For those who do not yet know me, I am the co-founder of BAFTANetworking Assoc. here in San Francisco. We are an Entertainment Networking group that focuses on facilitating the meeting of area professionals for the purpose of creating great Film, Television and Theatre! We are the firelight that attracts serious entertainment professionals to one place, creating the right atmosphere for "chance meetings" to happen. It's difficult to find other like minded professionals in this day and age due to the fact that so many people are abusing the on-line communities we once trusted and relied upon. Naturally, when we see a post on the internet about something that seems too good to be true, our better judgement tells us that it probably is and therefor we miss opportunities. I was speaking to a filmmaker friend of mine just the other day who was baffled by the lack of responses he received for a casting he had posted and this is why. Actors are afraid to answer online posts these days for several reasons....
1. They don't know if it's a scam when it's posted online.
2. They are discouraged due to lack of response to their
submissions.
3. They are discouraged due to the inability to obtain
"copy" from previous work they have completed.
4. They cannot afford the travel expense (bridge tolls,
gas, parking, bart fare etc...)to take part in
the production.
These are just a few reasons that I know of that projects have trouble casting anymore. Maybe if the casting directors had the chance to personally meet the actors before the project is cast, there will be more trust in the agreement from both parties thus improving the casting ability and completion time of projects. Same goes for the tech's involved. You will know from talking to these people personally if they have the drive and commitment that you are looking for in your project. Headshots and resumes are needed and nice yes....but there really is nothing better than meeting and knowing the people you hire before you hire them. It's really plain and simple. People want to feel that they know you before they work with you. References ARE so important. Involvement is key! Around the Bay Area, people know if you are a person who gets involved and that's what makes them WANT to work with you. Three very important questions to ask yourself if you are in the industry...
1. Are you involved?
2. Do filmmakers know who you are?
3. Can fimmakers count on you to be there?
If you answered no to any of those questions, you need to get out there and NETWORK! People will not seek you out to get to know you, you have to get out there and make sure that they do!
~ To get involved or to learn more about BAFTANetworking Assoc. go to (www.freewebs.com/bafttanetworking) click on Ticket Information to find out when the next event will take place. Can't wait to see everyone there!
http://www.myheritage.com
