Looking to start networking in the film industry? Here are six tips on how to connect with other filmmakers!

By: Sophia Lin

A career in film can be kickstarted from a multitude of places, in a multitude of ways. However, nearly every one of those possibilities involves one key ingredient: a network. And not simply any network will do. If you’re looking to have a shot at those golden opportunities that’ll get your foot in the door, you’ll need a network that’s well-developed, expansive, and diverse.

But how do you network? Whether it’s building a community or expanding one, it’s an age-old question that can often stump creatives who’d rather focus on their craft. The good news is, we’re here to break it down. From keeping your portfolio at the ready to simply using social media to reach out, networking is far less intimidating than it seems. For many, it turns out to be one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling aspects of their career and, not to mention, a wonderful way to find your people.

So, to get to know the exact science of networking in the film industry, look no further. Take one well-informed step at a time and you’ll find yourself with an invaluable community of trusted collaborators and fellow artists.

Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Film Production Program!

1. Take Advantage of Events & Structured Spaces

When it comes to events, feel free to start small — local filmmaker gatherings, panels or Q&As at the theatre around the corner, and the like. Go to places and spaces that interest you, hang around, and naturally, you’ll find people who share your passions and ambitions. From there, striking up a casual conversation and following up with an email a few days later establishes the beginnings of a well-built relationship.

Structured spaces like film schools, fellowships, or film festivals are one of the most sure-fire ways to meet budding filmmakers like yourself. The folks who have made it there are already those at the top of their game, so leveraging these opportunities is a must — both for exponentially expanding your network and getting to know some future key players in the industry.

2. Keep Your Portfolio Handy

Preparation is key, and this applies to any facet of your work. Portfolios, samples, reels, and previous work should be constantly up-to-date and at your fingertips, should any producer, executive, or agent ask you for them. These are too often spur-of-the-moment chances, so be ready and seize them when they come!

In a similar vein, have an elevator pitch ready to go. Whatever you’re working on or soon to be working on, knowing a 2-3 minute summary will come in more than handy. Whether it’s at events or interviews, this will quickly pique the interest of those around you, and almost always, a solid idea rather than an abstract concept will attract far more potential collaborators.

3. Leverage Social Media

While Instagram is one of the most frequented social media platforms, when it comes to networking in the film industry, don’t discount the power of LinkedIn and Facebook. Make connections with filmmakers you’re interested in, or simply those in the area, and you’ll get a direct channel to any work or life updates they have. Then use that chance to jump in on the conversation.

Similarly, Facebook groups are an excellent way to meet new peers. Search your specific line of work within your locale and there’s bound to be an existing group you can join. With that, you’ll also be getting the low-down on the jobs, fellowships, and internships near you — all promising opportunities to partake in to expand your network and hone your skills.

4. Connect Beyond Your Peer Group

It may seem like a no-brainer to only network with those in your field: editors getting to know editors, animators reaching out to animators. But resist the urge! This might feel like a cliche but it really is beneficial to extend your network far and wide.

Say you’re a cinematographer — get to know casting directors, actors, and even non-film people! Not only will they expand your reach, but they’ll have projects and ideas unlike anyone else you know. And in terms of your professional growth, it’s greatly rewarding to understand various facets of the film industry, enriching what you bring to your own craft. Not to mention, you might be the only cinematographer they know, so you’ll be a go-to when they’re looking for anything related to your discipline. 

5. Add Value & Give Back

You’ve probably heard the saying that networking is a two-way street. But how exactly do you give back? The first and most doable is to simply check in. Set a reminder on your calendar, and every 3 to 4 months or so, email your connections to ask how they’re doing. Be sure to include some of your own updates as well. This keeps a conversation naturally flowing, and shows that you’re genuinely interested in creating a meaningful relationship.

A second way is to make introductions and stay proactive when networking in the film industry. Don’t only be on the lookout for opportunities that fit you. If you catch wind of a great gig that just isn’t in your field, actively reach out to your network to see if anyone’s interested. Better yet, stay on top of everyone’s interests, and make an intro personally to, say, a director in need of an assistant producer.

