Collaboration in Film//The New Approach

 Collaboration.No matter how the concept makes you feel,we all do it at various points in our careers. But rather than having a favor shoved into our equipment,is it possible for collaboration to be not only beneficial but gratifying as well?Historically the sound department has always been last to jump on the bandwagon of the ever changing face of the entertainment industry(what else can you expect,if even major equipment changes happen every 10 years for us,unlike cameras that become absolute every six months). Perhaps now,when online collaboration communities are emerging all over the internet,is the time to become much more proactive in finding the projects that "YOU",my dear reader,want. It's time to feel good about helping out!

Here is a list of websites that make it possible to shop around for interesting projects,while also solidifying your online/offline presence in the industry. Some of the sites offer rewards and or/compensation.

• Boolaka-this site allows both talent and crew to create together. It is a bit lacking in intuition,with hidden options scattered through out. The profile was quite easy to create. Bonus points for being able to link your RSS feeds to the profile. Once you register,you may network with others on the site,see what projects are in need of help,watch and discuss finished products and so forth.It is implied that the work you do is not necessarily volunteered,thus it is project dependent.
• wreckAmovie-the entire concept of collaboration is based on Karma(not kidding,you actually get Karma points). What's fun about this site is that the talent there is very active, with some great people involved from every country imaginable on this planet. Working with talented people+getting actual Karma points?I am in!
• FiveSprockets-"your virtual production studio". Collaboration from story development to marketing and distribution. The site also features a job board,and tools to promote yourself and your project.The funny part is that there is a note that you have to be at least 13 years old to use the service,which seems like a silly attempt to keep the site more serious(somehow I don't see eight year-olds attempting to write a treatment).The design somewhat resembles an office outlook page once you get to your profile.
• TalentHouse-"is a platform providing opportunities to the world’s creative community – a place to participate in unique projects with artists and brands, collaborate, gain recognition and compensation." The site is not specific to films alone,but rather a collaboration space for all sort of art,design and music projects. Once you pick a project and submit your initial work on it,if chosen,you will continue on to collaborate with the creator of the idea and possibly get a reward.
• Unusuals-a very quirky website meant more for showcasing your work rather than collaboration. Each posted project can be linked to the profiles of those who worked on it. Thus you are able to create networks between crew-members.The features help you not only maintain established professional relationships but also do some serious networking for future projects. One can also design an online business card and use the profile page as a personal URL.To be fairly honest it is hard to believe that a site this cute can have a serious purpose,but they are definitely trying hard to prove otherwise.

That Ugly Ugly Word-"Networking"//Part 2//List of sites

Yesterday we have laid down some basic rules of the game.If you are still wandering why you should involve yourself with social media networking,consider this-many professionals are predicting that in the near future social networking sites will replace job boards.So whether you want it or not,it's time to not only move with the times,but make a strong claim to the changing scene of job hunting.
While doing research for today's post,I stumbled upon an immense list of sites,most of which are irrelevant to our professions. But there are some that are slowly building momentum and are quite helpful.

