networking

From the archives: At least buy me a drink first

Maximum Z community, manners, networking, professionalism, relationships, respect, screenplay, screenwriting, script, social media , , , , , , , , ,

After yet another online encounter with somebody who started things off in this manner, it seemed only fitting to revisit this post from March 2023. Incidentally, I never did hear back from that writer, so can only hope they took my advice to heart.

Enjoy.

Pop quiz!

You’ve got a script you’re quite excited about. You’ve slaved away on it and now can’t wait to show it off to the rest of the world.

But you want to make sure it’s as good as it can be, and that means getting feedback.

Who do you ask?

Is it:

A – a professional script consultant

B – somebody in your network of writers

C – a total stranger you just met. Like, minutes ago

And the answer is…?

Okay. Pencils down.

It would be nice to think that common sense, logic, and professionalism would influence your answer.

A and B are both correct.

Unfortunately, there are some who think it’s C, and are very adamant about that decision.

I was recently on the receiving end of such a scenario. A writer had asked to connect on a social media platform, I accepted, and within a matter of minutes received links to a trailer and pitch deck for their script.

I responded with a blunt “thanks”, to which they said they were looking for help to improve the script.

I said I’d try to think of some suggestions for consultants and services they could check out.

They were hoping I’d do it, to which I responded “I charge for notes too”.

They took that as “I accept your offer, and will now work with you!” and sent an NDA for me to sign.

I’m sure you can guess what my reaction to that was.

I tried to end it by saying that starting a connection with “Thanks! Read my stuff! Help me!” was not the way to go. Shockingly, they failed to get the point and kept going.

There were a few other issues that came up, so let’s just say the rest of our exchange proceeded to go downhill like an out-of-control bobsled on fire.

FOR CRYIN’ OUT LOUD – DON’T DO THIS!!

I get it. The enthusiasm. The heightened adrenaline. The hope/daydream that anybody who reads your script will immediately proclaim it “best ever!”

What a lot of writers, both new and those still learning, fail to comprehend is that part of being successful at screenwriting is establishing and maintaining professional relationships. You can’t just jump right in with a total stranger and say “You don’t know me, but I want you to help me”.

Would you want to be on the receiving end of that? Of course not. So why do some writers feel it’s a savvy move? If anything, you’re sabotaging yourself before you even get started.

It’s essential to take the time to build your personal network, and one of the key phrases here is “take the time”. Nothing happens in the blink of an eye. It requires patience, tact, and civility.

Putting in the time and effort to be a good screenwriter isn’t only about the writing. Knowing how to play well with others is just as important.

Be nice to people. Treat them how you’d want to be treated. Help them out if/when you can.

Then you meet for drinks.

That’s how you do it.

From the archives: Lattes, lunches & kindred spirits

Maximum Z coffee, community, encouragement, networking, screenplay, screenwriting, script, social media, support, writing , , , , , , , , ,
“And then he actually asked, “But what’s your Save the Cat moment?””

My next few weeks are quickly shaping up to be busy with all kinds of meetings with other writers; both in-person and over Zoom. Some are first-timers, others are “great to see you again!”. This really is one of the things I appreciate and enjoy most about the writing community: interacting with other writers.

It seemed only fitting to repost one of my favorite posts – this one from August 2016.

Enjoy.

It’s been a busy week around here, and not just in terms of writing.

I’ve had some great in-person meet-ups with three other local writers over the past couple of days. Two were first-timers, the third was someone I’ve known for a couple of years. Each one was great in its own way. This really is one of my favorite parts of networking – actually meeting somebody else and getting to know them.

Because of my work schedule, lunch or early afternoon coffee are ideal. I prefer a nice little cafe because it always makes for a better one-on-one environment: quiet, sociable, pleasant. Larger networking events, usually at bars, tend to be pretty crowded and noisy, which makes it tough to establish a solid rapport. I’m not too keen on having to continuously shout and not be entirely sure either of us can hear the other.

The first meeting usually involves the exchanging of “here’s my story” mini-bios, and then moves on to what’s going on for both parties. Over the course of about an hour, we’ll share and discuss our individual journeys as writers. Everybody’s journey is different, and I always find each one quite fascinating.

