Geno Scala, the founder of The Script Mentor, shares ten tips about how you can connect with producers and cultivate the kinds of relationships that can lead to bringing your best work to life.

1. The Top 10 Ways To
Network With Producers
Geno Scala
Executive Producer & Showrunner

2. How can you get to know
producers without sending
them your work?
Here are a few ideas on how you might want
to "get to know" a producer ­ or for that
matter, anyone ­ in the business. Most of
these are "common sense", but we know how
"common" that sense is sometimes...

3. Research
Find out about their prodco; check their
website and IMdb; review their LinkedIn
profile, Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram,
etc. You know that you're on these time­suck
sites all day long, at least put some of that
wasteful time to work for you!

4. Be Sincere
You can spot a fake from miles away.

5. Social Media Relationships
"Like" or "follow" them & their projects. Send a
short note ("short" being the operative word
here):
"Saw your website today. Nice. Love the title
of your current project. Take care!"
Trust me; they'll remember your name next
time you write them.

6. Pay It Forward
If they are currently searching for a particular
script­ which does not fit the script you are
marketing­ reach out to your network.
Nothing is more rewarding than introducing a
fellow writer with a great script to that
producer looking for that script.

7. Volunteer
If they are a small prodco, and they
are filming in and around your
area, offer to volunteer at the shoot.
Do anything­ drive people, run
errands, make coffee, grip, security,
make­up, etc. Do NOT ask to rewrite
the script or to direct, however.

8. Share
If they post or tweet something on social
media that you can support, share it!

9. Know Their Specialty
Do NOT send a horror producer
your rom/com script. Don't send
them a manuscript if they produce
movies. Don't send them a short if
they produce features.

10. Ask For Advice
Most people LOVE to give advice,
especially if they can be helpful in any
way. Keep it brief, and don't be
disappointed if you don't get a response.

11. Do Not Rush It
Water finds its own level. If you
come off as too needy, too
helpful, too "stalker", the
relationship will never develop.

12. Be Kind
Thank them when done. Be
someone that someone else
would want to work with.