Dutch Producers at Mixer on 9/14/09

I'm excited to invite you to our monthly ScreenPlayLab mixer on Monday, September 14th, 2009, at Sharky's restaurant in Beverly Hills. Come by between 6:30pm and 9pm to chat with like-minded writers, producers, talent and others in the industry who love the film and TV business.

Free with RSVP at http://www.screenplaylab.com

*** The Dutch Producers, Making Your Film or TV Show for FREE...

Dutch television producers Frank Van Rooen and Rick de Graaf are shooting a reality series for the Dutch National Network about personal experiences working in Hollywood. They're especially looking for Dutch nationals, however anyone can be included in their show. To be interviewed, bring your Dutch friends or your best story about getting your break in Hollywood.

Do you need help with your production? Frank and Rick are making a generous offer to ScreenPlayLab members. To help us shoot our shows for free. Frank and Rick are in Hollywood shooting their reality series until the end of October. While here, they want to participate in many productions. That experience could be included as part of their reality series or not. If you have a film or series in production or ready to go, this is a very interesting opportunity. They have two Canon HD cameras and gear. Samples of their work:

http://www.frankvanrooijen.com
http://www.gorillia.tv

*** Interest in Casting, Locations or Production?

To get the right type of project in our credits or just for fun, sometimes it's good to do something extra. I know of interesting low budget projects that need help with casting, locations, and production. If anyone else wants to step up like Frank and Rick have done, offer to get involved in projects for free, let me know. I also know of unpaid college intern positions available in the office of a major production company.

*** Why Don't We Need No Stinkin' Badges?

Each month I'm asked why ScreenPlayLab mixers don't have name badges. We used to print badges. Why not anymore?

ScreenPlayLab mixers are quite informal. Unlike typical Hollywood events, there's no velvet rope to keep anyone away. Having a bit of anonymity can prevent a stampede. It may be an Easter egg hunt to find the television executives, major film producers, or representation who are in the room. The advantage is when you do encounter someone interesting you aren't in a line or behind a rope.

For the VIP, a little anonymity is a way to find out what people are really like. A producer shared this story with me this week. He saw an actress walking by on the street, someone pleasant but who wouldn't stop to talk to anyone who can't help her career. As she walked by she asked casually, what's up? "I'm with Entourage now." Dead stop. She tried, but he wouldn't take her number.

For those trying to break in, it can be frustrating that it's hard to befriend anyone above you who can lift your career. For those who've made it, it's frustrating that everyone wants you to help their careers and isn't thinking what you need to do your job. ScreenPlayLab can help. Results include gaining representation, getting a story optioned, or getting to work on productions. The mixer may seem like a party, but is also an audition. I hope you can make it.

Love you guys!