6. Take Initiative for Networking in the Film Industry

It’s easy to forget in all the hubbub of attending various events and opportunities that you can organize your own get-togethers too. Have a group of friends from film school? Set up a weekly lunch date! Want to get to know your colleagues better? Suggest a dinner after the shoot! Sometimes, if you’re having trouble finding the right spaces to network, take the first step forward instead.

This applies to the micro-moments of networking as well. Be the first to say hi, ask a question, or offer your contact info. If you have work you’d love to show, don’t wait for someone to ask — bring it up instead. With a proactive approach, you’ll significantly expedite the growth of your network. Soon, people will know and trust you as the one who makes things happen.

Get Started!

These following opportunities are excellent launching pads for networking in the film industry and building your film and TV network:

CREATE Vancouver in Vancouver, BC

Mid June

6IXCONNECTED Networking Event in Toronto, ON

May-June

CAFÉ (Conference, Animation, FX, and Expertise) Conference in Montreal, QC

Early June

Canadian International Comedy Film Festival in Winnipeg, MB

Early October

Vancouver International Film Festival in Vancouver, BC

September-October

Lavazza IncluCity Press Conference in Toronto, ON

Late May

Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, ON

Mid September

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Wondering how to start learning filmmaking? Keep reading for our 8 tips on how to get started in filmmaking for beginners.

By: Kennedy Randall

There is no single place to start learning filmmaking. Learning the craft is a long journey where you will discover what role you want on set and what stories you want to tell. How to get started in filmmaking comes down to you and the effort you can put in gaining experience. Whether that’s on set, in school, or in your area, seize the day and start learn filmmaking. 

Below, we have six starting points to start learning filmmaking. Everyone start’s somewhere, even the greatest directors. Hard work, creativity, and passion will be your guides, but keep reading for our guide on how to begin your journey in the film industry.

Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Film Production Program!

1. Watch and Study Movies

Likely, watching movies is what drew you to filmmaking in the first place. Watching films is a great place to start on your filmmaking journey. When you are enjoying movies with friends or family, think about what you think made this film a great one. Notice how they organise their shots and scenes. As well, think about how they have used the camera to develop the plot. By taking the time to really see what makes a great film, you will develop a critical eye that will help you develop your own films.

Take the time to watch the classics as well as new movies coming out today. Director Steven Spielberg has said that he still learns from films that came out 50 years ago and tells aspiring filmmakers to watch the classics. Whether that’s Citizen Kane or Man with a Movie Camera, these are resources that are integral to filmmaking for beginners. 

2. Pick Up A Camera

Obviously, eventually, you will need some professional equipment. But this is your first film, not your oscar winning feature! There is nothing stopping you from shooting something on the phone in your back pocket. As a beginner, the best way to learn is to experiment with short videos and shots on your phone. You don’t need to invest in expensive gear, have a massive budget to start learning filmmaking.

Your best assets are your creativity and what you have on hand. Grab a couple friends and shoot a short film. All you need is an idea, script, cast, and location. Practice making storyboards and getting your friends to act out different stories while you discover what your filmmaking style will be.

3. Start Learning Filmmaking from Experts

There are no better people to learn filmmaking from than the people currently in the industry. Jumping into filmmaking school is a comprehensive place to start. After 12 months at this film and television course, you will learn directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and editing under the mentorship of working industry professionals. You will also leave film school with 12 films under your belt. This is not only extremely useful experience but one of these 12 films could be something you market to streaming services or production companies. By diving right into a video production course you get on set experience with top of the line equipment, room for your creativity to flourish, and prepares you for the professional film industry. 

Along with this, attending seminars or masterclasses led by industry professionals is a great place to start learning filmmaking. If you are a parks and recreation fan or curious about screenwriting in general, check out this online master class on How to Develop a Comedy Series with Norm Hiscock, a comedy screenwriter for Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Saturday Night Live. Learning from people who are involved in the industry you want to be in is a great place to start filmmaking for beginners. 