We often share many similarities: our constantly working in the hopes of eventually succeeding as a writer (or filmmaker), the noticeable excitement while discussing our latest project(s), wondering how it’ll go and how it’ll be received.

We are also allowed free rein to vent our frustration about whatever’s currently sticking in our respective craws. Bad experiences, lack of funds for a project, feeling stuck with developing a story, dealing with lousy notes, and so on. One of my new connections even stated, “It’s nice to know I’m not the only one this has happened to!”

That may be what’s at the heart of all of this: knowing you’re not the only one trying to do this, and that somebody else totally understands what it is you’re going through. Simply being able to chat about it in a casual social setting can do wonders; one might even call it therapeutic.

I also make a point of offering to help out in any capacity I can, which tends to usually be either giving script notes or suggesting potential contacts and strategies, and just about everybody is more than happy to reciprocate. Who can’t use a little help?

If you haven’t done so already, I heartily recommend reaching out and connecting with somebody in your area, especially if both of you are within close proximity to each other. Chances are they’re seeking to do the exact same thing.

You know the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”? Well, this not only applies to breaking in, but also to helping you work your way towards that. Building up your personal network of fellow creatives is easy, won’t cost you that much (just what you’d spend on a cup of coffee or a meal), and is a definite plus for all involved.

From the archives: Don’t be that person

Maximum Z community, encouragement, feedback, networking, professionalism, screenplay, screenwriting, script, social media, support, writing , , , , , , , , , ,

yelling

The story you are about to read is true. Only the names have been omitted to protect the innocent.

Had an encounter earlier this week that reminded me of this post from August 2020. Still rings true today. Enjoy.

The script of a friend of mine has had some positive results in the contest world, and the most recent venture was getting professional analysis on it, resulting in somewhat decent scores.

I’ve read this script, and it’s very, very good. It takes a classic story everybody knows, and then examines what happens AFTER the events of that story. There’s a lot to like about it, and my friend is doing what they can to get it out there.

Part of their effort is seeking advice from those with more experience. Sometimes it’s via social media, private online groups, or public community forums. We’re in several of the same groups, so I’ve seen a lot of my friend’s posts.

Not that I consider myself to be especially ‘experienced’, but since becoming connected with this person, I’ve done what I can to be supportive and helpful when applicable.

Earlier this week, my friend came to me with a dilemma.

They’ve been frequenting a community forum where one of the members regularly belittles or downplays any form or announcement of good news posted by another writer. Sometimes it’s along the lines of “”Look, this is a tough industry. If you can’t take the criticism, you’re totally in the wrong field, which it looks like you are.”

I also marveled at how much time people tend to spend on these forums. Many comments tend to be of the “I know better than you, so bow before my obvious superiority” sort. This was a big part of why I stepped away from them. I’d rather spend my time, y’know, actually writing.

Quick side note – the person claims to have representation, and some optioned scripts as well as a news release from a few years ago about their latest script being shopped around. Both my friend and I scoured IMDB Pro for any mention of them at all, but…bupkis. Take from that what you will.

As much as I consider every other writer to be my competition, I don’t think I’d ever actively try to dissuade somebody from trying. Would I remind them this is an extremely tough field to break into, let alone thrive in, and that their overall chances of success are very small? Yes.

I’ve also dealt with “professionals” who’ve talked down to me and told me my story ideas were stupid and worthless, using the reasoning “I’m just treating you the way somebody in the industry would. If you can’t take it, maybe you shouldn’t be trying.”

Not having as much experience as some, the people I have encountered were actually polite, helpful and supportive. If something didn’t work for them, I’d at least get “thanks, but no thanks.”

This does compel me to ask:  is that really how the industry treats most people?

This most recently came to a head when my friend asked about suggestions for how to use the positive results they received from a reputable script analysis service as a marketing tool.

The same person was the first to respond, saying the concept wasn’t that original, so the script didn’t have much of a chance, and marketing it would be a very tough sell. When asked what they would recommend, they seemed to just repeat the same things.

My advice to my friend was to ignore 99 percent of what that other person said, but keep in mind that yes, the field for potential interest in their script is limited, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t at least try. There’s no guarantee, but you never know who might say yes.

