Draft 2: Get Connected Survival Packet

8/22/2019 Draft 2: Get Connected Survival Packet

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WELCOME!On behalf of Get Connected we want to welcome you to the event!

Get Connected began in 2009 by Autumn Essie Bailey-Ford, Brent Brooks andCynthia Collins. Autumns vision for the event was a diverse mixer designed to

attract the local and established film, media and theatrical community so each cangrow, nurture and expand their networks.

Our mission is to connect filmmakers and entertainers outside of their ordinarynetworks, and to provide a relaxing and fun environment to establish valuableconnections.

The event is for you and the purpose of this packet is get you as much prepared soyou can maximize your experience and walk away with as many resources,connections and knowledge as possible.

Founders, Autumn & Brent

Contact Email:[email protected]

Fanpage:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-Connected/

150061968382511
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EVENTbasics.LOCATION - The Porter-Sanford Center, the current venue for the event, is aimpressive stand alone event performance based event center located in Decatur

Georgia. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to drive to the event.Address:3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, GeorgiaPorter-Sanford fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/PorterSanford

PARKING - Parking is free at the Porter-Sanford Center. Some events are massiveand parking can get hectic and when that happens there is a parking lot across thestreet from the venue.

ADMISSION - Admission to the event is $10, cash only. This fee covers ALL thescreenings, panels, workshops food and of course networking.

BUSINESS CARD - Dont forget to drop off your business card in our fishbowl whenyou check in. Each month we add all the email address and usually send out twoEmail blasts.

PANELS - The panels are a big, big draw to the event. Make sure to see who is onthem, and when they start. Often times the panels are conducted in the classroomand that room does fill up fast. Panels tend to go along with the theme of the event.

WORKSHOPS - We strive to feature an interactive workshop at each event. Makesure to see what workshop we have. We try and schedule two of them in the nightso try and target the early one so you can have the rest of the night to network and

do other things. Each workshop is conducted differently so be sure to check eachmonth.

SCREENING - Each event look for 8-10 short film screenings. After each screeningthe filmmakers get the chance to do a Q & A. Make sure to note this and if you liketheir work network with them. We have seen actors JUST sit in on all the films thenwalk away with 8-10 leads.

NETWORKING - Get Connected at its core is a networking event. Make sure toread this packet carefully and master all the tips. No one is going to make yousuccessful, you have to network and work hard and nurturing your relationships. Not

to hard however when you follow the golden rule!

VENDOR TABLES - Tables are VERY affordable at the event. So confider gettingone and/or make sure you visit with each one. They often have a great presentationfor you and can provide with instant resources.

FOOD DROPS - 6:30 & 8:30 is when food drops are made. Please be sure to leavea tip and/or thank the chef!
https://www.facebook.com/PorterSanfordhttps://www.facebook.com/PorterSanfordhttps://www.facebook.com/PorterSanford


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HOW TO USE THIS

packet.

From here on the packet goes into detail on ways you can maximizeyour time at Get Connected. More then anything we want YOU to besuccessful. Details to each of items listed above and strategies wehave seen work at the event. You will learn the networking tools fromsome of the best. We look to update this packet each month as we alllearn something new. Take the time to review each item, master it! Attimes its what you know, its who know.


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MORE THEN A MIXER.Get Connected is a mixer which means you will be in a position to connectwith new people. For some this is terrifying. The idea of approachingsomeone new and striking up a conversation is daunting. We understand thisfear.

The very best way to overcome and strike up a conversation is to listen andmake compliments. Everyone loves to talk about their projects, gigs andideas and along the way you might hear them say something that strikes yourinterest and be an area you happen to excel in.

My film screened last night and was approached by

two other filmmakers looking to cast. Love it!

- Actress, Jessica Pena

~

ALWAYS come to the event withsomething to offer others. Are youcasting for a project? Are you lookingfor music for your film? Do you need agaffer?


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NETWORKING 101No one likes that person whose idea of networking is

going on and on about their project, their gig, or theirwhatever. Dont be that person. Please. Now there is adifference when someone asks you what is that you do,

by all means have a quick response and then get aboutthe business of learning what the other party is doing. Of

course a nice conversation and when you learn where you

can really help a project then by all means please go intodetail on how you might be of service.

Last night at Get Connected I booked another mafiaguy role for a film. It's very important to attend these

networking events. Be seen and get booked- not seen

and you're forgotten....

- Actor, John DAngelo


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NETWORKING TOOLS

Business Cards. Bring 30-50 business cards ready to hand out.Make sure they stand out and they have ur current info.

Look Professional. Come business casual or like you would to ajob interview.Professional Headshot/ Resume. If you are an actor bring a fewheadshots and resumes with you in a small folder.

