Dear Aspiring Filmmakers, Here’s How to Get My Attention

"Hello. I’m Scott Beggs, the co-host of Broken Projector and the Managing Editor of Film School Rejects.

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, I’m one of the people you want to impress. No, I can’t get you a bunch of money, get you representation or ensure your movie will premiere at a huge festival, but with an audience of around 4 million movie fans, it’s not a bad idea to grab my attention. 

Judging by the amount of emails I get, a bunch of you already know that, and a bunch of you have no idea how to do it.

With the pinch of salt that I’m only one of many in the press world whose eyes you want to light up, here are some achingly simple things you can do to help your cause (in convenient list form using real-life examples!):

1. Recognize that what you’re asking from me is to vouch for your project

There has been a lot of talk about a DIY/indie revolution that’s taking down the gatekeepers, but even if the traditional path that leads to an audience is widening, there will always be guards posted. You need a mouthpiece to shout about your work whether it’s someone like me in the press, a professional representative who believes in your talent or the public itself, spreading your movie through word of mouth to their friends. 

If you don’t believe that, go to your local street corner, start screaming, and see how many people you can get to take you seriously.

When you send me an email asking me to write about your project or post a trailer, what you’re really bottom-line asking me to do is put a stamp of approval on your project. Something that says it’s worth someone else’s time. 

That may seem simple, but there’s a profound social contract behind it, and if you don’t respect that and approach the situation with humility, you won’t get the results you want. Ever."

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