WELCOME!

On behalf of Get Connected we want to welcome you to the event! Get Connected began in 2009 by Autumn Essie Bailey-Ford, Brent Brooks and Cynthia Collins. Autumns vision for the event was a diverse mixer designed to attract the local and established lm, media and theatrical community so each can grow, nurture and expand their networks. Our mission is to connect lmmakers and entertainers outside of their ordinary networks, and to provide a relaxing and fun environment to establish valuable connections. The event is for you and the purpose of this packet is get you as much prepared so you can maximize your experience and walk away with as many resources, connections and knowledge as possible.

Founders, Autumn & Brent Contact Email: getconnectedatlanta@gmail.com Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-Connected/ 150061968382511

EVENTbasics.
LOCATION - The Porter-Sanford Center, the current venue for the event, is a impressive stand alone event performance based event center located in Decatur Georgia. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to drive to the event. Address: 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, Georgia Porter-Sanford fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/PorterSanford PARKING - Parking is free at the Porter-Sanford Center. Some events are massive and parking can get hectic and when that happens there is a parking lot across the street from the venue. ADMISSION - Admission to the event is $10, cash only. This fee covers ALL the screenings, panels, workshops food and of course networking. BUSINESS CARD - Dont forget to drop off your business card in our shbowl when you check in. Each month we add all the email address and usually send out two Email blasts. PANELS - The panels are a big, big draw to the event. Make sure to see who is on them, and when they start. Often times the panels are conducted in the classroom and that room does ll up fast. Panels tend to go along with the theme of the event. WORKSHOPS - We strive to feature an interactive workshop at each event. Make sure to see what workshop we have. We try and schedule two of them in the night so try and target the early one so you can have the rest of the night to network and do other things. Each workshop is conducted differently so be sure to check each month. SCREENING - Each event look for 8-10 short lm screenings. After each screening the lmmakers get the chance to do a Q & A. Make sure to note this and if you like their work network with them. We have seen actors JUST sit in on all the lms then walk away with 8-10 leads. NETWORKING - Get Connected at its core is a networking event. Make sure to read this packet carefully and master all the tips. No one is going to make you successful, you have to network and work hard and nurturing your relationships. Not to hard however when you follow the golden rule! VENDOR TABLES - Tables are VERY affordable at the event. So conder getting one and/or make sure you visit with each one. They often have a great presentation for you and can provide with instant resources. FOOD DROPS - 6:30 & 8:30 is when food drops are made. Please be sure to leave a tip and/or thank the chef!

HOW TO USE THIS packet.

From here on the packet goes into detail on ways you can maximize your time at Get Connected. More then anything we want YOU to be successful. Details to each of items listed above and strategies we have seen work at the event. You will learn the networking tools from some of the best. We look to update this packet each month as we all learn something new. Take the time to review each item, master it! At times its what you know, its who know.

MORE THEN A MIXER.

Get Connected is a mixer which means you will be in a position to connect with new people. For some this is terrifying. The idea of approaching someone new and striking up a conversation is daunting. We understand this fear. The very best way to overcome and strike up a conversation is to listen and make compliments. Everyone loves to talk about their projects, gigs and ideas and along the way you might hear them say something that strikes your interest and be an area you happen to excel in.

ALWAYS come to the event with something to offer others. Are you casting for a project? Are you looking for music for your lm? Do you need a gaffer?

~ My lm screened last night and was approached by two other lmmakers looking to cast. Love it! - Actress, Jessica Pena

NETWORKING 101
No one likes that person whose idea of networking is going on and on about their project, their gig, or their whatever. Dont be that person. Please. Now there is a difference when someone asks you what is that you do, by all means have a quick response and then get about the business of learning what the other party is doing. Of course a nice conversation and when you learn where you can really help a project then by all means please go into detail on how you might be of service.

Last night at Get Connected I booked another maa

guy role for a lm. It's very important to attend these networking events. Be seen and get booked- not seen and you're forgotten....

- Actor, John DAngelo

NETWORKING TOOLS
Business Cards. Bring 30-50 business cards ready to hand out.
Make sure they stand out and they have ur current info. Look Professional. Come business casual or like you would to a job interview. Professional Headshot/ Resume. If you are an actor bring a few headshots and resumes with you in a small folder. Positive Attitude. Your best tool is you attitude. Make it infectious. Be Prepared. Sometimes people get interviewed on the spot. Have a killer elevator speech about yourself and work. Practice your speech as if you were on an elevator and only had a minute or so to leave a lasting impression. Have Fun. When you are kicked back you will attract fun loving, hard working people to your group. We are all making movies, not operating on people. Be Honest. The Golden Rule. Be clear about your skill set and do not b about what you have done. By all means make what you have accomplished come across as pure awesomeness - because it is! Under Promise & Over Deliver. We just love it when we see someone who lets their work speak for themselves. Never over promise and live a stress free life!

