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The 411 on Networking
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The 411 on Networking
Here’s some tried and true networking tips on how to put your best foot forward, make the right connections, and leave a lasting impression.
Sadie Dean
Updated Mar 23, 2026 10:39 AM PDT
Per the Merriam-Webster dictionary, NETWORKING is “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business”
Seems simple enough on paper, but how do we put that into action?
Networking can be a hard pill to swallow for most, and for others it’s like a bee to honey, they thrive in these environments. However when it comes down to it, networking can be incredibly beneficial for your career – present and future.
New to networking or need a networking refresher?
You've mastered your hard skills (screenwriting, directing, producing, etc), now it's time to brush up on your soft skills. Here’s some tried and true networking tips on how to put your best foot forward, make the right connections, and leave a lasting impression whether you're attending a screenwriting conference, a film festival or filmmaker meetup.
Intention
Intention is a key factor in the game of networking and aligns with who you will likely meet and/or keep in contact with. Your plan could be as simple as wanting to meet other like-minded writers to share tips and tricks of the trade, or maybe you want to start up a writing group and want to find new voices to add to the mix, or perhaps you’re a writer with a great short script that you’re looking to put up, but need to find a producer and director. These are great actionable plans, but let your meet and greets happen organically. Those plans will come into action at the right time and the right place. Build the relationship first.
Now in turn, who wants to meet you? Everybody of course! But what can you offer to others? Leading with a “what can I do for you” attitude goes a long way, rather, “what can you do for me” agenda. Plus, people can smell desperation a mile away. I’m not saying that you should offer every single person you meet some kind of freebie writing service or give them your time, but letting them know that you are there to support others too carries a lot of weight.
Basic Etiquette
One hard and fast rule – don’t be a jerk. Leave your ego at the door and enter the room with a positive attitude.
- Open bar? Happy hour specials? Libations are tempting, especially if you’re looking for some liquid encouragement. Keep it light, and stay plenty hydrated - with water that is.
- Hors d’oeuvres? Yes please! But those light bites can get tricky, not only awkwardly juggling between two hands but also on the breath (and that spinach in the teeth). Be selective. Or arrive with a full stomach – always feed your brain, it’ll keep you sharp as a tack, especially when that really cool producer asks you tell them more about your script.
- What to wear? Dress appropriately for the event. Business professional is fairly easy to whip up.
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What To Bring
Well, the obvious is you and a great attitude! But what else can you bring to leave that lasting impression?
- Business cards are a great start. Include your basic contact information (name, cell number, email address, website if you have one) and you can also note if you’re a “screenwriter” or a “director” maybe you’re a multi-hyphenate. You can also include your social media handles if that’s another reliable way to get in contact with you. Purchasing custom business cards won’t break the bank, you can find many affordable options online.
- Other special items to bring with you (or leave in the car) – hand sanitizer, breath mints (gum is OK, but who really wants to watch someone chew gum), deodorant (those first encounters can be nerve wracking), chapstick, water (most often than not, these places will have water, but never hurts to bring your own hydro flask or water carrier of choice).
- What about hard copies of your script? Nah. Leave those on your hard drive. If someone shows interest in reading your script, exchange business cards and follow up that way!
What To Leave Behind
Similarly to what to bring, you don’t want to leave behind much. Other than you’re a great person to know, to possibly work with and/or casually meet up for coffee to discuss the biz.
However, let’s say that your film is playing at a film festival – there’s a lot of marketing prep that goes hand in hand here. You’ll want to have cards, and posters, and any other marketing materials available to showcase your film. And film festivals are also another vital environment to network, so definitely have some of those items handy, especially when you’re inviting people to your screening.
The Follow Up
Whew! You met a lot of great people – and of course there were some questionable personalities, but hey, that’s Hollywood!
You have a stack of business cards and new followers on socials. Now it’s time to reach out to the people who you connected with.
You can break this list down into specific criteria, as not everyone will be for you, and that’s perfectly OK. But kindness goes a long way, with a simple note that says, “It was so great to meet you at [enter event name]. Best of luck with your [pursuit]!”
For those that had a deeper connection, especially with those that showed interest in your work or you offered to read their script or maybe your top ten films of the year, make sure you make those contacts a priority. You can bring up what you two spoke about, “I really enjoyed our conversation about Christopher Nolan’s latest film” or if they asked to read your work, “Thanks for your interest in wanting to read my script.” And you can attach accordingly. But remember, it’s a two-way street – keep the offer on the table to read their work or whatever specific thing you two agreed/connected on.
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And offer next steps. Maybe it's a meet up for a coffee if you’re in the same town? Catching a movie at the nearest arthouse cinema. Or maybe it’s a Zoom call to chat about each other’s screenplays.
The Follow Through
You sent off your batch of "great to connect" emails and/or DMs on social media.
Now what?
Give it a few days, maybe a week or two. People get busy. Life is going to happen. It’s perfectly OK to send a follow up note to bump your note back to the top of their inbox. But what if they flat out never respond – left your DM on read? It happens, and that’s OK too. Definitely don’t be pushy. Sometimes things don’t line up or they’ve had a change of heart, and that’s not a reflection on you. If anything, it could be a dodged bullet – saves you time and brain power.
Networking can be incredibly gratifying. You never know who you’ll meet and what opportunities can arise. So, go get ‘em!
networking networking events networking for screenwriters
Sadie Dean
Sadie Dean is the Editor-in-Chief of Script Magazine and co-hosts the Reckless Creatives podcast. She has been serving the screenwriting community for over a decade by providing resources, contests, consulting, events, and education for writers across the globe. Sadie has written, produced, directed, and otherwise contributed to independent features, commercials, shorts, and music videos including projects for WB, TBS, and AwesomenessTV, as well as many others. Sadie holds a Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting from The American Film Institute and is a proud member of Women in Film.
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