1) Research different companies for like-minded aesthetic, meet with as many execs as possible. If they start the conversation about the good old days of the roaring ‘90s and how hard the business is now, it’s time to leave. This is the most exciting and innovative time in our industry. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Attend events like SHOOT’s New Directors Showcase to meet production execs.
Reach out to reps–both independent and on staff. They’re the touchstone of the business who keep our wheels turning. Do your homework; the best ones are easy to find. Everyone is connected by one or two people, don’t be afraid to ask someone you know for an introduction. Use Facebook. It’s incredible how accessible people are through social media.
Regarding what to put and not put on a reel, have a strong POV and focus. Don’t be a jack of all trades, choose a style that speaks to you, one that you care about and are passionate about. Simple is sometimes harder than something complex. The best concept is the simplest one. And of course it all starts with a strong story. Be authentic, be you and success will come. Be conscientious about length. Use trailers and excerpts from long-form work.
The best advice I heard came from Steve Jobs who said his best model for success is The Beatles. They were four guys who kept each other’s kind of negative tendencies in check. They balanced each other and the total was greater than the sum of the parts. Great things in business are never done by one person, they’re done by a team of people.
Have an advocate who will walk through fire for you with guts and passion, who encourage directors to pursue projects outside of commercials like shorts or videos to grow and be versatile mentorship. I got where I am today because someone gave me a chance and I try my best everyday to pay that forward with the people I hire.