When I tell you I had an amazing time I really loved

the producer panel. I made some great connections also. See you next month have my plate ready

- Entrepreneur, Anthony AJ Joiner

PANELS

In an effort to bring real education into the mix we have recently added panels to the events. The panels range from the specic theme to the availability of any particular guest. We work hard and reach deep into our network to bring the best the city has to offer. The panels are very informative and extremely helpful to your understanding of the industry and planning your next move. Attend and target them, all of them. Get your questions answered, gain invaluable knowledge and make an impact on your next project.

I told my 17 year old cousin about Get Connected after she expressed interest to me about becoming a screenwriter and..... Wendy Eley who was on the panel at GC last Thursday called her about a PA position after meeting her that day! - Actress, Teresa Britton

VENDOR TABLES

Each month Get Connected attracts industry related and fashionable vendor tables to the mixer. These can be in the form of a local charity, to those that offer services to those that are promoting a new project. Go and visit each table and discuss what each table is offering, its a great way to warm up. The networking at vendor table can also lead to great things and there is a good chance the table has something you might need! Support our vendors and our local businesses, trust us, they need your support!

I just wanted to send this note to thank you all for having Fulton County CASA at Get Connected last night. The response to them and their organization was overwhelming!! I am honored and blessed to be working with them with Ms. PMS, and I am truly grateful to all of you. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you

- FIlmmaker, Prem Yndrome

WORKSHOPS

Interactive workshops is a great and simple way to get in the ow at the event. Most of the Get Connected events have workshops that are theme based and cater to the education and impact the student can take with them. These workshops are a great to meet new people, learn something new and build up your resources for your next project!

CINECENTRAL/ CREWCALL

CineCentral/ CrewCall is where you need to be! In past events we saw lmmakers and actors/ crew missing each other and this upset us. We created, kind of like a speed networking experience where each party has 2-3 minutes with each other. You get to meet and network with lmmaker, production entities and they get to take home your headshot and sue for future consideration.
If you have a project and are looking for cast & crew please contact us through our facebook page or email us at getconnectedatlanta@gmail.com

Get Connected changed my acting career. My rst night attending, I booked two roles and booked two auditions. I later booked those roles as well. Best part is I became SAG Eligible from one of those roles. Get connected is a great tool for serious actors to get exposure and meet some great friends in the industry.

- Actor, Adam Aalderks

GET CONNECTED SCREENING ROOM

The Get Connected Screening Room attracts projects from around the state. The screening process allows lmmakers to present their lms to a new audience and a chance to market and network themselves. This is a tremendous chance to meet emerging lmmakers in the immediate area and learn about their next project and see where you might be part!

I have been attending for almost three years and I believe it is an important tool for continued growth of my production company. As Get Connected has grown, so has my business. I nd actors, crew, friends and colleagues there every time I go. No other industry networking event has all the elements that they do.

- Filmmaker, Darla Clarkson

GET CONNECTED SCREENING ROOM

Actors.
Make sure to get there early and take advantage of the rst workshop that is usually target to actors at 6:30. Most events, not every, we work to bring a interactive workshop from top teachers in the profession. If you make the effort to come at 6:30 then that frees you up for the rest of the eventing to network, visit CineCentral attend the lm screenings, or sit on on a panel. HEADSHOT BUSINESS CARDS: One of the best tools for actors is the actor business card. This is easy to tote around and shows off your headshot and contact info. HEADSHOTS: Not a bad idea to have your folder of headshots in the car or bring inside with you. POWER NETWORK: We are always impressed with actors who network for other actors. You might meet a lmmaker and learn that you are not the look they are looking for their current project but you know someone who is. SCREENING: A lot of actors come when they have something screening. If this is the case make sure to invite out your agents, casting directors or other lmmakers so they can see your work on the big screen! Even if they do not come this is another reason to show them your work. PLANNING. Make sure to take some time to read over all the nights events, the lms screenings, the panels, workshops. You might be able to target someone you want to be introduced to.

