What is the most effective way to reach out to film producers, especially for someone new to the industry?

I got this question from one of my followers on LinkedIn.

I completely understand this question, this is the first question I was probably googling when I graduated from college in 2008. I got my Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Media Broadcasting (thats how hold I am, when the word electronic was used in the title of a media program), I had a little knowledge under my belt, I was ready to leave Kentucky and make it in the world of film.

Producers are the biggest access point to that world especially if you are a screenwriter, director, or just a general filmmaker. You want to get your script, your reel, yourself in front of producers.

Understand Your Goals

Before reaching out to producers, make sure you understand what your end goal is. Maybe you have a film you want to get produced. Maybe you want to get a foot in the door in the industry. Being clear about your goals will help you plan out your path. 

Let’s just say you get a response back from a producer, the last thing you want to happen is to not have an answer about how you expect them to help you or to have a long answer filled with way too many goals.

Focus on one singular goal you hope to accomplish by getting a hold of this producer. Being a director or making it in the industry is not a singular goal, that is a huge long term filled with dozens of other goals, kind of goal.

For example if you want to be a director that gets hired to direct movies, then maybe your first goal is to establish yourself as a director. Your question would be, what is the most important piece of content I can create as a director?

If you’re a writer, your goal could be to get a very specific screenplay produced.

Figure out one specific goal, so that if you get asked by the producer “What do you want from me?”, you have your answer.

AND your answer should not be: Will you produce my movie?

Before asking them to take on such a huge and long term undertaking, you need to build a relationship first.

Get to Networking

The fastest way to build relationships is through networking, both in person and digitally.

Look to your existing connections. This means seeking introductions through friends, family, or colleagues. Of course you may be thinking, if I had those connections I wouldn't need help reaching out, but you may be surprised by who knows who.

As a little anecdote, I found out recently that my step-mother is the water aerobics instructor to Greta Gerwig’s parents. One of my aunt’s is friends with a big Hollywood agent. Both my step-mother and aunt live in Kentucky, about as far away as you can get to the main entertainment industry. You really don’t know how is connected to who until you start reaching out and asking.

First ask your closest personal network. It could be one of those things where it’s “my friends aunt knows an agent” and then you can see if the person can help you make the connection through the connection to the main connection.

Then reach out to your digital network. It can be as simple as posting something on LinkedIn or X.

Be smart about how you ask digitally since these connections aren’t as close as friends and family connections. Digital connections are less likely to go out on a ledge for you.

Try something like:

✅ "I'm excited to let you all know I am taking the next steps to get my film off the ground and that will be finding producers"

Just leave it at that. Once you broadly ask your network for connections, they most likely won't do it, such as:

 ❌ "I am about to make my next film, does anyone know any producers?"

Do the Research

The next step is to identify producers whose work aligns with your project's genre, budget, and style. Tools like Luminate Film & TV or IMDbPro can help, you will be able to find production companies, manager agencies, and contact info. 

Why do you need to do research first?

If you just want to have a general conversation with a producer just to have a point of connection and to learn, you may not need to do as much research. However, if your goal is to really take your career into next steps, you want to find producers whose work aligns most with yours.

If you are mainly into horror films, look for producers in that genre.

It’s also good to know about their history and career. They may have taken steps along the way that are interesting to you that you would like to know about. Asking questions and being inquisitive about the producer and their career is one of the best ways to build real relationships.

So many times producers will get messages or emails and the first thing they read is a question asking them to help someone.

Now Contact The Producer

Chances are the contact information you get will be an email address. Maybe you get a phone number.

If you get a phone number, you should call them, keep it quick and how you got the number, ask them if there is a better time to call for a 15 minute meeting. You don’t even have to say what the meeting is about. They will most likely ask you what you would like to meet about. That is good, because they are then taking steps in engaging the conversation.

If you only have an email then you will need to send a query letter.

When you draft your query letter to the producer, keep it concise! A one-page query letter highlighting your project and why the producer is a perfect fit is key. You need to do your research for each letter you send, don't just write a single one and send it to dozens of producers. Write a unique letter for each producer. 

Get In Person

It is important to consider alternative methods that get you in front of other people. Attend film festivals, industry events, or follow relevant producers on social media. Engage with their content, but avoid being overly promotional. Making connections, starting conversations, and just learning without asking for anything is a great way to get what you want down the line. 

If you meet a producer in person at an event, you can quickly pitch them, especially if you have a well written logline ready to go. Or you can try to get a 15 minute meeting set up with them. Having a logline ready to go is always good, because if you first ask just to set up a meeting and they ask what for, you can say its about a film and then give them a logline.

No matter what, persistence is key! Be professional in your communication and follow up politely without being pushy. Responses can take months! Producers are very busy. It is okay to follow up after a month or so, and it can be as simple as, I just want to follow up on this last email I sent.

All Producers are Leprechauns

All producers are looking for a pot of gold. That could be in the form of a script, writer, or even director. If you approach producers the right way, they will be curious to figure out if you are their next pot of gold.

This edition of The Movies Revolutionized is possible thanks to the affiliate SoCreate Screenwriting Software. Use code TYLERMREID to get $20 off your annual subscription.