If you follow the Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) website, you may have seen a posting stating: “Casting Call for Extras” or “Extras Needed” in conjunction with film projects being shot in the Cleveland area.  If you are an actor like me, you will almost certainly have received an email from local casting directors Angela Boehm or Lillian Pyles announcing the same.  Whether you have been an extra (also known as “background”) before or have never set foot on a movie set, this post is for you!
 
Extras play an important role in the making of a film.  While you don’t typically have any scripted lines and your face may not get any camera time, background actors bring a scene to life in concert with featured actors in the foreground.  One might say that it makes a scene more real. 

For example, one of the most famous scenes in the movie Judas and the Black Messiah, which was filmed right here in Cleveland in a local church, was when Fred Hampton, played by Daniel Kaluuya, gave a call-and-response oratory to a large crowd of background actors seated in the pews.  Kaluuya played off the energy of those extras to deliver a memorable performance in that scene which likely garnered him an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.  Or imagine a park scene in which two actors deliver their lines while walking through an empty park.  It would probably feel, well, empty.

Whether you have lines or not, you are still acting and should take the action the director gives you as seriously as what the main characters are doing, even if it is simply tossing a frisbee in the distant background of a park scene.  Background extras are an integral part of the team.  Who knows, you might get lucky and end up with some decent camera time like I did when I was an extra in the movie Hoffa.  My reporter character ended up right next to star Jack Nicholson while he delivered one of his most important monologues of the film.
 
Following are a few comments on what to expect and some words of advice if you are selected to be a background extra:
 
1.     Be yourself.  When filmmakers are selecting background extras, they are looking for real people who will complement the scenes being shot in a movie.  They are not typically looking for a room full of people who look like Denzel Washington or Charlize Theron, so come as you are.  Big productions will usually have wardrobe on location they will put you in, especially if it is a “period” film.  Sometimes you may be asked to bring some of your own clothes to wear.   Bring/wear clean underwear and have a variety of socks and shoes.  Be sure to keep track of all your belongings in any event.
 
2.     Be on time!  Show up at least 15 minutes before your call time.  Be prepared for a long workday, usually a 10-12-hour day, or more.  So, bring along a good book, as you may find yourself sitting and waiting to be called to set more often than you will be working.  Background actors are often asked to arrive on set before nearly everyone else.   Even before some of the crew and main characters.  This allows for enough time to arrive at the designated parking area, lug your stuff inside, or hop on a shuttle to what is called the “Holding Location” or “Extras Holding”.  Once there you will fill out paperwork, maybe get fitted for wardrobe, if they have an idea of what scene(s) they might plan to put you in.  Since each day on a set is different, an Assistant Director (AD) may need you to report right away to the set or may not need you until later. 
 
3.     Be ready.   While you will find yourself waiting quite a bit, be ready at a moment’s notice to report to set.  The more opportunities you get to be involved in filming a given scene, the better chance you might have of seeing yourself in the final product.  Background actors who can respond immediately to an AD’s call will ingratiate themselves with the production team.  Even though waiting is part of the gig, don’t let people hear you complaining or looking impatient.  Be strategic with your bio breaks so that you are prepared to go on set when called, and don’t get antsy if a scene runs longer than your bladder can take. LOL.
 
4.     Be professional and friendly.  Even though a movie set is not meant to be a social hour, and time is money, you are still interfacing with human beings.  Although some of the crew may seem a bit high strung and testy, it is not personal.  Everyone is on a schedule, and you want to ensure that you are keeping things moving forward smoothly.  Smile, introduce yourself to your fellow actors and others when and where appropriate.  You don’t want to make a spectacle, but you do want folks to know you were there in a positive way.  Being an extra on one film could lead to getting hired onto another in a speaking role or as part of the production crew.  Oh, and when you are filming, follow the precise direction you are given, and don’t look into the camera or otherwise try to draw attention to yourself unless you are directed to do so.  When they say, “back to one,” that means return immediately to where you began the scene.  It goes without saying, no autograph or selfie requests with the main characters while on set!
 