NETWORKING TIPS
1. The goal of networking should be to help other people.
Yes, it would be nice if they helped you out as well, but networking is a twoway street. And your side of the street is all about helping others, not asking them to help you. Asking for favors should only become a possibility once you have learned more about the person and provided some value to them.

2. Its far more important to understand their needs before you tell them about your needs. Your goals should not be on the
forefront of your mind. Youre trying to develop a relationship with someone, which means you should be thinking about them. Its your job to understand the people in your network, where they are coming from, and whats important to them.

Setting expectations
3. You dont need to know the most people, just the right people.There is no need to shotgun your business cards across the industry or to
pepper everyone with emails. Instead, focus on finding people that are relevant to you. As time goes on, you can decide if the interests that you share with someone are worth pursuing further. Its better to have 5 people willing to help you out than it is to have 500 that simply know your name.

4. Dont expect anything. The fact that you reached out and made contact

with someone does not put them in your debt. No one is required to pay you back. Instead of approaching networking with the goal of gaining favors, try reaching out with curiosity. Contact interesting and relevant people and see what happens. Some of them will respond and some of the wont. Learn about the people that follow up. Find out what makes them interesting and how you can help them and dont expect anything in return.

5. Dont leave networking to chance. Take some time and define what
you are looking for in your network. Every once and awhile youll stumble across someone amazing on accident, but its a lot easier to find who youre looking for if you know who they are in the first place. Be proactive and create a list of people that you want to contact on purpose.

NETWORKING TIPS
6. Go beyond your industry. Connect with people on a variety of levels
from a wide range of areas. By growing your network outside of the usual areas you will be more valuable to people that are in your immediate industry. The people you work with have personalities and multiple interests, right? With a broad network you can be the person that connects people across industries.

7. Dont dismiss anyone as irrelevant. Maybe you dont think a local

blogger would be a good contact because you work as an actor. However there may be a time when you can send news about you being cast in a project that is newsworthy to the blogger.

How to reach out to someone new

8. Quantify how much time youre going to take. People are busy
and when someone new starts talking to them, the first thing that comes to their mind is How long is this person going to talk to me? or How much time is this going to take? Address those concerns from the start by saying something like, Hi. I have one item that Id like to briefly discuss with you. It should only take two minutes. Do you have time now? Asking questions like this not only shows that you respect their time, it also gives you the option of speaking with them later if they are too busy now.

9. Start by offering praise, not requesting help. Unless you have

a mutual contact that is putting you in touch for a specific reason, its best to avoid asking for anything when you meet for the first time. Dont ask for favors, for promotion, for advice, or even to meet up for lunch or coffee. Simply start by offering a short compliment. After they respond to this initial contact, you can begin moving things towards a more lengthy meeting.

10. Keep your emails short. If your first contact is via email, then split
the message into smaller segments. Instead of reaching out to someone new with a long-winded, five paragraph explanation of why you are contacting them, use that first email to focus on a small bit of praise. You can send further details to them after they reply. Keep that first message friendly and short.

NETWORKING TIPS
11. If you must ask for a favor, then ask for permission to continue. There are some situations where you need to ask for something, but
dont have the luxury of time to get to know them. Most situations dont fall under this category, but if you must ask for something, then weave in requests for permission before you make an offer. Ill give a real example. I was recently talking to the director of an organization about offering a new course to his clients. I started by asking for permission to continue. Ive run successful courses on X before. Would you like to know more? He was interested and we ended up having a great conversation. An additional benefit of this strategy is that you are getting the other party to say, Yes, to you. As a general rule, if you can get someone say yes to you three times, then the odds of your offer being accepted by them drastically increase. You dont need to ask permission for everything, but if youre opening a conversation where you will need to make an offer, then it can work wonders.

How to build the relationship

12. Try to provide as much value as you possibly can. The more
value you create, the more it will come back to you many times over. Focus all of your networking efforts on helping the people you contact.

13. Start by focusing on being friendly and helpful. This is the

number one tactic you can use to build your network. Simply spread information in a friendly and helpful way. Did you read a book that someone in your network will enjoy? Tell them about it or send them a copy. Are you using something that would help a friend with a project they are working on? Email it to them. Hear a new music album that a someone might enjoy? Send it their way. Building your network is the same as building friends. Be interested in what they are doing and offer friendly suggestions when you can.

NETWORKING TIPS
14. Develop the habit of introducing people. Connecting likeminded people is a powerful to enhance your network. The idea of doing this seems foreign to many people, but it is actually quite easy. Do you know two people who enjoy reading the same type of books? Or like the same sports teams? Or love reading about history? Or work in the same industry? You get the point. Dont make it hard, just introduce the two of them by sharing their common interest. They can decide if they want to pursue the relationship further.

