The Wrong Way to Network as a Filmmaker

[@DonteT]

Very true. Hooked up with a renowned doc filmmaker/ professor for a coffee, then he referred me to his protege, then gave me his article to read and critiqued the hell out of it and now we work together.

[@williambarylo]

As a freelancer for 15+ years, I can attest that 100% of this advice is true. 75% of my jobs have been from word of mouth, 20% from face-to-face encounters and only 5% from me pitching new ideas via email. The best thing is, this advice works in any other industry. Thanks Luc for the best video on the topic I've seen so far.

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks man, appreciate it...happy networking!

[@WangleLine]

I can attest to this too.

[@kooistradurk]

Agreed. But the 5% cold calling/mailing brings in the word of mouth too. This accumulates.

[@kevinbatts2804]

I’ve been in this business for ten years and I can tell you everything said in this video is 100% correct. Grabbing a cup of coffee with someone is a tremendous investment. Face to face networking is key.

[@LucForsyth]

☕ for the win! Thanks for sharing man!

[@teacherofteachers1239]

I'm still learning, and for that reason I advocate for doing short documentaries for free, but I specifically do them for small non-profits who would never have that in their budget anyway. I mean, these people can't even pay for chips and soda for their volunteers. One I am working on right now is about whales. I will end up spending close to $3k on it. Why would I do that? Well, I have never filmed or photographed wildlife. Also, I meet lots of people on boards of directors and such. It is taking a while for the money to come in, but it does come in.

[@LucForsyth]

This sounds very familiar...it's funny how things end up paying you back in weird ways. In the end you get it back, it just might take a while

[@anneboyer6359]

Well you have the means however hard this may be for you, to put 3k into this. Most people can barely make rent on time with whatever they make.

[@rivvidproductions]

I’m in the process of filming a free documentary-style video campaign for a local non-profit. I definitely don’t have the means to pay into it, but in my opinion it’s for a great cause, it is going to challenge me creatively and I know that my relationship with the board members will pay off when they or others that they know need more video work!

[@filmcrewassemble5972]

Not just for filmmakers... but great advice for life. Always invest in yourself.

[@MindfulGrinds]

Not just a delivery of this message, but in the style in which you delivered it, set yourself apart from almost anyone else out there looking to gain an edge. Great advice!

[@LucForsyth]

Very nice to hear, thank you!

[@miko.garden2]

I like the fact you recorded this out in the wild and not on some dumb networking party. I appreciate you sharing your approach, thank you!

[@Allenkcw]

I work for UPS and we just had a community out reach event. Im a new film maker and immediately offered to do it for free. The first 45 seconds of the video left an impression for alot of people. I was told by friends to not do it for free-but who am I to make such demands when i have no merit or backround on film making? I saw it as an experience and opportunity to add to my portfolio. I truly love the process and time doing it.

[@don_ald3245]

The audio is superb 🔥🔥

[@keernhaslem1845]

@6:51 truth. As someone who works on a sports tv crew, this is the prevailing characteristic of good coworkers

[@SSGrille]

I don’t like to “waist” time either, that’s why I watch this channel. So I don’t waste my time making mistakes, and can learn from others much smarter than me. Yes we have all done it! Myself included!

[@cedricjouarie]

I really like how your videos are so uniquely yours without that KZbin-y vibe that can often be off putting. On top of that, your advice is always on point! Thank you for the time you spend making these videos, you’re one of the best out there.

[@scottjohnnyhelgemoaune2951]

Finally someone who actually talks about the “promo” part if you can call it that. And in good timing. I’ve been trying for weeks now to find out more about networking, but barely any results

[@LucForsyth]

It’s tough, but hopefully this helps a bit! Good luck my friend!

[@scottjohnnyhelgemoaune2951]

@@LucForsyth oh yeah, it helped a lot! Ofcourse, I’m far from New York. If you know what I mean😉 But your tip was really flexible for most cities.😊

[@scottjohnnyhelgemoaune2951]

@@LucForsyth oh yeah, it helped a lot! Ofcourse, I’m far from New York. If you know what I mean😉 But your tip was really flexible for most cities.😊

[@xjaireyes]

This advice is so true. This was the first thing I learned when I entered art school. A lot of my acquaintances from college who partied pretty often are now working with the same people they used to go to parties to. I lived an hour and a half away from the city and when I was young I couldn't afford to go out as much since my family wasn't that well-off. When I entered the business, a lot of my peers were already well established, cliques had already been formed. I'm still trying to find my way into this space but I've slowly gotten my name out there. It's thanks to one of my friends that I've even gotten in.

