How to Talk to Film Industry Professionals

The film industry is one like no other. Therefore, many standard business practices and behaviors do not apply when wheeling and dealing in Los Angeles. While the city certainly has a reputation for disingenuous chatter and empty promises, you do not have to stoop to that level to succeed. Yet, learning how to talk with industry types is one of the most important steps in appearing as though you belong in this town.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Confidence
• TV
• Movies

1. Forget everything you have ever learned about how to conduct yourself in a professional manner. This includes, but is not limited to, calling elders "Mr." and "Ms.," wearing business suits to job interviews (though this still applies in certain sectors of the Los Angeles film community; namely agencies), and that the workday is supposed to start at 9 a.m.

2. Watch Hollywood movies and shows about Hollywood, such as "The Player" and "Entourage" to get some sort of understanding, yet do not forget these are fictitious exaggerations.

3. Practice speaking with confidence in your day-to-day life. Aim to walk that fine line of confident and self-assured but with a genuine kindness and humble nature.

4. When you begin communicating with industry professionals, use this confident manner of speech. However, remember to also actively listen to what is being said to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sincere and make your sincerity apparent. This quality will prove refreshing to most people in Los Angeles.
• No one likes a liar and no on likes a know it all.
• No one wants to work with arrogant people. Especially, an arrogant person who has yet to prove him or herself. So, the important balance to find is between confidence and humility.