15. Ask if people want to be connected. If youre apprehensive about

connecting two people, then ask one of them if they want to be connected. I know another person thats doing Y. Would you like for me to introduce you sometime? Even if they arent interested, they will appreciate the offer.

16. Nurture your current network. Most people think of networking as

reaching out to new people, but dont forget about the network that you already have. (Hint: You probably call them your friends and co-workers.) There is no need to wait to meet new people to start connecting others or sharing useful information. Network within the groups that are already close by.

Making networking a habit

17. Try to contact one person per day. If you reach out to 5 new
people every week, that would be about 250 per year. Sending an email or making a quick call will only take about 5 minutes of your day. Not everyone is going to get back to you, but if you contact that many new people, then youre bound to make significant progress.

18. Dont take No, personally. Everyone is busy. For most people, its
simply a matter of timing. If you catch them on a good day, then they will happily talk or meet with you. If theyre swamped, however, then a simple No might be all that you get. Dont take it to heart. In most cases, its not a reflection of you or what you said.

NETWORKING TIPS
19. Make it a point to follow up. One or two days after meeting someone
for the first time, follow up with a brief email or note. This is an opportunity to develop the relationship by bringing up a topic that you discussed before or making a comment on an interesting topic. Following up with relevant conversation helps to anchor your previous interaction in their mind and displays more personality than just sending a message that says, Thanks for talking!

20. Did you fail? Try reaching out in a different way. You dont
want to pester anyone, but if you give them a few weeks and dont hear a response, then there is nothing wrong with being persistent. For example, dropping in to talk face to face has resulted in great conversations with people that previously ignored my emails. Sometimes switching it up is all you need to do.

Things to remember
21. Network with the intention of helping other people, not yourself. People enjoy doing business with those that they trust and like. The only way
to build that trust is to engage with others in a helpful way. Yes, trust takes a long time to build, but insincerity takes even longer to overcome. Once youve developed a relationship and created a bond, then you can move on to negotiating for favors and asking for help.

22. Networking is more about listening to what people say than saying the right things. Take the time to listen to peoples stories. You
can only provide something of value to them if you listen to who they are and what they do.

23. Sometimes the best networking opportunities involve real work. Volunteer for events, committees, or projects that will have interesting
people at them or better working for them. Working on a project or task with someone is one of the best ways to develop a relationship. For example, volunteering for a nonprofit can be a great way to get to know their influential board members.

24. Email is easy to send and ignore. Yes, email is quick, simple, and
can be sent to anyone, anywhere. Its also very easy to be filtered out and ignored. If you really want to meet someone, then dont be afraid to pick up the phone, propose a video chat, or arrange a face-to-face meeting. These communication channels are usually less crowded and more personal, which means that your message will be more memorable. Email can be a great tool, but dont be afraid to mix it up.

WORKSHOPS

TESTIMONIALS
Shout out to some of the hardest working people in the lm industry that I was so happy to see at Get Connected tonight. I am so impressed with the professionalism and friendly environment that Get Connected is. It is not only somewhere that an actor can meet industry professionals, but its somewhere that liked minded people who care about this craft can build long lasting relationships. Im proud of everyone who did their screenings tonight as well because it gives us a chance to recognize our peers for their hard work. We are GROWING out here! Thank youAutumn Essie Bailey-FordandBrent Brooksfor giving us this event every month. You two have done so much for the lm industry of Atlanta. Oh and to the cast and crew of "I Stand Alone," YOU ALL ROCKED!! BRUCE DOWNS Thank you so much! The screening was a HUGE success and that was because of all the support I received from so many people in making of the Zombie Party short lm. I cannot put into words how exciting it was to watch a lm that you poured your heart into on the big screen with such an incredible sounds system. It looked and sounded so much better than the rendered-down version on YouTube, lol. I was overwhelmed with the turnout and support I still receive with this project -- It was great catching up with all of you! The energy and excitement from people in the audience asking questions during the Q&A was also very cool and unexpected. The MC told me afterwards that he cant wait to screen our next project. If you couldnt make the screening or if I didnt get a chance to see or visit with you afterwards, Im sending you a BIG zombie hug now. TRENT HARRIS Last night was great everyone came out to see Blur 2 and they loved it. One of the best experiences as a lmmaker for me. Then ppl just went crazy when I showed this trailer from The Takeover