The first “Get Connected” networking event is around the corner and the four founders got together and expressed their excitement and anticipation for the event. “Get Connected” will pull together resources from around the city and provide filmmakers, actors, production companies and producers a chance to mix and mingle. The founding member and key visionary, Autumn Bailey, leads the brigade and has chosen a terrific location, the Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurants in Atlanta. The atmosphere is expected to be hot and the networking is sure to sizzle!
The team sat down with BSP staff writer and founder of the “Indie Film Review”, Ted Rubin.
So guys I see you have been putting a ton of work into this event targeting the film and investment community here in Atlanta, you must be excited?
(Autumn) I am very excited about this event! I had this vision last year so I am happy to be able to make it real and happy I was able to bring on people I trust to help me. My vision is to be able get there company out there as well while we help the film community and local charities.
(Cynthia) Yes, this is a perfect vehicle! FILMAtlanta is all about collaborative networking with talented, passionate folks who work or are pursuing work in the Atlanta film community.
(Freddy) I am very excited about the “Get Connected” Networking Mixer and even more thrilled to be a part of a team of like minded individuals who share a similar passion/enthusiasm for connecting and promoting the Georgia Entertainment Industry together.
(Brent) Yes! Autumn came to me with the idea and I thought it was awesome and now seeing it all come together is exciting! I am most focused on connecting others with each other and really watching the community grow.
I know Atlanta has a great network here but in your opinion what are the weaknesses in the local Atlanta film industry you think this event will help address?
(Autumn) I think it’s too many private events and things need to open up more for everybody so all people can have a chance in this industry. People tend to stick to who they know and that is not cool. This business is big enough for all people.
(Cynthia) Lack of openness to establish meaningful relationships and referral networks with others who may not normally cross our paths.
(Freddy) One of the biggest weaknesses I see in the Atlanta Film Industry is lack of education of the industry and the ability to network effectively to build ever lasting relationships. An important issue I feel this event will address is meeting new people with a certain skill that may be beneficial to your current Film/TV Project. Atlanta needs more events such as this to bring everyone together and to make a strong impact within the Film/TV Industry in our State.
(Brent) I really hope we can do what we can to be genuine and help identify each person’s strength. This is a two way street, if someone tells us that they are a director or a producer then that could mean anything. In knowing Autumn and Cynthia I know they are all about true networking and hooking up the right people. I think we can help build crews, stimulate new projects and offer a sense of encouragement.
I know for some us (me included) we won’t know what to expect, so can you give us a little teaser?
(Autumn) They will expect to meet good people that they can call on and build great business friendships as well as personal friendships.They will also get a better understanding of the mission we are not just a mixer where you come take a business card and move to the next person we are an industry family where people will open up and have a good time.
(Cynthia) They can expect to mix ‘n mingle with passionate, talented people in the Atlanta film community who are eager to share and expose their business and their talent. They may even run into a few local celebrities, and be interviewed on camera. Oh, and they can expect great appetizers, desserts, and discounted drinks! If they’d like a meal, that will be available as well.
(Freddy) RELATIONSHIPS and FRIENDSHIPS!! The entire entertainment industry is a business that solely survives off doing business with people you personally know and/or have done business with them in the past. I strongly encourage everyone who attends this event to meet as many people as you can and to leave with at least 50+ new Business Cards. Anything less you clearly are not taking advantage of the opportunities being provided to you.
(Brent) A fun time, filled with lots of ambitious and creative people. I think there will be a lot of excitement as we see more and more people making reservations. Autumn picked a great location to have the event, all the great food and drink specials. I think most guests can expect to meet a new set of people they could eventually bond with. Each of us a broad network of working professionals and will be looking to expand.
Some say networking is an art-form. What advice can you give to people like me who could use a little advice in this area?
(Autumn) Just don’t stand around looking shy introduce your self and tell people what your goals are and how you plan to make them happen
(Cynthia) Leave all egos at the door! Be polite… if feasible (lol) try to be open to speaking with anyone who approaches you. Be humble … don’t be fake! Try to spend a major portion of the evening meeting with people you don’t know, vs. people you already know. GET CONNECTED!
(Freddy) One of my pet peeves is someone I meet not having a Business Card or a Business Card with several pen marks scratching out old information. Business cards are very easy to get and remember first impressions are everything! Whenever I meet someone without a Business Card I give them this web address (www.freebusinesscards.com). For those trying to break into the business, remember to always make eye contact with the person you’re speaking with, give the person just enough information at the point to continue the relationship building process at a later time. Many people get excited when we meet someone new who can potentially help further our careers but remember to always play it cool and I don’t recommend giving out a Headshot, Screenplay, Reel, CD, etc of your work the very first time you meet someone in the business. Once the relationship is built and there’s a mutual friendship then go ahead and submit your work to them if they’re ok with it. Networking is fun and a very important skill to have to acquire new business, so make the most of it and happy building!!
(Brent) It’s not about you at all. The best way to network is to ask questions, see how you can help them. I NEVER seem to remember those people that tell me everything they are working on or doing. Now it is important to be aggressive and get out there, don’t get me wrong, it’s just doing so in an attractive manner. Also, make sure to move around. If you find yourself talking to much one person, invite someone else into that conversation. Make sure to make introductions for other people, don’t be afraid to do this, this will brand you as a giver and a leader in this small community.
Learn more about Autumn Bailey
www.abentertainment05.com
Learn more about Brent Brooks
http://blankstageproductions.com/
Learn more about Cynthia Collins
www.meetup.com/filmatlanta
Learn more about Freddy Cameron
http://www.georgiaea.org/