5.     Be courteous and aware of your surroundings.  Food and drink is typically provided.  Some films provide breakfast as a courtesy, although sometimes extras are expected to have eaten breakfast already.  To be safe, eat a little something before you arrive so you aren’t starving, and give yourself time for that morning elimination.  Lunch or dinner depending on call time will be provided, and there is craft (snack) service and plenty of water, throughout the day.  If you have any special dietary restrictions or needs, come prepared in case what is being provided is limited.  In any event, drink plenty of water and plan snacks accordingly.  And don’t try to “get your money’s worth” and eat everything in sight!  You never know when someone may be watching.  See #4.
 
6.     Be a sponge.  Besides being a Production Assistant (PA), working as an extra is one of the best ways to get an education about what goes on during a film production.  Keep your eyes and ears open not only for your direct work instructions but to what is going on around you, what preparation goes into shooting a scene, proper set decorum, what kinds of interactions are happening, forms being filled out, the different shot angles and other actions that go into building a given scene. 
 
As a background extra, you are important to a scene looking authentic in the final product.   You are the one getting direction before even the main characters do in most cases.  When a scene is ready to begin shooting it is not simply the word “action”.  It is normally, “background, AND action!”  Go have some fun!
 
LP
Chief Diversity Officer, VP Corporate & Community Engagement

According to old Buckeye Chuck, we are in for an early spring this year.  I will believe it when I see it!  At least those April showers are in full effect as the NCAA Women’s Final Four and a generational Total Solar Eclipse descend upon the Land.  Great times are sure to be had by all if you are a Hawkeye, Huskie, Gamecock, or member of the Wolfpack.  Especially if your team walks away hoisting a championship trophy.
 
Spring is also the time when we Midwesterners come out of hibernation ourselves and begin to prepare for one of the most beautiful times of the year.  We clean out the garage, basement, our closets, and cabinets to get our home environment just right.  But what about our community environment?  Are we as fastidious about keeping our neighborhoods clean?  When we are hanging out around town, do we deposit our trash in a trash bin, or does it find its way onto the ground?

What is it with people who can’t tell the difference between a trash can, and the ground? Couldn’t you try to be like Caitlin, Paige, Aziaha, or Te-Hina, and pretend to make a three-point shot?  Then there are those jokers who get a kick out of tossing their garbage out of their car windows.  Or how about the neighbor who doesn’t adequately bag their garbage on trash pick-up day, so when we get home from work, paper is blowing up and down the street? No doubt, you can probably think up several other examples of this rude behavior.

The act of littering is something that I have never been able to understand. I originally decided to pen a version of this “rant” after a bike ride that my wife and I took around Lake Erie several years ago.  We were blown away by the random pop bottles, cigarette butts, fast-food wrappers, and the like, strewn periodically along our route. In most cases, there were available receptacles in plain sight. If you are a litterbug, you are a menace to society. Yes, I said it. Here is why:

Costs of Littering
According to data from Litter in America:

• Litter clean-up costs the United States more than an estimated $11.5 billion each year.
• Businesses pay $9.1 billion of clean-up costs, or about 80%.
• States, cities, and counties spend at least $1.3 billion on litter removal.
• Educational institutions spend approximately $241 million dollars annually for litter cleanup.
• 93% of homeowners say a littered neighborhood would decrease their assessment of a home’s value and influences their decision to purchase a property. And 40% estimated that litter would reduce a home’s value by 10% to 24%.
• 36% of business development officials say that litter impacts a decision to locate to a community.
• 55% of real estate agents think that litter reduces property values by about 9%.

Just imagine if some of this money wasted on dispensing of litter could be invested in educating our children, or the $9.1 billion businesses are spending on clean-up costs could be reinvested in their companies to create more jobs. Wouldn’t that be a much better way to use our resources?