I made some suggestions of possible strategies, and summed it up with the standard “if they say no, you move on to the next one.”

As many of you probably already know, I’m a big believer not just in networking, but also in supporting the writing community. I try to help when I can any way I can.

This other person seemed to run completely counter to that. I just don’t see the point in why they would. To make themselves seem important? To show off their accomplishments? Wouldn’t they rather be seen in a positive light, rather than a negative one? I know I would.

I also mentioned to my friend that treating people like that could eventually backfire. Just because you might be a nobody today doesn’t mean you couldn’t be somebody important tomorrow.

And writers have long memories. We tend to remember those who leave bad impressions.

The best I could offer my friend was that I was there to help them and offer encouragement and advice when needed, and I hope other writers feel the same about their friends as well.

The countdown continues…

Maximum Z community, contest, genre, logline, networking, proofreading, screenplay, screenwriting, script, social media, spec, television, writing , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The number of listings continues to grow for the upcoming Maximum Z Winter ’23 Script Showcase.

The Showcase will post on Friday 22 December, so submissions will be accepted until Thursday 21 December. Like the lady in the gif says – you’ve got two weeks and counting to send in the details about your script.

I’m thrilled that lots of writers are taking advantage of this absolutely free opportunity to put their screenplay or TV script in the spotlight.

Are you one of them? If so, great and thanks!

If not, why the heck not? It’s super-easy and all you need to do is send an email here with the following info:

Film or TV?

Title

Author(s)

Genre(s)

Logline

Awards, if applicable – limit of 5

Your email

And this cannot be stressed enough: PROOFREAD YOUR INFO BEFORE SENDING IT!!

Is everything on there accurate and spelled correctly? There have been a few listings that left out some important details. As one writer responded when asked if it was a TV or film script, their response was “Oh, God. I had ONE job: Fill out the form correctly!”

Exactly.

Also important: DO NOT SEND THE SCRIPT

-and-

ONLY ONE SUBMISSION PER PERSON

Once the post is up, I’ll put a link to it on my social media accounts. Hope you’ll share it around and proudly announce your inclusion.

For those that have submitted in years past, already-submitted scripts are welcome, but new material is encouraged.

A few writers have asked if short film scripts and specs for existing TV shows are allowed. The answer is YES.

Feel free to email me at the address above if you have any other questions.

Clock’s ticking.

Put your best script forward

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With the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes over, an event originally planned for earlier this year can now take place.

That’s right. It’s time for the triumphant return of The Maximum Z Winter ’23 Script Showcase!

Got a feature or short screenplay, or a TV script you want the rest of the world to know about? This is your chance to do exactly that – for the incredibly reasonable price of ABSOLUTELY FREE.

On Friday, December 22nd, a list of scripts easily available and shareable with pretty much anybody will be posted here, and yours could be part of it. I’ll also post a link to it on a few other platforms, thereby enabling as much access to it as possible. You are also more than welcome to do the same so you can proudly proclaim “Hey! Check it out! My script’s in here!”. What better way to toot your own horn?

And since it’ll be a wide assortment of scripts, chances are some of the listings could make you think “Hey, I’d like to read that!” Each listing already includes the writer’s email, so it’s a piece of cake to contact them directly and say “Hey, can I read this?”

What a bargain, huh?

Submissions accepted between now and Thursday, Dec 21st.

Here’s how it works:

Email the following info here with the subject line “Maximum Z Winter ’23 Script Showcase”

-Film or TV?

-Title

-Author(s)

-Genre(s)

-Logline

-Awards (if applicable) – limit of 5

-your email

That’s all. Pretty simple, right?

However, there are two very important details to keep in mind:

-ONLY ONE SCRIPT PER PERSON

and

-DO NOT SEND THE SCRIPT!!

Previously-listed scripts are okay, but new scripts are encouraged.

Also highly encouraged – PROOFREAD YOUR EMAIL BEFORE SENDING!! Is all the info correct? No typos? I’ve received more than a few over the years that could have used a good edit. How it’s written in your email is how it’ll be written in the post.

The inbox is open with a deadline of Thursday, December 21st, so don’t delay and send today!

Looking forward to seeing what you’ve got.