Tips for creating your own #TeamYou beyond attending mixers and cold calls.

1. Professional Network Building
for Entertainment Professionals
DMA—P@planetdma
#screenwriting #filmmaking #storyexpo2016
If you are trying to sell projects, get staffed or otherwise advance your career, there’s more you can
do beyond attending mixers and cold-calling agents. This session provides clear strategies for
developing a customized “success team” of reps, professional organizations, creative partners,
mentors and a follower base that can accelerate your personal and project-related goals.

2. (1) REPS: WHERE, WHEN AND HOW
Agents, Managers and Attorneys
@planetdma

3. AGENTS:
How much will you generate?
Agencies are paid 10% of your project fee. (Your agent gets a small %.)
“Package fees” are the goal.
@planetdma

4. AGENTS
Shop after your first contract.
@planetdma

5. MANAGERS:
How many plates are you spinning?
Managers are paid 10-15% of your combined gross earnings.
@planetdma

6. MANAGERS:
Consider after multiple deals on diverse platforms.
@planetdma

7. ATTORNEYS:
Are you upright and still breathing?
Attorneys may charge hourly, flat rate or 5% of your project fees.
Do no project without a contract and no contract without an attorney.
@planetdma

8. ATTORNEYS
ALL Contracts/Deals
SOME Rights & Clearances
SOME Intellectual Property (Copyrights, Trademarks)
@planetdma

9. ATTORNEYS
Don’t start a project without budgeting for attorney costs.
You will save far less money leaving out attorneys than you will lose.
@planetdma

10. REPS AND REP STORIES!
@planetdma

11. @planetdma
(2) SUBMISSION-BASED ACCESS
Contests, Fellowships and Competitions

12. @planetdma
(3) PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Guilds, Unions, SIGs, Online Groups

13. @planetdma
GUILDS & UNIONS
Budget to join as soon as eligible
Attend all events and meet PEERS
Offer to produce events/panels – especially with other guilds

14. @planetdma
SIGS: SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Explore all facets of your interest
Offer to bring speakers, do site visits, meet with other SIGs
Set goals and deadlines as a group

15. @planetdma
ONLINE GROUPS
Search globally
Participate actively (asking & answering questions)
Host online chats/Q&As

16. @planetdma
ONLINE PRESENCE
IMDb – is it current and complete beyond credits?
StaffMeUp – a must for unscripted TV; friend everyone
LinkedIn – fully complete; add samples; join GROUPS

17. @planetdma
ONLINE FOLLOWERS
Share what you discover with those in your groups
Like/Follow/Mention people, programs, products, etc. that help you
4:1 – Ration of “gives” to “asks”

18. @planetdma
PEERS/PROJECT PARTNERS
Who shares your creative focus or complements your skill set?

19. @planetdma
PROJECT PARTNERS: GO!

20. @planetdma
MENTORS
Mentorships often are two-way streets.
What is the win for you BOTH?

21. DMA—President, Planet DMA
PlanetDMA.com—subscribe now!
@planetdma
Get the gameplan, resources and
results you need to write, pitch
and sell your content—all from the
buyer’s POV.