Colours of Film

BY BRITTANY HAMMOND OWNER, UNTAMED PRODUCTIONS

Use pink as the RECIPE for success in film

Film, like any creative field, or entrepreneurship in general, can sometimes be more about WHO you know, than WHAT you do.

Meaning, the wealth is in your network.

The very first short film I produced, I had zero budget as I was a student transitioning into my career. I dove in head first, reaching out to people I knew, asking for introductions, working WITHIN my restrictions and using them to my advantage. This expanded my network so that when the opportunity arose to enter a local film festival, I befriended one of the organizers and created a professional friendship. (Don’t get me wrong, he made it abundantly clear that the films will be chosen out of merit, and not preferential treatment!)

My film did end up getting selected for the festival and was screened in front of hundreds of people! This same friend also invited me several times to walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.

The very first short film I produced, I had zero to work with.

In my last article in the Red Issue, I talked about ‘Inner Visibility’: the belief and passion in your work. This edition of Pink represents passion, playfulness, nurturing money and love. (All a recipe for success in film!)

PASSION: It starts with the love for your script or project. This energy of conviction and determination will carry you through all your pitches as you create your team, find financial backing and engage with the audience who could most benefit from your message.

PLAYFUL: This goes hand in hand with mindset. While it’s easy to become hyper rigid with our eye on the prize, it’s essential

to your sanity to approach the process of pre-production, production and post production (writing, casting, building a team) through a playful lens. Have fun. Be open to all experiences (and miracles!) Try not to get so attached to who can give you what. Also know that film is like one giant problem solving process. There is ALWAYS going to be things going wrong. (You were planning outdoor shots, and it’s a torrential downpour? Totally normal!) It’s about being creative and navigating those challenges, in the name of your project. Usually, we are driven by the underlying message we want to convey to an audience. Use this as your guiding light.

Avoid relationship building with a blatant agenda, as people will always feel that insincerity.

NURTURE: This leads me to knowing how to nurture authentic relationships. My acting coach once taught me that most people go to Hollywood with the attitude: “What can Hollywood offer me”? This is fundamentally flawed, according to him because it is self-centered and self-serving. He suggests approaching it as “What do I have to offer Hollywood?!” Avoid relationship building with a blatant agenda, as people will always feel that insincerity.

To quote John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

Whether you consider yourself an extrovert or introvert, I believe we all have the skills to network and build relationships because human connection is innate. The following 4 aligned action steps can be applied in any relationships building situation, whether it be on social media, on set etc.

1. Introduce yourself. (Here comes that inner visibility again. Do you believe you and your ideas are worthy?)

2. Ask questions and take an interest in the other person.

3. Stay in touch. Social media is a great way to follow someone’s work and slowly build connections.

4. Offer to help. Being of service and a giving state will get you more noticed, then asking or demanding.

I was on set for a music video the other week and I met an amazing photographer and music composer. I showed up feeling intimidated, not knowing anyone. I started conversations with people, introduced myself, asked them questions about their journey, I even offered to help a bit with the setup of equipment. Most importantly, we exchanged social media handles and are in touch.

REPUTATION: I think one of the most challenging things about bringing a film or project to life, is cultivating the dream team that will bring the vision to life. Some people are motivated by the paycheck, while others are fueled by their passion.

Whether you are an independent production company or part of a larger company, trust and reputation can be a defining factor. Imagine you’re casting a film with a room full of actors you don’t know, and therefore you don’t know their work ethic or people skills (in addition to their talent). The same applies when you’re hiring part of the technical team. It’s easier to build a network of industry professionals through word of mouth, referrals and a shining reputation.

This is why the wealth is in the network.