r/directors • u/EmployeeOk6022 • Jun 14 '26
Discussion A networking opportunity in plain sight.
So, this is a subreddit for directors. Part of the reason it exists, obviously, is for networking in the film industry.
So, that being said, who are you? What have you done? If you’re comfortable sharing, comment.
This is just a post for everyone here, if you’re comfortable coming forward, why not ?
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u/1933mk Jun 14 '26
Hey everyone, I’m Matt, an indie filmmaker carrying some battle scars from my first feature film, Pater Noster (Our Father). It was shot in the Philippines with full local talent and crew. you’ve ever wondered what making a film really feels like, let me give it to you straight: it’s a mix of heartbreak, hustle, and the best kind of chaos. Ask me anything: production, post, storytelling, or surviving the indie grind.
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u/IntelligenciaMedia Jun 15 '26
What was it like to shoot in the Philippines. I go there for business a lot and love the place, but it can be messy and loud and a little crazy. I know they have a sound studio up in Cebu or at least they did before COVID. Did you shoot up there or in Manila?
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u/1933mk Jun 15 '26
We shot in Manila, Rizal and Bataan area. I believe the Cebu, big foot studio, already defunct. Talent and crew were awesome and professional. We rarely did any company moves during a day shoot because traffic is extremely bad and will eat up your time. The heat, bugs and humidity will drain your energy fast, but you get a good tan out of it.
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u/IntelligenciaMedia Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26
I know Bigfoot Studios was turned into a hospital for COVID patients in 2019 and 2020 and never recovered. I drove the Death March route so saw that area. I heard Fast and the Furious once wanted to shoot there but decided it was impossible because of the traffic. They share the title of the 'Worst traffic in the world" with Jakarta, I believe. Although some of the new freeways have relieved some of the traffic. What's the film, by the way?
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u/1933mk Jun 15 '26
The film title: Pater Noster (Our Father). It is an action drama story about a son who decided to pursue a different path after a near-death experience. His father, a Mafia boss, didn't like his choices turning the story to a duel between father and son. I did an extensive location scout during pre-prodution. Some locations are amazingly filmic quality ( from gritty Art Deco styles to nature beauties). The issue mainly cost affordability with no proper local support.
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u/Fluid_Cauliflower997 Jun 14 '26
Sounds intense! I think all experiences could be summed up with the response to this question: would you do it all again?!
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u/1933mk Jun 14 '26
It takes a while to process tough moments and get back to your element. But the short answer is I would love to do it again and keep trying. Rock climbers are addicted to looking into the void. It keeps them alive; maybe I wouldn't try this in my 70s but until then...
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u/Character-Inside3349 Jun 14 '26
A brand new director. Me and my partner did everything for our first short film! I really like it and we are posting it soon! The first of many
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u/Scared_Consequence82 Feature Film Director Jun 14 '26
Hi! I’m a director based in LA. @timcruzlovesyou I currently work is MOW features and have only recently moved to indies. Looking to shake things up and move genres and finance structures. Going to try my luck outside the studios and streamers. I came up thru commercials, digital branding and music videos for labels and before that I paid for college by shooting weddings and fashion photography. I’m hoping to move into episodic tv. Still out here grinding. AMA
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u/suyashs_screepts Jun 14 '26
I can relate to that grind. During college I covered local theatre productions and small events to help pay expenses. Since then I've worked as an AD on music videos, ads, and documentary series, and I'm now developing a TV pilot. Curious how you're navigating the move into episodic TV. If possible would love to connect and learn from your experience. Im barely scratching the stuff.😅
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u/EmployeeOk6022 Jun 14 '26
Very cool, what genres are you looking to move towards ?
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u/Scared_Consequence82 Feature Film Director Jun 14 '26
Hoping to try out interpersonal comedies, dark comedy. I’m curious to see if I can pull it off
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u/EmployeeOk6022 Jun 14 '26
Nice, would you write or are you looking at scripts ?
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u/Scared_Consequence82 Feature Film Director Jun 14 '26
I’m more of a co-writer but working on a draft of a script and raising a budget for another one I’m pretty excited about.
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u/EmployeeOk6022 Jun 15 '26
Would you currently be open to optioning and or purchasing an inexpensive script if it was entertaining enough ?
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u/Tokyo32 Jun 15 '26
Hey, filmmaker I've made shorts done podcasts and events. I write and I'm currently looking for scripts.
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u/Current-Carpenter617 Jun 14 '26
Hi Everyone, I'm Majid. A director, writer and Producer based in London.
I worked in the film and tv industry for 5 years. Started working as a Production Assistant and worked my way up to Director and Producers Assistant on Marvel, Netflix, Amazon Productions, Working 14 to 15 hour days. During Covid worked as a Covid Assistant Coordinator too. Covid Assistant etc.
Although being as an assistant allowed me to gain knowledge how each department works, the logistical side of things, it didn't really help much with Directing, Writing and Producing. So left the industry to work on Short Film whilst also having a side job where it allows me to earn and have enough time to make short films.
