Coffee & Content: The Secret To Opportunity Is Building Relationships

Coffee & Content: The Secret To Opportunity Is Building Relationships

Coffee & Content: The Secret To Opportunity Is Building Relationships

Richard "RB" Botto
Richard "RB" Botto
4 months ago

Happy Sunday, Creative Army!

Have you had a creative weekend so far? I have some content here for you that is sure to get the creative juices flowing, so grab your coffee, and let's dive in.

First up, in this video from Film Courage, television writer Zimran Jacob talks about 5 entry-level jobs that are common for aspiring television writers to work their way up to a staff writing position within the industry. He shares advice about the art of networking and helps to clarify the expectations that sometimes get in people’s way. In Zimran’s case, an entry-level job at Gaumont and the relationships that he made there, led him to an opportunity to work for Marvel in the writer's room on the Netflix show, The Punisher where he was able to contribute to the story as the Showrunner's Assistant. During his time at Marvel, he pitched two stories which became produced episodes. Zimran later sold his feature SWAG to 19f Productions where Kevin Pollak is attached to direct.

But RB, how do I get these opportunities or get my foot in the door if I don’t already have contacts in the business? This business runs on relationships. Want to break in and stay in? The first step is letting go of the anxiety and fear of putting yourself out there. I came into this industry with no relationships. That's why I founded Stage 32 so that people like you and me can have a pathway to seek out and build those connections. It just takes time and dedication every single day. Learn more in this video!

As always, here at Stage 32, we love to share stories and knowledge with our fellow film fans. Know someone who would love this content? Share it with them! Tag them below! You can keep up with all of our content by subscribing to the Stage 32 YouTube. For more inspirational, educational, and motivational content on all things entertainment industry, follow me on Instagram and X @rbwalksintoabar.

Wishing you a very happy, healthy, & creative Sunday.

Cheers,

RB

Film Courage | 5 Entry-Level Jobs For TV Writers

Coffee  Content The Secret To Opportunity Is Building Relationships

RBWalksIntoABar | How To Break In Without Contacts In The Business

Coffee  Content The Secret To Opportunity Is Building Relationships

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About the Author

Richard "RB" Botto

Richard "RB" Botto

Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist

Richard "RB" Botto has created the online platform and marketplace designed to democratize the entertainment industry, Stage 32. By leveling the playing field for all film, television and digital content creators and professionals worldwide, Stage 32 provides networking and training opportunities as...

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7 Comments on Richard RB's Article

Happy Sunday, Cafe Cheers! Thanks!
4 months ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Fantastic to have you here, Mechelle Bordeaux 
4 months ago
Glad to be here!
4 months ago
Tom Stohlgren
Author, Researcher, Screenwriter
I loved the advice from Zimran Jacob about networking and connecting. It helps that he’s humble and competent, but his advice to be “patiently persistent” in a difficult industry was priceless. I always appreciate RB’s advice on building relationships and putting in the work every day. I honestly do that. I’ve completed another script this week, and I’m reaching out on Stage 32 to a producer in India who contacted me last night out of the blue. Stage 32: it works!
4 months ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Most welcome, Tom Stohlgren 
4 months ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
You're welcome, Tom.
4 months ago
Leonardo Ramirez
Screenwriter, Author, Voice Actor
Good Morning RB - this week I've been resting and recovering from minor surgery but even then, I've been watching and learning from webinars as I rest so thanks as always for this confirming reminder. And it's interesting because deep down I've always wanted to have a small group of people that I consider trusting friends who have my back and I have theirs, to work with. Good friends are what makes the hard work fun and worth the journey.
4 months ago
Leonardo Ramirez
Screenwriter, Author, Voice Actor
Thanks Richard "RB" Botto  - I am! One step at a time but getting there!
4 months ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Hope you're feeling better, Leonardo Ramirez!
4 months ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
Good morning, RB. I took the day off from writing yesterday to rest and recharge. I’m gonna work on a feature script today. One thing Zimran Jacob said in the first video is don’t be too pushy when networking. That’s important! Being pushy can push opportunities away. You said “What value do I bring to the relationship?” in your video. That’s an excellent tip for networking and anything (pitching, collaborating on projects, being on set, etc.)! I've had a lot of success on Stage 32 by networking. Sometimes I didn't have to bring up my projects when I networked. I just networked and people asked about my projects.
4 months ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
It's a no fail, Maurice Vaughan 
4 months ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
I try to keep your rule of 3 in mind whenever I'm networking, RB.
4 months ago
Haley Mary
Actor, Songwriter, Comedian
Good morning, RB! The importance of building relationships in the creative community is so true! A decade ago I knew no-one in the creative community in my city. It wasn't until I started attending open mic nights in 2016 that I started meeting people and got to know people over time and developed friendships. The pandemic disrupted some of those friendships as not a lot of people try to keep in touch outside of the open mic nights, but I do have one songwriting friend who I say in touch with. It's so important to bring value to a friendship, as well. When I am writing lyrics, I try to think about how will this inspire others who might want to write something meaningful to them or who might want to get a message out to the world, but who might be afraid to do so? I never push people into collaborating if they don't want to. I'm open to collaboration, but I find a lot of people at the open mic nights do their own thing and that's okay. I feel grateful for one friend I can collaborate with.
4 months ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Good on you for putting yourself out there, Haley Mary! I have no doubt this post inspired some here to step outside their comfort zone and get after it. You unlock value when you provide value. Your story is a shining example of how simple it all can be.
4 months ago
I completely agree that in the entertainment industry, networking and relationships are key to getting ahead. I was brought in as a production assistant on an ABC reality TV show through a random contact. After just two days of hard work and a positive attitude, I was promoted to post-production coordinator because the producer appreciated my eagerness to learn. She told me, 'If you’re hardworking and have a good attitude, you can learn everything else.' From that point on, all my jobs came through referrals and positive experiences from those I worked with. Great article! Thanks for sharing.
4 months ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Great share, Giovanna Silvestre. Only proves to illustrate, many in this industry expect things to be handed to them or want to put in the bare minimum. I've seen it on many of my productions and in other pursuits within the industry. Showing value, being a builder and bringing a positive attitude to the party will clear the path to progress. 
4 months ago
Kevin Enners
Screenwriter
Thank you, Richard RB
4 months ago
Richard RB Botto
Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Voice Artist
Absolutely, Kevin Enners 
4 months ago
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