Many things happen in our lives over which we have little or no control – littering is not one of them. Littering is an intentional act that displays a lack of respect for others, and our environment.  The lazy offender is also showing little regard for themselves. There is absolutely no excuse.

What can we do to change this inexcusable behavior? No. 1 – don’t litter! Use available trash baskets when you have something to dispose of. If you can’t find a convenient place to get rid of those unhealthy fast-food wrappers, keep it in your car until you get home and throw it in your own garbage can, not by the side of the road.  You probably shouldn’t be eating that junk anyway. 

And if you are walking in your neighborhood, through the office, down the hall at school, or in a parking lot and spot a stray pop bottle or piece of paper, bend over and pick it up, please.  Don’t just step over it and assume someone else will get it. This way you are demonstrating to others that, unlike the person who perpetrated the act of littering, you have some class. Most specifically, our own kids are watching everything we do, including how we as adults react to or participate in the act of littering. Littering is a learned behavior, so if you have a budding young litterbug on your hands at home, don’t blame them. Look in the mirror.

WANT TO KNOW TO KNOW MORE ABOUT SOME OF THE SUSTAINABILITY RESOURCES RELATED TO THE FILM INDUSTRY? CHECK OUT THIS ONE SHEET FROM CUYAHOGA COUNTY SOLID WASTE DISTRICT.

Until next time,

Lowell Perry,
Chief Diversity Officer, VP Corporate & Community

According to Wikipedia, Women’s History Month is an annual observance to highlight the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. Celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, corresponding with International Women’s Day on March 8, it is observed during October in Canada, corresponding with the celebration of Persons Day on October 18.  

Let’s all take a moment to recognize women everywhere for the contributions they have made as part of the American story.   The grit and determination they continue to display in the face of an unprecedented assault on some of the hard fought for rights that are being slowly stripped away.  More wins are in the crosshairs of politically motivated and misguided folks who would like to see the country go back to a world pre-1920 before the 19th amendment to the Constitution was ratified giving women the right to vote.  Keep on battling y’all!
 
Can I talk history for a moment?  Many of us are familiar with history-making women such as Harriet Tubman, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Rosa Parks.  Just this past week, University of Iowa women’s basketball phenom Caitlin Clark, made history in becoming the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader, man or woman, breaking Pistol Pete Maravich’s record that stood for over 50 years. 
 
But this is a Greater Cleveland Film Commission blog, so how about we talk about a little women’s history in film?  Better yet, with a little Cleveland flavor? 

During Black History Month in February, I had the pleasure of doing Black Film History presentations at PNC Fairfax Connection, and at Glenville High School, focusing on African American luminaries in film with connections to the Cleveland area.  Many are familiar with names like Oscar-winner Halle Berry.  But did you know that Lawanda Page (aka Aunt Esther on Sanford and Son) and Dorothy Dandridge were both born in Cleveland?  The latter was widely considered one of the most beautiful women in the world back when she starred in films such as Carmen Jones and Porgy and Bess.

Other women with links to the Land include Molly Shannon (SNL, Superstar, and The White Lotus), Isabela Merced (Madame Web, Transformers: The Last Knight, and a huge film about to start shooting here this summer), and Oscar nominee Debra Winger (An Officer and a Gentleman, Terms of Endearment and Shadowlands).  Margaret Hamilton who played Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz was also born in Cleveland. 

Visit our website www.clevelandfilm.com to learn more about the industry and how you might become the next big name from the Land!   Also, find out details about the first GCFC networking mixer of 2024 coming up on March 27th.   For how to make the most of attending the mixer, click here.
 
Hope to see your face in the place!
 
LP
Chief Diversity Officer, VP of Corporate & Community Engagement

Networking has been described as “the process of making connections and building relationships.  These connections can provide you with advice and contacts, which can help you make informed career decisions. Networking can even help you find unadvertised jobs/internships.” 

If you are contemplating a career in the growing film production industry in NE Ohio or taking your current industry-related job to the next level, there is no better opportunity for quality networking than a Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) Media Mixer.  The next is set for March 27th, 2024, at Goldhorn Brewery from 6 – 9 pm.

