5 Hacks to Breaking into The Film Industry!

5 Hacks to Breaking into The Film Industry!

By Ronald K. Armstrong

If you are an actor or filmmaker using traditional methods of breaking into the industry are just not going to do it. Imagine walking down a road that the majority of other people are using. What happen? A bottleneck effect.

In film school, I was told all the traditional nonsense about how to break into the business. When I left and actually got into the business I faced a rude awakening. Everything I was taught did not apply. So I truly believe that to break into the film industry you are going to have to be ingenious. Waiting to be discovered or relying on talent alone is not going to cut it.

Instead of going down the road that everyone else has used and being a small fish in a big pond you need to start thinking outside of the box. Here are some cool hacks that can help you break in.  For more tips check out my YouTube channel at: www.ronkarmstrong.com

1. Open an account with IMDB. Peruse the site and begin looking for key people in your field. Add those names to all your social media accounts. However, do not contact them directly. You want to “position” yourself so that through your daily posts they get exposed to your work and see you!
2. Start a database of contacts. When those contacts have a birthday or important event, like a film premiere, send them an email or postcard congratulating them. They will appreciate the gesture and will never forget it.
3. Open an account with MailChimp, Constant Contact, or any other email services. Build an email list of important contact. This includes producers, director, and agents. Email them a press release and important events that are related to your work.
4. Send out postcards of your work periodically to keep it on top of their minds. Make sure the postcards are at least 5x7” so they’re big enough to not get lost. Send those to everyone, including the intern, receptionist, and gofer. Those small people today are tomorrow’s top agents and producers.
5. Attend industry functions and be sure to hand out your card. Try to get as many cards as you can from people. Take the cards that you gather and add the names and email addresses to your database.

The important thing to note above and where many fail to realize is that not everyone you come in contact with may be in a position to do anything for you today. However, a month or even a year from now things could change radically. The industry moves fast and you never know who will blow up. I can’t tell you how many people I went to film school with or were friends with growing up who are now major players in the business. So you should never discount anyone.

Also, reframe from using people. You should build genuine relationships and become friends. What this means is you shouldn’t always ask for a job or role. The important thing is, again, to position yourself to where they can see you or your work. If you did it right they will come calling and that is the best position to be in!