Debunking Screenwriting Myths: TEN (10) WAYS TO NETWORK WITH PRODUCERS

Recently, in our LinkedIn group “Script-To-Screen Network”, the discussion of sending out screenplays came up, as it often does. One member “warned” against sending scripts to any producer that the writer didn’t know personally then shared the fact that he had not one, but TWO scripts “stolen”.

Another member then asked a very succinct question:

How can you get to know producers without sending them your work?

I jotted down ten quick responses to this, but there are dozens more. Here are a few ideas on how you might want to "get to know" a producer - or for that matter, anyone - in the business. Most of these are "common sense", but we know how "common" that sense is sometimes.

1) Research. Find out about their prodco; check their website and IMDb; review their LinkedIn profile, Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, etc. You know that you're on these time-suck sites all day long, at least put some of that wasteful time to work for you!

2) "Like" or "follow" them, their projects. Send a short note ("short" the operative word here):

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

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

3) Be sincere. Most people can spot a phony from miles away.

4) Pay it forward. If they are currently searching for a particular script- 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 that producer looking for that script.

5) Share. If they post or tweet something on social media that you can support, share it!

6) Ask for advice. Most people LOVE to give advice, especially if they can be helpful in any way. Keep it brief, and don't be disappointed if you don't get a response.

7) Know their specialty. Do NOT send a horror producer your rom/com script. Don't send them a manuscript if they produce movies. Don't send them a short if they produce features.

8) Volunteer. If they are a small prodco, and they are filming in and around your area, offer to volunteer at the shoot. Do anything- drive people, run errands, make coffee, grip, security, make-up, etc. Do NOT ask to rewrite the script or to direct, however.

9) Don't rush it. Water finds its own level. If you come off as too needy, too helpful, too "stalker-ish", the relationship will never develop.

10) Be kind. Thank them when done. Be someone that someone else would want to work with.

There are many producer networking groups on LinkedIn, so don’t hesitate to join those as well. You will also meet producers at pitch fests, seminars, webinars, etc.

Once that “friendship” develops, you’ll soon see that it can be mutually beneficial.

TIP: Probably the MOST effective technique I've used in networking with producers is helping them in their script searches. When I learned of a script search, if I had what they were looking for, I would send it along. I also told the producer that I have a vast network of screenwriters of all levels of experience and talent, and if he would mind if I shared the information of the search- but I didn't stop there. I told them that to prevent them from being deluged with all sorts of submissions, that receive them first, screen them- making sure all the necessary information is included, and make sure the subject matter or genre is what they were looking for. I would organize these submissions, compete with loglines, and refer over to them the ones that best fit the request. Did I have time in my day to do this? No, but it ended up leading to many other things. Not only did I help a fellow screenwriter get his/her screenplay produced on several different script searches, but I was now receiving paid writing assignments and "first-looks" for MY work from these very same producers- all by being a willing conduit and basic "productions assistant". I'm still regularly in contact with these producers as the relationship continues to be mutually beneficial.

WRITER'S BIO: Mr. Scala spent 24-plus years in the Hollywood community and was the?Executive Director?for the 72nd Annual Academy Awards, as well as The Soul Train Awards,?The Grammys,?The Blockbuster Video Awards Show?and?The Saturn Award Show.

He is completing his 51st adaptation- the fascinating autobiography "CALL ME ZENA", by Sally Barnard, and developing biopic projects of rock pioneer Jimmie F. Rodgers,?Motown star?Tammi Terrell?and iconic folk singer?Harry Chapin- all while continuing to mentor over 600 hundred new writers and self-published authors.

Geno has three screenplays produced and currently on Amazon Prime; "Black Easter", "Assassins 33 A.D." and "The Tombs", and - at present -?is the?Executive Script Consultant?of a $16.4M major motion picture?("Fight Fire with Fire") scheduled to begin filming Spring, 2025.