[@iborov]

I came back to this video after two weeks just to say THANK YOU for your real story on networking and how things really work. The example of people that are writing to you in a way things they would like to work is very eye opening. I made the same mistakes in my carrier. Lost time, energy and I was frustrated that no result are coming back to me. Now seeing that from another perspective and hearing it from another person that is thousands of miles away makes so much sense. Keep up the value and the energy in your channel!

[@dreamingofmusicmedia]

Man i was searching for this video i finally found it again, I wanted to give a thanks because this video quite literally helped me land a job and a oppertunity i've been waiting and wishing for. So huge thanks to you and your knowledge. Watching people with more expierience has definitley payed off and i've learned alot!

[@inknpaintCW]

This might be one of my favorites of your videos. I work on docs as well (in California) and I teach filmmaking at a university and have a lot of students asking these questions. You are making some perfect points throughout. Go Canada! I will be promoting your channel deeply this week (and asking them not to bombard you with requests).

[@cameragod1]

Fantastic tip. Looking back most of my best gigs have been a result of meeting people face to face, right time right place.

[@LucForsyth]

I think that's the way it goes for most people!

[@multimatumc]

Great stuff Luc! I was a freelance DP and Location Scout in DFW for 15 years before I found a a pretty great 8-5 Corp. Director position. You are incredibly right about meeting the right people and making the connections. It took me a couple of years out of college to get the ball rolling but after I did, I was having to turn down a lot of jobs. I did a lot of local, smaller jobs and travelled about twice a month so a lot was quantity way over quality, but I do remember doing the pro-bono jobs to get my name out there, and getting flak from my colleagues as well. But everything worked out in the end! Thanks for doing this, great info!

[@LFPAnimations]

This is some of the most straightforward advice for freelancers that I have heard online. This is the kind of stuff you normally only hear from professionals at a university. In my experience doing freelance post production just a handful of the right contacts that make your whole business and 90% of the time clients don't even want to look at your reel if you come with a recommendation from someone they trust. Thank you for reminded me to make some more meetings happen and expand my network! Great advice!

[@SamWelker]

This is so true. Been freelancing for 12+ years and this is full of great tips. Thank you for sharing for those wanting to make a living serving others with their skills.

[@bunkertons]

Your advice about only needing a few good clients to come back is true in many industries. I work primarily as a yoga therapist, and my regular clients and students are my bread and butter.

[@rackmarkus]

These are such valuable advices on how to network. In a world of ghosting and endless zoom meetings nothing beats a real world handshake and a 15min. talk in person.

[@LucForsyth]

💯

[@SevenPhotonsFilms]

Great advice, as always 👍. Useful, inspired, and sincere.

[@LucForsyth]

Great to hear, glad you liked it!

[@brandongeisler5897]

Speak the truth brother, that is some really good advice. I have worked in feature films and recently started working in Television and Reality as a 1st AC. People breaking into this industry have to understand that you got to offer up your time in exchange for opportunities and knowledge. You’re also right about attitudes, that can really bring down a crew ( especially when you’re going on your 14th hour).

[@jeffelstone]

Definitely some of the most grounded, realistic, and helpful advice about the industry that I’ve come across on KZbin. Thank you and I hope you’ll continue with this channel!

[@lbrtvlldr]

I couldn't agree more. I had a long argument with my wife before booking a networking trip to LA last August. A few months later, I'm reaping the rewards of that trip.

[@4thwalltvandfilm]

Great advice. The warm touch and the building of a relationship not to mention people acknowledging that you have made a concerted effort to connect makes a big impact.

[@bobtronic73]

Great advice. People need to stop self-centered mails, it’s rude. Events are also a great way to socialize and network with your peers and potential clients.

[@LucForsyth]

Here's hoping!

[@skyeday]

Really good advice. I'm only 3 years in and the people I've met irl are way more worth it than all the cold DMs and emails.

[@ahdam82]

Luc always gives real world advice that is spot on! Keep up the great work, Luc!

[@MarkandRad]

As always I love your video! If I may make a request for a video, I would love to see how you expose SLOG3 in real world situations. Not in a controlled environment but out in the sun and shade….it’s always hit or miss for me and I’ve not found a video where people go about showing how to expose outdoors and what their thoughts are for why they pick that exposure. This would be amazing if you would be willing to do it. Thanks for your videos! They have helped me out so much

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks, I'll add that to the list - great idea!

