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May General Meeting
by Claire Soares
(May 2003) |
If They Buy You, They’ll Buy Your Idea
“The first rule of show business: It's who you know -- or just as accurately -- it's who knows you,” Emmy-nominated Writer-Producer Ellen Sandler told members of the Scriptwriters Network during the May general meeting.
It's about getting to know others, more than shining yourself, she explained. It's also less about meeting the most important people and more about building a network of support with people that have the same problems and aspirations as you. Many small connections are better than one big connection with no continuity or no developed relationship with that person. Ellen confessed to being basically a shy person who doesn’t like to socialize and said, “If I can do it, anyone can.”
She pointed out that networking and forming personal relationships and rapport would be what makes the difference. Ellen demonstrated her point with an interactive approach to her audience.
A few of the other helpful tips that she suggested were: “Keep a database of people you meet and stay in touch by considering what you have to offer others: attention, congratulations on successes – everyone appreciates support; ideas, shared contacts – everyone needs help. Give at least one party a year,” suggests Ellen, adding that an invitation is a great way to stay in touch with someone you haven’t seen or talked to for a few months. Even if they can’t attend, you’ve reconnected.
“The second rule of show business: there are no rules, but you have to follow them anyway and figure them out.” Fears (with newcomers) include a fear of rejection, that one isn’t good enough and that they might get it wrong. The good news is you are talented enough. The bad news is that talent is not enough. It’s only about ten percent. The rest is work, consistency and follow through. Television writing is simple, but simple is not easy. Again Ellen engaged the audience actively in illustrating her points.
On pitching:
“The pitch starts in the parking lot. Smile at the parking attendant, and everyone else you come in contact with. It’s good practice being open and friendly and it can even make you less nervous. And, of course, you never know who you’re being nice to. This is show business, he or she could just be the boss. If not now, next week.”
With volunteers from the audience trying a brief pitch, Ellen demonstrated: If you know you’re going to be meeting ‘someone,’ research what they’ve done, so you can converse thoughtfully and be knowledgeably complimentary.
Have something ready to say after you’ve said your name and be specific. Compliments or interesting questions are great for beginning a relationship.
Communication is about give and take. Listening is often more important than talking.
“Convey your message concisely and accurately. Consider why you want to tell this story. That’s where you will find your passion. Also, what the script is about is not the same as what happens in it. Be sure to include both elements in your pitch. Who you are and why you care about what you are pitching is much more memorable and engaging than just what your idea is about.”
You will often be pitching to a development person who has to, in turn, sell your idea to an executive, so keep the pitch simple and short, hit the key points, and practice your log line.
Ellen suggests that you practice your pitch until you don't need to think about it to deliver it at a meeting. “You never want to pitch by rote. You want to be completely familiar with your story, know what specific points you want to hit but keep the delivery improvisational so it will be fresh.”
Ellen invited all members of the Network to attend Off the Page!, her bi-monthly script readings in Santa Monica which are usually just open to her previous students and consultation clients. Sitcom draft scripts are read at these meetings, sometimes by known actors. If you are interested in information about Off the Page! or Ellen’s private script consulting and career strategy coaching, contact her at: Ellen@KohnCommunications.COM or check out her Website HTTP://SANDLERINK.HOME.ATBI.COM
- Previous Network Meetings:
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