Recently attended Dances With Films in Los Angeles… this is one of my favorite indie film festivals. They have been going strong for 15 years, and they are truly indie, only screening films with no stars… not like some so-called independent film festivals who only show studio films.
This year’s festival was held at the famous Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. I’ve been fortunate to have 2 films selected to DWF in previous years, but was just a guest this year. It’s one of those festivals where you will make friends that you will keep for life.
The Festival has a collaborative spirit, and filmmakers tend to support each other – Although I did have a classic LA moment at the festival – and this is something you should never do:
I’m waiting for a screening to begin along with 2 friends that had a film in the festival, when a cute girl comes up to me and asks if I have a film in the festival… I say “no, but my friends do…”
Before I can finish, she’s stepped over to them, introducing herself, shaking hands, but totally ignores me and doesn’t shake mine. I find it amusing and comment that she must be an actress, which gets me the evil eye. She’s a production designer looking for work. …Well, she won’t find any with me.
My advice when networking: Try to build genuine relationships – even with people who you think can’t help you, or who are “unimportant.” You never know who they may be, or become, in the future.
From there, I hopped into a cab and headed over for a meeting at CAA.