Schmoozing

Don't ever kiss ass! Just be your self and have something interesting to say. Don't talk too much. Let them engage most of the conversation because then you'll know they are interested in you. I am great at networking, not shmoozing, that sounds like a used car salesman term. Be relaxed, be yourself, that's the best advice I can give! Oh and try to make skin contact, i.e. shake hands and always make eye contact!

And listen. Listen to everything they say. If they are somebody that you want to work with you need to soak up everything they have to offer. Nothing makes you look better than being attentive and learning.

And like Floydian Trip said, don't talk too much. If you act like you know more than you do, they will see right through you. Pick and choose your words wisely.

Remember, they have something you need. Not the other way around.

Work film fests in your area. Be responsible and adult and mature when working them as well.

I worked the Austin Film Fest and because of my work I got to sit in on some pretty cool panels that regular attendees diedn't. Also, since I was a help, i got to talk to a lot of filmmakers while walking them around.

Also if you are just schmoozing, let them lead the conversation. Find out what they are interested in. That's a trick I learned when I was a reporter. Let the person you are talking to lead the interview/talk so you can find out what they are interested in and looking for.

And get to know local filmmakers in your area. You never know when someone is going to strike it big. Remember, just because someone isn't big now doesn't mean they won't be tomorrow.

I've discovered that when surrounded by people you might freak out over - don't.

I don't act nonchalant - I let people know I'm excited and privaledged to be in a position to talk to whoever they are - because they're making movies. So it's Lloyd Kaufman, it's Charles Band, it's Terence Chang - whoever. They're making movies and you're not - so you need to make them feel that you do respect the time and the audience you're given.

At the same time, early on - I feel like I failed to make an impression because I was too calm and too reverent. I was like a Geisha, I think. Emotionless - placid to the point of boring. I didn't want to overstep any boundaries...

Now I realize that boundaries exist for people who have cubicle jobs, watch Friends, and PAAARRRR-TAY on the weekends. You wanna' live that life, fine. I'd like more. You have to make a mark in people's minds.

I've made a solid impression on people by just being myself - kicking the occasional joke, running with a reference...

Be fun. Have fun. Realize that if someone lets you into their office that you're one step closer to realizing a dream. Share that excitement with them, and they'll probably like you just fine.

I could never schmooz, I've got this damn stuttering problem. That's why screen writing is the perfect career for me...I'm an idiot.

Damn Hot Animal Machine, you really are full of great info. YOu shou;d gather it up and sell it to people. Or maybe i should shutup while im getting good information for free!

Anyways, ive never been much of a kiss ass. I like to be straight with people all the time, to the point that im almost rude at times. (i gotta work on that) But i dont think kissing someones ass earns you their respect. I mean if you think about it, why would u respect someone thats just kissing ass? I might give him something low level to keep em outta my hair, but i could never really respect that person. My advise is the same as these guys, be yourself, try not to become a kiss ass. If they value you they should value you for yourself and what you can offer them.

I mean if you make your way up as a kiss ass thats all you'll ever be. Seen many people try to work their way around like that. Oh yah and the same would apply to sleeping your way up the corporate ladder. Just in case hehe you never know.

yeah i'm definitely a hermit writer, i'm entering a couple of contests, but my desire doesn't lie in makng films, it lies in writing, so schmoozing, networking, kissing ass, socializing, i have no clue whatsoever about these things, and i don't wanna know, two points of advice, and yes, they are recycled:

1. Listen to Animal.

2. When you are selling something, and let's face it we all are, you're really selling yourself.

Unfortunately New_Order these qualities are just as important for a writer, epsecially when dealing with agents/publishers etc.
You may have the next Memento or Donnie Darko in your sweaty palms but if you're no good at the schmoozing then you'll have a tougher time trying to 'sell' it or get your work noticed.
In a perfect world all writers would be able to make a living on their writing alone but thats not the case.
It might be different over in the US but over here you need to be able ot present yourself to a possible agent/publisher/producer as well as your work.

yeah, but like i said, i'm not so much into the film making, nor the initial temporary acclaim, i write more as an add on to my life than a sole purpose or career drive, self-publishing and the contests are probably the extent of the effort i'll allow, if i'd the time i'd do indie, but that's about it, overall i agree with what you said, to work in or get into the "biz" you do have to schmooze, it's just not really where i'm headed right now...

Thats cool pal, i shouldve have been a bit clearer, i meant that if it was your career then it is kinda part of the whole thing to schmooze.