Last years mixers were packed affairs featuring a plethora of current and aspiring crew, vendors, and talent.  Even if you own a business not in the industry per se, come on out and mingle with GCFC staff, as well as industry folks who might just need the products or services you provide for an upcoming project.  

95% of the people who work in the film industry never walk down the red carpet. A film crew is made up of hundreds, sometimes thousands, more jobs than just the director, actors, or camera operators.  Almost any job skill you have will translate to a career in the film and TV industry! Check out the chart at this link, which includes just a handful of possible career paths you can take to get your start in production.

A few tips for a productive night of networking and fun at our event, or any other for that matter:

• Bring plenty of business cards and arrive early with a plan of who in you must connect with during the allotted time.  Try to accomplish this goal in the first hour, and it will take some of the edge off for the remainder of your time at the event.

• As the title of this piece suggests, don’t just stand around, even if others might be.  Be proactive by introducing yourself and acting like you belong in the place.  Believe me, everyone has a touch of anxiety in a social setting and will love you for breaking the ice.  My late father-in-law loved to tell our kids right before they were about to play in a big sporting event – “Let them know you were there!”  

• Don’t launch into a long soliloquy.  Be concise and ask questions about the person you are engaging.  The goal is not to close a deal on the spot, but to exchange information and the promise to get in touch to set up a meeting to go into more detailed conversation.  Remember, networking is making the connection.  Besides, there may be several people you need to connect with, so make the best use of your time and that of the person you are speaking with who will likely have networking objectives of their own.  

• Introduce yourself to all GCFC staff, some of whom who will be at the front desk and may be able to point you in the right direction of the individual(s) you are looking to connect with.  There is also a sheet at the check-in desk with QR code links to GCFC team members facilitating setting up a time to meet with them in the future.  

• Make sure your name tag is legible and accurately says who you are and/or what you are seeking to do.  Someone just might be looking for you, so write large enough for people to see as they pass by you during the night.

• Be mindful of body language.  You can tell how a group is standing (open or closed) as to whether they are open to a new person joining in with them. Obviously, firm handshake, look folks in the eye when you address them, and don’t be an uncomfortable Seinfeld “close talker.”  LOL.

• Have fun!  This is a party, so it is okay to act like it.  People like to be around others with positive energy, but of course, don’t overdo it with excessive loudness and “barroom curls.”  Don’t be a wallflower, but it is also not the time to be the life of the party. 

Your actions post-event are as important as the event itself, if not more so.  Try to send an email to each person you took a card from at the mixer within 24 – 48 hours.  Mention how nice it was to meet, a tidbit about something you remember from the conversation, and how you would like to get together in person to continue the dialogue.  Give a few alternative dates/times as appropriate, particularly if it was said during your encounter at the mixer that there would indeed be some kind of follow-up.  Do your LinkedIn research before that follow-up meeting.

SIGN UP FOR THE GCFC eNEWSLETTER!  That way you can keep up with what is going on in the local film community, including future productions, networking, and job/intern opportunities.  Visit the GCFC website – www.clevelandfilm.com where you can register as a vendor or crew, as well as access other valuable film production-related data.

Blessings,

LP
Chief Development Officer, VP Corporate & Community Engagement

Did You Know: 95% of the people who work in the film industry never walk down the red carpet.

A film crew is made up of hundreds, sometimes thousands, more jobs than just the director, actors, or camera operators. Whether you’re fresh out of high school, trained at a vocational school, graduated college, or are simply looking for a career change, almost any job skill you have will translate to a career in the film and TV industry!

Check out this list below, which is just a handful, of possible career paths you can take to get your start in Film and Television Production.

Click on the chart below to view it in fullscreen or to download.

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to create jobs and economic impact for Northeast Ohio through a vibrant film and media arts industry. We pursue our mission by advocating for the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit (OMPTC), attracting productions to our region, and training the local workforce.

