Delegate Guidebook
those with childcare duties, like me), but if you can, try and stay for Chris Jones’ closing speech which is usually around 6pm and lasts half an hour, it’s a great, positive way to round off the event. And last but by no means least… So if there is a session you are DESPERATE to see firsthand, make sure you get there as early as possible. Be sociable. Live tweeting is a thing and we encourage delegates to use the #LondonSWF hashtag and share their new-found knowledge and insights from the event itself in real time. But do make sure your mobiles are on silent so if they ring, it doesn’t disrupt anything. Equally, those on either side of live tweeters? Don’t accuse them of not listening, or typing too loudly! ;) Do note volunteers and LSF staff will come in and out of sessions as we try and ensure the smooth running of the event for you behind the scenes. This will be done with the least amount of disruption possible, so please bear with us, thank you. It can be very tempting to have a few jars of Dutch Courage, but try not to get drunk at the festival. You’ll probably be OK and not offend anyone, spew on anybody or make anyone think you’re odd, but is it worth the risk? Remember, it’s a small pond. Try not to slag anyone off. You never know who knows who. This includes various TV programmes, movies, etc. It’s just not worth it. No one says you have to tell lies about how much you loved a piece of work if you didn’t, but be positive or risk looking like an amateur. Concluding Decide what you want … and go get it, tiger! Just remember your loglines, your business cards and don’t be a div. It’s all about making connections and forging those all-important relationships. Good luck! 42
NETWORKING: A BLUFFER’S GUIDE By Chris Jones Talent is great, but relationships get you hired. It’s not about collecting business cards and convincing yourself that those cards equal a relationship – it’s about REALLY connecting with other people in a meaningful way. That’s why we network. To make new friends within our professional sphere. So the real secret to networking is to just hang out like you would with friends, but move around the group(s) more systematically. You are looking for people with whom you click, with shared values and vision, people who YOU can help, and lastly, people who can help you too. The best thing about networking at the London Screenwriters’ Festival is that you are already amongst friends. So don’t be shy. Networking Events These events work because we all agree to get together in one space at the same time with an implicit agreement that it’s OK to just walk up and start talking. Booze, a darkened room and a bit of music makes it easier. Don’t be afraid The most important thing to remember is that the person you are approaching is as nervous as you. They have insecurities too. In fact, the real irony is that they will probably be thankful that you came to them, and secretly wish that they were as good at networking as you! Yes, I get it, you don’t want to do it. None of us really enjoy it. But films don’t get made in a vacuum and we all need friends. So take the plunge. You will be pleasantly surprised. Look people in the eye and shake hands confidently When approaching, make eye contact, smile, introduce yourself, shake hands (not limply) and speak up. When someone shakes hands with that ‘limp’ handshake, you are sending a very direct message – I don’t want to touch 43
- Page 3 and 4: WELCOME To the London Screenwriters
- Page 5 and 6: GETTING THERE The London Screenwrit
- Page 7 and 8: SCHEDULE OF EVENTS During the festi
- Page 9 and 10: 2:00pm 2.30pm 3:00pm 3.30pm 4:00pm
- Page 11 and 12: 2:00pm 2.30pm 3:00pm 3.30pm 4:00pm
- Page 13 and 14: 2:00pm 2.30pm 3:00pm 3.30pm 4:00pm
- Page 15 and 16: SPEAKERS LEGENDS CHRISTOPHER VOGLER
- Page 17 and 18: GREGORY BURKE screenwriter, playwri
- Page 19 and 20: STEPHEN VOLK screenwriter, playwrig
- Page 21 and 22: JULIA MCKENZIE head of bbc radio co
- Page 23 and 24: AHD KAMEL actor, screenwriter, dire
- Page 25 and 26: LUCY RAFFETY producer & script edit
- Page 27 and 28: ADDITIONAL SESSIONS Please note tha
- Page 29 and 30: meet, and social convention dictate
- Page 31 and 32: Outstanding Newcomer for British Te
- Page 33 and 34: SCRIPT TO SCREEN Die Hard Watch the
- Page 35 and 36: Some notes to manage your expectati
- Page 37 and 38: A FINAL WORD... Holy cow! You can s
- Page 39 and 40: 3. Who are you hoping to meet durin
- Page 41: chocolate in previous festivals, fo
- Page 45 and 46: can all see it in others, but so ra
- Page 47 and 48: PITCHFEST: 20 EASY STEPS by Bob Sch
- Page 49 and 50: craft. Have an idea of other projec
- Page 51 and 52: ask the motivation for the change a
- Page 53 and 54: • In the process of rewriting wit
- Page 55 and 56: all, but rather in making certain t
- Page 57 and 58: From November 9th - 12th, Robert Mc
- Page 59 and 60: of Style” (Note for readers: an A
- Page 61 and 62: THE LONDON BREAKFAST CLUB The Break
- Page 63 and 64: perseverance pays off. How Shorts b
- Page 65 and 66: GET £40 OFF WITH CODE LSF17 WRITIN
- Page 67 and 68: TWISTED50 VOL.1 Get A Little Bit Tw
NETWORKING: A BLUFFER’S GUIDE<br />
By Chris Jones<br />
Talent is great, but relationships get you<br />
hired. It’s not about collecting business<br />
cards and convincing yourself that those<br />
cards equal a relationship – it’s about<br />
REALLY connecting with other people in<br />
a meaningful way.<br />
That’s why we network. To make new<br />
friends within our professional sphere.<br />
So the real secret to networking is<br />
to just hang out like you would with<br />
friends, but move around the group(s)<br />
more systematically. You are looking for<br />
people with whom you click, with shared<br />
values and vision, people who YOU can<br />
help, and lastly, people who can help<br />
you too.<br />
The best thing about networking at the<br />
London Screenwriters’ Festival is that<br />
you are already amongst friends. So<br />
don’t be shy.<br />
Networking Events<br />
These events work because we all agree<br />
to get together in one space at the same<br />
time with an implicit agreement that<br />
it’s OK to just walk up and start talking.<br />
Booze, a darkened room and a bit of<br />
music makes it easier.<br />
Don’t be afraid<br />
The most important thing to remember<br />
is that the person you are approaching<br />
is as nervous as you. They have<br />
insecurities too. In fact, the real irony is<br />
that they will probably be thankful that<br />
you came to them, and secretly wish<br />
that they were as good at networking as<br />
you! Yes, I get it, you don’t want to do it.<br />
None of us really enjoy it. But films don’t<br />
get made in a vacuum and we all need<br />
friends. So take the plunge. You will be<br />
pleasantly surprised.<br />
Look people in the eye and<br />
shake hands confidently<br />
When approaching, make eye contact,<br />
smile, introduce yourself, shake hands<br />
(not limply) and speak up. When<br />
someone shakes hands with that ‘limp’<br />
handshake, you are sending a very<br />
direct message – I don’t want to touch<br />
43
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