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

Funny how relevant this is given I found you through your mexican experience and have a decade of filmmaking in the bank. Thank you, sometimes a little rephrasing makes a big difference.

[@TRwalks]

Nice to see the KZbin algorithm finally showing me videos I like. I'm looking forward to seeing more.

[@DavidFamous]

Yeah Luc came through with alot of practical advice and a lil bit of mindful energy with the path of least resistence, as a filmmaker and creative i learned alot from this.

[@jasonchapmanphoto]

Terrific advice as always. Thanks Luc! BTW, I like the change of scenery. Recording live from the arctic is a nice change of pace and is working really well for your videos. I like it!

[@mrtavetski1859]

Mate. This is SO useful. Thank you for putting this out there

[@halloweenfriday]

Luc, thank you so much for posting this video. As a short filmmaker who's getting started, your advice has really helped me a lot. I will take every word you said in this video when I network with other people in the film industry, whether they're from Hollywood, New York, New England or even Mexico.

[@DuncanPettigrew]

Great video, I don't know how you manage to shoot full time and have the discipline to keep making youtube videos. Please keep them coming.

[@LucForsyth]

thanks man, appreciated! I won't say it's easy, but this channel is important to me so I make the time...somehow!

[@GhostStealth590]

This is good advice. Too many of my peer film students I graduated with take the wrong approach. Thinking you're being transparent and honest sometimes is not the way to go about it. Be honest of course, but don't focus on how honest you're trying to be. Every email I write to people when networking includes ways I can contribute my skills to them. You will also notice you make better connections with the odd ones out. The ones who are flighty, want to be loved by all, and generally have 0 chill are not desirable to work with. Those people however are the loudest when making connections, so be wary.

[@robertmroczko]

This is soo good! Love the movement and especially the color❤❤❤

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Robert, much appreciated!

[@manilamartin1001]

Those mistakes are nothing compared to mine as a kid. Thanks for steering everyone in the right direction.

[@rizzo-films]

LOVE THIS. I’ve taken this approach haphazardly throughout this year but have been dealing with a lot of social anxiety as well as exhaustion at work (which thankfully is in video production). But I’m my own worst enemy when it comes to social anxiety. I fight it constantly, so it’s not like I’m chickening out, I’m just very inconsistent with networking. Anyone else here in that situation? The whole “make a good impression” is the scariest part lol. Usually, when I’m there in front of the person I can loosen up, but getting there, and doing it again soon enough, takes A LOT. I want to be kind, generous, professional, and speak on a personal level, talk technical but not overdo it, assertive but not a jerk, with some humor thrown in, but that’s so hard to maintain with new people.

[@derp195]

Same boat. I was invited to a Christmas party full of potential clients, and I've been stressing about it like crazy. I love to talk shop, but I hate parties. I don't want to come across like I'm just there to give everyone a sales pitch, but I wouldn't come anywhere near an event like that if I weren't.

[@dyingphoenix-]

I think experience help a lot. When you first start networking you treat it like something precious, but when you do it a lot it becomes not so scary anymore. Just remember that the people you're talking to not only potential client but also your little friend, that you can hopefully share some nice time with.

[@plaboo]

this video is full of actual helpful advice. I've been thinking about moving to new york for a couple months now, but i didnt want to go back to film school or do nothing, so I was stuck trying to land projects there from afar. The networking trips you mentioned sounds way more promising, im actually going to do that. thanks!

[@tylerbenner]

Great video and advice Luc. Thank you for organizing this succinctly so I can share it with my team and friends 🙏

[@LucForsyth]

Fantastic, glad it helped!

[@WhySteve]

Haha, I typed out, "In this video, I'm gonna go over the most common mistakes you guys make when you email me", only to see you actually mention that in the video, lol. Great video like always! And you're absolutely right about networking, and I really need to start personally networking with people 🙃 Gotta put that anxiety aside.

[@LucForsyth]

It's not always easy to start, but at the end of the day it's what works. Good luck my friend!

[@phamwoaw]

noticed - how your content is catered right to those who need to learn from where you've been! good work.

[@SiteSpecialistsLLC]

Thank you for this. This wisdom clearly applies to many entrepreneurial endeavors or start-up activities for beginning anything beyond film making.

