Experiences at SXSW -- specifically for professional development as a writer?
Hey all. I'm considering spending the week in Austin for SXSW next Spring as my second Austin trip of the year (with AFF as the other).
Was wondering if anyone has any advice on the benefits of attending SXSW as a screenwriter -- assuming I have strong scripts and am on the cusp of being ready to find an agent/manager, make connections, and make deals.
Thanks in advance!
Posted Mar 30, 2018, 7:29 PM UTC
15
Somewhere between implausible and impossible that as a writer it will advance your career significantly. It's not that kind of festival, unless there's some very specific stuff to help writers meet people happening that I'm not aware of. You may randomly meet an indie filmmaker (much less likely an agent) and connect, but that's more true of almost any other film festival.
My logic was: Writing festivals are great. But festivals where non-writers attend are a far better place to actually complete projects by finding directors and producers who may need scripts written or finished. And being in the minority is a strength when meeting potential representation or financing who haven't been inundated with a hundred other writers that day. A room full of writers often isn't the place for a writer to move their career forward.
No go?
I understand your thinking, but there are people who show up to festivals every year with this exact plan, and to be honest, they're regarded as rather pathetic pains in the ass. They go around chatting people up, handing out business cards, etc. The only impressions they leave are negative ones.
Now-- if you have a film in the festival, that's a different matter. Then yes, it makes all the sense in the world to go and network.
But as some rando who probably can't even get in to the premiere parties? Go to watch movies, to hang out in Austin, to eat barbecue, etc., but don't expect to make any significant contacts.
None of those things are things I would do, that's all "networking" in the ugly gross way. But point taken nonetheless! If we go it'll be for pure enjoyment and to refill the creative tanks.