Six Degrees of Film Conferences
So I just got back from a film conference. i know what you’re thinking. Oh Jae, that’s so much money… and time. Is it really worth it?
Like anything that question is largely situational.
Are you super busy and have no paid time off to take from your current tent making job?
No? Then don’t. Maybe attend a day or two at a local one.
But if you have a couple to 4 days that you are willing to INVEST in yourself and the film community. Do it. Take it.
Do you have the money and time to invest in a new career that might not pay off for the next 5 years? Then yes do it. Buy the tickets (and the meal plan- I’ll get to that later).
I know there is a range of big or small conferences you can go to. I prefer the small ones. I know you might think they don’t offer the big names in the industry so why go, but THIS is why I’m writing the article. You need to network. I don’t know much about other industries, but I do know film and it’s ALWAYS networking. I can’t tell you how many people come up and ask me about some PAs in such and such state. Or a cam op in such and such state. Want to know how I know who to recommend? It’s through the people I meet at these “small” conferences that I see their work and know they have the hustle, drive and talent to do the job.
Here’s the thing, yes small conferences can be incredibly intimidating. A room full of people I don’t know… or better yet you know them… but they don’t know you (hello, internet research) is not everyone’s cat’s meow.
It’s like the first day of school, you are only thinking of you and your outfit and come to find out EVERYONE is only thinking of themselves and their outfit and making sure they don’t trip going up the stairs. We are all the same. We are all a bit hesitant going into that room of people we don’t know. So be the person you want to meet. You know what I mean? You want someone who comes up to you with a warm smile and you automatically feel at ease. They say their name what they are doing there and ask you questions about yourself and the projects you are interested in. YOU be THAT person. You don’t have to know anyone to be a good hang.
Now, I know you might want to “pace yourself” but really make the most of your time there. If the workshops interest you go. Especially if a speaker is someone that you can identify with or has the information you are looking for. Big conferences obviously have a great number of speakers going on simultaneously and you might meet someone in the room as you grab a seat.
BUT the small ones. I love these the one I got back from, has so much networking time built into it. Introductions to the room are made, we talk about how WE are involved in the film industry, you see that that guy is the producer on that movie that you like. Or that is the distributor for movies you want to make. Earmark it. Make a note. Then go talk to them when there is time.
This one I back from is super special. It’s in Texas (love that) and the weather is always great, it’s on film set so you get to see all the different stages they offer. You get to talk around with the props master, or the Operations guy (Saul is the best) and they talk about their sets.
Then you get to have lunch. It’s always delicious, and you sit around and chat with everyone (NETWORKING). Here’s the key point with Content. ALWAYS GET THE FOOD PACKAGE. You will want to stay in the room eat the food with everyone else. Going off site by yourself and then rushing back is not what you came for. Get the lunch there, stay and meet as many people as possible. You never know who you will meet. You never know if in 6 months from then you will get an email that starts “I don’t know if you remember me, but we met at Content and I remembered you write western scripts and I know a guy who wants to produce a western” or something dreamy like that. It happens, friends.
"But Jae, I know all about scriptwriting. I just want to sell my script.” Still go. These are your people. These are the ones who will cheer for you when you sell that script. These are the one who will encourage you when you are seemingly ignored for the 20th nay 50th time with the “Let me get back to you”. These are the ones that you will need to pass on all that information that you know about screenwriting. A rising tide lifts all boats, my friend. We cannot be selfish in this industry. We cannot be closed handed.
Content 2026 has passed, but you know what Content 2027 registration is now open with 50% off. If you want to go to one of my FAVORITE faith based film conferences? Check it out:
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