Since 2009, the GCFC has attracted over 300 productions, most recently Netflix’s White Noise and the LeBron James biopic Shooting Stars. These projects have created 7,092 full-time equivalent jobs and brought $1.38 billion into Ohio’s economy.

YOU can benefit from our work.  The GCFC connects cast and crew talent directly to production opportunities by offering workshops, an affordable online FilmSkills training program, and a GCFC internship program!

Start learning today for your new Cleveland Film career tomorrow.

February is Black History Month.  Welcome to another celebration of the achievements of African Americans as key protagonists in the American Story. 

Some might ask “Why is there a special month for such recognition?”  It is still necessary due to our Country’s history of intentionally excluding the contributions of Black people and other people of color to avoid the inconvenient truths associated with the circumstances many of these American heroes had to overcome to reach said achievements. 

It simply boggles the mind that there are shameless troglodytes among us who still wish to deny our young people the right to know the unvarnished and accurate history of the United States of America.  This knowledge is not about pointing fingers, but rather an illustration of why every American is part of our collective story and belongs at the table when solutions for becoming a more perfect union are being discussed.  Isn’t that after all what the essence of the word “united” is?
 
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion internally and externally in our business.  The film production industry offers a wonderful opportunity to expose folks from underrepresented and underserved communities to career and business opportunities with intention.  During Black History Month, we are holding a Production Assistant (PA) workshop that has already reached capacity, our Film Forward Documentary Spotlight & Workshop where slots are still available, and a special presentation celebrating Blacks in Film, especially those with Cleveland ties, to be hosted by PNC Fairfax Connection,

2024 promises to be one of the best years ever for Northeast Ohio production with over $142 million in projects already committed.  If you miss out this month on taking a step to be involved in the Greater Cleveland film scene, click here to sign up for the waiting list for next month’s PA workshop.  In any event, visit the website, sign up for the newsletter, and consider becoming a member.

Cheers,

Lowell Perry
Chief Diversity Officer, VP Corporate & Community Engagement

SOURCE: MovieMaker Magazine | Deirdre McCarrick, Tim Molloy, and Margeaux Sippell
January 18, 2024

18. Cleveland, OHIO

Cleveland and the area around it have produced the Russo brothers, Jim Jarmusch, and LeBron James, the rising star of filmmaking behind the SpringHill Company. It has a very experienced, deep crew base that can handle multiple major productions at a time, and entices them with Ohio’s 30% refundable tax credit based on $300,000 minimum spend. You’ll also find plenty of equipment rental houses, including Cleveland Camera Rental and Midwest Grip & Lighting. 

Cleveland’s cultural offerings include the Cleveland Institute of Art, Kent State University, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, on the shores of Lake Erie. The city’s cost of living is well below average — housing costs are remarkably affordable. The city is also a mere two hours away from Pittsburgh, which appears soon on this list.

The wide range of projects shot in Cleveland include the feature film Lost and Found in Cleveland, Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries, and Netflix’s Baby Gorilla Cam, a livestream from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo that we just learned about while writing this and need to go watch immediately — be right back.

Notable Film Festivals: Cleveland International Film Festival and Chagrin Documentary Film Festival

The Cleveland International Film Festival is one of the handful of film festivals in the world that is one of our 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee and one of our 25 Coolest Film Festivals. It’s known for bold, energetic, crowd-pleasing programming, for inclusivity — including programs focused on BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ filmmakers — and for education. It also offers massive prize packages. 

The Chagrin Documentary Film Festival, meanwhile, basks in the small-town charm of Chagrin Falls, known for the scenic falls in the town’s center. It recognizes great documentaries in honor of David Ponce, a young filmmaker who died of leukemia in 2006, but whose spirit and legacy live on in his community’s annual embrace of storytelling and its capacity for increasing our understanding ofthe world. 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL LIST

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” He also said: “Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve.  You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” 

The latter quote came in a speech just two months prior to his tragic murder on a motel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee.  This from a man who embodied the principal motto of Rotary, which is “Service Above Self.”  I wrote about Dr. King last year around this time and felt compelled to do something of a reprise with his birthday upon us January 15th.