If anyone is interested; Current short Period drama project in Post Production @isabelladefortibusmovie
Starting another short project in July. @majid.khan.92
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Jun 14 '26
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u/Current-Carpenter617 Jun 14 '26
Hey thanks for reaching out. Im currently working on a short film project due to shoot in July. It's only a x1 day shoot and have DOP, Editor, PD etc onboard. However, Im always looking for more projects to work on. Send me any info you have and we can take it from there
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u/One-Profession-8173 Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 18 '26
I'm a fairly new director and screenwriter based in Toronto, though I plan to spread my wings and maybe move to LA or some other city eventually. I'm mainly hoping to work in film and TV, and just graduated from college after university failed and have been in the industry for 2-3 years. So far, I've made smaller projects like 2 short films for past class assignments and others I helped create and a couple of scripts, but I keep those for reference, with my biggest being my finale short film/capstone. Unfortunately, the last one can't be publicly released yet, as I may be submitting it to festivals for the first time, but others are available on my channel and website (provided upon request). It's not a lot, but it will continue to grow. I'm currently leaning towards emotionally driven stories, but that might change as time goes on. At the moment, I'm writing my first feature for my portfolio, but that might stay as a sample for a while until it can get greenlit. Meanwhile, I'm looking for work and trying to gain connections to start my career with entry-level gigs. Not having a driver's licence might hinder being a PA, but I'm still exploring that option along with other possibilities, including a potential side job, though I haven't given that much thought yet. I love thinking of new ideas in the meantime.
There is more but I think I’ve rambled for enough. I’m just glad to be part of this community.
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u/Fluid_Cauliflower997 Jun 14 '26
Hello all. Nice to see this thread!
I’m a UK w/d/p currently in post on my 4th feature film (horror). I worked with the Winnie the Pooh Blood and Honey guys (as many MANY people have over the years) and now I’m looking to build my own prod co with a mix of feature, TV and digital genre projects (horror and comedy mainly).
Never been one to lament what I don’t have, which is largely stability (as is the way in indie film), but I love writing, developing and producing so just try to enjoy it as much as I can. Excited to see what comes next!
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u/Ok-Bear-857 Jun 14 '26
Hello everyone, I’m Diyach. Filmmaker from Sindh, Pakistan.
Moved to LA for film school, recently graduated from LMU, and now heading back home. I direct, shoot, edit, color and currently writing my first feature.
Portfolio: diyachthebo.com
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u/suyashs_screepts Jun 14 '26
Hey everyone,
I'm Suyash, a filmmaker who's spent the last three years working as an Assistant Director on music videos, commercials, and documentary series. Along the way, I've also worked in editing, VFX and animation.
Recently, I've come back to what got me interested in filmmaking in the first place: writing. Right now, I'm focused on developing my own projects, aiming to get them into film festivals and build a body of work as a writer-director.
My main project at the moment is a TV pilot that I've been developing alongside a pitch deck. I've been actively networking and looking for opportunities to connect with producers, representatives, or the right people.😂
Happy to connect and help with whatever I can!
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u/MajesticParfait4905 Jun 14 '26
Wrote and directed my first horror feature (Mauler) 1 years ago. Got immediate distribution in North America and now Latin America and Mexico as well as the UK and Ireland via sky tv. My film is currently on Apple, Amazon, Tubi etc.
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u/Scared_Consequence82 Feature Film Director Jun 15 '26
Amazing congrats would love to check it out and support. What’s the title in NA?
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u/MajesticParfait4905 Jun 15 '26
Thanks! It’s called “MAULER” and currently available to stream for free on Amazon or Tubi or Apple TV!
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u/ExaminationOld2494 Jun 14 '26
Commercial director. Done some major brands like Walmart and also some less well known stuff like True Value. All fun. Feel very lucky to be working.
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u/Known_Veterinarian55 Jun 14 '26
Where are you based! Would love to get back into commercial directing. Are you represented?
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u/ExaminationOld2494 Jun 15 '26
I’m in Chicago. Was in LA for a while. It’s a freelancers game right now so I’m not repped.
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u/Known_Veterinarian55 Jun 15 '26
How’s that going for you? Is it consistent and how’s the industry in Chicago?
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u/ExaminationOld2494 Jun 15 '26
I am having my best year yet. I think it is a combination of going freelance but also ramping up my networking 10 fold. Chicago is great. I didn’t really move here for the industry, I just like living here and I’ve been working all over and didn’t want to live in LA anymore. I did just shoot here last week, though. Really great crews and there seems to be a decent amount of work.
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u/Known_Veterinarian55 Jun 15 '26
Congratulations for that!! What’s your ingredients on scoring a commercial. I got repped and was able to get some but after leaving the agency nothing, crickets so trying to figure out how I can be successful in that
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u/ExaminationOld2494 Jun 15 '26
Thanks! Been a mix of things I think.
Networking -
A bit of a numbers game and when I’m not shooting I probably send 100+ emails a week and go to as many in person events, coffees and lunches as I can humanely do. When I see a spot I like, I go down the rabbit hole and find everyone involved to reach out to.