Positive Attitude. Your best tool is you attitude. Make it infectious. Be Prepared. Sometimes people get interviewed on the spot. Havea killer elevator speech about yourself and work. Practice your

speech as if you were on an elevator and only had a minute or so to

leave a lasting impression.

Have Fun. When you are kicked back you will attract fun loving,hard working people to your group. We are all making movies, not

operating on people.

Be Honest. The Golden Rule. Be clear about your skill set and donot fib about what you have done. By all means make what you have

accomplished come across as pure awesomeness - because it is!

Under Promise & Over Deliver. We just love it when we seesomeone who lets their work speak for themselves. Never over

promise and live a stress free life!

When I tell you I had an amazing time I really lovedthe producer panel. I made some great connections

also. See you next month have my plate ready

- Entrepreneur, Anthony AJ Joiner


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PANELS

In an effort to bring real education into the mix we have recently

added panels to the events. The panels range from the specifictheme to the availability of any particular guest. We work hard and

reach deep into our network to bring the best the city has to offer.

The panels are very informative and extremely helpful to yourunderstanding of the industry and planning your next move. Attend

and target them, all of them. Get your questions answered, gaininvaluable knowledge and make an impact on your next project.

I told my 17 year old cousin aboutGet Connected

after she expressed interest to me about

becoming a screenwriter and..... Wendy Eley whowas on the panel at GC last Thursday called her

about a PA position after meeting her that day!

- Actress, Teresa Britton


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Each month Get Connected attracts industry related and fashionablevendor tables to the mixer. These can be in the form of a local

charity, to those that offer services to those that are promoting a new

project. Go and visit each table and discuss what each table isoffering, its a great way to warm up. The networking at vendor table

can also lead to great things and there is a good chance the tablehas something you might need! Support our vendors and our local

businesses, trust us, they need your support!

VENDOR TABLES

I just wanted to send this note to thank you all for having Fulton

County CASA at Get Connected last night. The response to them and

their organization was overwhelming!! I am honored and blessed to be

working with them with Ms. PMS, and I am truly grateful to all of you.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you

- FIlmmaker, Prem Yndrome


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WORKSHOPS

Interactive workshops is a great and simple way to get in the flow at

the event. Most of the Get Connected events have workshops thatare theme based and cater to the education and impact the student

can take with them. These workshops are a great to meet new

people, learn something new and build up your resources for yournext project!


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CineCentral/ CrewCall is where you need to be! In past

events we saw filmmakers and actors/ crew missing each

other and this upset us. We created, kind of like a speednetworking experience where each party has 2-3 minutes

with each other. You get to meet and network with filmmaker,

production entities and they get to take home your headshotand sue for future consideration.

If you have a project and are looking for cast & crew please contact

us through our facebook page or email us at

[email protected]

Get Connected changed my acting career. My first night attending, I booked two

roles and booked two auditions. I later booked those roles as well. Best part is I

became SAG Eligible from one of those roles. Get connected is a great tool for

serious actors to get exposure and meet some great friends in the industry.

- Actor, Adam Aalderk
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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The Get Connected Screening Room attracts projects from around

the state. The screening process allows filmmakers to present theirfilms to a new audience and a chance to market and network

themselves. This is a tremendous chance to meet emerging

filmmakers in the immediate area and learn about their next projectand see where you might be part!

I have been attending for almost three years and I believe it

is an important tool for continued growth of my production

company. As Get Connected has grown, so has my business.

I find actors, crew, friends and colleagues there every time I

go. No other industry networking event has all the elements

that they do.

- Filmmaker, Darla Clarkson


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Actors.

Make sure to get there early and take advantage of the first workshopthat is usually target to actors at 6:30. Most events, not every, we

work to bring a interactive workshop from top teachers in the

profession. If you make the effort to come at 6:30 then that frees youup for the rest of the eventing to network, visit CineCentral attend the

film screenings, or sit on on a panel.

HEADSHOT BUSINESS CARDS: One of the best tools for actors is

the actor business card. This is easy to tote around and shows offyour headshot and contact info.

HEADSHOTS: Not a bad idea to have your folder of headshots in thecar or bring inside with you.

POWER NETWORK: We are always impressed with actors whonetwork for other actors. You might meet a filmmaker and learn that

you are not the look they are looking for their current project but you

know someone who is.

SCREENING: A lot of actors come when they have something

screening. If this is the case make sure to invite out your agents,casting directors or other filmmakers so they can see your work on

the big screen! Even if they do not come this is another reason toshow them your work.

PLANNING. Make sure to take some time to read over all the nightsevents, the films screenings, the panels, workshops. You might be

able to target someone you want to be introduced to.


