What is your filmmaking story?
I don't mean your idea or the synopsis of your film or documentary, or TV series. What I mean is, when you're networking, and you meet someone in person or on a call or Zoom, and they ask you the question, “Tell me about yourself?”
What is your response?
Prepping Your Filmmaking Story
Your filmmaking story has to be concise and quick. I can't emphasize that enough. How often have I heard filmmakers try to pitch themselves and drone on for 10 minutes, going into specific and obscure details that don't need to be said?
Your story should be quick. Something like this:
“I'm a director of horror films. I've been a horror geek my whole life. I am right now prepping my 3rd short film, which we're shooting in September.”
There you go. That could be said in less than 30 seconds.
Or maybe it's something like this:
“I'm a documentary filmmaker, raising money for my first film that's going to tackle the issue with the voting laws in Georgia.”
Boom – again, quick and easy.
That's the key. Get in, get out, and then let people ask questions. Never lie, or you'll get exposed. It's OK to say you're new. Just do it quick!
Your filmmaking story is your first foot in the door. I highly suggest you time yourself and see how quick and easy you can get it to flow. Then practice it around and pitch yourself to your friends and family. See what their reactions are!
Here's a video on your filmmaking story:
Good luck, and remember to practice, practice, practice!
And if you're stuck on getting your film going, check out this video series on Development Financing!
