The 2011 Austin Film Festival has arrived, so we wanted to share some of the networking lessons we've learned over the years.
The most fundamental rule that all screenwriters need to learn is this: You're not there to sell your screenplay — you're there to sell yourself. Here are some strategies we've learned on how to do that.
Last year, we were kindly asked by Barbara Morgan, the inestimable executive director of the incomparable Austin Film Festival to write a letter of support to help secure a grant from the city of Austin. We were more than happy to oblige! The Austin Film Festival provides unmatched opportunities for writers to make connections in the film industry…and any success we've had so far is largely due to the AFF.
Apparently the letter wasn't half bad, as a condensed version of that letter was reprinted for a mass email newsletter by the AFF. 😉
Sadly, due to space constraints they had to condense it down to a single story about our chance encounter with one of the most powerful individuals in Hollywood, and were forced to edit out much of our heartfelt endorsements and bizarre humor (some of the letter's best features!)
Now — for the first time ever — we present the FULL, UNEDITED masterpiece in all its glory! Prepare to chortle with mirth and weep with passion…and schedule your trip to next year's Austin Film Festival!!