4. Volunteer on Set

Any experience you can get on set is a learning experience. When looking at how to start learning filmmaking, volunteering on set is a great choice as not only do you learn best by doing, but you also meet people involved in the industry. Being an eager and hard working volunteer may one day lead to a paid gig or other filmmaking opportunities.

Looking on reddit or other online forums about filmmaking in your area is a great place to find work. As well, you could ask your instructors from film school if they know anyone who is looking for a helping hand on set. Gaining hands-on experience is one of the best ways to figure out what you like to do. Whether that be sound, directing, or post-production, the only way to know if it is for you is to try it!

5. Participate in Filmmaking Challenges

There are various filmmaking challenges out there designed for beginners to get some practice and recognition for their hard work. Importantly, many of them are short film competitions, making them easily accessible for beginners. You can find some of these competitions on FilmFreeway, which also has film festival resources that you can check out. Otherwise, just quickly google search for some short film competitions that are either online or in your area.

6. Network

These previous five starting points can offer you experience and a chance to network. Connect with local aspiring filmmakers to make your first film, watch movies together, and compete in challenges. As well, your instructors and peers at film school are an incredibly valuable resource. The person sitting next to you in your class could be your future business partner! Further, your instructors may pass along news of job opportunities and internships that could be of interest to their students. Never estimate the power of word of mouth!

Overall, we hope that these six tips will be the push you need to start learning filmmaking. All famous filmmakers were sitting where you once were, deciding how to get started. The path to becoming an award-winning filmmaker and seeing your dreams come alive on screen is not a clear cut one. However, with creativity and drive to succeed, there is nothing that can stop you.

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Wondering how to become a professional screenwriter? Keep reading for nine tips on how to get your start in the screenwriting industry. 

By: Rachel Kim

So we hear you dream of becoming a professional screenwriter. You’re vibrating with ideas and you ardently long to see your stories come to moving, breathing, audio-visual life. You want your screenplays to join the annals of Oscar winners like Aaron Sorkin’s The Social Network and Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite or like Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds (which didn’t win Best Original Screenplay but was so popular, it was sold as a paperback in bookstores!).

But where do you begin? How do you become a professional screenwriter?

The short answer is with a lot of work and perseverance. But you already knew that. Besides, you have enough passion and coffee to fuel you through it.

If you’re serious about a career in screenwriting, keep reading for the long answer in our guide on how to become a professional screenwriter.

Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Writing for Film and Television Program!

Amateur VS. Professional Screenwriters

All professional screenwriters were once amateurs. In fact, the very best professionals still carry the spark—the love of storytelling and the craft—that they had when they first began. Everything else they learned and developed on the way.

To become a professional screenwriter, it requires certain skills, knowledge, and perception that hobbyists don’t necessarily need. Professionals know how to analyze their own work, see what worked and what didn’t, and adjust their processes to produce better writing. They also know how to accept, evaluate, and use feedback as well as provide constructive feedback for others.

The ability to work collaboratively with others is especially crucial for TV writers who spend most of their time hashing it out as a group in the writer’s room. Get a sneak peak of what happens in a TV writers room here.

How to Become a Professional Screenwriter

1. Master Standard Formatting

If you read the Inglourious Basterds screenplay, you’ll notice interesting quirks and breaks from screenplay conventions. But that’s only allowed because it was written by Quentin Tarantino. Since you aren’t Tarantino, such deviations are only going to hurt your script’s chances of even getting read. It’s best to make standard formatting second nature to you, at least until you hit it big.

2. Sign Up for Masterclasses

Attending a masterclass is a great way to get a taste of structured instruction as well as inspiration from highly-experienced and successful screenwriters in the industry. Many masterclasses (like the upcoming “How to Develop a Comedy Series” masterclass with Emmy-Award winning screenwriter Norm Hiscock) are held online, making them more affordable and accessible for all.

Click here for more information!

