 2024 Super Bowl ad for Google+ And his only film school training was the Saturday Film School at Raindance
He's a writer/director. And he's totally blind!
Here's his award-winning Super Bowl advert:
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He's become a good friend and a champion of Raindance. How cool is that? And this is where Raindance comes in. We forsake the star-f*ckers. We look for the new emerging talents. And the next one could be you!
How do you earn success?
Success comes from being relentless. Authentic. Dedication and putting in the hours not by saying hello or getting a selfie with a celeb. Making friends with unrecognisable producers who like you is a far better strategy!
That's why at Raindance we host monthly networking session in London, Toronto, Vancouver and LA. we call it Boozin N Schmoozin - becvsue we make no guarantees that you will meet anyone you can collaborate. But you likely will, as people comment on the Boozin N Schmoozin page. Mingle with the crowd. Walk up to a stranger and simply say "Hello, my name is ..." And conversation just sort of breaks out
If you need an excuse to get a conversation going, why not come to our Open Shorts nights in London, New York or Vancouver. Watch new shorts with the filmmakers. Grab a glass of your favourite beverage and open the conversation with "I really like your short!" The rest is easy.
This type of networking that IS useful. The importance of mastering your craft is simple:? being noticed for your relentless hard work that has clearly paid off by making a film that people rave about.
Want to really elevate your networking to the next level?
Why not Join Raindance and get a host of freebies and discounts Here
For extra points, it is worth your time and energy to attend this year's Raindance Film Festival. Check out the incredibly good-value Raindance Festival Pass. This allows you to see films, and to meet fellow filmmakers and potential collaborators.
Fade Out
Forget brushing knuckles with Harrison Ford. Make your own path. Whatever your goals, whatever your career aspirations, remember: Raindance is here to help. Let's make movies.
Did You Know?
Senior Clinical Psychologist. Humanistic Therapy for Individuals, Couples and Families. Corporate Multilingual Psychology (hybrid). UK-registered with ‘The Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists in North London’.
12 个月So interesting, Elliot Grove! I was luckier than you though. I visited London during the pandemic and nostalgically wanted to visit Craven Street after having enjoyed an unforgettable time at some of Raindance’s Summer School courses on Filmmaking in 2018. Craven Street was empty and I only bumped into one single person -you! By the way, see you in April!