I’m at a filmmaking seminar. It’s a work thing, so they’re footing the bill for the weekend. Meals and all sundries. They gave me a cash advance and I just have to make sure to get a receipt for everything I use and return the rest. I’m trying to figure out how best to handle the tips I’ve paid, but I’m sure there’ll be a line item or something on the inevitable paperwork when I get back.
The seminar is from Action/Cut, and is being run by Guy Magar. He’s an interesting guy to listen to, with lots of handy tips on shooting for TV and for movies… As well as lots of information on how to get yourself into the industry. Kind of a primer on Hollywood schmoozing.
Personally, I’m not a great schmoozer. I’m the typical shy guy.
Of course, I’m the shy guy who’s written close to seven hundred entries in this ‘blog, but that’s easier. I mean, the screen has a huge anonymizing factor to it. I bet if I had to track down people read the entries to them personally instead of just posting them I’d never have started the thing.
Anyway, he made it very clear that the only thing you really needed in Hollywood, or in any movie making town, was the ability to network. Talent or artistic ability is nothing compared to being “the guy that someone knows.”
This, of course, explains why there’s no shortage of Smithee quality movies.