3. Join a Writer’s Group

As already said above, a professional writer needs to be able to work with others, whether that means exchanging feedback or working collaboratively on a single project. Writers aren’t exactly known for their social prowess but, like working out a muscle, repeated practice will take you a long way. Joining a group of writers to share your work, give and receive critique, and even offer support in each other’s creative journeys will prepare you for a professional screenwriter’s life.

4. Use Specialized Screenwriting Software

The tool doesn’t make the artist but it can sure make your life easier. Professional screenwriters do create their work in specialized screenwriting software because it makes formatting easier and provides a clean space to write without distractions.

The industry standard software is Final Draft, used by 95% of studios including Netflix, Paramount, ABC, Pixar, and more. Though it is fairly pricey, it only requires a one-time payment and a provides 30-day trial.

Alternate options include:

• One-time payment: Fade In, Movie Magic Screenwriter
• Subscription: Celtex, WriterDuet, Scrivener
• Freemium: Arc Studio Pro, KitScenarist.
• Free/Open-source: Trelby

Maybe your word processor of choice is good enough for you now, but it’s worth learning how to use Final Draft at least so you can confidently integrate into the industry’s practices.

5. Read Screenplays

All writers need to read other works by better writers. As a screenwriter who loves film, it isn’t enough to watch movies. You have to read the screenplays to understand your craft or else you run into the pitfall of writing screenplays that feel off.

For example: dialogue. Dialogue that works too hard to mimic real life, or to mimic the way an actor might deliver it onscreen, doesn’t flow well on the page. Reading and writing have their own conventions and you need a good grasp of them to properly and skillfully engage the reader.

Moreover, it’s important to also read scripts by people who aren’t idiosyncratic auteurs. Get a good feel for the standard screenplay so you aren’t unwittingly copying someone else’s quirk. Remember: if they don’t know you, they won’t know if it’s intentional or a mistake.

6. Write & Rewrite & Rewrite & Rewrite

Okay, so this one is a no-brainer. You’ll get nowhere if you don’t actually write. Write an original pilot, write a screenplay for film, write spec scripts. Write log lines and treatments for your scripts. Don’t stop writing.

But don’t just write first drafts. Rewrite, and then rewrite again, and then rewrite it again. Knowing where to look and how to polish your drafts is crucial to become a professional screenwriter. Plus, with practice, you’ll build up the stamina you need to do those countless rewrites without breaking a sweat.

7. Create a Professional Portfolio

Alright, you’ve written and rewritten and now you’ve got a good pile of completed scripts. It’s time to put together a professional screenwriting portfolio.

Pick out a balanced variety of your BEST original and spec scripts or feature film screenplays. Add in your resume, cover letter, and—if you’re lucky enough to have industry contacts—recommendation letters. Make sure your digital portfolio is easy to navigate and your files are labeled and presented neatly.

8. Submit to Screenwriting Fellowships, Grants, & Competitions

Getting started in the competitive screenwriting field can be hard, especially without connections. However, submitting to programs like the Academy Nicholl Fellowships or the Sundance Screenwriters Lab gives you a chance to get your work produced, secure an agent, receive mentorship, and/or built a network. Check out some screenwriting contests that can launch you career here.

9. Commit to Your Screenwriting Career

Committing to your career means putting your time, energy, and money where your mouth is. Invest in yourself by taking courses, meeting and workshopping with other writers, seeking resources, attending events, or enrolling in a professional screenwriting program. Take your dreams seriously so others will take you seriously too.

Advantages of Attending a Professional Screenwriting Program

Enroling in a film school or a screenwriting course is a big but highly valuable investment. The difference is like journeying down a uneven dirt road versus a paved street. Schools provide the infrastructure in which you can focus on your writing while maintaining a clear understanding of where you need to go.

A proper professional screenwriting education provides:

• Mentorship from industry professionals
• Opportunities to network
• Organized education in creative theory and industry standards
• A springboard into the industry
• A diverse portfolio
• Experience working in a collaborative writing environment
• and more…

It’s also worth looking for a screenwriting course like InFocus’ Writing For Film + Television Program that emphasizes a writer’s room environment so students are familiar and comfortable collaborating with other writers and know what to expect before even entering the industry.