We live in a world so governed by selfishness, greed, and lust for power that it is simply staggering.  Civility has become an anachronism in this country in both private and public sectors.  Why is it so tough to embrace the admonishment to us in Matthew 22:39 that says: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself?”    Perhaps 2024 is our year to live that credo, beginning with those in our own orbits, and then extending outward throughout the year.  That would be a great way to honor Dr. King who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his love of all mankind. 

It is worth mentioning again that February is Black History Month.  Black history is American history. The contributions of African Americans to the story of this country are immeasurable. This includes literally building Washington D.C., as well as our national economy, as forced and enslaved labor. Many citizens are not aware of many of these contributions because these parts of American history have regrettably, not been taught in our schools.  It is also unfortunate that this omission was not an accident.  If you are indeed a student of history, make a concerted effort to learn more about the important role of Black people in the American story.

One good place to start if you want to raise your history IQ is the work of a true American hero, Dr. King.  However, please do not rush to join the chorus of hypocrites who love to quote him around his birthday and use out-of-context selective snippets from the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech to push some ideological agenda.   I use the word hypocrite given many will utter words from the speech, but then turn around and support public policy that is the antithesis of the message and the man.  That speech was a call for freedom, equality, and respect your fellow human beings.  It is a quest that is still a work in progress.  

If you really want a peek into history, and into the mind and mission of this man of God, then you owe it to yourself to read the “Letter from Birmingham Jail”.  This eloquent missive, regarded by some as a revelation and a chronicle of the struggle of African Americans then and now, as protagonists in the American story. Dr. King’s prophetic words ring just as loudly, if not more so today. It may well be one of the best examples of what he stood for, his skill as a writer, and why he is an esteemed American hero. 

Follow this link to experience riveting historic prose from a King.

He and I also share something in common besides being juniors, and a passion for fighting injustice. We are members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The first Black Greek Letter organization. I mention this not just as a shout-out to my good brothers everywhere, but rather, I am still awed by the experience of being present for the dedication of the MLK Memorial in Washington DC. My dear fraternity led the effort to make this momentous dream a reality.

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission is deeply committed to a corporate and community culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, leading to true equal opportunity for all. We work collectively with our stakeholders to protect and promote diverse people, places, and experiences that help tell all of America’s stories equitably and inclusively.

We define diversity as the meaningful participation of myriad groups in cultural and economic development driven by our efforts, including but not limited to race, age, religious beliefs, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical/mental ability, ethnicity, perspective, and geography.

We define equity as the development of policies and practices that help all communities gain access to the resources, opportunities, and networks required to reach their maximum potential.

We define inclusion as the authentic engagement of diverse groups in real personal and professional development, leading to an enhanced sense of belonging.

When added together, we believe that D + E + I = O. Opportunity.

I submit to you that this basic human equation was a central message of Dr. King’s journey while on this earth. In today’s world, it is more relevant than ever, as we see far too many in authority seeking to actively undermine those principles daily. What are you going to tell your children and grandchildren that you did to personally combat such madness and help ensure that the phrase in our Pledge of Allegiance – “liberty and justice for all” is not just an empty promise? 

Eating less, working out more, spending less, etc., are all noble resolutions. I submit that service above self is tougher to practice than all those things, but worth the effort.  Don’t we owe it to ourselves and our kids to do what is necessary to leave them a better world?  Our generation is already reaping what we have sown, and now is the time to course correct.

Your move my friends,
Lowell Perry,
Chief Diversity Officer, VP Corporate & Community Engagement

Networking has been described as “the process of making connections and building relationships.  These connections can provide you with advice and contacts, which can help you make informed career decisions. Networking can even help you find unadvertised jobs/internships.” 