1. LinkedIn-the for runner of professional social networking sites. Although not specific to our industry,not only can you find a lot of people from the industry on the site,there are also an immense amount of specific groups you can join for the extra kick of networking. You can tell though that this site is not meant for those of us who have audio and video files to show,as opposed to pretty spreadsheets-you can only link to those.Regardless ,you better join the tide of more than 60 million people who are already on there.
2. NextCat-you can tell they know what they are talking about by just reading the motto-"It's all about who you know"."True"-I say as I quickly put in my registration info. This site is specific to the entertainment industry. The one thing that catches my eye is that you can tell the market they tried to grab first where models and actors.But there are actually quite a bit of sound people now joining the ranks. The media control options are quite enjoyable-one can post audio,video files right on the profile,and even start a blog-Oh Boy!
3. SHWBIZ-ah,this is a strange one. But great if you like completely random networking. Once you create your profile,you can see what everyone on the site is doing and chat with those whose posts intrigued you. Great way to meet people you never would otherwise,but will you be able to catch a great big fish in the algorithm of all things random?
4. FilmContact-now this site just screams "Indusry". Why?While because you have to pay for the various membership options in order to get to the enticing services they offer. Let me rephrase that-"very enticing". Not only can one network,but you can promote yourself in various ways and......(drumroll).... put yourself as interested crew on a posted project. That is as targeted as social networking can get. The full set of features will set you back 133 $ and one can only hope that that is the price for the year.
5. Crewster-another site that is all about the crew. The site is based on recommendations and is used as a tool for crewing up on any given project.An interactive availability calendar is a very useful feature,if you actually remember to use it. Great site,and unlike some-FREE.
6. NING-bizarre name/great concept. For a fee one can create a social networking site. The effect this can have on your career depends on how you work it. But suddenly world domination is one step closer. For those of us who don't want to bother,you can search through the social networks that have already been created by someone else and join those.A quick search discovered a group for professionals in the audio-visual industry.
7. Meetup-this is not a social networking site per se. But what it does is connect you to groups of people that do actually meet regularly. There are a few entertainment industry groups on the site already,but if you can not find what you like-start your own group. Some meet ups are free to join,some require a small donation.In order to create and manage a group the website does charge for a yearly fee. Might I add that there is a group in LA called the "Sound for Visual Media"?One might even say,that it is quite awesome.

There you go. The world is your oyster. There for the picking and cracking. The truth is,there are numerous tools for you to succeed,but there is one constant required-you actually using them.So make yourself a cup of joe,poor a glass of beer,sit your rear on a comfortable plushy object of choice,grab the keyboard and network away....

That Ugly Ugly Word-"Networking"//Part 1

Social Media Networking. What at first seemed to be the secret password among the hustlers of the industry has slowly morphed into a mystical and ever attractive concept that some of us attempt to utilize in our careers. Sometimes successfully.But mostly are futile attempts get lost in the great big black void of the "lost connections" section of the internet universe.So here are a few pointers and lists of sites that should be of interest.
First of all,think of online networking in the same terms as dating. Once you look at it in those terms,a few basic guidelines will (hopefully) form:
1. Know what you want and know how to ask for it. Writing to everyone you can find on linked in "Hi,how are you?Lets connect" with a cute "smiley face" is pointless,unless of course you were going after relationships that will go no further than an online add(if you are lucky). Not having a plan,will bring predictable results-none. Know what you want to achieve from networking,who you need to contact,how many people you need to befriend to get to that person,what you want to sell yourself as.
2.No spamming! And by that I mean specifically no "copy and paste" messages.We are all alike in one thing-our desire to not only feel that we are special but have this assumption supported by those around us. Court your person of interest by having at least one paragraph describe their awesomeness and why your world will change,if they get back to you. Which leads me into the danger zone of the second rule...
3. Desperation repels. Yes,yes. Half of you have been repelled,and the other half-"for cryin' out loud,snap out of it!"Be ware of sounding desperate by the means of too much flattery,being too persistent,too aggressive. What's even trickier is that some people,who are genuinely passionate about what they do,might come across as trying too hard to sell themselves.
So what's the solution?Moderation. Foremost,remember that this is all about business,and this implies a certain degree of composure and distance. Secondly-be curt. Being able to say a lot with few words(while still keeping the grammar in tact) is a great skill and also minimizes your chances of saying something stupid. Thirdly-ask a friend to read your letter and give you feedback. Compare if the impression you were hoping for is what others feel from your communication. Adjust accordingly.
4. Stay focused. Having the time to send out a hundred emails in one sitting,does not mean you should do so. Actually lets nip this in the bud right this second-don't do it,ever. Why?Let's say the stars were aligned,and eighty people wrote you back and all of them want to either hear more sweet nothings about themselves,or talk on the phone some time this week,or have a lunch date,or skype about the weather. Suddenly you have 80 connections you are trying to turn into meaningful relationships. Ever tried dating 80 people at the same time,in hopes of finding "The One"?See where I am going with this?
5. Business only please. People on business related networking sites are not on there to find peeps to drink beer with and most importantly-they are not looking for a date. Keep your cool and stay professional-there are certain things in life that should be separated and never combined. Your failed romantic online escapade might one day cost you a job.It has definitely been known to happen. Too many times.

Stay tuned for part two,with the list of professional networking sites.