Another top asset found in school is your fellow classmates. Your peers will be your first network of screenwriting professionals as you enter the industry together. Creating connections with industry mentors and classmates alike is an invaluable advantage unique to the educational space.

Hopefully you now have a clearer idea of the path to become a professional screenwriter. If you’re considering attending a screenwriting program or even just have questions, our admissions advisors are always happy to chat.

The greatest screenwriters of our time started where you are now, so trust in your passion and invest in yourself. We can’t wait to see you become the next screenwriting superstar!

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Applying or planning to apply to film festivals? Read on to find out 6 key ways to make your film festival submission stand out.

By: Sophia Lin

Every year, thousands apply to film festivals. From film students to aspiring filmmakers to industry veterans it’s a rapidly growing number. The festival circuit remains the premier way to get your film out there. It is a chance to secure distribution, and reach awards consideration, serving as the ideal fast track to a successful and illustrious career in the film industry.

However, it can seem like a daunting task to make your film festival submission stand out. While there’s no perfect recipe for a winning submission, there are several critical ways to make your film — be it anything from a micro-short to a feature — win the hearts of festival programmers. Well-informed considerations regarding festival strategy, technical proficiency, submission descriptions, and more can make all the difference when it comes down to the fine line between rejection and selection.

Below, we’ve detailed 6 ways to make your film festival submission stand out, tailored specifically to film students looking to catch their first big break.

Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Film Production Program!

1. Be Yourself and Be Unique to Make Your Film Festival Submission Stand Out

Perhaps deceptively simple, the first goal you can undertake is to remain authentic and pursue the stories that you truly believe are worth telling. Hone in on what makes you different and idiosyncratic; focus on what you have to say. If you eschew making the film that you think festivals want and instead make the film you want, it leads to one crucial quality: a unique vision.

An untold number of applicants either consciously or subconsciously create within a common mold, with the intention of replicating what a good film appears to be. When you think outside of the box and create in a way that only you can create, it leaves a lasting impression on festival programmers. They are looking for new voices, untold stories, and risk-takers who advance the craft of filmmaking.

2. Demonstrate Proficiency in Sound

All too often, applicants tend to focus solely on a few aspects: the story, the cinematography, the acting, and the editing. And while these certainly serve as the backbone of a film, there is one equally important factor that is left mostly forgotten and quickly thrown together: the sound.

Technical proficiency when it comes to sound mixing and sound editing can separate the good and the great. Excellent sound design, if paired with an otherwise well-executed film, is more than likely to shoot your submission to the top in the eyes of festival directors. These days, believe it or not, sound is the pivotal secret ingredient at times overlooked by even the best of rising filmmakers.

3. Research Festivals Carefully

It may seem obvious, but conducting research on film festivals is not as easy as it sounds. For one, the sheer amount of festivals has compounded in the last decade, with as many as 10,000 festivals on FilmFreeway. So how do you sort through the mix?

The first step is to look into the festival’s past programming. Use this to examine if they’re looking for your particular type of film. Festivals can have different themes, such as experimental, documentary, or conventional narrative. Next, understand the level of the festival: is it A-list and international, regional, or a smaller local one? Ensure that this makes sense with your submission. Especially for new filmmakers, informed festival choices will greatly maximize your chances of selection. From there, you can then start to work up the ladder!

4. Reach Out to Festival Programmers

The old adage is to network, network, network. We’re here to break that idea down a bit. Rather than attempting to mass connect with as many industry insiders as you can, it can be much more productive to conduct directed efforts to reach only the programmers for the film festivals you’re interested in.

The individual goals of festivals are meant to be distinctly separate from one another. Therefore, festival directors and programmers tend to differ hugely in terms of what they look for. For instance, you would rarely catch overlaps between the films at Sundance vs. at the Cannes Film Festival. For that reason, reach out to specific people and apply their advice on a festival-to-festival basis. This is also an excellent way to get your name out there, even before your film is considered.