If you are contemplating a career in the growing film production industry in NE Ohio or taking your current industry-related job to the next level, there is no better opportunity for quality networking than a Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) Media Mixer.  The next is set for December 14th, 2023, at Music Box Supper Club from 6 to 9 pm, so I thought it was appropriate to reprise this missive.  

The previous three mixers were packed affairs featuring a plethora of current and aspiring crew, vendors, and talent.  Even if you own a business not in the industry per se, come on out and mingle with GCFC staff, as well as industry folks who might just need the products or services you provide for an upcoming project.  

95% of the people who work in the film industry never walk down the red carpet. A film crew is made up of hundreds, sometimes thousands, more jobs than just the director, actors, or camera operators.  Almost any job skill you have will translate to a career in the film and TV industry! Check out the chart at this link, which includes just a handful of possible career paths you can take to get your start in production.

A few tips for a productive night of networking and fun at our event, or any other for that matter:

• Bring plenty of business cards and arrive early with a plan of who in you must connect with during the allotted time.  Try to accomplish this goal in the first hour, and it will take some of the edge off for the remainder of your time at the event.

• As the title of this piece suggests, don’t just stand around, even if others might be.  Be proactive by introducing yourself and acting like you belong in the place.  Believe me, everyone has a touch of anxiety in a social setting and will love you for breaking the ice.  My late father-in-law loved to tell our kids right before they were about to play in a big sporting event – “Let them know you were there!”  

• Don’t launch into a long soliloquy.  Be concise and ask questions about the person you are engaging.  The goal is not to close a deal on the spot, but to exchange information and the promise to get in touch to set up a meeting to go into more detailed conversation.  Remember, networking is making the connection.  Besides, there may be several people you need to connect with, so make the best use of your time and that of the person you are speaking with who will likely have networking objectives of their own.  

• Introduce yourself to all GCFC staff, some of whom who will be at the front desk and may be able to point you in the right direction of the individual(s) you are looking to connect with.  There is also a sheet at the check-in desk with QR code links to GCFC team members facilitating setting up a time to meet with them in the future.  

• Make sure your name tag is legible and accurately says who you are and/or what you are seeking to do.  Someone just might be looking for you, so write large enough for people to see as they pass by you during the night.

• Be mindful of body language.  You can tell how a group is standing (open or closed) as to whether they are open to a new person joining in with them. Obviously, firm handshake, look folks in the eye when you address them, and don’t be an uncomfortable Seinfeld “close talker.”  LOL.

• Have fun!  This is a party, so it is okay to act like it.  People like to be around others with positive energy, but of course, don’t overdo it with excessive loudness and “barroom curls.”  Don’t be a wallflower, but it is also not the time to be the life of the party. 

Your actions post-event are as important as the event itself, if not more so.  Try to send an email to each person you took a card from at the mixer within 24 – 48 hours.  Mention how nice it was to meet, a tidbit about something you remember from the conversation, and how you would like to get together in person to continue the dialogue.  Give a few alternative dates/times as appropriate, particularly if it was said during your encounter at the mixer that there would indeed be some kind of follow-up.  Do your LinkedIn research before that follow-up meeting.

SIGN UP FOR THE GCFC NEWSLETTER!  That way you can keep up with what is going on in the local film community, including future productions, networking, and job/intern opportunities.  Visit the GCFC website – www.clevelandfilm.com where you can register as a vendor or crew, as well as access other valuable film production-related data.

As a reminder from last month’s blog, we are still in our #GivingTuesday campaign which runs until the end of this month.   

There is still time to help create more opportunity and economic impact for NE Ohio.   So, renew your membership or consider becoming a member of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission if you are not one already at this link – https://www.clevelandfilm.com/membership/.   Do so during the #GivingTuesday campaign period of November 28 – December 31, 2024, and you will receive a special ten (10) percent discount.  Share the link with a friend, family member, or colleague so that they can support our workforce and economic development efforts.  Or sign them up yourself as a holiday gift!  

Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season!

