It's who you know

How often have you heard that phrase about breaking in? It's both a truism and a myth.

It should really be expanded to ''It's who you know who knows how good you are'' Because without the material ''who you know'' is irrelevant'


Yes for sure there are a few who get in with the brevette rank of brother -in-law, or the script editor given a shot. But unless you then consistently produce the goods those inroads are short lived.

In the great scheme of things there aren't really all that many people who make a living out of writing full time. Heck I know a lot of full time writers who can't make a living. I've hit that particular highway on a few occassions over the course.

But writers live on chances. It only takes the right person at the right time in the right place to say yes. They are more likely to be that person if they have read and liked several pieces of your work beforehand.

That's real networking. Without the material to back it up all the schmoozing in the world isn't going to help. It may open a door, but that door will knock your ass off and shut like Fort Knox if that's all you got.

It's about graft and craft and talent. Then getting it to people who can and will do something with it. A talent in itself.

Your script is your best networker, because let's face it, most writers are socially inept, cynical, sentimental introverts who spend more time absorbing than actioning. Or is that just me?

Well whatever. If we are, then in the words of my Jocko ancestors ''Here's tae us. Wha's like us? Gey few. And they're a' deid''!