5. Consider Model Festival Strategies

Creating your own developed festival circuit strategy — the precise timing, order, and selection of festivals — can take years of experience, not to mention precarious amounts of trial and error. If you’re just starting out, am alternative is to research the festival strategies of successful films you admire.

When in the year did they begin submissions? How spread out were their submissions? What was their endgame in the circuit? Then, once you’ve pinpointed the strong and weak points, model your own film’s festival strategy after it. Remember that a submission shouldn’t be the end of your efforts. You should also seek to build your network in a way that meshes with your festival strategy.

6. Polish Title, Synopsis, and Descriptions

A common trait of standout film festival submissions is that no detail is left unpolished. This could not be more true for one of the smallest yet most crucial details out there: the text that is paired with your film. Every festival will ask for a title and a synopsis, with many leaving room for additional descriptions.

At the very least, perfect your title. Countless films are submitted with generic, overused titles, which unnecessarily and disastrously harm even the most exceptional works. The title is how you make your first impression and make your film festival submission stand out, so use it to your full advantage. Following that same logic, any other text descriptions should be just as thoughtfully written. You’ve poured all the hard work into your film, now, just put your best foot forward.

These six steps are a great start in making your film festival submission stand out against the competition. Most importantly, stick to the stories you want to tell through filmmaking and share them with the world.

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Wondering if screenwriting is for you? Get to know Canadian screenwriter Norm Hiscock writer for Parks and Recreation, Saturday Night Live, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine!

By: Kennedy Randall

Screenwriting is a hugely challenging and exciting profession. The writers play an essential role in any project that you see on screen. They are the brains behind the story that is making you feel emotion. Comedy writers are tasked with the difficult task of making diverse audiences laugh at the same program.

Norm Hiscock is an Emmy Award winning screenwriter who has written episodes for some of the funniest TV comedies like Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Saturday Night Live, King of the Hill and many more. As well, he has dabbled in directing and producing on many of these series. This experience has given him incredible insider knowledge of the film industry that he will be sharing with InFocus during his “How to Develop A Comedy Series” masterclass with InFocus Film School.

Click here to register!

Norm Hiscock grew up in Montreal, Quebec. At a young age, he found his inspiration to become a screenwriter by watching sitcoms and sketch shows while he was growing up. Sketch comedy consists of short amusing scenes or vignettes and he wanted to know more about the people who wrote the shows 

“Even though I didn’t really understand what a writer did, it just seemed cool that creatively the script was the blueprint and this sparked other people’s imagination,” he says.

His first writing job was on the Canadian sketch show Kids In The Hall, which was a mix of short films and taped live in front of an audience. When Kids In The Hall was done, the producer from the show, Lorne Michaels, brought Hiscock over to write for Saturday Night Live with him which was a huge accomplishment in his career.

After working on so many award winning shows, Hiscock has learned many valuable lessons while on set. In 1999, Norm Hiscock won the “Outstanding Animated Program” Emmy Award for working as a producer and writer on King of The Hill. 

“I learned how to write for different kinds of comedy voices and the importance of collaboration,” he says. “King of the Hill also taught me what elements contribute to a good story and how to fully develop characters, even if they are animated.”  

On Parks and Recreation, Hiscock found keeping a set loose and fun was important to the experience of shooting Parks and Recreation. Working with Ron Swanson (played by Nick Offerman) would do that! 

“On the set of Parks and Recreation, including the actors in the development of the characters on set was very important to the story overall” he added. 

Other than being a good writer and having a good story to tell, a screenwriter should feel comfortable rewriting. 

“Rewriting is the most important skill and a writer should not be afraid of doing this,” he says. “By rewriting you can sharpen the focus of the story and layer it through character.” 

Norm Hiscock will be sharing his wisdom and much more as a guest speaker at InFocus Film School’s three public masterclass seminars from April and July. Norm Hiscock is looking forward to talking about screenwriting with those looking to take their storytelling skills to the next level. 

Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Writing for Film and Television Program!

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