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NETWORKING TIPS

1. The goal of networking should be to help other people.Yes, it would be nice if they helped you out as well, but networking is a twowaystreet. And your side of the street is all about helping others, not asking them to help

you. Asking for favors should only become a possibility once you have learned moreabout the person and provided some value to them.

2. Its far more important to understand their needs beforeyou tell them about your needs.Your goals should not be on theforefront of your mind. Youre trying to develop a relationship with someone, whichmeans you should be thinking about them. Its your job to understand the people in

your network, where they are coming from, and whats important to them.

Setting expectations

3. You dont need to know the most people, just the rightpeople.There is no need to shotgun your business cards across the industry or topepper everyone with emails. Instead, focus on finding people that are relevant to

you. As time goes on, you can decide if the interests that you share with someone are

worth pursuing further. Its better to have 5 people willing to help you out than it is

to have 500 that simply know your name.

4. Dont expect anything.The fact that you reached out and made contactwith someone does not put them in your debt. No one is required to pay you

back. Instead of approaching networking with the goal of gaining favors, tryreaching out with curiosity. Contact interesting and relevant people and see what

happens. Some of them will respond and some of the wont. Learn about the peoplethat follow up. Find out what makes them interesting and how you can help them

and dont expect anything in return.

5. Dont leave networking to chance. Take some time and define whatyou are looking for in your network. Every once and awhile youll stumble acrosssomeone amazing on accident, but its a lot easier to find who youre looking for if

you know who they are in the first place. Be proactive and create a list of people thatyou want to contact on purpose.


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NETWORKING TIPS

6. Go beyond your industry.Connect with people on a variety of levelsfrom a wide range of areas. By growing your network outside of the usual areas you

will be more valuable to people that are in your immediate industry. The people you

work with have personalities and multiple interests, right? With a broad networkyou can be the person that connects people across industries.

7. Dont dismiss anyone as irrelevant.Maybe you dont think a localblogger would be a good contact because you work as an actor. However there maybe a time when you can send news about you being cast in a project that isnewsworthy to the blogger.

How to reach out to someone new

8. Quantify how much time youre going to take. People are busyand when someone new starts talking to them, the first thing that comes to theirmind is How long is this person going to talk to me? or How much time is thisgoing to take?

Address those concerns from the start by saying something like, Hi. I have one itemthat Id like to briefly discuss with you. It should only take two minutes. Do you have

time now? Asking questions like this not only shows that you respect their time, italso gives you the option of speaking with them later if they are too busy now.

9. Start by offering praise, not requesting help.Unless you havea mutual contact that is putting you in touch for a specific reason, its best to avoidasking for anything when you meet for the first time. Dont ask for favors, forpromotion, for advice, or even to meet up for lunch or coffee. Simply start byoffering a short compliment. After they respond to this initial contact, you can beginmoving things towards a more lengthy meeting.

10. Keep your emails short. If your first contact is via email, then splitthe message into smaller segments. Instead of reaching out to someone new with along-winded, five paragraph explanation of why you are contacting them, use thatfirst email to focus on a small bit of praise. You can send further details to them afterthey reply. Keep that first message friendly and short.


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NETWORKING TIPS

11. If you must ask for a favor, then ask for permission to

continue. There are some situations where you need to ask for something, butdont have the luxury of time to get to know them. Most situations dont fall underthis category, but if you must ask for something, then weave in requests forpermission before you make an offer. Ill give a real example.

I was recently talking to the director of an organization about offering a new courseto his clients. I started by asking for permission to continue. Ive run successfulcourses on X before. Would you like to know more?

He was interested and we ended up having a great conversation.

An additional benefit of this strategy is that you are getting the other party to say,Yes, to you. As a general rule, if you can get someone say yes to you three times,then the odds of your offer being accepted by them drastically increase. You dontneed to ask permission for everything, but if youre opening a conversation where

you will need to make an offer, then it can work wonders.

How to build the relationship12. Try to provide as much value as you possibly can.The more

value you create, the more it will come back to you many times over. Focus all ofyour networking efforts on helping the people you contact.

13. Start by focusing on being friendly and helpful. This is thenumber one tactic you can use to build your network. Simply spread information ina friendly and helpful way. Did you read a book that someone in your network willenjoy? Tell them about it or send them a copy. Are you using something that wouldhelp a friend with a project they are working on? Email it to them. Hear a new musicalbum that a someone might enjoy? Send it their way. Building your network is thesame as building friends. Be interested in what they are doing and offer friendlysuggestions when you can.


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NETWORKING TIPS

14. Develop the habit of introducing people. Connecting like-minded people is a powerful to enhance your network. The idea of doing this seemsforeign to many people, but it is actually quite easy. Do you know two people whoenjoy reading the same type of books? Or like the same sports teams? Or lovereading about history? Or work in the same industry? You get the point. Dont makeit hard, just introduce the two of them by sharing their common interest. They candecide if they want to pursue the relationship further.