Blessings,

LP
Chief Development Officer, VP Corporate & Community Engagement

Networking has been described as “the process of making connections and building relationships.  These connections can provide you with advice and contacts, which can help you make informed career decisions.  Networking can even help you find unadvertised jobs/internships.”  If you are contemplating a career in the growing film production industry in NE Ohio or taking your current industry related job to the next level, there is no better opportunity for quality networking than a Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) Mixer.  The next is set for September 20, 2023, at McCarthy’s Downtown (1231 Main Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113) from 6 to 9 pm. 

The previous two mixers were packed affairs with a great mix of current and aspiring crew, vendors, and talent.  Even if you are a business not in the industry per se, come on out and mingle with GCFC staff, as well as industry folks who might just need the products or services you provide for an upcoming project.  95% of the people who work in the film industry never walk down the red carpet. A film crew is made up of hundreds, sometimes thousands, more jobs than just the director, actors, or camera operators.  Almost any job skill you have will translate to a career in the film and TV industry! 

Check out the chart at this link, which includes just a handful of possible career paths you can take to get your start in production.

A few tips for a productive night of networking and fun:

• Bring plenty of business cards and arrive early with a plan as to who in general you must connect with during the allotted time.  Try to accomplish this goal in the first hour, and it will take some of the edge off for the remainder of your time at the event.
• As the title of this piece suggests, don’t just stand around, even if others might be.  Be proactive by introducing yourself and acting like you belong in the place.  Believe me, everyone has a touch of anxiety in a social setting and will love you for breaking the ice.  My late father-in-law loved to tell our kids right before they were about to play in a big sporting event – “Let them know you were there!” 
• Don’t launch into a long soliloquy.  Be concise and ask questions about the person you are engaging.  The goal is not to close a deal on the spot, but to exchange information and the promise to get in touch to set up a meeting to go into more detailed conversation.  Remember, networking is making the connection.  Besides, there may be several people you need to connect with, so make the best use of your time and that of the person you are speaking with who will likely have networking objectives of their own. 
• Introduce yourself to all GCFC staff, some of whom will be at the check-in desk and may be able to point you in the right direction of the individual(s) you are looking to connect with.  There is also a sheet at the check-in desk with QR code links to GCFC team members facilitating setting up a time to meet with them in the future. 
• Make sure your name tag is legible and accurately says who you are and/or what you are seeking to do.  Someone just might be looking for you, so write large enough for people to see as they pass by you during the night.
• Be mindful of body language.  You can tell how a group is standing (open or closed) as to whether they are open to a new person joining in with them. Obviously, firm handshake, look folks in the eye when you address them, and don’t be an uncomfortable Seinfeld “close talker.”  LOL.
• Have fun!  This is a party, so it is okay to act like it.  People like to be around others with positive energy, but of course, don’t overdo it with excessive loudness and “barroom curls.”  Don’t be a wallflower, but it is also not the time to be the life of the party.

Your actions post-event are as important as the event itself, if not more so.  Try to send an email to each person you took a card from at the mixer within 24 – 48 hours.  Mention how nice it was to meet, a tidbit about something you remember from the conversation, and how you would like to get together in person to continue the dialogue.  Give a few alternative dates/times as appropriate, particularly if it was said during your encounter at the mixer that there would indeed be some kind of follow-up.  Do your LinkedIn research prior to that follow-up meeting.

SIGN UP FOR THE GCFC NEWSLETTER!  That way you can keep up with what is going on in the local film community, including future productions, networking, and job/intern opportunities.  Visit the GCFC website – www.clevelandfilm.com where you can register as a vendor or crew, as well as access other valuable film production-related data.

Finally, National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually celebrated from September 15 to October 15 across the United States in recognition of the history, culture, influence, and achievements of Hispanic Americans.  This year’s theme is – Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.  So, a special shout out to all my Latino brothers and sisters for their continuing contributions in shaping the collective American dream.  As my dad loved to say – keep on keeping on! Mantente adelante! 

Cheers,
LP
Chief Diversity Officer, VP Corporate & Community Engagement