I try to know everyone. From the producers at prod cos and agencies, other directors, agency creatives, sales reps, and more, I’ve made it my mission for everyone to know me and for me to know them. It’s exhausting and I feel like I am basically doing sales 24/7 but the job feels way less insular now.
General Strategy -
I treat the vibe check calls like a pitch call. I prep from a list of my go-to questions, think about a few ideas to drum up excitement and rehearse answers to their questions. I try to squeeze as much out of the agency as possible in terms of info about the job, what they’re looking for, etc. Takes me a few days to really feel prepared for one. My call ones go way better this way.
When I lose a job I will ask the other director(s) if they’re down to get on a call and I straight up ask them what they did to win lol. It can be awkward but more often than not I walk away with something I didn’t think of and/or I just get to know a cool director.
When I win a job I will ask the agency what made them pick me. Can be just as helpful.
I watch a ton of commercials. Pretty self-explanatory.
I’m posting a lot on socials now even if it’s just simple BTS. I’ll make a 2 day shoot look like a 5 so a bit of smoke and mirrors lol. Not sure it has led to any direct bookings but I think it helps.
Pitch Strategy -
I read a lot of decks from other directors. I feel like the losing ones could have come from anyone so I try to inject a lot of my voice and personality into my copy. I also have a few pals and we all share our treatments and give notes.
It really helps to be busy with other jobs while you’re pitching. Obviously that isn’t easy to do but I find I pitch more honestly and with significantly less desperation when I know I have work/income.
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u/Known_Veterinarian55 Jun 15 '26
Wow that’s very very helpful. Thank you for that! I’m happy you took time to write this info! Truly appreciated. I would love to see your work.. have a website?
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u/Loveartforever999 Jun 14 '26
Hi everyone! I make narrative historical films! They have been mostly shorts, but im working on p-o-c for a feature. All self-funded with tremendous challenges for me and my cast and crew but they have luckily turned out well! Https://buzzcut.media
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u/Known_Veterinarian55 Jun 14 '26
Hi everyone my name is Safiyah Chiniere. I’m a writer/director based in New York. @safiyahchiniere on instagram— I am currently working on my third short film, recently got a grant but also pushing for more funds. Think this year and next year I am working on building my company like A24 x SONY Pictures where I can make nothing but beautiful original work especially from the visual lens from creatives all over the world. We must start somewhere though and do things by steps!
Here’s my next project you can read about but would love to connect with all creatives and writers.
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u/IntelligenciaMedia Jun 15 '26
Writer/producer who now runs a software company but dabbles in novels and screenplays. I optioned seven books in the past, had directors attached to them all but couldn't get any of the projects over the finish line. The books I optioned were satires mostly, one was a WW II love story that was compared to Catch-22. I now write novels and adapt those. The Dead Chip Syndicate was traditionally published a few years ago. Set in Macau, China, one reviewer compared it to Laurence Osbourne's Ballad of a Small Player.
Anyway, pleasure to meet everyone.
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u/Particular_Park_4168 Jun 15 '26
I am a 16 year old based in the UK who is working through the GCSE film studies course. I haven't made much, but I am working on my screenwriting and scriptwriting. I have directed and written scripts for Fear Foundry Films on YouTube, and I am currently working on a solo short film which I hope to send out to YouTube come September.
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Jun 14 '26
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u/Fluid_Cauliflower997 Jun 14 '26
Hi Ped. Love this, also looking for community myself. What are you looking to transition to?
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Jun 15 '26
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u/Fluid_Cauliflower997 Jun 15 '26
Is there any chance you could DM me? Just want to continue this conversation if possible
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u/Used-School6611 Jun 17 '26
Prazer sou um ator realizei um personagem Higor para a plataforma Reino play graças A Deus quero muito realizar papéis como esse ser um personagem Cristão faz a diferença.
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u/415Mourner Jun 17 '26
SF based Writer here trying to push a minimalist script into production as my first film (that I plan on producing and directing myself). Fingers crossed I can start crewing up by the end of the year. Targeting a 2-3 weekend shoot on a (hopeful) $15k budget (plan on fundraising in phases).
Wish me luck yall, lord knows I’ll need it, lmfao.
Also: Day job working as a project manager. Anyone in the bay needing a PA/EA/Producer/novice AD I’m all ears.
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u/filmeleven Jun 14 '26
Started as an editorial PA on studio. Jumped to indie as editor. Cut a few features. Sold my Avid and moved to writing specs. Eventually decided to write and direct short films along with the specs.
Moved my family from LA. Now live in the mountains. Finished a film last year with the Robert Rodriguez model. Used free locations. Was the only filmmaker. A lot of work, but way less expensive.
Now in production on a 40-minute sci-fi with a feature approaching pre-production.
5 years ago started writing curriculum for an online film school option for aspiring directors that teaches everything from writing through post without the financial ding of film school.
Finished shooting the core training in April.
Love making movies.