15. Ask if people want to be connected.If youre apprehensive about

connecting two people, then ask one of them if they want to be connected. I knowanother person thats doing Y. Would you like for me to introduce you sometime?Even if they arent interested, they will appreciate the offer.

16. Nurture your current network.Most people think of networking asreaching out to new people, but dont forget about the network that you alreadyhave. (Hint: You probably call them your friends and co-workers.) There is no needto wait to meet new people to start connecting others or sharing useful information.Network within the groups that are already close by.

Making networking a habit

17. Try to contact one person per day.If you reach out to 5 newpeople every week, that would be about 250 per year. Sending an email or making aquick call will only take about 5 minutes of your day. Not everyone is going to get

back to you, but if you contact that many new people, then youre bound to makesignificant progress.

18. Dont take No, personally.Everyone is busy. For most people, itssimply a matter of timing. If you catch them on a good day, then they will happilytalk or meet with you. If theyre swamped, however, then a simple No might be allthat you get. Dont take it to heart. In most cases, its not a reflection of you or what

you said.


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NETWORKING TIPS

19. Make it a point to follow up. One or two days after meeting someonefor the first time, follow up with a brief email or note. This is an opportunity to develop the

relationship by bringing up a topic that you discussed before or making a comment on aninteresting topic. Following up with relevant conversation helps to anchor your previous

interaction in their mind and displays more personality than just sending a message that

says, Thanks for talking!

20. Did you fail? Try reaching out in a different way. You dontwant to pester anyone, but if you give them a few weeks and dont hear a response, then

there is nothing wrong with being persistent. For example, dropping in to talk face to face

has resulted in great conversations with people that previously ignored my emails.

Sometimes switching it up is all you need to do.

Things to remember

21. Network with the intention of helping other people, notyourself.People enjoy doing business with those that they trust and like. The only wayto build that trust is to engage with others in a helpful way. Yes, trust takes a long time to

build, but insincerity takes even longer to overcome. Once youve developed a relationship

and created a bond, then you can move on to negotiating for favors and asking for help.

22. Networking is more about listening to what people saythan saying the right things. Take the time to listen to peoples stories. Youcan only provide something of value to them if you listen to who they are and what they do.

23. Sometimes the best networking opportunities involvereal work.Volunteer for events, committees, or projects that will have interestingpeople at them or better working for them. Working on a project or task with

someone is one of the best ways to develop a relationship. For example, volunteering for a

nonprofit can be a great way to get to know their influential board members.

24. Email is easy to send and ignore.Yes, email is quick, simple, andcan be sent to anyone, anywhere. Its also very easy to be filtered out and ignored. If you

really want to meet someone, then dont be afraid to pick up the phone, propose a video

chat, or arrange a face-to-face meeting. These communication channels are usually less

crowded and more personal, which means that your message will be more memorable.

Email can be a great tool, but dont be afraid to mix it up.
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WORKSHOPS


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TESTIMONIALS

Shout out to some of the hardest working people in the film industry

that I was so happy to see at Get Connected tonight. I am so impressed

with the professionalism and friendly environment that Get Connectedis. It is not only somewhere that an actor can meet industry

professionals, but its somewhere that liked minded people who care

about this craft can build long lasting relationships. Im proud of

everyone who did their screenings tonight as well because it gives us a

chance to recognize our peers for their hard work. We are GROWING out

here! Thank youAutumn Essie Bailey-FordandBrent Brooksfor givingus this event every month. You two have done so much for the film

industry of Atlanta. Oh and to the cast and crew of "I Stand Alone," YOU

ALL ROCKED!!

BRUCE DOWNS

Thank you so much! The screening was a HUGE success and that was

because of all the support I received from so many people in making of

the Zombie Party short film. I cannot put into words how exciting it was

to watch a film that you poured your heart into on the big screen with

such an incredible sounds system. It looked and sounded so much

better than the rendered-down version on YouTube, lol. I was

overwhelmed with the turnout and support I still receive with thisproject -- It was great catching up with all of you! The energy and

excitement from people in the audience asking questions during the

Q&A was also very cool and unexpected. The MC told me afterwards

that he cant wait to screen our next project. If you couldnt make the

screening or if I didnt get a chance to see or visit with you afterwards,

Im sending you a BIG zombie hug now.TRENT HARRIS

Last night was great everyone came out to see Blur 2 and they loved it.One of the best experiences as a filmmaker for me. Then ppl just went

crazy when I showed this trailer from The Takeover

Draft 2: Get Connected Survival Packet

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