[@rasmusflindtpedersen4554]

That’s solid advice that everyone should take to heart 👍

[@novakov7412]

Hey, amazing well-spoken advice! There is noticeable editing mistakes in the video but the straightforward advice and clear sound quality makes up for it completely

[@richardbrooks-lightning]

Thank you so much Luc, excellent advice that nothing worth doing is easy and life doesn't land on your lap when you want it to.

[@BilletMedia]

This is great advice Luc. I would also like to add another strategy that I've used to good effect; charitable work, as in for actual charities. You'll show up on people's radars, do some good in the world, and build out your reel.

[@spencers-adventures]

Great video Luc - really helpful breakdown as always on an often misunderstood topic. Awesome to hear the perspective from someone who actually gets a lot of networking emails sent their way. Looking forward to what you’ve got next, and stay warm up there!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks! Maybe I should do an interview with a production manager sometime and see what they say...

[@anthonythorne8708]

Great advice but also the down to earth vibe of your delivery made me feel comfortable subbing. Excellent work and your doco work looks great.

[@TheTozotube]

This is the first video I have seen from you. Good stuff man. Appreciate you sharing.

[@a21aaron]

I definitely agree, but I would say 75% of my work is through Google my business profile and the other 25% is word-of-mouth or returning clients

[@MichaelHalsell]

Great piece. Fundamental guidance even outside of the filmmaker industry. Thank you.

[@krush_00]

Very VERY wise words... you've just gained another follower !

[@billyj.causeyvideoguy7361]

Checking this out due to moving to DC recently and having to start over on the whole networking game. Last time it just kind of happened, this time Im having to start intentionally doing it.

[@lewispotts]

Great video Luc!

[@NicoTomatala]

Im not documentary guy, Im just travel videographer & DP in some small projects. But these advice seems to be really make sense, Thankyou for the content.

[@LucForsyth]

You're very welcome!

[@RLTPhoto]

Thanks for taking time out of your day to make these videos.

[@johnclay7644]

Great topic, know why it matters, recommend others (editors) quite frequently. said recently relationships, do wonder how people like Eastwood and other did their networking without the internet. good informative content,

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks John!

[@ifhtfilms]

Came for the pro tips, stayed for the barge 😍

[@hxllywxxdmedia]

"Me helping someone else get that they want, for free, on my time" I get this far to often also. Why the hell are so many people ok with taking advantage of people to get what they want. Thanks for being real Luc, peace homie.

[@Carphi2000]

Thanks a lot! I reckon this starts with getting good enough that producers will want to hire you, but I’ll definitely do this once I get there!

[@MfcoolProductions]

Wow thank you so much for this video! I’m planning on moving from Louisiana to California, and needed this tip on how to properly network

[@LucForsyth]

Nice one! Good luck with the move!

[@ds1971]

Thank you so much for making this video, I have been working in the industry and attending university at the same time and I have been brainstorming on how I want proceede after this fase of my life and career, and this made me unblock my train of thought.

[@franmndz7]

Loved this video. Thanks, Luc!

[@sulaimaanhaq]

Your channel is just was I needed at this stage! Thank you

[@MajorGeneralHavoc]

this is super helpful man, thank you! I am moving to California next month, and will be switching from working at a creative agency as a videographer in the south, to a freelance DP. And San Francisco will be the biggest hub near me, so I’m planning dig into your philosophy and give this a shot!! I was thinking of doing something similar, but this just brought even more clarity. Thx man!!

[@LucForsyth]

Awesome - happy travels!

[@QuangMinhTranFilms]

Thank you Luc for sharing this, this is gold

[@rpace]

Crazy good insights Luc! thank you for sharing👍

[@manilamartin1001]

I really love this video. Great nice way to explain everything.

[@matthewcarew3159]

This is great advice! Love the channel.

[@wildwestadventures3583]

Solid advice. It's always been a who you know, relational industry

[@LucForsyth]

Yep, for better or worse!

[@hbmorris5558]

Terrific video, as usual, Luc.

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks!

[@andrewsmithphoto]

I feel like I have been trying everything you are saying for 2 years with a project but still haven't seen any results. But I can say I have seen some amazing things and still made incremental progress on my own.

[@LucForsyth]

All I can say is keep it up...frustrating advice, but the only 100% true thing I can say. It will work as long as you don't quit. Keep going my friend!

[@stjohnimagery]

Great video! I’ve been a professional photographer a decade and this is great advice.

