One of my first posts in this group was about my OTHER pitching process, which I’d used for 6 years.
I successfully filled up my work schedule with that strategy, among other things. Then, after I knew it could work for others, my teammates started to fill their schedules with ideas from it.
You can read about it here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/556877397821248/permalink/810513002457685/
It’s been at least a year since I’ve used that pitch. There was no longer a need – I was getting work!
That said, being active in building relationships is important, even when we’re busy.
When I finally got back to pitching, I didn’t feel the urgency to earn money ASAP. There was no rush. Because of that, the following write-up is a more minimal – but still very active – way of “pitching.”
So here’s my new process for getting scoring jobs and, more importantly, connecting with filmmakers…
*Taking the Time to Genuinely Connect*
1. LOOK FOR GIGS (from anywhere in the world)
I really like finding filmmakers on sites like Vimeo and Kickstarter. You could also do that on YouTube, Reddit, IndieGoGo, Facebook, or anywhere else filmmakers upload their content.
Another option is to look through articles by film bloggers – many of them will highlight recent award winners, or even films they’ve connected with.
2. DO YOUR RESEARCH
After discovering a film you’ve really enjoyed, look up the filmmaker and watch the rest of their available work. If what they’re making is exciting to you, find ’em on FB or Instagram and let them know you love what they’re doing.
I like this casual social media approach. We’re not pitching, we’re connecting.
3. BE GENUINE
This is also a perfect time to get into what you specifically like about their films – great storytelling, compelling cinematography, amazing use of colors… even music, if you enjoyed it!
4. BUILD A CONNECTION
Explore each others interests and talk about your philosophies on great filmmaking. As an example, I think films driven by people-focused drama (rather than action-focused drama) are way more compelling most times.
But we don’t always have to talk about work…
Recently, a director and I were talking about how we both love to cook food from our different cultures.
…I mean, we ended up talking about work anyway; cooking is so similar to the filmmaking process.
5. DON’T SPOTLIGHT YOUR MUSIC OR ACHIEVEMENTS
The one thing I never do is talk about my music. It’s not that I’m keeping it from them, it’s just that talking about storytelling is more exciting for me (and generally more fun for them too).
Plus, there’s something special about connecting for the sake of being friendly and learning more about someone, rather than selling ourselves.
*Friends Love Working With Friends*
Once you two get going, there’s a good chance they’ll remember you for your interesting ideas. Keep up with what they’re working on and continue being a genuine fan of their work.
In time, your new friend will discover – sometimes all on their own – that you’re pretty good at writing music for films. And they’ll want to see you succeed just as you do for them.
Ultimately – just as great people enjoy connecting with great people – friends love working with friends.