[@vancamping]

Useful information thank you. Jason

[@DisSpain]

Love this channel. Great information.

[@Buck.Jolicoeur]

7:20 AH!! Too funny. Nice shot of the Barge. That's historic.

[@evanwardell9338]

There’s some gold in here!

[@craigwynnphoto9559]

Thank you for your content, Luc! It took this video for me to realize that I hadn't taken a networking trip like you described since before the pandemic. Covid forced me to strengthen my regional mid-US market, and while I'm grateful to have weathered that storm, I understand that I need to branch back out if I ever hope to progress in my specific field of interest.

[@LucForsyth]

Yeah, covid was a bummer in a lot of ways...just getting back into the swing of things myself - I hear ya!

[@jeromelightbody5155]

Thank you so much for this. This is huge. I am also glad you did not mention social media. I love the idea of going out of your way to get further in your career. I've already downloaded the guide! 🙏🏿 Also shout-out to my fellow Canadians!

[@LucForsyth]

🇨🇦

[@SirSeabass]

Oh my gosh, I really needed this, thank you! I've been fortunate enough to work on a few reality shows as a PA, and I'm on a show right now as a 3rd cam op, (I'm basically a solo second unit getting B-Roll after the main unit moves on to the next home.) It's been a good year, but I've been hesitant to reach out, you know imposter syndrome or what not, I'm working on it though.

[@pogodanaprzygode]

Your videos on this channel help people more than you think. Best regards.

[@LucForsyth]

Love hearing that, thanks man!

[@ShotBySolo]

Love the clip of the former Barge Chilling Park!

[@chrisklugh]

I quite my job 2 weeks before Covid to put full time effort into my business. That event steamrolled my resources. Even if I could find a job/client, I don't have the resources to fulfill the job. Sometimes life just says No!

[@goldenrod1676]

I’m a musician, but this is some really great advice for me as well!

[@aalooprod]

Thanks for sharing, I appreciate/become a bigger fan now that you randomly causally mentioned Bangladesh (where I'm originally from) and Myanmar lol. Unless you noticed in your metrics you get a lot of views from there but cheers!

[@Buck.Jolicoeur]

Yup. That's excellent feedback.

[@LucForsyth]

Awesome, glad it was helpful!

[@Buck.Jolicoeur]

@@LucForsyth It's not "Who you know" It's "Who knows you." I like the advice around "Networking Trips". We said regarding the mindset around that wording. When I do information interviews, I never expect a return. I just want to meet them, get to know what they do, and at least just have a connection for information. Success is just the ability to follow through on dumb luck and good timing. The rest is just preparing for that.

[@monkeymang13]

I was JUST thinking about all this! Thanks for the tips!

[@LucForsyth]

Birds of a feather!

[@michaelrossi9435]

Thank You Luc. Left you an email explaining my background I'm into features and tv, but I'd love to do docs. It's been a few years since I've been behind a camera. I've been producing for around 10 years and it's realy, really hard. Camera work is so much easier. Thank you again for the video and break a leg. Mike Rossi New Orion Pictures

[@alansarpy]

Such good advice Luc... Found your channel looking at a camera review, but your self help videos are so insighful... Im defiantly going to approach new clients differently after watching this video.. Especially for my real estate photography .. cheers man!

[@LucForsyth]

Great to hear, happy it helped!

[@thefatcreonte]

Great video mate. I used to have people reach out for advice with the same approach. I now charge a consulting fee of $150.00 US an hour and try and give advice that will actually help someones career based on their goals.

[@Maros_Mari]

Words of wisdom here, I love that you tackle this topic and you do it Luc in a very relaxed manner. I agree - it is easy to sit back and complaint or just send emails and wait but that also in my experience does not seem to work - thats why I have done a few pro bono projects for free to start building my portfolio which helped me. I am still on the path - but at least feel like I am taking steps not standing on the side. Thanks for sharing the tips bro, If you happen to swing by Bangkok - lets grab that Singha..

[@LucForsyth]

Nice! Hopefully I get back to BKK before too long - I'll keep you posted!

[@KristophTy]

Awesome Video. Thank You again for your words of wisdom.

[@LucForsyth]

You're very welcome!

[@rivvidproductions]

All great advice, Luc! I definitely need to start networking a bit more in my local area (Philadelphia). Love your videos - always take away great, practical advice.

[@chipcurry]

What a great statement to make, I hope you help a lot of aspiring filmmakers!

[@LucForsyth]

Me too!